MOBILE, Ala. -- Scouts usually arrive at all-star games knowing a player's deficiencies from studying film. Some players display unexpected skills working in a different system or when surrounded by talent superior to their college teammates, making the chances of a player moving up a draft board greater than they are of moving down based on these postseason practices.
Consider that last year these players left Mobile having helped their standing with scouts: quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Chad Henne, wide receivers Jordy Nelson and Eddie Royal, cornerback Leodis McKelvin and defensive end Kendall Langford. The first 10 prospects listed below all excelled this week and could enjoy similar success on draft day 2009 and beyond.
Prospects not impressing scouts the past few days should note that 2008 Senior Bowl disappointments wide receiver Adarius Bowman, wide receiver Dorien Bryant, defensive end Chris Ellis (a third-round pick) and quarterback Andre Woodson failed to make any kind of mark as rookies.
Risers and Fallers -- (Updated 1/23/2009)
Rank
Change
Player
Pos.
School
Summary
Risers
1.
B.J. Raji
DT
Boston College
The most impressive player on the North team, hands down. He pushed his way into the top half of the first round, quite literally, with his dominant bull rush against some very talented interior blockers.
2.
Brandon Pettigrew
TE
Oklahoma State
His blocking skills, on the line and at the second level, were as advertised. Pettigrew displayed soft hands and an ability to use his body to shield and separate from linebackers in coverage.
3.
Michael Oher
OT
Mississippi
Scouts and the media may take shots at Oher's background and perceived intelligence, but coaches will tell you the "eye in the sky doesn't lie." Anyone watching practice saw an amazing athlete at one of the more important positions on the field. Oher also took to coaching, learning how to deal with former Tennessee DE Robert Ayers' inside moves on Monday and controlling him on Tuesday and Wednesday.
4.
Peria Jerry
DT
Mississippi
In the very large shadow of Raji and his teammate, Jerry quietly proved he can be a force at the three-technique and just might wind up a first-round pick.
5.
Coye Francies
CB
San Jose State
Coming in as the top-rated safety, Moore's stiffness in space, inconsistent hands and slow reactions are forcing teams to re-evaluate him for a potential move to linebacker.
Fallers
6.
Cullen Harper
QB
Clemson
Include Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) and Pat White (West Virginia) as well. Harrell needed to shine this week to separate himself as the top senior quarterback; White was out to prove he can be a quarterback at the next level instead of moving to receiver; Harper just wanted to get himself back on the NFL radar as a draftable prospect. None of them accomplished their goal. Harrell's arm strength and Harper's wobbly, inaccurate passes did not wow scouts. White's ball looked nice but he wasn't accurate enough to give coaches confidence he will excel at the position.
7.
Will Davis
DE
Illinois
Davis was considered a top prospect as a junior but could not carry the expectations into 2008. He spent most of this week struggling to beat his man off the edge and getting engulfed when trying to bull rush. Teammate Derek Walker may have had a bigger impact.
8.
William Moore
FS
Missouri
Coming in as the top-rated safety, Moore's stiffness in space, inconsistent hands and slow reactions are forcing teams to re-evaluate him for a potential move to linebacker.
9.
Troy Kropog
OT
Tulane
Given the chance to prove himself against top players, Kropog wasn't up to the challenge. He has the size and potential to be a starting tackle in the NFL, but it may take a bit longer than scouts had hoped.
10.
Herman Johnson
OG
LSU
Teams are well aware of what he has done at guard, so they gave him a chance to prove himself this week at right tackle. "Big Herm" (he officially weighed 382 pounds) really struggled with his lateral quickness and footwork on the edge. He'll likely stay inside, which isn't necessarily a bad thing except for the financial ceiling being greater for perimeter blockers.
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Rob Rang may want to double check his work......Crabtree, and several others eem to be picked early in the 1st rounf, then again late in the first round. Unless the NFL has changed a few draft rules, i believe only one team can draft a player!
Look at the recent history of qb's takin' with the first pick. Unless there name is Manning what have they accomplished? Russell was a hold out much of his first season and well isn't in the best of places, Alex Smith is a career back-up at this p
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