How huge has the NFL draft gotten? It's a 3day long event, 2 in prime time, now with coverage out the wazoo on multiple channels. NFL off-season is bigger than some sports league's regular season (I'm looking at you NHL... strike on this). I've sat and watched it quite a bit myself just to see who the Steelers get and where the Arkansas boys go. Several Arkies got drafted and I figure a few will get signed as free agents this week, but and here's a quick look at guys in the first 7 rounds:Alex Carrington - DE - 6'5 - 284
Connection: Played college ball at Arkansas St.
Round 3 - 8th pick (72nd overall) by the Buffalo Bills
National Football Post: An explosive interior pass rusher who has the ability to slip blocks and make his way up the field. However, Carrington can be overpowered vs. the run and struggles when asked to be stout in a phone booth.
Damian Williams - WR - 6'1 - 190
Connection: Transferred to USC after 1 year at University of Arkansas, played high school football in Springdale, AR
Round 3 - 13th pick (77th overall) by the Tennessee Titans
National Football Post: A smooth, coordinated wideout who lacks a great burst in and out of his breaks. Williams catches the ball well and has a real polish to his game, but he doesn't look explosive or physical enough to play on the outside in the NFL.
Larry Hart - DE - 6'1 - 248
Connection: Played college football at University of Central Arkansas
Round 5 - 12th pick (143rd overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars
National Football Post: Hart is a small-school defensive end who will make the move to OLB. He possesses a good first step and adds some versatility to the Jags' front seven.
Mitch Petrus - G - 6'4 - 315Connection: Played at the University of Arkansas
Round 5 - 16th pick (147th overall) by the New York Giants
National Football Post: An athletic guard who does a great job getting out to the second level and chopping down defenders in space. However, he struggles when asked to slide his feet and anchor vs. the pass.
So 1 from UA, 1 former UA, 1 from UCA and 1 from ASU... not a big year for the state. We'll rebound next year I think, led by top 10 pick (hell, maybe #1 overall pick) QB Ryan Mallett.
Speaking of QBs, real nice move going pro early Jevan Snead [/sarcasm]. He didn't even get drafted, but did at least get signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent. The kid could definitely use another year in school and if he returned to the form he had 2 years ago, could have been an easy first rounder. Hard for me to blame him much though, I hated going to college too.
