This article originally appeared in the April 16, 2013 issue of The Arkansas Traveler.
Several former Razorbacks hope to hear their name called at this
year’s NFL Draft in New York City.
The draft begins April 25 at 7 p.m. on ESPN with the first
round, continues with the second and third rounds April 26 at 6:30 p.m. and
concludes with the fourth through seventh rounds April 27 at 11 a.m.
Here’s a look at some of the former Razorbacks that could be
selected.
Tyler Wilson
The draft prospect that everyone seems to be talking about is
quarterback Tyler Wilson. After an impressive junior season in 2011, Wilson
struggled in 2012.
His completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns
decreased, while his interceptions increased. Also, he has been criticized for
his footwork. On ESPN’s Jon Gruden Quarterback Camp, Gruden called Wilson the
“Arkansas Ostrich” because of his poor footwork.
Despite these factors, he is still projected to be selected
Friday. Josh Norris of NFL.com rates Wilson as the No. 1 quarterback in the
draft, but has him projected in the third round.
He is the No. 5 quarterback and projected to be a second-round
pick according to CBSSports.com. He is also the highest graded Razorback on
NFL.com with an 83.5 grade.
Dennis Johnson
Running back Dennis Johnson impressed NFL scouts his senior year
by rushing for 5.5 yards per carry and eight touchdowns.
Norris rates him as the No. 6 running back in the class and
projects him to be a fifth-round selection, but notes that he needs to fix his
fumbling problem.
Johnson’s speed and size are similar to LaMichael James of the
San Francisco 49ers and he could go in the third to fourth round, said Matt
Miller, a reporter for BleacherReport.com. NFL.com gave him a 70 grade.
Knile Davis
Knile Davis is another Arkansas running back that could be
selected during this year’s draft. Davis has battled injuries since high
school, but his athletic upside has scouts intrigued.
He was one of six Razorbacks invited to the NFL Combine and he
made the most of his time there. He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and had 31
reps in the bench press, both of which were second best among the running
backs.
According to CBSSports.com, Davis is the No. 19 running back in
the draft and is projected to be taken in the seventh round. NFL.com gave him a
60.4 grade.
Other
Several other former Razorbacks are also making noise as
potential draft picks. The highest rated of these remaining players is
offensive guard Alvin Bailey.
CBSSports.com projects Bailey to be a third-round pick, while
NFL.com gave him a 67 overall grade.
Wide receiver Cobi Hamilton is also expected to be taken in this
year’s draft, after having a breakout senior season.
NFL.com gave him a 72.9 grade. Hamilton has the size of an NFL
receiver but lacks the speed. According to CBSSports.com, he is the No. 17 wide
receiver and will be a fourth-round selection.
Tight end Chris Gragg battled injuries last season and struggles
in the blocking game, but scouts still think he has a chance in the NFL because
of his pass catching and route running ability.
He is the No. 9 tight end and projected to be a fifth to sixth-round
pick by CBSSports.com.
Other draft eligible Razorbacks are outside linebacker Alonzo
Highsmith, punter Dylan Breeding and defensive tackle DeQuinta Jones.
Highsmith could be a “late-round pick” and has a 52.4 grade,
according to NFL.com.
Breeding
was tied for the fastest specialist at the NFL Combine, running the 40-yard
dash in 4.74 seconds. He is rated as the No. 9 punter in the class. Jones
received a 53.2 grade on NFL.com.
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