Hoosiers in the Draft

Remember how great it was 2 years ago watching Tracy Porter and James Hardy get drafted right after another in the 2nd round. Getting hoosiers into the draft makes IU football look stronger, helps with recruiting, and an occasional check gets written back to the IU athletic department when some players cash in on their big checks. It was tough last year watching the whole NFL draft without a hoosier being drafted. This draft could be one of the more exciting for the hoosiers. 4 hoosiers were invited to the combine and one or two others could also be considered in the NFL draft. Here is an update on where our hoosiers stand in regards to the draft. A strong performance at Tuesday's pro-day could improve there draft stocks.

Rodger Saffold- the left tackle improved his draft stock more than any hoosier at the combine. NFL.com voted Saffold the best value lineman out of any lineman at the combine. He showed off great athleticism and turned many scout's heads. As of right now Saffold is most likely a 2nd round pick. However, if many tackles are taken early on, Saffold has the potential to squeak into the late first round.

Jammie Kirlew- the defensive end had a good combine but not great. He will have to improve his 40 yard dash time at IU's pro-day next week. He has run a 4.7 before but at the combine ran a 4.94. He has good technique and more than one move to get to the quarterback. Right now I think he will probably be taken in the 4th or 5th round. Some teams even talked about him moving to OLB in a 3-4 system although I think he would be better in a 4-3.

Greg Middleton- Greg showed off his athleticism at the combine by finishing near the top in the vertical leap. Some teams have talked about him possibly putting on weight and moving inside to the defensive tackle position. Many scout's have talked about Greg having a lot of potential because he led the nation in sacks his sophomore season. Greg could end up being a late round sleeper and I project he will probably be taken in the 6th round.

Nick Polk- the safety was very fluid during drills at the combine. He didn't post a great 40 time he can improve it a bit at the pro-day. He did a good job rotating his hips and showing off his athleticism during position drills. Right now I think he will be a later 6th or 7th round pick.

Matt Mayberry- He was not invited to the combine but if you read my previous post I think he should have been. This pro-day will be extremely important for Matt if he would like to get drafted in next month's draft. He will have to run a very good 40 yard dash time and put up a good number in the bench. It will be interesting to see how his pro-day turns out and if he has a good one could fall into the 6th or 7th round.

If any of the hoosiers do not get drafted their is a good chance they will make it on an NFL roster via free agency. You should also keep an eye on Ray Fisher's 40 yard dash time at the pro-day because if he turns some heads could get picked up as a kick returner by an NFL team. He has a workout with the Colts later this month.

Do you think these draft predictions are accurate? Feel free to let me know what you think.