Jamaal Charles in the 3rd round was one of Peter King’s favorite draft selections. Thinks he’s a great fit in Kansas City.
GameSpot has posted their early first look at NCAA Football 09. Just checking out the screenshots gets me hyped.
Texas defensive tackle [tag]Frank Okam[/tag] won’t have a long flight to join his new NFL team. Frank was drafted with the 16th pick of the 5th round (151st overall) by his home state Houston Texans. The Texans have a good stable of young defensive lineman so Frank will have to work hard and earn his place in the rotation. He’s got as much upside as any defensive tackle in this draft, getting him this low could end up being a steal for the Texans.
Congratulations Frank, show up and work your tail off and show them what you’re capable of.
Update: From the official Texans’ site, an interview with defensive coordinator Richard Smith about Frank and also available his conference call with Houston media.
Texas offensive tackle [tag]Tony Hills[/tag] will be joining Limas Sweed in Pittsburgh this season. Hills was selected with the 31st pick of the 4th round (130th overall) by the Steelers. Offensive line was one of Pittsburgh’s biggest needs and Hills is the first lineman they’ve selected today. The right tackle position is wide open so he should have the chance to compete right away for playing time.
Congrats Tony, go up there and tear it up with Limas.
Update: Read a transcript of Hills’ media conference call and an interview with Larry Zierlein (Steelers offensive line coach) discussing his selection, both from the Steelers’ official site.
Texas tight end [tag]Jermichael Finley[/tag] was picked by the Green Bay Packers with the 28th pick of the 3rd round (91st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. This is a little higher than what most experts expected (including myself). There were thoughts that his inconsistency and poor blocking would drop him to the 4th or 5th round, but the Packers must have fallen in love with Jermichael’s great potential. In Green Bay he should be able to come in right away and compete to be the team’s second tight end.
Congrats to Jermichael, stay warm and good luck in Green Bay!
Update: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has posted Finley’s media conference call and a good discussion about him with assistant tight ends coach Ben McAdoo. Both interesting reads.
Texas running back [tag]Jamaal Charles[/tag] has been selected with the 10th pick of the 3rd round (73rd overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs. A decent place for Jamaal, he’ll have a chance to back up Larry Johnson and provide a gamebreaking threat for the Chiefs. The Chiefs need to relieve some of Johnson’s workload to keep him healthy, so there should be carries available.
Congrats to Jamaal and good luck with the Chiefs. We’ll be watching you and Derrick Johnson on Sundays.
Update: The official Chiefs’ website has a Q&A up with Jamaal.
One pick away from joining Vince in Tennessee. So close…
With the number 22nd pick of the 2nd round in the 2008 NFL Draft the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Texas wide receiver [tag]Limas Sweed[/tag]. Sweed goes to a team with a solid quarterback and should have a chance to contribute right away and then take over as the team’s number one guy after Hines Ward retires. Lower than everyone thought and Texas fans are disappointed, but the Steelers are a great spot for Limas.
Congrats to Limas and good luck to him in the NFL.
Update: The Steelers’ official site has a transcript of Sweed’s conference call with Pittsburgh media after his selection. Worth a read.
Update 2: Interview with Pittsburgh wide receivers coach Randy Fichtner is also now available.
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6-5
Weight: 347 pounds
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Strengths: Smart football player with incredible natural strength and athleticism. Good against the run because his size and strength make him tough for opposing lineman to budge. As much upside as just about any defensive lineman in this year’s draft.
Weaknesses: Underachieved at Texas. Not a high motor guy and takes too many plays off. Is too heavy at 350 pounds, would be a much more effective player 15 pounds lighter. Recurring knee injuries possibly related to carrying too much weight.
Projection: 4th or 5th round
Related Links
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay loves [tag]Limas Sweed[/tag]. He has the Texas receiver going 24th in Saturday’s draft to the Titans, but he’s even higher on him than most NFL teams. McShay believes that “ten years from now, we’re going to say Limas Sweed was the most productive and most talented wide receiver in the 2008 NFL Draft class.” Pretty bold statement and I sure hope he’s right, especially if Sweed is on the receiving end of Vince Young‘s passes in Tennessee for the next ten years.
Watch his scouting report below, the quote is at the very end:








