Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
“SPECIAL” - Special Teams Performers
Return Specialists - Kickoff Returners
Photo - Michael Ray Garvin
1. Michael Ray Garvin - Florida St.
Fast cornerback/ return specialist lead the nation as a KOR as a senior. He has blazing speed to make a difference as a return specialist. He ran a 4.22 at the Florida St. pro day that has him flying up the charts. He also will compete early for the nickel corner role after over 20 starts for the Seminoles defense that has an outstanding track record for cover men for the NFL game.
2. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Big play specialist will be more valuable as a returner than receiver early in his career. He has been a difference maker as both a kickoff and punt returner. He has the burst of speed to hit the home run with natural openfield running skills. He has a huge upside as a receiver, but needs development in reading coverage and route running to play up to his athleticism.
3. * Percy Harvin - Florida
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Brandon Tate - North Carolina
6. Mike Goodson - Texas A&M
7. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
8. Marcus Thigpen - Indiana
9. Juaquin Iglesias - Oklahoma
10. Mike Wallace - Ole Miss
Punt Returners
1. * Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
2. * D.J. Moore - Vanderbilt
3. Derrick Williams - Penn St.
4. Mike Thomas - Arizona
5. Sammie Stroughter - Oregon St.
6. Darius Butler - Connecticut
7. Chris Williams - New Mexico St.
8. Devon Moore - Wyoming
Placekickers - Grade C
1. David Buehler #18 - 6’2” 225 lbs. - Southern Cal - Rating 75
Athletic kicker completed an excellent ’08 season in his second year as a starter. He is a very good athlete who had a strong performance at the NFL Combine. He is an accurate kicker who responded well to pressure. He made 25 of 32 kicks over his last two seasons with no attempts past 49 yards. He was an excellent kickoff man with 55% touchbacks that probably earns him that that role as a rookie. He has the raw talent to improve with further experience. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 227 lbs. and had an exceptional workout for a kicker. He ran an Impressive 4.57 time with 25 reps that ranked among the linebackers and tight end prospects. Good placekicker and kickoff man who probably gets consideration from the 5th thru 7th rounds. Type that can perform both duties at a very high level.
2. Pat McAfee #40 - 6’1” 200 lbs. - West Virginia - Rating 70
Powerful senior kicker had an excellent career with his best season coming over his final effort (17 of 20). He made kicks in bad weather from over 50 yards and hit over 80% beyond the 40 yard line as a senior. Over his career, he responded in big situations with clutch kicks. He has a big leg with power and speed that hits the ball directly. He gets distance and accuracy in any attitude. He has shown the ability to perform as a kickoff man, but probably focuses on just placekicking early in his career.
3. Jose Martinez - 5’9” 195 lbs. – UTEP
4. Louie Sakoda - 5’9” 175 lbs. - Utah
5. Sam Swank - 6’ 195 lbs. - Wake Forest
6. Ryan Succop - 6’2” 215 lbs. - South Carolina
7. Austin Starr - 6’3” 205 lbs. - Indiana
8. Jeff Wolfert - 6’1” 190 lbs. - Missouri
Punters - Grade B
1. Graham Gano #43 - 6’1” 195 lbs. - Florida St. - Rating 80
Versatile athletic kicker completed an outstanding senior campaign.He is a multi talented kicker who is capable of doing all three duties
– punter, placekicking and kickoffs. He has shown great directional punting skills. In his career finale vs Wisconsin in Champs Bowl,
he displayed great directional punting that dropped several kicks inside the five yard line. He has a powerful leg and gets good distance as a placekicker. His versatility could save a club a roster spot as a unique two position kicker and possible kickoff specialist, though that area is clearly his weakest area. Strong legged punter is an outstanding level of development after averaging over 43 yards per kick over his final two seasons. He shows the ability to drop the ball inside the 20 yard line consistently with almost 50% in that area. He had no punts blocked over the ‘08 season. Top punter – strong leg, good hang time and directional skills. He is capable of dropping punts inside 20 yard line consistently. Kicked exclusively in warm climate that may limit interest by some teams. Excellent later round addition with Pro Bowl talent.
2. Kevin Huber #47 - 6’1” 220 lbs. - Cincinnati - Rating 70
Strong legged lefty punter had a terrific career at Cincinnati averaging over 46 yard per punt his final three seasons. He earned an invite to the Senior Bowl from our staff, but had only an average week of practices. He is a prospect with a very strong leg, but needs work on his hang time and directional skills. He had 40% of his career punts inside the 20 yard line, a respectable number. He had no punts blocked over his career. He will probably earn him a late draft selection. Kid with further upside after displaying both poise and a powerful leg. NFL starting punter.
3. Thomas Morstead - 6’4” 225 lbs. - SMU
4. Chris Miller - 6’2” 205 lbs. - Ball St
5. Ryan Succop - 6’2” 215 lbs. - South Carolina
6. Jake Richardson - 6’ 210 lbs. - Miami (Oh)
7. Tim Masthay - 6’2” 210 lbs. - Kentucky
8. Matt Fodge - 6’1” 195 lbs. - Oklahoma St
9. Justin Brantley - 6’3” 235 lbs. - Texas A&M
10. Britton Colquit - 6’3” 210 lbs. - Tennessee
Longsnappers - Grade C
1. Jake Ingram - Hawaii
2.Sean Griffin - Michigan
3. Bret White - Georgia Tech
4. Mark Estermyer - Pittsburgh
5. Clint Mower - Utah
6. Jamar Hunt - UTEP