Where Will Locals Go In NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft kicks off Saturday at noon with the first two rounds and resumes Sunday at 7 a.m. for the final five. Here's a list of the locals hoping to get the call this weekend.
Let me know if I missed anyone you believe has a shot to get selected.
FIRST ROUND
Jonathan Stewart, running back, Oregon: Forget about the toe surgery. Won't be a factor once healed. Therefore, it would be crazy for every team in the first round to pass on Stewart's combination of power and speed. Arkansas RB Darren McFadden is first back off the board, followed by Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall. Then it's Stewart, either to Arizona at No. 16, Houston at No. 18, Pittsburgh at No. 22, or no later than Seattle at No. 25.
THIRD ROUND
Roy Schuening, guard, Oregon State: A mauler who NFL Scouts like for his toughness. Would fit perfectly in a power running scheme. Could go as high as the late second round. But third appears to be more likely, maybe to Chicago or Dallas.
FIFTH ROUND
Erik Ainge, quarterback, Tennessee: Stock has dipped a bit in deep quarterback draft. But Erik Ainge's size and arm strength are worth developing. A team set at starter will take him no later than the fifth, maybe in the fourth.
Dennis Dixon, quarterback, Oregon: Has the goods to be a third-round pick, but there are too many questions. Knee injury, spread-option history and just one quality season at Oregon will cause teams to back off until the fifth round.
SIXTH ROUND
Geoffrey Schwartz, guard, Oregon: There are questions about his quickness, but at 6-7, 335, Schwartz has the size team's covet and someone will believe they can fix his deficiencies. A team should grab him by the sixth, if not a round earlier.
SEVENTH ROUND
David Vobora, linebacker, Idaho: Out of Eugene's Churchill High School, Vobora has been racing up some charts thanks to the 4.59 he ran at Idaho's pro day. A combine invite, he projects at least as a viable special teams threat and potentially a contributing linebacker. Led WAC with 12.3 tackles per game in 2007.
Cameron Colvin, wide receiver, Oregon: Coming off ankle surgery, Colvin ran a 4.75 for NFL scouts. Not bad considering he wasn't near 100 percent. Teams know he is considerably faster. Has good size, strength and ability. A lot of teams will have late compensatory picks to burn and will take a chance on Colvin in the seventh round.
FREE AGENTS
Yvenson Bernard, running back, Oregon State: Lacks ideal size and does not make up for it with ideal speed. Still, he is a good player worthy of a look. Could go in the seventh, but the draft is deep at running back.
Alexis Serna, kicker, Oregon State: Height at 5-6 is a negative and there aren't many jobs open in the NFL. Teams only carry one kicker. Serna will get into a camp and then likely have to wait for someone to get hurt or cut during the season to get a real shot.
Brian Paysinger, wide receiver, Oregon: Has the size and speed, but the nerve damage in his right knee has yet to heal.
Dorian Smith, defensive line, Oregon State: Smallish defensive end who could contribute on special teams.
Gerard Lawson, defensive back, Oregon State: Watched this guy leap about 42 inches at OSU's pro day. Inconsistent in coverage but has the athleticism to play at the next level. Could be a special teams gem.
Victor Filipe, Defensive tackle, Western Oregon : A transfer from Oregon, Filipe had a great senior year for the Wolves and ran a sub-5.00 at Oregon's pro day. Might get a shot.
OTHERS
Oregon State: Linebacker Joey LaRocque; safety Derrick Doggett; center Kyle DeVan; wide receiver Anthony Brown.
Oregon: Safety Matthew Harper; defensive tackle Jeremy Gibbs; defensive tackle David Faaeteete; guard Pat So'oalo; safety Kwame Ageyman.
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