This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from New York, Radio City Music Hall - New York Giants Football Legend Tiki Barber took time to talk with "Dr. Football" and Football Reporters Online and NFL Business New Blog Managing Partner Bill Chachkes and this blogger as video-blogger on the state of New York Giants Running Backs after the 2010 NFL Draft.

Barber and Chackhes

After being drafted in the second round ("almost first" he said to Chachkes) from Virginia in 1997, New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber retired at the end of the 2006 postseason as the Giants all time leader in yards rushing and catches. Barber almost immediately rose to media stardom as a correspondent for NBC's Today Show and Football Night in America. Barber is a legend among NY Giants fans, so it was fitting that one of New York's biggest Giants fans, Bill Chachkes talked to Tiki. Barber was at the NFL Draft representing Yahoo! Sports and "just covering what's going on here," he said. "Feeling the vibe of some of the teams." Barber observes that the NFL's "hype-filled" machine works to raise an incredible level of interest and awareness of the NFL Draft and builds the expectations of the college players and fans to equally high levels.

The NFL Draft Running Back Class

Tiki thinks there are "four or five guys" who are going to make it; he named four: San Diego Chargers' Ryan Matthews, Buffalo Bills' C.J. Spiller (who both Chachkes and Barber thought would be a New York Giant), Detroit Lions' Jahvid Best, and Minnesota Viking's Running Back Toby Gerhart. On Gerhert: "he goes to Minnesota. Watch Adrian Peterson run. He pounds people, but he's a finess guy, a speed guy. Now with Toby Gerhart, they're going to have a formidable rushing attack. It's exciting to see what's happening with the Vikings. Now, defenses are never going to get a break. Adrian's more of a slasher-type running back. Toby? He wants to be bloodied. Barber compared C.J. Spiller to himself:"He can return kicks. He's going to be used on 3rd down. Then they'll line him in the "I" and get some every-down carries."

Barber thinks the NFL's close to a 2011 Lockout

Asked about the possibility of a labor strike or "lockout", Barber answered in the affirmative: "It's a lot more dire than people want to pay attention to. The league and the players are very far apart in their demands and their comprehension of the issues is so completely different. And until something can bring them closer together we're in significant danger of having a lockout." Barber and Bill agree that a lockout would wreck the NFL, much as it did hockey in America. Barber asserts that America will not be sympathetic to the needs of "athletes making tons of money." Bill and I thank Tiki for taking the time to make this video at the NFL Draft. Stay tuned.

Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY - The Oakland Raiders traded Linebacker Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville and to the Jacksonville Jaguars. From the read of his Twitter account @kirkmorrison52, Kirk Morrison's happy to be in Jacksonville, tweeting...

Good Morning. I'm a Jacksonville Jaguar about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter

And putting the Jacksonville Jaguar logo on his account. That was fast, but equally fast was how future teammate and current friend Jacksonville Running Back Maurice Jones-Drew greeted him on Twitter...

RT @Jones_Drew32: New addition to the jag family @kirkmorrison52 he's a great friend and person. Congrats bruh about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter

Kirk Morrison was part of a deal the Raiders made to get super-fast WR Jacoby Ford who reportedly once ran a 4.1 40-yard dash. Also drafting Rolando McClain in the first round made Morrison expendable. More on Jacoby Ford later. Rock the Casbah!

The Giants selected Linval Joseph, the Defensive Tackle from East Carolina in the second round after taking Jason Pierre-Paul ,the Defensive End from South Florida in yesterday's first round action. Many feel the move further improves the Giants pass rush, although some feel Osi Umenyoria will be traded, The Giants say otherwise. They also selected Chad Jones the talented defensive back from LSU in round three.

The Jets took Vladimir Ducasse the Offensive Tackle from UMASS tonight in round 2, after taking Kyle Wilson the Defensive Back from Boise State yesterday. They have no third round selection.

More Updates Later and tomorrow Live from the NFL Draft

See > nfl, nfl draft, nfl play 60, 2010 nfl draft, Jahvid Best, cal berkeley, luxury hotels, new york, New York, NY - This NFL Draft update: Jahvid Best says he will miss players, coaches at Cal. This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from Wednesday's NFL Play 60 Event in Central Park.

Jahvid Best 

When this blogger arrived in New York City and to the NFL's second annual "NfL Play 60 Event" the first player sought was Cal Running Back Jahvid Best. Standing at what was the "50" yard line of the touch football playing field, Best seemed to be just taking in the busy scene of college players, media, "secret service" level security men, NFL officials, and Jillian Michaels with a calm smile, but also still trying to figure out where he was. Best, who said he was just enjoying being in New York, briefly talked on video about what he would miss in leaving Cal for the NFL, his Oregon State injury, and the value of athletics at Cal. The guess of where Jahvid Best may go in the 2010 NFL Draft varies. Some NFL Mock Drafts had Best going in the 1st round to the San Diego Chargers, while others had him going to the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round. While Best says he will play wherever he goes, the focus really is on leaving Cal Berkeley. Best made the decision to "go pro" after his junior year last season. "I'm gonna miss my relationships with my players and coaches. My running back group, I love those guys. It's gonna be hard leavin' em. And also my running backs coach (Cal Assistant Head Coach / Running Backs, Ron Gould). He's one of the best coaches I've had my whole life. He's like a father figure to me. But that's what I'm gonna miss the most." The Oregon State game was the pivotal step in Jahvid Best' college career. The Cal star jumped over would-be Oregon State defenders and to the Beavers' end zone, but while he was in the air was pushed by an OSU defender. Jahvid Best turned in the air and fell on his neck and head in the end zone. He froze motionless and was taken off the field on a stretcher, having suffered a concussion. But if Best had just scored and got up, would we be standing at the NFL Play 60 event talking? "Honestly, when you get a concussion it kind of blocks your memory a bit. So at that point I was just sit and coming back to, and everything was kind of fuzzy. After a while, I came to and felt like I just got knocked out."

Best' best runs at Cal

Jahvid Best had so many "best runs" it's hard for him to pick out one. For this blogger, it was his rapid 75-yard-touchdown run to open the 2009 season against Maryland. For Best "there's a lot of different plays. Sometimes even a cut block would be considered one of my best plays, but there's just a lot of plays I made that could be coined 'the best play.'" Best feels he can play in any NFL offense because Cal, under Head Coach Jeff Tedford, has ran so many different formations, from single-back to two backs, and at times no backs in the backfield. Bsst says he's prepared for whatever a team asks him to do, including playing the slot receiver position. Regarding the current debate on the value of athletics at Cal, where some Cal professors have called for the entire athletics effort to be disbanded in the wake of California's massive budget deficit, Jahvid Best says the program "is essential. It's a two way street as far as the academics and the athletics. I mean the athletics bring a lot of money to the university, so it's a two way street. They need each other." But what Best needed was a map and a compass, because he had no idea he was in Central Park and on a man-made area of grass that was the NFL Play 60 event until someone told him where he was. "I love New York. I didn't even know we were in Central Park until five minutes ago." Something tells me Best isn't going to have the problem of knowing where he is again after this week. Stay tuned and GO BEARS.

ACC DRAFT PREVIEW-By William Queen For Football Reporters Online

Georgia tech

Wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas is a big play receiver if there ever was one. Averaging more than 25 YPC in 2010, Thomas takes advantage of every ball thrown his way. Unfortunately, Georgia Tech runs a triple-option offense, where the receiver is more of a blocker, so his 3.28 receptions per game is tough to judge. But no matter, NFL scouts are getting very good vibes from this kid; he’ll be taken sometime in the late first round.

During his college career, running back Jonathan Dwyer found himself living a running backs dream; the triple option. The Yellow Jackets made there living on the ground the entire time Dwyer was at Georgia Tech, so it’s safe to say that he never had to fight for carries. However, providing the fact that there’s no A-back position in the NFL, Dwyer is one of the toughest backs to project. Tallying 2,790 yards and 26 touchdowns in his last two seasons, there’s no question that he can run the ball, but a primary running back position will be a huge change for Dwyer. Personally, I think he won’t be taken till the mid-second round, but he’ll be an immediate contributor in a running back rotation.

Now switching to the other side of the ball, the Yellow Jackets will be without their two largest defensive forces, Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett. Defensive end Derrick Morgan isn’t the top rated defensive end in this year’s draft for nothing. His ACC-leading 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 2009 is only a side attraction for his impressive skill set. Morgan gets great leverage on the line and is always in the right position to make a play. He has great athletic ability that is complimented by an unbelievable motor and should be a great asset to any team in need of a 4-3 defensive end. Because of his speed and quickness, he may also be converted to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He should be the selected in the top half of the first-round; you can’t go wrong with this pick.

Safety Morgan Burnett gave Georgia Tech’s defense some fire to it 2009. His big-play ability and quick, athletic play, Burnett can make a quarterback think twice about a throw. His aggressiveness in the box doesn’t quite match up to his 6’1” 210 pound frame, but he still manages to bring the ball-carrier to the ground. Burnett never makes mistakes. His big-hits may not work so well on NFL ball carriers, but Burnett’s well worth a high second round selection based on his game-speed and instincts alone.

North Carolina

Defensive tackle Marvin Austin has steadily developed into a top-notch player during his time at North Carolina. He played all through his whole career at UNC and has plenty of playing experience coming into the draft. Austin is a huge space eater. He may have only had 4 sacks in 2009, but his play goes further than just his stats. He gets plenty of penetration and finds a way past the offensive line and into the play. Austin always seems to be in on the play and looks like he’ll be getting a call from a team sometime in the first round.

Numero dos in UNC’s defensive tackle montage, Cam Thomas is a force to be reckon with. Six foot three inches tall and 331 pounds, Thomas is as big as they come. Accumulating only 23 tackles as a senior, he doesn’t make very many plays, but he eats up tons of space on the offensive line and gives his teammates a chance at the ball. His pass rush collapses the pocket at ease and his lower body strength gives him very good potential in the NFL. He’ll probably land himself in the 2nd round sometime.

Cornerback Charles Brown has a very great potential in the NFL as well. Another underclassmen deciding to declare, Brown is about as close to the total package as you can get; a classic shut-down corner. He was the leader of the UNC secondary in 2009, accumulating 66 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. It’s tough to find any predictions on where Brown will fall in the Draft, but somewhere in the top 3 rounds for sure.

Elite Tarheel linebacker Quan Sturdivant will be greatly missed in the ACC. He racked up more solo tackles than just about any other linebacker in the nation. Sturdivant is a very fast, physical linebacker that’s not afraid to hit you straight up. A real football player. One of the best players tackling in the open field. Wasn’t expected to declare as a junior, but will most likely get drafted in the 2nd round anyways. Can play middle linebacker in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.

It seems as if UNC’s whole defense is leaving to the NFL. Safety Deunta Williams is leaving the Tarheels as a very established player. Racking up 138 tackles and 12 interceptions during his 3-year collegiate career, Williams has plenty to be proud of. He has great speed and a huge dedication to studying the game; watches more film than most quarterbacks. Displays very impressive hands for a defensive back; should go in the mid second round.

Outside linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive lineman Aleric Mullins and E.J. Wilson will also find their way early on in the NFL Draft.

NC State

The Wolfpack have just a few impressive prospects entering this year’s NFL Draft, the best being linebacker Nate Irving. Irving only started 12 games throughout his college career, but, averaging 8.7 tackles per game, took advantage of his playing time. Unfortunately, he was part of a bad car wreck in the summer of 2009, breaking his leg, collapsing a lung, and ultimately losing a third of his season. Due to a lack of playing time, it’s safe to say that Irving flew under the radar and should be a surprisingly good pick for a team in the early-to-mid 4th round.

I did a double-take when I saw quarterback Russell Wilson on this year’s NFL Draft prospect list. Wilson is a rare talent at quarterback and can turn a broken play into a touchdown by using his feet; the only problem is that he’s coming out as a sophomore. For a quarterback, declaring for the draft prematurely is often frowned upon. Quarterback is the most logistic position in football and, because of that, experience is wanted in a quarterback that is headed to the NFL. However, in situations like these, you ought to think that he’s taking the gig early just for the money. Hey, I don’t blame him, you get paid big bucks in the NFL. But since he’s coming out as a sophomore, he’s not only hurting Wolfpack fans across the state of North Carolina, but he’s setting him self up to be sitting on the bench for most of his early career.

Wide receiver Owen Spencer and defensive end Willie Young are also good value picks in the mid rounds; they will be missed in Raleigh.

Virginia Tech

Defensive end Jason Worilds will be the first guy off the board coming from the Hookies. His power and explosiveness surprises offensive lineman at the snap and he can really beat you into the back field. Worilds put up extremely good numbers in his first year as a starter in 2008 (18.5 TFL and 8 sacks), but didn’t live up to his standards in 2009 (11TFL and 4.5 sacks). Even though his senior season wasn’t as great, he still earned the respect of many when he played with a shoulder injury through the year. He may be a suitable outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, so his versatility should bump him up into the 2nd round.

Safety Kam Chancellor made his way into the 3rd round with his impressive performance on the bench press at the combine. Yet, even 22 reps at 225 pounds doesn’t accurately represent the strength and effort he exemplifies on the football field. He plays with tons of power and delivers huge hits on whoever is near the ball. Lots of ACC receivers ate dirt because of this guy. Even though he had six interceptions in 2009, he doesn’t exactly have the best hands, always manages to knock it down though. Chancellor’s excitement will surely be missed by Hookies fans.

Offensive lineman Sergio Render and Ed Wang should make there way into a new home sometime in the 4/5th round.

Boston College

Linebacker Mark Herzlich is one of the best stories in this year’s draft. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and, instead of letting it interfere with his life, he’s made a near full recovery and continues to make plays on the football field. Herzlich runs right through blockers and always makes the tackle in the backfield. Racking up 110 tackles in 2010, it’s clear that he plays very smart and never lets the ball carrier get the best of him. Reeling in 6 interceptions last season, he’s also shown exceptional coverage skills as well. Herzlich has the potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. He’s a first round lock.

Running back Montel Harris was one of, if not the biggest, offensive tool in Boston College’s offense. Harris exploded as a sophomore, running the ball for 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a result, his NFL Draft stock went flying through the roof and Harris decided to declare. Though most players are encouraged to stay in school and finish their degree, I think that he made the right decision. Many teams are looking for a rotation back such as Harris. Harris hit’s the hole hard and speeds through the front seven. He makes quick cuts and has no trouble making defenders miss. A good comparison, yet a bit of an exaggeration, would be Knoshon Marino. I see Harris going in the early-mid 3rd round, a good pick up.

Boston College is losing practically their whole offensive line in this year’s draft. Starting offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Rich Lapham are both predicted to go either in the 2nd or 3rd round. And starting center Matt Tennant and starting guard Thomas Claiborne are also predicted to depart in the 3rd round. All four leaving in the same year will cripple Boston College’s offense greatly in 2010. Now I know why running back Montel Harris is leaving; he doesn’t wanna get killed!

Miami

Offensive tackle Jason Fox has what it takes to make it in the NFL. Though I think he’ll only go in the 3rd round, Fox has plenty of potential. He possesses great footwork and displays great leverage when blocking. He uses his lateral quickness to make sure the defensive end doesn’t get around him. A great zone blocker. Has had a few injuries during his career, but has always manned up and played through them. Fox is a very tough player that gets the job done. He may not be as strong or imposing as you want your left tackle to be, but, as I said before, he gets the job done.

Tight end Jimmy Graham is an ex-basketball player that decided to try football in his senior year of college. Well it’s obvious now that that decision was a good one; he’s now looking at a potential NFL career. Graham doesn’t have very great technique, but that should be fixed by simply playing more football. He has great speed and physical features and runs his routes very well. He’s able to use his size to overpower to smaller defenders when the ball’s in the air. Graham’s also a solid blocker and, like I said earlier, more experience is key to his development. Very coachable. A good comparison would be San Diego Chargers Pro-Bowl tight end Antonio Gates; both are former college basketball players and if Graham turns out anything like Gates, then he has a heck of a career ahead of him.

Two Hurricane running backs have a crack at the NFL this Thursday; Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Cooper never ran for more than 850 yards in any given season, but his natural athletic ability is too much to pass up. While Javarris James is more of a power runner and will serve as more of a one-cut runner and goal-line back in the NFL. Both should get drafted in the later round of the Draft.

Miami is also losing linebacker Darryl Sharpton in the NFL Draft. Sharpton will most likely be drafted in the 5th round do to his explosiveness and power at the point of attack. Offensive guard Orlando Franklin also has a shot in the NFL due to his monstrous 6’7”, 320lb frame and raw abilities.

Virginia

Competitive cornerback Chris Cook has a good chance to be drafted high in this year’s NFL Draft. He tallied 40 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2009, setting him towards the top of this year’s cornerback class. Cook is a true competitor. He is very tough and provides great help with run support. Lacks the elite lateral quickness and change of direction that you look for in a starting corner, but has good straight line speed; he ran a 4.46 40-yard-dash at the combine. Due to his instincts and competitiveness, he’ll probably be drafted in the late 2nd round.

Virginia’s second departing corner, Ras-I Dowling will be going approximately the same time as Cook. Tight end Joe Torchia and offensive tackle Will Barker will also be drafted towards the middle of the draft.

Florida State

Myron “Academic Heisman” Rolle has finally entered the NFL draft. Perhaps one of the smartest people to ever play football, Rolle skipped his senior season to be a Rhode Scholar and study in Oxford. Not only is this guy smart, but he’s built to play football. He has prototype speed and size for a safety and never gets tricked by a quarterback. Because of him missing his senior season, there isn’t much game film to judge him by. But when he did play, Rolle was considered on of the top safety’s in the NCAA. He’ll probably be selected in the late 2nd round because of his lack of recent football experience.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson is making his way into the NFL spotlight. He’s one of those players that can go either way; he may be a big-time player or may be a big-time bust. Either way, he’ll get drafted high. Robinson has tremendous speed and leaping ability. Will challenge every ball thrown his way. He has great football instincts and easily sheds blocks to get to the ball carrier. However, Robinson relies on his athleticism a little too much when he plays, which is why I said he has a potential to be a bust.

Linebacker Dekoda Watson is one of the most imitating players in this year’s draft. He is built perfectly for the linebacker position and, despite his huge physique, he’s still an amazing athlete. Watson shows amazing quickness and keeps moving through the whole play; he doesn’t waste time taking on blockers. A tremendous rusher coming off the edge and plays with the intensity and leadership that you look for in a starter. Despite all this, he’ll probably only be drafted in the 4th round. A big sleeper at his position.

Florida State has two offensive lineman going in the mid rounds of the draft; center Ryan McMahon and offensive guard Rodney Hudson. McMahon is a very reliable player that will endure the whole NFL experience very well and will go in the 4th round. While Hudson is a very agile player that takes pride in footwork and should go in the 2nd round.

Clemson

The man himself, Clemson’s very own ,C. J. Spiller is entering the NFL Draft after a very successful four-year collegiate career. In senior season, Spiller racked up 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, 4 receiving touchdowns, one passing touchdown, and 5 touchdowns as a return specialist; this guy lights the scoreboard up. He is such a scoring threat, that it is impossible for NFL teams to ignore him. Spiller does have a slight injury problem with his toe and hamstrings, but he played through it all last season and managed to put up those numbers I mentioned before. He makes his cuts extremely fast and is as good as they get in the open field. Spiller runs through every arm-tackle and can explode in between the tackles and into the secondary. So much versatility, so many possibilities, he’ll most likely get selected in the mid 1st round.

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was easily overshadowed by CJ Spiller through his career at Clemson. Yet, he still put up great numbers. Reeling in 56 balls for 779 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2009, Ford was primarily a big-play receiver. If this were any other receiver, they may not be in the 2nd-3rd round conversation. However, because of his sub 4.40 forty speed, Ford is looking at an early draft selection. He can catch the ball well in traffic and is dangerous on short screen passes. Reminds me of a less celebrated version of Percy Harvin. Ford will probably stick himself in the late 2nd round because of his speed.

Offensive guard Thomas Austin and defensive end Ricky Sapp are preparing for this year’s draft as well. Austin is a very powerful blocker who uses leverage and never gets pushed around. He doesn’t let defenders make plays and is a very durable player. He’ll probably go in the 4th round. Sapp is more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a defensive end. His speed and coverage skills sets him apart from most d-lineman and should get some good looks because of his versatility. When he does rush, he gets into the back field in a hurry; should be drafted in the 3rd round.

Maryland

Offensive tackle Bruce Campbell has a heck of an NFL career ahead of him. He has the size, strength, speed, and awareness to be a successful left tackle in the NFL. His length allows him to slow down the pass rush and his quickness helps him to get in the right places and be a really effective blocker in the open field. He can really open up a screen play with his raw power. I can see this guy contributing to some big plays at the next level. However, Campbell is more of a prototype and may need some time to learn so that he doesn’t get outsmarted by NFL defensive lineman. No matter, he’s bound to find his way somewhere in the 1st round.

One of my “ACC Rising Stars”, running back DaRel Scott will be in this year’s draft. Scott broke out as one of the ACC’s best backs in 2008. Yet, do to injury, he only rushed for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009. He missed about half of his season due to injury and flew under the radar as a junior, making himself one of the biggest sleeper running backs. Once Scott gets the ball, he picks a hole and explodes through it. He breaks every arm tackle and doesn’t slow down when he makes cuts. A very north-south runner. Scott will probably go sometime in the 3rd round.

Defensive back Antwine Perez and linebacker Alex Wujciak will also be selected in the mid rounds of the Draft.

Duke

During his time at Duke, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis was the ring leader of the football program. The Blue Devil’s football program has slowly been on a rise as far as winning is concerned; give it up for the man behind the plan. Lewis nearly led Duke to a bowl game by throwing for 3,300 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2010. He’s the type of quarterback that will do anything to help his team win. He delivers quick, accurate throws to his best receivers. Rarely makes mistakes and can really work his way around in the backfield in order to find an open receiver. Despite all this, he’s not very high on many draft boards; most have him going in the 7th round. I think he’s one of the biggest sleeper at quarterback in this year’s draft, he’ll surprise many of people a few years down the road.

Defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase is the classic big-boy defensive tackle. He has some injury and endurance issues, but, when he’s at his best, he can really do some damage. Only 37 tackles (7.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks) in 2009, Oghobasse didn’t live up to expectations due to foot injuries. Yet, he’s still looking like he’s going to be a second-day selection. He has enough upper-body strength to bull rush effectively and has the versatility and smarts to learn any position on the defensive line. Oghobaase should be a solid back up in the beginning of his career and may have chances to move up.

Wake Forest

Field general Riley Skinner is one of many risky picks at quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. His low release and 6’1” height makes things tough to be successful as an NFL quarterback. But hey, six foot tall Drew Brees just won the Super Bowl; there shouldn’t be a problem. Short or not, Skinner can play. He’s known for his intense study of the game and perfection of pre-play reads and calls. Skinner threw for 3160 yards and 25 touchdowns while maintaining a 66% completion percentage in 2009. He has tremendous accuracy and creates time in the pocket using his feet. Tends to squeez the ball into tight spaces and that may hurt him at the next level. Most likely a late round selection and should be a solid back up for the time being.

Cornerback Brandon Ghee will make a living in the 3rd round in this year’s draft. Ghee is a very well-rounded corner who has great coverage skills as well as run support. He only had one interception during his whole career as a Deacon, mostly because teams don’t throw his way, but still racked up 56 tackles in 2009. Ghee helped out his draft stock tremendously with his performance in the NFL Combine. He was a top performer in the 40-yard dash (4.45) and ranked among the top performers in the broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle. Ghee should be an early 3rd round selection.

Defensive tackle Boo Robinson is another player that will make his way into the NFL sometime in the 4th round. Robinson had to be double teamed in college and may get some 1-on-1 situations in the NFL. He outsmarts every offensive lineman he goes up against and has a huge upside. His size offers versatility as a 3-4 nose tackle.

Jahvid Best

Pro Football Talk.com found a story about California Running Back Jahvid Best that has an "unnamed source" who's a scout making a claim that Jahvid Best told him Best's still concerned about the concussion he sustained in the Cal - Oregon State game of last season. In that game, Best tried to score a touchdown by jumping in the air. As Best did, he was hit sideways by an Oregon State defender and came down on his neck and shoulders. Best froze on the field, having suffered a concussion, and was taken to the hospital. The article, by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, lists the NFL Draft running backs who are "beaten up" and reports that Best suffered two concussion's in two straight games. After missing four games and a bowl game, Best decided to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. This is what I said then: After a time it seemed the injury was behind him but this concussion leak is major. The scout said:

"Yeah, he's worried about it. Plus, he has a muscle going down from his neck to his leg that bothers him. That's my reservation on Best. He's coming in all beat up."

It's not the kind of news you want out there less than a week before the NFL Draft; this issue about the muscle is new. That news caused ProFootballtalk.com to assert Best would be the last of the record number of 16 players to visit New York for the NFL Draft to be drafted. Some Draft watchers have Best falling toward the 2nd round and to the Detroit Lions. Based on his NFL Combine performance and ranking, this blogger believed the San Diego Charger should take Best, but that's far different that what they will do. Stay tuned.

In the latest NFL Draft news, Tim Tebow continues to show why so many people just plain like the quarterback. Asked about the now-famous rant by Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones that was caught on cell phone camcorder, where Jones said Tebow would "never get on the field," Tim Tebow gave a good natured response:

"I really haven't even thought about it. I don't even take that as an offense. He's just having fun."

Which may be Tim Tebow's christian way of saying, "Yeah, and when I play the Cowboys, I'm gonna kick their butts up and down the field." If you didn't see the video, here it is with my take: Since then Jerry Jones has said Tim Tebow is an "outstanding" young man, but that the Cowboys don't have a need for a quarterback. Jones also said he has special feelings for former head coach Bill Parcells, now President of The Miami Dolphins Organization. Parcells said he and Jones "talked it out."

> nfl draft, nfl mock draft, nfl mock draft, nfl draft 2009, nfl draft 2010, nfl draft mel kiper, 2009 nfl draft prospects, nfl draft order, nfl draft date The 75th NFL Player Selection Meeting, or The NFL Draft, is April 22nd - April 24th in New York City, and for the first time in history is on a weekday night, Thursday. As of this writing, the St.Louis Rams have the first pick, followed by The Detroit Lions. This new spotlight places a premium on NFL Teams getting the right player, especially with economic and labor concerns. This is a season without a salary cap, so this blogger thinks the NFL will be wary of picking players that will command a high dollar value and be more likely to hold out of camp. With that, here's Zennie62.com's chance to play Mel Kiper with the first NFL Mock Draft of who each team should pick by need, the next Mock Draft will be what each team may do. For more information, visit Zennie62.com's NFL Business Blog by Bill Chackhes. In this Mock Draft some highlights are: - The St. Louis Rams taking Ndamukong Suh, the Nebraska defensive tackle, and not Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford. Really, taking Suh means you can pencil him in as a certain starter, where Bradford is not a player the Rams need and one they would have to develop. - The Oakland Raiders picking a wide receiver, Florida's Dez Byrant, to make up for, push, and complement Darrius Haywood-Bey, who can only get better in 2010. Bryant would give the Raiders a passing attack that on paper can be one of the best, but the Raiders coaches have to make that a reality. - The San Francisco 49ers draw a linebacker to complement Patrick Willis and a center that's so good he's ranked as a first rounder; you don't pass on them. - Seattle's Pete Carroll takes one of his former USC players, Taylor Mays, to become the enforcer in the defensive secondary the Seahawks need. Other developments have Cal's Jahvid Best going to the San Diego Chargers, which seems to be a scenario that could play out as Best could fall to The Chargers at number 27. Best is better and faster than Fresno State's Ryan Matthews. But Matthews is ranked higher by some draft services, and Best is ranked higher by other draft services. The order is in pick number, team, player, and reason. 1. St. Louis - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: The Rams ranked near the bottom in total defense in 2009, giving up an average of 30 points-per-game. Ndamukong Suh is a gamer and would complement DE Chris Long. Plus, he comes cheaper than a QB and as in 2006 would set the tone for the lower NFL Draft salary structure. 2. Detroit - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: This is a clear need pick as Detroit had the worst defense in the NFL and drafted a QB in Matt Stafford. McCoy can be the player that improves their defense overnight. 3. Tampa Bay - Eric Barry, S, Tennessee: A case could be made for the offensive tackles, but passing Eric Barry just seems stupid. Plus, Tampa Bay's offensive problems are borne of a bad scheme more than player issues. 4. Washington - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Redskins are taking a look at quarterbacks, but selecting one when they have Jason Campbell, who just needs good coaching, is stupid. The Redskins are getting old at the other skill positions and need a fast, game-changer. Spiller, who runs a 4.27 40-yard-dash, can be that, and spell the aging Clinton Portis. 5. Kansas City - Joe Haden, CB, Florida: The Chiefs had one of the NFL's worst defenses and gave up 231.7 passing yards a game, and were not respectable against the. Haden is the pass defender the Chiefs need who can offer run support as well. 6. Seattle - Taylor Mays, S, USC: Pete Carroll's first pick of his first year back in the NFL. Carroll knows Mays and Taylor's wild combination of size and speed will give the Seahawks an enforcer in the secondary and stop teams from racking up 245 yard per game in the air. 7. Cleveland - Sam Bradford, QB, Qklahoma: Bradford would be perfect to sit behind Jake Delhomme and learn for about two years, before he's ready. The Cleveland Browns have entirely rebuilt their team already and the need in the draft is for defensive playmakers that can stop the run. But the DTs are gone and Bradford's too good to let drop down past the Browns. 8. Oakland - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: A make-up for Darrius Hayward-Bey? Yes. The Oakland Raiders do not have a deep-threat receiver who will consistently separate and catch the ball. Bryant may not have had a great pro-day, but get him on the field and he will do fine, perhaps on the order of Jerry Rice. 9. Buffalo - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: The Bills problems were scheme-based, not player-based. Oklahoma State's Okung will solidify the left side and remain their for 7 years. 10. Jacksonville - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: The Jacksonville Jaquars gave up 235.9 passing yards a game. Morgan would provide the speed pass-rush not unlike Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts. 11. Denver from Chicago - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Denver Broncos are in need of larger, better pass blockers and Bulaga is the perfect choice. 12. Miami - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: While some would argue for a linebacker here, the Dolphins also need an offensive lineman, and Campbell is ranked higher than Sergio Kindle. 14. San Francisco - Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas: The 49ers 3-4 needs this kind of active linebacker to complement Patrick Willis. 15. Seattle from Denver - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: One of the Seahawks' needs is at Offensive Tackle where Walter Jones has been a star. Davis is said to have "character issues" but there's no one better than Seahawks' Head Coach Pete Carroll to work with him. 16. New York Giants - Earl Thomas, S, Texas: Called "young" but all of the players in the NFL Draft are. Thomas is a playmaker for a NY Giants team that needs a new safety who can play nickle-back. That's Thomas. 17. Tennessee - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State: The Titans have openly stated they seek a cover cornerback and Kyle Wilson fits here. 18. San Francisco from Carolina - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: When a center is ranked as high as Maurkice Pouncey appears, you don't pass on him because that's a rare event. He's a player that would make a good line great over time. 19. Pittsburgh - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: Aside from the character events, Ben Rothlisberger is not getting younger and won his Super Bowl ring. Clausen can be Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future and push Ben to play at an even higher level. 20. Atlanta - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: The Falcons have a number of defensive needs, but linebacker and defensive end are prominent. But Sean's an athlete and a team leader and a playmaker. The nasty streak some say he needs will come when he gets angry for being blocked in the NFL. 21. Houston - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State: The Texans have tried to secure a deal with Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who's now with the Atlanta Falcons. That opens a need that Robinson can fill. 22. Cincinnati - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: The Bengals have a glaring need for a pass-catching, big and fast tight end and Jermaine Gresham is the best one on the board. 23. New England - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: One major problem with the New England Patriots in 2009 was their inability to effectively rush the passer from three-rush sets. Dunlap is a great player who can really help New England. 24. Green Bay - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: The Green Bay Packers could move the ball, but they could not stop other teams from starting what turns out to be a track meet. Tennessee's Williams is a run stopper the Packers need for their defensive line. 25. Philadelphia - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Eagles have drafted enough speedy players for their offense; the problem was always on defense, and they've lost playmakers. Jason Pierre-Paul is the elite defensive lineman that can help. 26. Baltimore - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: while the Ravens need a playmaking linebacker, a player as good as Mike Iupati must be taken if he falls to Baltimore, who's run-oriented offense can be helped by this physical blocker. 27. Arizona - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech: Some would say the need is for offensive line, but Demaryius Thomas will help Arizona fill the void left by the loss of Anquan Boldin. Yes, they did well in the passing game in 2009, but Thomas falls here; Arizona should take the talented pass catcher. 28. Dallas - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State: The Cowboys have are great at the edge of the defense, but a run-stopping defensive tackle and more line depth are needed. Penn State's Jared Odrick is perfect. 29. San Diego - Jahvid Best, RB, California: With the loss of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, the running back position takes priority. Jahvid Best is the speedster the Chargers have not seen, even with Sproles, who's more quick than fast. Best, being a Cal Football player, would also sell tickets in San Diego. 30. New York Jets - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: The perfect complement to the veteran playmaker Braylon Edwards, Tate can come in, work with Jets QB Matt Sanchez, and form a threatening passing attack. 31. Minnesota - Charles Brown, OT, USC: The Vikings one need is depth at the offensive line and Charles Brown, one of the best tackles available and best NFL Draft players, can provide that and challenge for a starting role. 32. Indianapolis - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: The Colts really need an enforcer in the secondary but even more a shut-down cornerback. Devin McCourty led Rutgers in pass breakups, and may be good enough to land a starting job with the Colts. 33. New Orleans - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia: When New Orleans lost games, or came close to being beaten, their defensive secondary was the problem. Like Indianapolis, New Orleans lacks a shut-down cornerback and ranked 22nd against the pass in 2010. Cook could play close to that level, and perhaps evolve into one. Again, the next Zennie62.com Mock Draft will focus on what teams will do, versus need. Stay tuned.

How is it no one knows who Conte Cuttino is when he's the 17th Best Running Back in this Draft?
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Football Reporters Online

Action Photo: Conte Cuttino vs. Gardner Webb in 2008-By A.F. Chachkes for Football Reporters Online
Candid Photo by Josh Griffler for Football Reporters Online

Why is it that every year the only players people talk about when getting ready for the draft are the kids from the schools who play in the "acronym" conferences? Ok, we know there are plenty of talented players at the FBS level and they play most every Saturday during the fall, but it's time people start recognizing the smaller school players. The "kids" who toil for four years at schools in the FCS (the former Division 1-AA), Division II, Division III, and the NAIA.

Everyone knows by now the Joe Flacco story and the the Ramses Barden story. There are some interesting stories in this draft. Fordham's John Skelton could be making history for someone as early as this fall. Then there are some others, like Northern Iowa's Jason Fiacco and Pat Grace, Stephen F. Austin's Tim Knicky, and James Mallory from Central Conn. St. But no story is more interesting the that of the Pride of Uniondale N.Y., Stony Brook's Conte Cuttino.

A 5' 10" Running back who plays much larger then his frame. Conte runs with unique power and vision while possessing swift knife-like cutting ability and above average to very good receiving skills as well Cuttino didn't just set records at Stony Brook. He engraved them into Sony Brook's and the Big South Conference ledger. 3,067 career total rushing yards (a Stony Brook record) and several mentions in the big south records for 2008 as follows: 5th all time in yards rushing in a single game with 233 against VMI on 11-15, and 12.06 yards per carry the week before 11-8) against Iona, where he had 17 carries for 206 yards. He did this while sharing time and carries with teammate Ed Gowins, and completed his career this past season while playing through an ankle injury and still managing nearly 800 rushing yards. His high school asst. coach told me early this week that he could have had well over 4000 yards in his college career if he were used more often in his freshman and sophomore seasons and if he was not injured this past year.

The back story goes even deeper then that. Growing up in Uniondale to working middle class parents who both work in law enforcement, you could say that he had a strict upbringing if you didn't know him. But his family has a strong resolve and a whole lot of faith thanks to their church-going background. Conte's dad who is also Conte, retired from the NYC department of corrections in 2006. We got to speak with him a bit about his son's ascent to athletics. "He's been an athlete since he's seven years old. We let him try all the sports. I was a basketball player, but even though my son was good at basketball, he wasn't tall enough. But football, now that's where he excelled, and very early, although he played defense first." Conte is no slouch in the classroom either, earning close to a 3.0 GPA. while majoring in business management.

Cuttino has been training under the watchful eyes of the good people at Parisi speed school at both their New Jersey and Long Island locations. We know he can play at the next level if he's given a chance, and hopefully some NFL team will do just that in a little over two weeks.