NFL Draft Insider News & Notes for the Week of 11-08

[atljbo]

NFL Draft Insider News & Notes for the Week of 11-08

- We start off tonight with a list Senior Bowl invitations, including a few surprises. TFYDraftInsider.net has learned that offensive linemen Steve Schilling of Michigan and Nate Solder of Colorado have received invitations for the January event. So to has Hawaii receiver Greg Salas. The surprises come in a pair of Wildcats from Villanova, offensive lineman Ben Ijalana and all purpose player Matt Szczur. Ijalana has been playing better this season and was highly rated coming into the year, so his invitation was just a mild surprise. But Szczur has a future in baseball, has been sidelined with an ankle injury much of this season and was never fully committed to football. The all purpose player has produced at receiver, as a return specialist as well as taking hand-offs in the backfield, much like the last Villanova Wildcat to perform at the Senior Bowl, Brian Westbrook.

- We are hearing quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive lineman Aldon Smith of Missouri will test the draft waters once the season is complete. Were it not for the leg injury suffered early in the season Smith was a sure fire top twelve pick.

- Sources have told us Wisconsin running back John Clay, who came close to entering last April’s draft, will do so for next April’s event.

- Clay’s teammate JJ Watt has been back and forth as to his plans. Watt really wants to come out according to those with intimate knowledge about the situation, but may not do so unless he receives a first round grade from the advisory committee in December. Many of Watt’s opponents have has high praise for him. Michigan State offensive tackle DJ Young has told people Watt is the toughest defensive lineman he has faced.

- Sources have told us that Maryland speedster Torrey Smith has not talked much about entering the draft to date and really does not seem very interested in the subject at this point. Scouts who have been willing to speak with us about the underclassmen, emphatically state Smith is one of the few game breaking receivers with legitimate NFL potential presently playing on Saturday.

- Another underclassmen receiver building a buzz around himself is Stanford’s Chris Owusu. A nice sized target with very reliable hands, Owusu runs good routes, has terrific playing strength and deceptive speed. There’s been absolutely no word whether or not Owusu will enter the draft but we’d say speculatively there’s a good possibility considering his quarterback is likely to leave and the wide out which lines up opposite Owusu (Ryan Whalen) is a senior.

- We are hearing the injury suffered by Greg Romeus, which required surgery to repair, is very similar to the one Rob Gronkowski suffered last year. Sources have told us Romeus will try and play the final four games of the regular season.

If Aldon can atleast end the year good and with atleast 7 sacks... He should get a 1st round grade.

I really really like Torrey Smith... He reminds me of Mike Wallace... I was told by my ppl that he graduates soon and that he will most likely enter the draft.

[Kennesaw77]

wasn't impressed with Schilling.

I think Gabbert would be making a mistake to come out.

[Smiler11]

If Aldon Smith declares I think he'll be available at the end of the 1st, and would be a great pick. But, TD doesn't usually draft juniors, so will we be interested - I hope so.

I really like Torrey Smith. He's a great returner as well, which is what we need.

[gritzblitz]

I would be interested in seeing how Romeus plays after back surgery.

[Kennesaw77]

I would be interested in seeing how Romeus plays after back surgery.

me too. Rob Gronkowski (same injury) played very well after his back surgery.

[Smiler11]

me too. Rob Gronkowski (same injury) played very well after his back surgery.

Back injuries can often be complicated, but I hope the surgery does the trick. He should definitely be on our radar.

[atljbo]

If Aldon Smith declares I think he'll be available at the end of the 1st, and would be a great pick. But, TD doesn't usually draft juniors, so will we be interested - I hope so.

I really like Torrey Smith. He's a great returner as well, which is what we need.

He and Coach Smith really liked Derrick Morgan... In a interview Spoon said his agent said that it was between him (spoon) and Derrick Morgan (who the falcons was going to draft) .. D.Morgan was a underclassmen...

I dont think its about being a underclassmen... I think its about need and fit.

[Rai]

If Aldon Smith declares I think he'll be available at the end of the 1st, and would be a great pick. But, TD doesn't usually draft juniors, so will we be interested - I hope so.

This. Also great that Matt Szczur has been invited.

"Obviously, if I get drafted for football, I will pursue that," Szczur said at the time. "If you get drafted in the top five rounds, you are going to secure a spot if you outperform your expectations in camp." Villanova coach Andy Talley said he didn't think Szczur's being sidelined would affect his NFL chances. "I think he's a proven commodity and product," Talley said. "I think they all know what he is now and what he can do. "He's been a producer. He's a pro athlete. He's going to be a steal for somebody."

He's someone that's worth looking out for. That talent and the incredible intangibles he possesses are going to take him far.

[atljbo]

This. Also great that Matt Szczur has been invited.

He's someone that's worth looking out for. That talent and the incredible intangibles he possesses are going to take him far.

If he decides to play football... ill draft him in the 3rd or 4th round easily.... He has that McCluster type talent.... Can play WR/RB/KR/PR