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Want to be prepared for this year's draft, then get the 2008 NFL Draft Bible. Want to know who's on our radar for '09, then check out the latest preview from our small-school director of scouting Josh Buchanan.
Over the next few weeks I will highlight some small school players to watch for next season that scouts have already taken notice of. In each installment I will highlight some names who will be on the NFL radar this coming season. OT JOEL BELL, FURMAN, 6072, 316lbs, 5.15 40
Wondering who will turn heads with his size among small school linemen next year? Joel Bell is the answer. While he lacks consistency and gets beat on the inside rush at times, he brings ideal physical tools, good footwork, durability, and ability to dominate in the run and passing game to the table. He earned 2nd team All-SoCon honors as a junior and 1st team All-SoCon plaudits as a senior. His time on the Furman track time shows he is a good athlete for his size. Furman’s switch to the no huddle offense and changing play names might cause an early learning curve for Bell but another great season should still be expected. He should earn a late round grade heading into the season but has the tools to land in the mid rounds with a good senior campaign.
DT JAKE VISSER, FERRIS STATE, 6011, 276, 5.03 40
Visser has earned AFCA All-America mention as a senior and honorable mention All-America honors as a sophomore with 30.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks in those two years. Visser will have to gain weight and get his speed down but flashes ability on tape. He is solid against the run and a good pass rusher but needs to work on developing more moves. The biggest red flash is the lack of size but you can’t ignore his production. He is also engaged, which shows a great sign of mental maturity and responsibility. If he can gain weight and drop his 40 time, Visser will certainly get a look in the late rounds or at least as a free agent next April.
QB MIKE REILLY, CENTRAL WASHINGTON, 6027, 211lbs, 4.75 40
Reilly, a former Washington transfer, brings good size, mobility, and a strong arm to the table to go along with a productive career. He is a two-time 2nd team All-NCC selection who earned All-America honors last season after throwing for 3,386 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. He will need to limit interceptions as a senior as he had 10 picks last year. His worst 40 time on record is a 4.80 from this spring and he should improve on his mid-high 4.7 speed after training. Expect Reilly to be on the draft board in the 4th-6th round range heading into the season.
TE JARED BRONSON, CENTRAL WASHINGTON, 6041, 253lbs, 4.62 40
Bronson, a former Washington transfer, could be a sleeper late round pick after running in the 4.6 range in the spring which shows he could be a pass catching threat who has shown he is one of the better blockers in his position this year. He is a good old country boy type kid who just works hard and brings the measurables you look for in a day two sleeper. After transferring he medically redshirted with a knee injury in 2006 before earning 1st team All-NCC honors after catching 35 balls for 477 yards as a junior. Expect a
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