PSU prospects absent from CFN top 250

Very interesting list up on CFN (I know, I'm really harping on them lately) today, going over which players have a shot at the 2009 NFL Draft. Sure, there are names on there we as PSU fans expect to see, like Maurice Evans and Sean Lee. However, some names are on the list you wouldn't expect to see, and other that you would expect to see, aren't.

Here are the players who made the list:

239. Andrew Quarless - My guess is that his physical measurements will land him a free agent contract somewhere. But unless he turns his act around, he won't go anywhere.

218. AQ Shipley - This is really low, but not as low as you'd think. Pure centers rarely go high in the draft. Guards and tackles are where it's at these days.

113. Sean Lee - I still say, not bad for a guy who blew up his ACL and won't play for a full season.

22. Maurice Evans - I hope this isn't an early sign he's going to bolt early. My guess is that he'll stay an extra year and shoot up to a top-5 pick.

Now let's take a look at those who are not on this list:

Derrick Williams - This one baffles me. I know he hasn't lived up to the hype and win Heismans, but he's still fast and is a good wide receiver and returner. He just wasn't used correctly since 2005. He should at least be a 7th rounder.

Deon Butler - Another odd exclusion, he easily warrants a free agent spot, or a very late pick in the draft. He has good hands, is very tough, and will always play without saying boo.

Gerald Cadogan - This is sort of hit or miss. He's a good left tackle, and 2008 will go a long way in determining where he'll go--if at all--in the 2009 draft. If the line is as good as we think it will be, he could use that to boost his stock.

Anthony Scirrotto - With some of the names thrown into this list, I'm very surprised that he didn't get a spot somewhere in the 4th or 5th rounds. He's a monster hitter and has a knack for picking off passes just when your team needs it.

I know, where's Norwood, Sales, etc. Well, I'm just going on what the pro scouts might think. Although anything's possible between now and April, the chances are slim those guys will get picked up.

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2008 NFL Draft: Penn State's pro prospects and Mock First Round

As part of ZN’s 2008 NFL Draft analysis and projections, here’s a quick rundown of where Penn State’s four pro prospects could end up this weekend. Also included is the “official” ZN mock first round. Now I know nothing about how the NFL franchises pick their players in the draft, nor do I ever care to figure it out. I stick to college. But it’s still fun, so here it goes.

Penn State pro prospects 2008:

Dan Connor: First Round. If he falls to the second round, it will be considered a disappointment for Penn State fans everywhere.

Justin King: Fourth Round. He’ll be a steal at this point. If he goes on the first day, I’ll be shocked. His speed will get him a higher selection than he deserves.

Anthony Morelli: Sixth Round. Don’t get all bent out of shape if Morelli doesn’t go at all in this year’s draft. I know, it’s horrible, but true. His arm should get him a late pick, though.

Rodney Kinlaw: Free Agent. Kinlaw's the kind of player that just needed a chance to prove himself. He might get a chance to do it at the next level, too.

Terrell Golden: Sorry, but he never made an impact on the team other than being captain in 2007. He was a solid contributor for the Nittany Lions and we will all miss him.

Good luck to all who are leaving Happy Valley. Now for the mock first round:

1. Dolphins: Jake Long
2. Rams: Chris Long
3. Falcons: Glenn Dorsey
4. Raiders: Darren McFadden
5. Chiefs: Ryan Clady
6. Jets: Matt Ryan
7. Patriots: Vernon Gholston
8. Ravens: Sedrick Ellis
9. Bengals: Keith Rivers
10. Saints: Mike Jenkins
11. Bills: Devin Thomas
12. Broncos: Branden Albert
13. Panthers: Derrick Harvey
14. Bears: Chris Williams
15. Lions: Dominique Rodgers-Chromartie
16. Cardinals: Leodis McKelvin
17. Chiefs: Limus Sweed
18. Texans: Jonathan Stewart
19. Eagles: Jeff Otah
20. Buccaneers: DeSean Jackson
21. Redskins: Phillip Merling
22. Cowboys: Felix Jones
23. Steelers: Gosder Cherilus
24. Titans: James Hardy
25. Seahawks: Rashard Mendenhall
26. Jaguars: Lawrence Jackson
27. Chargers: Brandon Flowers
28. Cowboys: Aqib Talib
29. 49ers: Dan Connor
30. Packers: Jerod Mayo
31. Giants: Antoine Cason

That’s about as in-depth as I get with this NFL crap. It's still a whole lot of fun, though!

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