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Insiders Take On Supplemental Draft Prospects

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  • Insiders Take On Supplemental Draft Prospects

    Brooks top supplemental draft prospect

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    By Todd McShay
    Scouts Inc.

    The NFL will hold this year's supplemental draft on July 13. All 32 teams will be involved in the three-step, weighted process. Teams with six wins or less in 2005 participate in the first lottery for the top six picks, followed by a second group of non-playoff teams and a third group of the 12 playoff teams from last season. The draft used to be conducted on a conference call but now is performed via e-mail.
    If a team elects to use a supplemental draft pick on one of the eligible prospects, that team will give up its pick in the same round in next April's draft (2007).

    Most years, the supplemental draft is no big deal. However, Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks is arguably the most sought after prospect to take the supplemental draft route since Brian Bosworth (Seahawks, 1987).

    Less than two years ago Brooks was expected to be the first linebacker selected in either the 2006 or 2007 NFL draft. The freakishly gifted prep-star more than lived up to the hype as a freshman in 2003, when he shattered Virginia's school record for total tackles registered by a freshman. Brooks, whose father played defensive tackle for the Washington Redskins, continued his ascent as a sophomore in 2004, finishing with 90 total tackles, 6½ sacks and two interceptions.

    When on top of his game, Brooks displayed a rare combination of size, speed and athletic ability. He was extremely active against the run, was a playmaker in coverage and an explosive pass rusher.

    Unfortunately, his poor decision-making, marginal work ethic and inability to stay healthy have since led to his undoing. Brooks had a major offseason knee surgery that lingered into the 2005 season. That combined with an ankle injury limited him to just six games last fall. His insubordination (skipped workouts, weight gain) and off-the-field issues led to his eventual dismissal from the Cavalier program.

    Since then, Brooks worked diligently with a personal trainer to get back in shape for Thursday's on-campus workout in front of personnel from 22 NFL teams. The slimmed-down linebacker weighed in at 260 pounds and ran three 40-yard dash attempts of 4.67, 4.69 and 4.72 seconds. His 19 reps on the standard 225-pound bench press would have tied the sixth-lowest total of the 30 linebackers who lifted at this year's combine, but it's understandable considering his focus has been on trimming down and getting back into playing shape. He also posted solid marks in the vertical jump (32 inches) and short-shuttle (4.41 seconds).

    By all accounts, Brooks' workout was deemed positive. At this point, though, it's too little too late. Ultimately, despite his first-round ability, Brooks will be selected no earlier than the second round of the upcoming supplemental draft -- and he could slip as far as the fourth round.

    The official paperwork has not yet been filed with the league office (as of June 22), but Iowa State DE/OLB Jason Berryman (6-0 6/8, 235) is the only other prospect who is expected to be selected. The paperwork needs to be filed by June 30. Berryman's had his share of off-the-field issues, too. He was suspended for a game in 2004 and Iowa State ultimately dismissed him from school after he was convicted of theft and assault (he served 258 days in jail).

    As a player, Berryman is a rush-linebacker prospect who has flashed some potential as a situational pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme (7½ sacks in 2005). However, he lacks the size of a traditional end in a four-man front and does not display the hip fluidity that it takes to turn and run as an every-down starter at the linebacker position.

    Others prospects who could be available include linebacker David Dixon, who last played at Hutchinson Community College in 2004, quarterback Joel Statham, who transferred from Maryland to Jacksonville State in 2005, and fullback Ahmad Hall, who played for Texas but was not eligible for this year's regular draft due to Marine Corps obligations.

    Todd McShay is director of college scouting for Scouts Inc. Numerous NFL teams have relied on his independent draft prospect evaluations since 1998.



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  • #2
    Can't see AR going for Brooks.... just too many issues.

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    • #3
      Originally posted by MDFAN
      Can't see AR going for Brooks.... just too many issues.
      Totally agree, waaay too much baggage with this guy.

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