Sliders and Risers

The NFL draft should be held in Las Vegas every year, because it's an absolute crap shoot. Teams are built through the draft, one miss (Ryan Leaf) and you're favorite team could be reeling for years to come. That's why coaches and general manager's do there do diligence from January to April on each prospect on their "Big Board" with hopes of finding a hidden gem like a Joe Montana or Tom Brady in the late rounds.

SLIDERS

Joe Haden Florida Cornerback
The former Florida Gator had a very disappointing combine. He didn't run as well as expected. He appeared to be a low 4.3 guy on tape, but he ended up running a 4.57 unofficial time. In the on-field drills he was all over the place with his foot work and seemed tight in the hips and ankles. On tape he played alot faster than the time posted at the combine. As a press man to man corner, he's a technician in coverage, a sure tackler and a ball hawk. Haden is still the best corner in the draft, despite some speed deficiencies.


Taylor Mays USC Safety
Lets play a game of word association to describe Taylor...."Specimen". This guy is a freak physically a 6-3 230 lbs Safety that plays "without a seat belt"...Absolutely reckless, fearless heat seeking missile. On tape he was always looking to knock some ones head off. Now entering a pass happy league different skill are going to be tested, everyone in the league can run and hit, not everyone can cover and make plays on the back end. And playing safety making plays and covering is his biggest concern entering the league. So many defenses now days are geared toward rangy guys that have incredible ball skills and crazy play making ability. Taylor has the skill and ability but does he have the will?


Others.....Georgia Tech RB Johnathan Dwyer, Rutgers T Anthony Davis, Florida LB Brandon Spikes, Central Mich. QB Dan LeFevour

RISERS

Golden Tate Notre Dame Wide Receiver
He made himself some money at the combine. He answered alot of questions by running a 4.42 forty. That was really the only question that needed to be answered. His game tape speaks for it self. At Notre Dame he was statistically the most productive wide receiver in the history of the program. A very dynamic playmaker, makes alot out of nothing. A high school running back turned wide out can help out in the return game, run and pass game. Kind of a middle class man's William Percival Harvin for the vikings. Expected to be the second reciever taken mid to late first round.


Bruce Campbell Maryland Tackle
Standing at 6-6 315 pounds, he looks like Hercules in shoulder pads. A prototypical left tackle with superior athletic ability.Campbell ran a staggering 4.82 forty, he jumped 32 inches and put up 34 reps on the bench. On tape he is a good to great pass blocker, he has a great first step, a quick kick slide and great balance, with strong hands and punch. In the run game he isn't the premier road grader that NFL teams are looking for and is very inconsistent. But to be sure he turned heads at the combine with his performance. A top 10 talent but has late first round production in college, a team might reach for him mid first round.


Others....USC DE Everson Griffen, TCU DE Jerry Huges, OSU DE/LB Thaddus Gibson, VA Tech S Kam Chancellor, Cal RB Jahvid Best, Texas DE Sergio Kindle, Pitt TE Dorin Dickerson


........Sliders and Risers, who knows what the future really holds for these prospects,reality is some will make it and some won't, that is the nature of the beast which is the NFL