Merk, Question

[Callaway]

It looks like a lot of people around here are jumping the gun on Juniors declaring, so who do think will enter in 2007?

[Merk]

Honestly there is no way of telling



A player could say he is staying all the way up to 2 hours before the declare deadline and then all of a sudden be like "f You, f you, your cool, f you, I'm Out!"


I'm thinking we might see some more juniors declare than usual for a couple reasons

1.This could turn out to be a very week class on the offensive side of the ball if the J's don’t declare. The WR's RB's and T's positions will take a real hit w/out some J's declaring. History shows though that WR's and RB's tend to leave during there Junior years if they have reached 1st or 2nd round status. They are basically told there is no reason to hang around and let your body take a beating for another year especially w/ RB's who have a very short NFL shelf life to begin w/

2.The CBA; I’ve read and heard that agents are telling college players that they should declare as soon as possible b/c the new CBA has a renew clause in it for after the 2008 season. There is a growing consensus that that will not be picked up and thus puts the 2009 season in jeopardy of being in gridlock w/ no draft. The current CBA has put a huge influx of money into the NFL and agents are basically telling them "get it while you can before there is a lock out or strike"


Anyway though here’s a list of some top Juniors and my thoughts if they will declare


Calvin Johnson: Yes, is a top 5 pick possibly number 1

Jake Long: 90/10 No, He’s said pretty consistently he is staying and would start next year as the top Tackle in 2008 draft if he stayed. I think the only thing that changes his mind is a national title

Sam Baker: 50/50, Is a top 10 pick if he comes out and has been a 3 year starter

Alan Branch: 80/20 Going, weak DT class will raise his value

Glenn Dorsey: See Branch

Adrian Peterson: Yes

Ted Ginn Jr: 80/20 going, W/ Smith leaving and the possibility of leaving school as a national champ I think he will go. Only reason to stay would be to make a run at the Heisman

Reggie Nelson:70/30 Staying, could be the top DB in 2008

Marshawn Lynch: 95/5 Going, def first rounder

Anthony Gonzalez: 50/50, could hang around and maybe raise his stock into a high first. Right now he is a lock 1st day and likely 2nd rounder w/ a possibility at being a 1st

Brandon Siler: 60/40 staying, could enter next year as the top MLB prospect.

Brian Brohm: 70/30 staying, Will enter 2007 as the top QB prospect. Likes Louisville and could make another run at a national title next year. If Bush gets another year of eligibility it bumps up to 100% staying