After the 2010 NFL Draft, there were plenty of talented players headed to NFL teams that prospered on one of the Big 12’s many outstanding football programs. Here is a list of the schools, a couple of players from each of those schools, and what they bring to the teams that drafted them.
Baylor
J.D. Walton, Center, Broncos
With a great combination of strength, size and technique, Walton could easily make an immediate impact for the Broncos’ offensive line. Needs to work on his foot work, but has plenty of potential.
David Gettis, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
He has the prototypical body and size to be a great NFL receiver, but has very inconsistent hands and drops way too many easy balls. If he can work on his hands and route running, could be a decent receiver for the Panthers.
Colorado
Although Colorado did not have any players drafted, tight ends Riar Geer and Patrick Devenny signed to the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks respectively, and are competing for roster spots.
Iowa State
Reggie Stephens, Offensive Lineman, Cincinnati Bengals
Although he is a big physical presence on the offensive line, he doesn’t have very good foot work or quickness. He won’t be very effective in the pass block, he will be dominant in the Bengals’ power running attack.
Kansas
Darrell Stuckey, Safety, San Diego Chargers
An athletic and dynamic safety, Stuckey looks to take over as the Chargers free safety after the departure of troubled Kevin Ellison. His potential and athleticism make him one of the biggest sleepers in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Dezmon Briscoe, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals
Somewhat of a steal in the sixth-round, Briscoe has plenty of physical talent to make it as a big time wide receiver in the NFL. Will need to work on some of his off-field issues and work ethic in order to truly blossom as a contributor for the Bengals.
Kansas State
Joshue Moore, Cornerback, Chicago Bears
Doesn’t have great agility or footwork, which may force him to move to safety. However, has good speed and coverage skills and could provide depth for a Bears defensive secondary that has struggled in recent years.
Missouri
Sean Witherspoon, Outside Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons
Plays with an outstanding motor and is a born leader on the field. Fits perfectly into the Falcons defense and has all of the athletic ability to shine in the NFL. Needs to work on his reaction times, but has the potential to be a star.
Nebraska
Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Detriot Lions
One of the most promising and intriguing prospects to enter the NFL in years, Suh has the tools to be one of the best to ever play the game. With excellent strength, quickness and a motor that never stops, Suh will be the block that the Lions build their defense around for years to come.
Phillip Dillard, Inside Linebacker, New York Giants
Has the skills and instincts to battle for the starting middle linebacker spot for the Giants right away. Great tackler and does a good job of fighting off blocks, but needs to work on pursuit angles and moving laterally. Is a great downhill player who could develop into an outstanding NFL linebacker.
Oklahoma
Sam Bradford, Quarterback, St. Louis Rams
In wake of a $78 million dollar contract, the Rams are hoping that Bradford will be the new face of their franchise. Despite concerns about his shoulder injuries in 2009, Bradford is hoping to come in and win the starting job, hopefully winning more than one game this season in the process.
Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Having finally found their replacement to the now-retired Warren Sapp, the Bucs found a defensive tackle who is a nightmare for opposing offenses. His strength and rare quickness make him a disruptive force that will be hard to spot, even as a rookie.
Oklahoma State
Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks
With size and strength, Okung may have been the best overall tackle in the 2010 NFL Draft. He will provide immediate help on the quarterback’s blind side and should prove himself to be a building block for the Seahawks’ offensive line.
Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
With possibly the greatest potential in this draft class, Bryant was a steal at the 24th spot. He has freakish athleticism and can make highlight catches all day long. Look for him to be an outstanding compliment to Miles Austin in the Cowboys’ offense.
Texas
Earl Thomas, Safety, Seattle Seahawks
Thomas is a very versatile safety who can also contribute as a nickel corner. Has plenty of athleticism and length in the defensive backfield that will allow the Seahawks to be more willing to send the linebackers on blitzes and should be an outstanding last line of defense.
Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Cleveland Browns
Although he probably won’t see the field in 2010, McCoy looks to be a solid quarterback of the future for the Browns. With good athleticism and accuracy, along with outstanding leadership, McCoy could be the difference-maker the Browns need to turn their luck around.
Texas A&M
Jordan Pugh, Cornerback, Carolina Panthers
Pugh should add some depth to the Carolina defensive backfield while attempting to work his way into the mix on special teams. Has good athleticism and has some definite upside that the Panthers can work with.
Texas Tech
Jamar Wall, Cornerback, Dallas Cowboys
Despite having outstanding speed, Wall has good coverage skills as well as ball skills. With work and time, he could work his way into a backup spot in 2010 while seeing the field as a special teamer.
So there are some of the key former Big 12 players who are testing the NFL waters in hopes of making a name for themselves. Only time will tell if they can handle the challenge.
Sources:
NFL.com
ESPN.com
nepatriotsdraft.com
