It’s that time of the season for football nerds to flex their manly testosterone in the NFL draft. Those Sunday morning pre-game shows are reserved for those fat, over-the-hill “Da Bears” fans who wear sweat-stained tank tops. The NFL draft, however, is reserved for us techno-draft nerds who really do care about things like how fast some guy can run the 40-yard dash.
Look no further, the whole NFL is right here:
Top 10 Picks
1. Jets: Darrel Russel (DT, USC, 6-5, 320). Bill Parcells hopes this kid can be the cornerstone of his new club. He’s got the physical tools to deliver the goods, but is he worth the No.1 pick? Parcells thinks so.
2. Raiders: Orlando Pace (OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 335). Pace could be the most highly rated tackle ever to walk the planet. He’s drawing comparisons to Anthony Munoz.
3. Seahawks: Shawn Springs (cornerback, Ohio State, 6-1, 190). Springs is the top prospect of a draft brimming with corners. He talks smack like Deion, and many say he will play like Primetime as well.
4. Oilers: Pete Boulware (DE, Florida State, 6-5, 255). Houston will acquire this pick from the Baltimore Ravens. This kid does one thing well: gets to the QB. He’s a solid pick by the Oilers.
5. Lions: Bryant Westbrook (cornerback, Texas, 6-0, 200). This San Diego product is big and strong. He begs comparison to Rod Woodson.
6. Rams: Walter Jones (OT, Florida State, 6-5, 300). He impressed scouts with his workouts in the combine. And he’s got the prized commodity: size.
7. Giants: Dwayne Rudd (linebacker, Alabama, 6-2, 245). The Giants always take a linebacker. Rudd is part of a long line of ‘bama linebackers who can run.
8. Buccaneers: Yatil Green (WR, Miami, 6-2, 205). He’s got splendid size and splendid speed. He’s simply splendid.
9. Cardinals: Jim Druckenmiller (QB, Virginia Tech, 6-5, 223). He’s a big guy who is surprisingly nimble.
10. Saints: Antowain Smith (RB, Houston, 6-2, 224). Smith combines a rare combination of size, speed and moves to avoid would-be tacklers.
Aztecs who will be drafted:
Our predictions
George Jones. There is talk that the Chargers are interested in Jones, but don’t believe it. Bobby Beathard said he was interested in Jones, but what GM wouldn’t be? Jones will be switching tribes, jumping from the Aztecs to the Chiefs.
Kansas City will probably take Jones in the third round, but maybe in the second. Chiefs coach Marty Schottenheimer coached Jones in the Senior Bowl and fell in love with him. Hey, George, book a flight to Kansas City. You’re a Chief.
Will Blackwell. He will be the first Aztec to be drafted. The Dallas Cowboys will take Blackwell in the third round. The Cowboys need another receiver to play opposite Michael Irvin, and they like Blackwell’s toughness. Reports from Texas say the Cowboys have three receivers on their short list: Blackwell, Reidel Anthony and Ike Hilliard (both from Florida).
Nate Jacquet. He’s raw, having played only one season as wide receiver, but he runs a 4.43 in 40. Jacquet told The Daily Aztec he’s been hearing he could go in the fourth round. What team? He couldn’t care less. “It doesn’t matter where I go (in the draft),” he said. “I just want to get drafted.” It’s a crap shoot which team will take Jacquet. We say it will be in the final rounds.
Ricky Parker. Parker’s size is a real plus. He, too, will be drafted in the final rounds, probably by a team that can afford to be patient with him. Keep an eye on the Bears because head coach Dave Wannstedt is known for taking risks on raw players such as Parker.
Noel Prefontaine. The chances of Prefontaine being drafted are slim, especially after a disappointing combine. He is remarkably athletic for a punter, so look for him to hook on somewhere.
