Disparate takes on Herzy and the NFL Draft

Earlier this week it was announced that Castonzo and Herzlich were both invited by the NFL to attend the NFL Draft. Castonzo wasn't a surprise since he is expected to be one of the first two OL prospects selected and would likely go in the top 15. Herzy was a surprise. Although Mark's story is a goldmine for the NFL's made-for-TV event, no one expects him to be a first round draft pick. If the NFL invited him to be part of the opening night green room, I imagine we would see a lot of Mark sitting with his family waiting to be drafted. Instead of a celebration it would be a pity party as the talking heads wait for some team to select Mark. Think of Aaron Rodgers and Brady Quinn's long waits as recent examples.

But the invite gave me hope. Perhaps the NFL knew something I didn't and there was a chance that Mark was rising up draft boards. Could he really go in the first round? I wondered...and then got a wake up call reading this "draft value chart" from Nolan Nawrocki. The Pro Football Weekly analyst has Mark sliding into the final day as a late 6th round pick. Ugh. I have to believe that someone would roll the dice before then. But the divided opinion on Mark's chances should be enough to keep him away from Radio City Music Hall. Throw in the request from the NFLPA to not be at the Draft and you have one big hornets next.

Mark has some of the best advisors in the business, let's hope they work to make the Draft a special experience, and not a awkward TV moment.

Mock Drafts and other links

Everyone thinks Castonzo will be a high pick but no one knows which teams really like him yet. This mock draft has him going to the Dolphins at No. 15.

The NFL.com also forecasts Castonzo as a Top 20 pick.

For a position coach and nice guy, Sean Devine draws a lot of criticism among the diehard BC fans. He has been the whipping boy for our OL struggles the past two years. But maybe he has more value to BC as a recruiter. Rivals listed him as one of the best recruiters in the conference. I am glad we have a closer but I also want think we need a great OL teacher. If Devine's pupils don't improve this year now that we are "free from Tranq" than I think we might want to keep Devine as a recruiter but move him to another position.

The BC women will be playing in the Championship of their Beanpot too.

My mock draft part 2

This is part 2 of my mock draft dealing with Raji and Brace. Both should go early, possibly both in the first round.

"With the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College."

For the second year in a row, I think BC will have a top 5 pick. That's a true accomplishment. The Bengals, Packers and Jaguars are also potential landing spots, but I think Cleveland will jump at the chance to get an anchor for their defensive line. As far as B.J.'s pro prospects, I think he can be a very good at this level. His maturity and focus remain a question, but I think his senior year and Senior Bowl speak to his willingness to put in extra effort. When the false drug test leak broke I compared Raji's experience to Warren Sapp. My analogy was based on the drug issue, but it may have been appropriate on a skill level comparison too. Raji can be as good as Sapp. Let's hope Saturday is the start of a brilliant NFL career.

"With the 7th pick of the second round, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle, Boston College."

I've read repeatedly that many teams looking at Raji are also considering Brace. Jacksonville has a need at DT and Brace will probably be available when they select in the second round. I think he'll be a good fit and a good pro. His upside is probably limited compared to Raji, but there is no reason he can't have a solid NFL career.