The NFL will add to its plethora of football talent this weekend as teams draft some of the best college football players in this weekend's NFL draft. Players everywhere from California to Florida will realize their dreams of playing professional football. College football players in the Big Ten are no exception. Although a relatively weak class by Big Ten standards, many of the Big Ten's athletes will still be drafted in the first or second rounds.
There is, of course, wide receiver Charles Rogers of Michigan State. A consensus top five pick, Rogers possesses the great speed, agility and size necessary to excel in the NFL. Many pundits have already compared the athletic Rogers to Randy Moss, in addition to the questions of character that surround both of them. Last week, a masking agent was found in Rogers' urine. Regardless of these issues, Rogers is one of the premiere picks in this year's draft.
Along with Rogers is Penn State's standout defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy. Kennedy, most likely a top 10 pick, has great size and agility, which makes him extremely difficult to block. Perhaps the only drawback to Kennedy is his lack of consistency, although Kennedy did start every game of Penn State's past season.
Fellow Nittany Lion Larry Johnson will be rewarded for his excellent play in college by reaching the NFL. This running back garnered 2,087 yards rushing this past season and was a Heisman Trophy contender. He has great vision and ability, but does not generally break any long runs. Johnson will benefit, though, from a relatively weak list of running backs going pro and figures to be drafted in the latter stages of the first round.
Bucky Badger will be proud this weekend as two of Madison's own figure to be drafted in the early rounds of the NFL draft. The Johnson cousins, Al and Ben, have played consistently and soundly on the offensive line for Wisconsin for the past four years. Al Johnson, the Wisconsin
center, is a great technician with superb balance. This makes him one of the top centers in the draft. Ben, who plays offensive tackle is a great run blocker and has the potential to be a dominating player in the NFL.
Though lacking in numbers, the Big Ten Conference can make a significant impact in this year's NFL draft. With their experiences gained by playing in such a difficult conference, these men are suited to begin playing right away at a professional level. All that needs to happen is for a NFL team to take a chance on him.
