By LM Otero, AP Delaware quarterback Pat Devlin, right, transferred from Penn State and led the Blue Hens to a 18-7 record over two years.
By LM Otero, APDelaware quarterback Pat Devlin, right, transferred from Penn State and led the Blue Hens to a 18-7 record over two years.
QB Pat Devlin, Delaware•Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 220
•Hometown: Downingtown, Pa.
•Key statistic: Put together two streaks of 157 consecutive passes without an interception as a senior.
•Why he can make the jump: Savvy performer who led the Blue Hens to two-year record of 18-7 that included Colonial Athletic Association title after transferring from Penn State. Ability to read and react allowed him to complete 481 of 728 passes for 5,696 yards for 37 TDs with only 12 INTs.
•Why he can't: Draws easy comparison to Joe Flacco, who transferred from Pittsburgh to star at Delaware and went on to immediately enjoy success with Baltimore Ravens. Comparison does not work, however, because Devlin does not approach Flacco's cannon arm.
•Projected round: Sixth
•Last player drafted from Delaware: QB Joe Flacco (2008), first round, Baltimore Ravens
•Coach's quote: "It starts with him being a very smart human being and it translates into a very smart decision-maker. He has excellent size, good movement in the pocket, light feet and he tends to know what he's looking at." —Jim Hofher, offensive coordinator and QB coach, Delaware
•Draft expert: "He's a bright young guy who has a real love for the game. His mechanics are solid and he makes accurate throws. One negative is that I don't see enough throws down the field that separate the great quarterbacks. I don't see that arm strength in Pat." —Ron Jaworski, ESPN analyst
G Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova
•Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 320
•Hometown: Hainesport, N.J.
•Key statistic: Started all 53 games of his career.
•Why he can make the jump: Ijalana (pronounced eye-ja-lawn-a) played key role in helping Wildcats to 40-13 four-year record, including 7-2 playoff mark. Tackle named 2010 first team All-America by every organization. Showed he is among the best of his class by finishing 10th in Outland Trophy balloting.
•Why he can't: After playing in spread offense at Villanova, faces not only task of adjusting to much higher level but also to pro offenses, making his challenge doubly tough.
•Projected round: Third
•Last player drafted from Villanova: TE Matt Sherry (2008), sixth round, Cincinatti Bengals
•Coach's quote: "He's the best we've ever had here. He's exceptional. He's going to pick it up mentally. He's very smart. The main thing he's going to have to work on is coming off the ball in the running game." —Mark Ferrante, offensive line coach at Villanova
•Draft expert: "He is a four-year starting left tackle whose nimble feet and strong upper body make him surprisingly NFL-ready. The concern about Ijalana is, of course, his level of competition." —Rob Rang, senior analyst, NFLDraftScout.com
WR Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
•Ht.: 5-9 Wt.: 190
•Hometown: Eufala, Ala.
•Key statistic: Averaged 160 all-purpose yards per game in 2010.
•Why he can make the jump: With 84 catches for 822 yards last season and 45 runs for another 322 yards, makes a lot happen offensively.
•Why he can't: Lack of size troublesome.
•Projected round: Second
•Last player drafted from Troy: QB Levi Brown (2010), seventh round, Buffalo
•Coach's quote: "I don't try to predict the NFL, but he's been a four-year starter for us. He's really done way above in all capacities. He's a great player and a great student. He's a true Trojan." —Larry Blakeney, head coach, Troy
•Draft expert: "He's very explosive and he makes plays. I think he's an outstanding prospect with the potential to be a starting slot receiver." —Michael Lombardi, NFL Network
G Will Rackley, Lehigh
•Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 310
•Hometown: Riverdale, Ga.
•Key statistic: Started 40 consecutive games to end collegiate career.
•Why he can make the jump: First team All-Patriot League selection anchored offensive line that allowed just 14 sacks in 13 games during his senior season. Started all 13 games at left tackle and Mountain Hawks ranked second in Patriot league in passing and scoring. Competed in East-West Shrine Game and showed ability to step up to next level.
•Why he can't: Will need time and patience to adjust to pros and to expected shift from left tackle to guard.
•Projected round: Third
•Last player drafted from Lehigh: DE Rich Owens (1995), fifth round, Washington Redskins
•Coach's quote: "He's a very strong NFL prospect. I thought he had a real good chance last year and he had a dominating year this year. We've had a lot of offensive line coaches in here and they've all been very impressed." —Andy Coen, head coach, Lehigh
•Draft expert: "He plays heavy-handed with good upper-body strength and physicality…He should be able to start readily in the NFL but is most naturally suited for the inside in the pros." —Nolan Nawrocki, Pro Football Weekly
WR Cecil Shorts III, Mount Union
•Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 210
•Hometown: Cleveland
•Key statistic: Ranks second in Division III history with 63 receiving touchdowns.
•Why he can make the jump: Was a polished wideout for the Purple Raiders, finishing with 259 catches for 4,705 yards and 63 TDs. Versatility allowed him to rush 75 times for 492 yards and 12 scores. Brought back two punts and one kickoff for scores. Averaged 108.9 all-purpose yards per game.
•Why he can't: It will be important that he land in the right system with the right QB. Is not a burner who will create much on his own.
•Projected round: Fourth
•Last player drafted from Mount Union: WR Pierre Garcon (2008), sixth round, Indianapolis Colts
•Coach's quote: "Cecil is a gifted athlete who worked extremely hard. At our level, he showed an exceptional ability to separate himself from defenders and catch the football." —Larry Kehres, head coach, Mount Union
•Draft expert: "I think he's one of the more underrated receivers in this year's class. He doesn't have elite physical qualities — height, weight and speed. But he's a smooth route runner, he comes out of his breaks well and he can get yards after the catch. He should be a good number two or number three receiver." —Todd McShay, ESPN
DT Kenrick Ellis, Hampton
•Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 345
•Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
•Key statistic: Led team with 94 tackles in 2010.
•Why he can make the jump: Has size, quickness and strength to stand his ground at the point of attack.
•Why he can't: Discipline may be an issue. Dropped from South Carolina program for repeated violations of team rules. Suspended for one game last season.
•Projected round: Second
•Last player drafted from Hampton: DE Kendall Langford (2008), third round, Miami Dolphins
•Coach's quote: "He's a very disciplined guy, very polite, but on the field he reminds you somewhat of a grizzly bear. He has size and great quickness. He's definitely ready for the NFL, and he's probably going to make an immediate impact." —Donovan Rose, head coach, Hampton
•Draft expert: "Ellis' rare size and good athleticism make him the most intriguing of this year's so-called second-tier defensive tackles. He showed the ability to dominate at the lower level." —Rob Rang, senior analyst, NFLDraftScout.com
S Mark LeGree, Appalachian State
•Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 200
•Hometown: Columbus, Ga.
•Key statistic: Ranks second in Southern Conference history with 22 interceptions.
•Why he can make the jump: Is only the second three-time consensus first-team All-America in Appalachian State history, joining NFL Pro Bowler Dexter Coakley. Possesses excellent range and ability to adjust to the ball in the air. Picked off five passes and broke up eight as a senior to go with 49 tackles.
•Why he can't: Although skilled at preventing the deep ball, he is limited after that. Must make dramatic improvement to become a stout defender versus the run.
•Projected round: Seventh
•Last player drafted from Appalachian State: QB/WR Armanti Edwards (2010), third round, Carolina Panthers
•Coach's quote: "I think he has a chance to play at that level. He has good speed and good ball skills. A lot of it depends on getting with the right team and getting the right fit scheme-wise." —Scot Sloan, defensive secondary coach, Appalachian State
•Draft expert: "He's not great at playing the run or playing in space and in coverage. He has limitations that may prevent him from ever being a starter in the NFL." —Todd McShay, ESPN
CB Buster Skrine, Tennessee-Chattanooga
•Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 185
•Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
•Key statistic: His 4.22 time in 40-yard dash a school record.
•Why he can make the jump: Skrine (pronounced "screen") can compensate for lack of size with speed and leaping ability (35-inch vertical). Also has surprising strength.
•Why he can't: Lack of height means worrisome mismatches.
•Projected round: Fifth
•Last player drafted from Tennessee-Chattanooga: DT Terdell Sands (2001), seventh round, Kansas City Chiefs.
•Coach's quote: "I think Buster is an excellent prospect. He can run. He's got a great burst. He has a great work ethic. He's just a joy to be around. The only thing with him is his size, but they seem to think they will find a niche for him." —Russ Huesman, head coach, Tennessee-Chattanooga
•Draft expert: "He has great speed, great acceleration, good strength. He's got what you're looking for in a corner. The negative is he's 5-9 1/2, but it's not a major negative because he has a vertical jump of 37 inches." —Former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt, NFL.com
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