NFL draft expert Mel Kiper breaks down the WAC
When looking at New Mexico State quarterback Chase Holbrook and wide receiver Chris Williams, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. said that the two will need to have top-notch senior seasons to see there names called on NFL draft day in 2010.
Chase Holbrook played well last season, throwing for 3,866 yards and 26 touchdowns while directing an offense riddled by injuries. In 2006, the quarterback threw for 4,619 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 70 percent of his passes.
Last year, Williams recorded 56 catches for 772 yards and 11 TDs in just eight games, his season being cut short with a broken collarbone. The season before, the receiver caught 92 balls for 1,425 and 12 TDs.
Both are returning for their senior seasons, which Kiper said will be pivotal when considering their future in the pro game.
"For them, we just have to wait and see," Kiper said. "That's the way it is for a lot of seniors in a lower-tier conference. This season will be a big season for them."
Kiper rattled off a number of Western Athletic Conference players who he saw possibly being snatched up in April's NFL Draft. Kiper said that Hawaii receivers Davon Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullen and Jason Rivers are all getting consideration from pro teams.
He added that Boise State center Jeff Cavender could get a look as well as Utah State receiver/kick returner Kevin Robinson, Idaho linebacker David Vabora, Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler and San Jose State cornerback Dwight Lowery are possible late-round picks who could make an impact on the next level.
Two obvious WAC players who will be drafted are Boise State right tackle Ryan Clady and Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan.
Kiper said that it was possible Clady could go to Denver in the first round, which is slated to pick No. 12. Kiper said other possibilities for the offensive lineman include Carolina (picking at 13), Chicago (14) and Philadelphia (18).
Kiper had Clady ranked as the second overall tackle on his draft board behind Michigan's Jake Long.
"Everybody's looking for strong guys, and he certainly fits that bill," Kiper said of Clady, who stands at 6-foot-6, 319 pounds. "At the combine, he will be judged by his footwork and athleticism, how he interviews. But he performed on the field and Boise played decent teams. He was sturdy."
Brennan was a highly touted prospect until he bottomed out in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Hawaii, which was undefeated going into the contest, got beaten 41-10, with Colt Brennan throwing for just 169 yards, no scores and three interceptions. Kiper said the performance bumped Brennan down to possibly to the fifth round but that it was a bargain price for a team looking for a potential pro quarterback.
"He'll compete and there's a lot to like about him," Kiper said. "But his days as a second- or third-rounder are over. To me, his arm is decent, not great but good enough. He needs to put on weight and get stronger."
Bess (108 receptions), Grice-Mullen (106) and Rivers (92) were three of the top four receivers in the WAC last season as all topped 1,000 yards and hit double-digit touchdowns.
Lowery was an intriguing prospect following his junior year when he led the nation in interceptions with nine. His numbers dropped a bit last season, however, leaving his draft stock to drop as well. Lowery had just four picks last season while his teammate Chris Owens led the conference in interceptions with six, leading one to believe that teams avoided throwing the ball to Lowery's side of the field.
Robinson returned a punt for a touchdown and also took back three kickoffs for scores.
Vabora led the conference in tackles with 148.
Butler finished with 93 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. In 2006 he finished with 71 tackles — 17 of which went for a loss — and seven sacks.
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