2007 NFL Prospects: A Closer Look
The NFL offseason seems eternal. But for two days in April, NFL fans are given a break from their restless waiting for next season, when the NFL draft takes center stage. The draft ignites debate among fans and enables them to forget about the four months they still must endure before the start of training camp.
During these two days, fans live and die with every decision their team makes, much like they do on Sundays during the season. Will your team pick a proven winner or a multi-million dollar question mark? Will that player bring with him a positive attitude or a sense of entitlement? Is he happy with the position he played in college or hoping to grow into a new role?
With the 2007 NFL draft fast approaching we've hosted live chats with a number of big names from the experts' big boards. Take a closer look at what they had to say because you may be rooting for one of these guys very soon -- or booing their selection mercilessly come draft day!
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Gaines Adams
 Clemson DE Gaines Adams Ht/Wt: 6'4" 3/4, 258 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 97 
Fred (Miami): Hey Gaines, when you were at Clemson what was your favorite place to play on the road?
Gaines Adams: Ahh man. It was ridiculous. I never thought something like that could happen to me. It was the best feeling in the world, knowing that after that touchdown, you turned the game around completely. |
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Jamaal Anderson
 Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson Ht/Wt: 6'5" 3/8, 288 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 95
Derek (Harrison Twp, Mich.): What is your greatest sports moment? Jamaal Anderson: I've had a few of them. I would have to go back to high school and my first state championship. That was probably the best one.
Daniel (St. Louis): How hard of a transition was it from wide receiver to defensive end? I understand you arrived at Arkansas as a wide receiver but later converted into an end. Was that change better for you and how did it affect your mentality? Jamaal Anderson: It definitely was a hard transition. They gave me extra time to get where I'm at. I think it took me about a year to understand the position fully.
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Quincy Black
 New Mexico LB Quincy Black Ht/Wt: 6'1", 226 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 32
Seth (Santa Fe, NM): Thank you for all your efforts to Lobo football. As a kid, who was your favorite NFL team, and what team now possesses the defensive scheme that you could excel in?
Quincy Black: Thank you for your support of New Mexico football. I'm from Chicago, so I follow the Bears. I grew up following them.
Joey (Sunshine): How would you like to play LB next to another famous Lobo? Have you talked with the Bears? Quincy Black: That's a compound question. I would love to play next to Brian Urlacher. He has a lot of miles in the game. He's been to the Pro Bowl. He's been the Defensive Player of the Year. Any young linebacker would love to play with him. I've talked to most of the teams in the league, but they haven't shown any more interest than any others.
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Justin Blalock
 Texas G Justin Blalock Ht/Wt: 6'3", 331 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 88
Steve (Austin, TX): Hey Justin, any qualms about playing in cold weather? Justin Blalock: No. Actually, a bunch of people asked that same question this past weekend (at the combine). We went up to Nebraska and it was about 20 degrees, maybe 18, for one game, and it was the most fun I've ever had. It won't be a big deal. Brian Austin, TX: How familiar are you with zone blocking and how successful do you think you can be in a scheme like that? Favorite place on 6th? Justin Blalock: I'm somewhat familiar with it. Probably more so the past two years. It's not foreign at all for me. I feel that I can adapt to any type of scheme. I'm athletic enough to handle zone blocking, but I can do everything very well. There is a place in Downtown Austin on 4th street called Trulucks that is great. |
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Lorenzo Booker
 FSU RB Lorenzo Booker Ht/Wt: 5'10", 188 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 70
Stephen D. (Charlotte, NC): Are you going to break Devon Hester's record for TD returns this year? Lorenzo Booker: I got an opportunity to do kick returns at the Senior Bowl. That's an area of my game that I would like to utilize at the next level. That guy has a completely different mentality when he returns kicks. He has the ability to change the game with one play. He opened my eyes to an area where I could make an impact. Aaron (Kansas): What was the most interesting thing you were asked in any of your interviews at the combine?
Lorenzo Booker: If I was a tree, what kind of tree would I be? I start thinking, what does this have to do with football? And are there nice trees? Mean trees? |
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Alan Branch
 Michigan DT Alan Branch Ht/Wt: 6'5", 328 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 97 Sel (California): How do you feel about some critics saying that you could be better if you consistently worked out and had a better work ethic? Alan Branch: Everybody that knows me knows that I work hard, so that is not even a question. Riley (Pullman, WA): Why did you pick number 80 to wear in college and what number will you want to wear in the NFL? Alan Branch: Honestly, it is a funny story how I got 80, because I really wanted the number 90, but it wasn't available, and I picked a receiver's number hoping they wouldn't give it to me, but when I showed up that's the number I had. As far as the NFL, anything in the 90s will be fine. |
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Scott Chandler
 Iowa TE Scott Chandler Ht/Wt: 6'6", 268 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 76 Nick (Iowa City): How did you do on the Wonderlic test? Was it as difficult as it is said to be?
Scott Chandler: I haven't gotten my score back on that, but I'm usually pretty good at that kind of thing. I didn't finish all 50 questions in the 12 minutes. I think my score was high 30s, low 40s. I think I did pretty well.
Tony (Columbus): What was it like being yelled at by Drew Tate? Scott Chandler: I think I was one of the few guys that wasn't afraid of yelling back at Drew. I think a lot of times he got a bad rap about just being passionate about the game. A lot of times he wasn't really yelling at you, he just got a bad rap about that.
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Adam Carriker
 Nebraska DE Adam Carriker Ht/Wt: 6'5", 292 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 94 Soren (LA): Of all of the quarterbacks in the NFL, who would you most like to sack? Adam Carriker: Hmmmm. I would say Brett Favre, because I remember watching him when I was in middle school. Sacking him would be fun. Nothing personal. It would be an honor, honestly. Bob (Philly, PA): What was the worst/funniest question you were asked the combine? Adam Carriker: The worst question I got asked was by a radio question and it was questions he thought they were asking at the combine. It was if I were a tree what kind of tree would I want to be? I never got asked anything like that at the combine. Nothing close. |
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Mason Crosby
 Colorado K Mason Crosby Ht/Wt: 6'1", 214 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 72
Brenda (Dallas): We all know you've got a strong leg, but what are the things you are working on as you look to make an NFL roster?
Ben (DM, Iowa): Historically kickers are the teams scapegoat. What do you say to people who tell you kickers aren't 'real' football players?
Mason Crosby: Is this my teammate, Ben Carpenter? I don't really try to make a big deal about that. I played all the positions in high school and I chose to kick, because it's what I'm best at. I don't really think about all that stuff. I do my job, and everyone else does their job. I'm there to score points. I usually lead the team in scoring and that's an important thing. I think when kickers don't come through and do their jobs, they're looked at as less than another guy. But I never felt ostracized from the team, though.
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Tim Crowder
 Texas DE Tim Crowder Ht/Wt: 6'3", 271 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 79 Todd Robison (Ca): Is there any chance you might turn into a DeMarcus Ware, where you might be able to play DE or OLB? Tim Crowder: Yes, I really believe that I can be that type of player. I can drop into coverage at times. You know, whatever I have to do to get onto the field I'm willing to do. I really believe I can play both positions. Lane (Kukuihaele, HI): Would you try knock the hell out of Vince or would you take it easy on him? Tim Crowder: You know that's my homeboy, but in a football game I would get a good lick on him. He won't go down if you hit him soft. |
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Anthony Gonzalez
 Ohio St. WR Anthony Gonzalez Ht/Wt: 6'0", 195 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 86 Matt (Ann Arbor): You're officially out of Ohio State, so you can admit it ... you ran out of bounds and weren't forced out. Anthony Gonzalez: I believe I was forced out and force depends upon your definition of forced. Dan (Cincinnati): Who is faster on the field in full pads - you or Ted Ginn? Anthony Gonzalez: That's the eternal question. No one knows the answer to it. Not even me. We've never raced. |
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Michael Griffin
 Texas S Michael Griffin Ht/Wt: 5'11", 195 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 84 Josh (Lincoln, NE): Michael, what feels better a BIG hit or an interception? Which do you prefer? GO BIG RED Michael Griffin: Picking off a pass. You can put points on the board that way. A big hit is nice but a turnover gets your offense back on the field. Ricky (Las Vegas): Best receiver you faced in college? Michael Griffin: Ted Ginn. Hands down. Unbelievable person. Cool guy as well. I talked to him at the combine and he taught me how to run right there on the spot. |
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Ben Grubbs
 Auburn G Ben Grubbs Ht/Wt: 6'2" 3/4, 311 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 90 Paul (Pa.): As an o-lineman, do you think guys who play your position get enough credit and enough share of the spotlight that you deserve? Ben Grubbs: Sometimes I feel we can get more recognition, but recently offensive linemen become (as far as the money that they get) more important, as we protect the two most important players on the field. Ben Grubbs: I think the first thing I would do with it would be to help my mom out--whatever she wants, I'd get it for her, just to show that I appreciate everything that she's done for me. |
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DeAndre Jackson
 Iowa St. CB DeAndre Jackson Ht/Wt: 5'11", 193 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 62 Kellan (DC): DeAndre, is it tough having all these scouts and the media nitpicking every part of your game, or do you look at it as constructive criticism? DeAndre Jackson: You've got to look at it as constructive criticism. If you get too wound up about it you worry about it too much. You just have to take it. Nick (Ioia City): Did you have to take the Wonderlic test? If so what was it like? DeAndre Jackson: It's not as crazy as everyone makes it seem. It's just a test that makes you think fast and tests how well you can respond under pressure. But it's not that bad. |
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Ryan Kalil
 USC C Ryan Kalil Ht/Wt: 6'2", 291 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 93 Otto (CA): Hello Ryan. If for some crazy reason you drop to the second round, how much would you like snapping to Leinart and playing alongside Deuce again? Devin (Tucson, AZ): Are you more worried about the power/run-stopping DT's or the speed/pass-rushing DT's at the NFL level? Ryan Kalil: I think the smaller shiftier guys are a lot harder to be consistent against, because bigger guys are tougher to block against at first, but they may wear down, and that is just speaking from the college level. But I just think quicker guys are always tougher. |
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Kevin Kolb
 Houston QB Kevin Kolb Ht/Wt: 6'2", 220 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 69 Mark H. (Bowling Green, OH): Which quarterbacks in the NFL do you most enjoy watching? Kevin Kolb: My two favorites are Brett Favre and Drew Brees. I enjoy Brett because of his passion for the game. And I enjoy Drew because he battles back against any questions that anyone has about him. Kevin (Houston): I'm praying for you to be a Texan. How would you feel if that were to happen? Kevin Kolb: I would be elated. That would be a great situation for me to be thrown into. I feel like God will put me into wherever I can do that best. That's the mindset I'm taking into the situation. |
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Derek Landri
 Notre Dame DT Derek Landri Ht/Wt: 6'2", 280 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 59
Kyle (Warwick): What do you have to say to the doubters that say you're undersized. Should that impact where you go in the draft in your estimation? Derek Landri: Being undersized I don't think will have much to do with anything. Obviously hearing those things make you want to improve. But as far as where I go we will find out in April. But there are a lot of teams that are looking at me and giving me feedback, which is exciting. Lane (Kukuihaele, HI): For years you weren't allowed to touch Brady Quinn in practice. Are you going to lay him out once you get a chance to play against him? Derek Landri: Yeah Brady was a teammate of mine and he's a buddy, but if he is on the other team I am going to hit him as hard as I can. It won't be dirty, but I will try to hit him as hard as I can! |
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Brian Leonard
 Rutgers FB Brian Leonard Ht/Wt: 6'1", 224 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 81
Mike (Scotch Plains, NJ): Do you feel you would have been a better "pro prospect" if you had stayed as a linebacker instead of playing fullback and becoming a Rutgers legend?
Jon (New York): What is the first thing you intend to do with your pro contract? Brian Leonard: I don't really even know. First of all, I'm going to put as much of it as I can into the bank and invest as much as I can. You have to do the normal things - buy a house, buy a car. Nothing too extraordinary. No jewelry or anything. That's not me. |
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Marcus McCauley
 Fresno St. CB Marcus McCauley Ht/Wt: 6'0", 200 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 85 Zach (CT): You have pretty good size, both height and weight, for a CB. Do you feel as if your size will help you break the starting lineup of an NFL team in your rookie year? Marcus McCauley: I would say so, but I also have speed, and the biggest adjustment will be speed in the NFL. So I think I will be able to adjust early. Dorian (DC): How does it feel being on the verge of reaching the NFL? Marcus McCauley: It's a dream come true. I don't think it has really hit me yet, the opportunity that is presenting itself. I just feel very fortunate because football is a rough game, and you never know when you will get hurt. So to make it this far is a blessing. |
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Greg Olsen
 Miami TE Greg Olsen Ht/Wt: 6'5", 251 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 92 Justin (Philly): In your opinion, who are the top 3 tight ends to ever play for Miami? Greg Olsen: Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow, all three in a row. They helped revolutionize the game, and I've had to try to follow in their footsteps. Those guys are as good as you can get. Kenton (Indianapolis): Greg, not to bring up bad memories but do you have any regrets about leaving ND and going to the U? Greg Olsen: None at all. Going to Miami was one of the best decisions I've made. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's one of the best programs to play for in the country. |
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Ben Patrick
 Delaware TE Ben Patrick Ht/Wt: 6'4", 268 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 67 Raymond (Savannah): How have you been preparing for the larger, faster, more skilled players that are in the league now?
Ben Patrick: As they get faster and bigger, I have to do the same thing. For the most part, to get into that level, you have to be good, big, and fast, so preparation will be the key to success. At the NFL level, it's tough to simply overpower anyone, so pregame prep will help give me an edge. Rob (Seaford, DE): What have you been doing to separate yourself from the other tight ends in the draft?
Ben Patrick: That's tough, to try to separate myself from so many talented guys. I'm trying to become a complete tight end, someone who is going to become a leader on and off the field. I can only show what I can offer. |
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Adrian Peterson
 Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson Ht/Wt: 6'1" 1/2, 217 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 98 Justin Kuhn (Evansville, Ind.): What was the most physically challenging part of the NFL combine?
Adrian Peterson: I don't know. I have to say the workout and the RB drills was the hardest part. And running the routes too. Matt (Two Harbors, Minn.): What current NFL running back do you most compare yourself to?
Adrian Peterson: I would say LT, just as far as vision and cuts and how he runs the ball. |
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Brian Robison
 Texas DE Brian Robison Ht/Wt: 6'2", 258 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 67 Buddy (Dartmouth, MA): What aspects of your game were helped by your track background? Brian Robison: I think many parts of my game were helped by that, especially my speed and explosiveness. The speed because I would run with the sprinters. The shot put helped me a lot in perfecting my explosiveness in the hips. Shot also helped as far as agility; it is not easy to stay in that small circle. So yes it has helped me in a lot of ways. Sameer (Texas): Do you feel you abilities are underrated by the media? Brian Robison: I think so. With us having so many great players at Texas I think I may have been overshadowed. Also I think the system at Texas may not have allowed my whole game to be seen. And at the beginning of the year I had some injuries also. So I do feel I am underrated because of those things, but I hope to be able to show people how good I am on the next level. |
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Aaron Ross
 Texas CB Aaron Ross Ht/Wt: 6'0", 192 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 90 Eddie (NM): Do you feel you can immediately contribute to special teams, as far as returning kicks? Aaron Ross: That's what I came into UT doing, and I think whoever picks me up will realize that I can contribute a lot in any aspect of the special teams game. For example, I can return kicks, but I can also be a gunner on punts. Mike (Homer Glen, IL): Which WR are you most eager to cover? Aaron Ross: Pretty much all of them. Every week you face great WRs. I will be honored to face all these guys and I can't wait to test my skills. |
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Joe Staley
 Central Michigan OT Joe Staley Ht/Wt: 6'5", 296 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 89 Bob Garcia (Mt. Pleasant, MI): How much fun are you having with the process right now? Do you have the time to enjoy the fact that you are going to have another amazing opportunity in a couple months?
Joe Staley: It's definitely exciting, for myself, my friends, and my family. I'm working out right now, so I have some down time and time to reflect on where I am and where I'll be.
Brandon (Factoryville, PA): Any nicknames?
Joe Staley: My roommate calls me Big Train, but that's about it. |
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Eric Weddle
 Utah S Eric Weddle Ht/Wt: 5'11" 1/4, 203 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 80 Tom (Derby, Conn.): You seem to be a jack of all trades. What defense do you feel you fit best in? And do you feel you'll have something to prove at the next level?
Eric Weddle: I think I can excel in many schemes. I've played cover-two, man -- I've played many schemes that teams play. You always want to go out there and prove that you can play.
Erik (Philly): Hey Eric, what QB would you like to intercept the most? Eric Weddle: Ooohh. There probably wouldn't be any one. Any of the top QBs in the league - Manning, Palmer, Brady. At that level, all of the QB's are great. So any one of them would be good. |
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Patrick Willis
 Mississippi LB Patrick Willis Ht/Wt: 6'1", 240 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 90 Ed (LA): Do you feel like you could put more weight on your frame in order to play MLB in the NFL? Patrick Willis: No, they were actually surprised that I weighed 242. They asked me if I was one of those guys that show up for the combine at 242 and then show up for camp at 230 and I said, no sir. I played around 238-240 all last year. No one said anything negative about my weight. Mia (OT): Do you think you could play OLB if asked to do so by a team, and have any team suggested such a move? Patrick Willis: I think I could do it. I think with my style of play that I can play there. Doing position drills at the combine I think I showed I could play other spots. |
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Jared Zabransky
 Boise St. QB Jared Zabransky Ht/Wt: 6'1", 204 lb Scouts, Inc. Grade: 42 John (Richmond, VA): Is there an offense in the NFL that you think you would be the right fit for you? Jared Zabransky: I feel like the way that I play, I can fit into any offensive system. Boise State has an intricate system and it takes a lot to learn it. We do different things with our concepts. I think I could mold my game to fit into any system.
Dan (New York) How has your life changed after the Fiesta Bowl? Jared Zabransky: The football team in Boise is treated kind of like heroes. It's kind of like the little engine that could. We proved that if you set your goals high and do everything you can to achieve those goals, anything is possible.
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