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2008 NFL DRAFT SMALL SCHOOL RECAP
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Written by Josh Buchanan
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Saturday, 26 April 2008 21:44
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Day one was an exciting day for small school prospects as two FCS players were taken in round one.
The first of those players, Tenn. St. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, was not a surprise as the Cardinals took him.
The second player taken in the 1st round was Delaware QB Joe Flacco by the Ravens.
With 4 total players taken, it proved that the small school talent, as predicted, is improving.
Receivers Jerome Simpson of Coastal Carolina and Dexter Jackson of App State each went 46 and 58 overall, respectively.
Here is a look at each of the first day picks:
ROUND ONE
1-16-16 Arizona- CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State
No surprise here as DRC was the consensus top rated small school prospect and he fills one of their biggest needs. His size/speed combo gives them an elite physical specimen at the position and gives them someone to match up with the bigger receivers in the league.
1-18-18 Baltimore from Houston- QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
QB was already a need before Steve McNair retired but it became a critical need then and caused the Ravens to move up higher than they probably had to. Teams fell in love with Flacco’s size, arm, and toughness so they would not take a chance on missing out on their 2nd rated QB on the board.
ROUND TWO
2-15-46 Cincinnati- WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina
After losing Chris Henry and the current situation with Chad Johnson made receiver a position they felt they had to address early in the draft. Simpson gives them size and speed while filling a big need.
2-27-58 Tampa Bay from Jacksonville- WR Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State
Jackson’s size (5’9, 179) might make some wonder why he would go this high but his speed (4.37) and performance against Michigan vaulted him up boards. A slight reach as some thought he would go 3rd but Tampa Bay obviously saw something that cause them to worry he might not fall to them in round 3.
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