24 Apr 2010

Breaking down the WAC players selected in '10 draft.

Five WAC players were selected in the 2010 NFL draft.  This is the fewest total of draft picks from the WAC in years, but does include three 1st rounders.  This reflects the "rich dad, poor dad" make-up of the WAC.

Below is the list, shown by player, position, college team, NFl team, and round selected - plus my thoughts on their role and/or chances with the team that picked them.

Ryan Matthews - RB - Fresno St.  1st round:  San Diego Chargers
Takes over for a legend.  Will be a starter, but in a rotation with Darren Sproles.

Mike Iupati - G - Idaho.  1st round: San Francisco 49ers
Will compete for the starting LG position.  Likely to start because of his draft status and nastiness.

Kyle Wilson - CB - Boise State.  1st round: NY Jets
Will play nickelback position immediately, plus return kicks.

D'Anthony Smith - DT - Louisiana Tech.  3rd round: Jacksonville Jaguars
One of 4 defensive linemen draft by Jags.  Will be part of DT rotation immediately.

Dennis Morris - TE - Louisiana Tech.  6th round: Washington Redskins
Will likely play multiple positions: FB, TE, H-back and special teams for Redskins.  Possible heir apparent for aging FB Mike Sellers.

Look for slew of rookie free agent signings of WAC players.  Notables include Richie Brockel (FB - Boise St), Kevin Basped (DE/OLB - Nevada), John Estes (C - Hawaii), and AJ Jefferson (CB - Fresno St).

Just for grins, here are the players drafted from BSU's '09 opponents:

TJ Ward - S - Oregon.  2nd round: Cleveland Browns
Injured in the opener against Boise St, so missed much of '09.  Will compete for starting job at at strong safety.

Ed Dickson - TE - Oregon.  3rd round: Baltimore Ravens
Gives the Ravens the pass-catching 2nd TE they've been looking for.  Will get lots of playing time.

Walter Thurmond III - CB - Oregon.  4th round: Seattle Seahawks
Another injury prone Duck, but will compete for dimeback role as well as possibly return kicks.

Jerry Hughes - DE - TCU. 1st round: Indianapolis Colts
Held without a sack by Boise St in Fiesta Bowl, but a perfect fit for the Colts.  Will be immediate part of DE rotation.

Daryl Washington - LB - TCU. 2nd round: Arizona Cardinals
Very likely moving to starting role at inside LB; replacing Karlos Dansby.  

Marshall Newhouse - G - TCU.  5th round: Green Bay Packers
Lots of chaos at all 5 offensive line positions for Packers.  Newhouse likely to end up as a swing player at RG and RT.