 EMU's Jason Jones
Eight MAC players were most frequently mentioned in our discussions and we list them here in their potential draft order:
John Greco - OT/OG - Toledo
6-4, 303
Projection: Rounds 2-4
Comments: Greco graded out highly in the NFL combine and some scouts and services have him ranked as the number one player available at his position. Played tackle at Toledo but is considered a better prospect as a guard. Expected to become a starter in the NFL in short order. Scouts are especially enamored with his quickness and mobility.
Jason Jones - DE - Eastern Michigan
6-5, 275
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Comments: Jones made significant strides to boost his stock with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and then only helped himself further with a strong showing at the NFL combine. Considered to be among the top ten prospects at defensive end, most scouts expect Jones to become a starter in the NFL and is a strong edge rusher with impressive lateral pursuit speed.
Jack Williams - CB - Kent State
5-9, 177
Projection: Rounds 3-5
Comments: Despite concerns about his lack of size, Williams has caught the eyes of scouts with his speed and tenacity. Considered a ferocious hitter and has the speed to provide downfield coverage. Timed at 4.32 in the 40-yard dash, Williams is also seen as special teams player handling kickoffs in the NFL.
Kory Lichtensteiger - C - Bowling Green
6-2, 297
Projection: Rounds 4-5
Comments: Considered a top five prospect at center, with some having Lichtensteiger rated as high as number three, the former four-year starter at Bowling Green has impressed scouts with his ability to block in both rushing and passing situations. Had a very strong showing in the Senior Bowl, holding his own or better against strong competition. Most see him becoming a starter by his second year.
Trevor Scott - DE - Buffalo
6-5, 256
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Comments: Scott did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine but put on a clinic on his pro day and significantly boosted his prospects. Converted to defensive end in his senior season at Buffalo after playing at tight end, Scott could also be converted to linebacker thanks to his speed and lateral movement. He was especially impressive in the linebacker drills and one scout sees him as potential starter at LB in a 3-4 defense.
Nate Robinson - DT - Akron
6-3, 305
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Comments: Robinson is seen as a bit of an enigma by the scouts we chatted up. He has the size and skill set to become a steady contributor but his work ethic has been questioned. Has solid strength and can hold his own on blocks. His upside could land him in the draft but it may be a struggle to stay on an NFL roster.
Jamey Richard - C - Buffalo
6-5, 295
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Comments: Richard, like his Bulls teammate Trevor Scott, opened the eyes of scouts at his pro day. Already invited to the NFL Combine, Richard blew scouts away with significant improvements in his NFL Combine test results and is now ranked in the top ten by most NFL scouts at his position in the upcoming draft.
Kris Kasparek - OT - Akron
6-5, 265
Projection: Round 7
Comments: This one surprised us. Kasperek was a tight end at Akron but is being groomed as a tackle. Scouts like his size and, not surprisingly, has good hands. Was a good blocking tight end in college and has good instincts, knowing how to take good angles. Would be a project but could land on an NFL roster as a late rounder.
There are several other MAC players that are on the radar who could be late round picks, but will more likely land as undrafted free agents, including punter Brett Kern from Toledo as well as wide receiver Jabari Arthur from Akron and tight end Chris Hopkins of Toledo.
Kern finished 2007 among the nation's leaders in punting but since the NFL went to a seven-round draft punters and placekickers have typically found their way onto NFL rosters via the undrafted free agent route.
Akron's Arthur was drafted by the Canadian Football League in 2007 prior to his senior season.
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