Who gets drafted next year? And what about that Mel Kiper prediction? Both answered in this segment.
Q: Champion said:
Matthew Stafford was predicted by Mel Kiper over three and half years ago to be the number one pick in the NFL Draft. Today, during the draft Mel Kiper said that he predicts in three years that USC freshmen Matt Barkley will be the number one pick. I ahve a two part question: What do you make of this prediction of Barkley being the number one pick in three years and do you believe that Matt Barkley will leave USC in three years?
A: I think Mel Kiper probably a few predictions that were wrong too. It’s really just a guess to say Barkley would be the No. 1 pick in three years or even leave USC. Who really thought Mark Sanchez would leave after one year of being the quarterback?
Barkley’s arm strength is undeniable. But we need to see how he develops, how his judgment improves so he can cut down on interceptions and most importantly, whether he beats out Aaron Corp in the next three years? It’s a fun prediction but really just guesswork. If Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy came out this year, they might have been the No. 1 pick.
Q: Pop Goes The Weasel said:
Scott, I’m concerned about our depth at linebacker.
If Brown stays hurt, and Morgan and Galippo go down, just for example, do you think any of the new guys coming in in the fall would be able to play well by the time of the Buckeye game? Who would be the most likely, Telford? How about the others? Thanx much.
A: Depth is an issue. Jarvis Jones will be a vital recruit. He’ll play strongside linebacker and could see action immediately. Same with Frankie Telfort, although he’s behind Malcolm Smith, who is probably the best linebacker on the team. That’s why the development of Uona Kaveinga into a serviceable linebacker was a key in the spring, in case Brown or Chris Galippo get hurt. If Jones or Telfort played middle linebacker, they might need six games to get comfortable but the outside spots are easier to learn so they should play early.
Q: The Coach said:
Seniors like Taylor Mays, Josh Pinkard, Jeff Byers, and Will Harris will be in the draft next year. C.J. Gable, Joe McKnight, Butch Lewis, Ronald Johnson, Kris O’Dowd and Damion Williams are the most likely juniors to leave early next year. How many players do you see getting drafted next year out of the juniors likely to leave early and seniors? Can you name them or give us estimate please.
A: Right now I’d say Joe McKnight and Damian Williams are the juniors who will leave. If they have good seasons, Everson Griffen and Shareece Wright will probably leave. I classify O’Dowd as likely to return. Ronald Johnson needs two more years at this point. So that would mean four juniors drafted.
I could also see around eight seniors with Averell Spicer, Kevin Thomas, Nick Howell, Alex Parsons also candidates besides the guys you mentioned. So that would mean 10-12 getting drafted next also.