SMU GUYS TO THE NFL? Who's up?

[mrydel]

Beach will likely play guard in the NFL, at least according to the scouting reports I have seen

Has too be. Too short for a tackle. He should be ok inside.

[PerunaPunch]

Defense:
- Crawford will get a serious look as a late draft pick because McCann and Sterling have shown we can put good players out there.

- Thompson is going to a lot of looks, but his game-in game-out inconsistancies will make his slip to the third day of the draft. Unless his shoulder fully heals before the combine, then he has a shot at day 2. His size is what people drool over.

- I don't think Banjo makes it, not fast enough.

- Keep your eye in Frazier. Size is tough to look past and he might be better in a 4-3 DE than a 3-4 DE.

Offense:
- Beasley will get a lot of looks on draft day as a Wes Welker. If he doesn't get drafted, he is going to be picked up as a FA and play in the NFL for a while, I think, barring injury.
- DJ, if he comes out, has great hands. Suspect speed, but quick enough to get open. Good possession slot guy in the pros, and has a shot as a late round pick.
- OL - all of them will get looked at. A Turner, for example, is a good run blocker and gets exposed in our offense, would be better in a pro offense. The guy who makes it though is Josh L. He will be a second day pick and have a long career. Best offensive lineman I have ever seen watching SMU football. Granted, that is only since the death penalty, but still, he is a pro for a long time.

On D

Thompson has been on several team's watch lists for at least 3 years now (I remember when some scouts saw Thompson and Margus 3 years ago and went gaga). To add to what Jason said, they were drooling then, I can only think that with a couple of All-CUSA accolades to his credit, that they're still drooling.

I've heard a lot of coaches talking about Marquis as well. They guy looks like Superman and has good size and speed. Playing inside last year, Marquis took one for the team. I also think he'll be better in a 4-3 scheme. Someone will pick him up as a late rounder or free agent. He will stick too.

I think someone ought to give Banjo a look. He'd be a solid backup now and a fabulous special teams guy. Banjo is one of the best people I've ever met. If there was a spot for him, you'd be a fool not to have a kid of his character on your roster.

Right now, I don't think Crawford is physical enough for the NFL. So it'll be a matter of a club having a place where he can continue to develop. Sterling was on the bubble, and (disregarding Sterling's bum knee) Crawford isn't now where Sterling was last year talent and development-wise.

Margus is just now coming into his own. The Compass Bowl was like his coming out party. He needs a year as a starter under his belt. If he plays next year like he did in the Compass Bowl, his stock will soar. Margus needs to be a Mustang next year.

Gotta leave for work now before I can get to the offense, but I should point out that DJ told PonyFans.com that he was definitely going to be back next year.

[mrydel]

I just do not see Frazier's knees allowing him to go any farther.

[ojaipony]

Drafted ...

Thompson
Beachum (late)

Either on an NFL roster or practice squad next year ...

Thompson
Beachum
Beas (in the right system/coaching staff he could really shine)
1 other OL but not sure who
Frazier

[jtoutloud]

Heard it said that scouts are looking at Thompson to play TE in the league.

[jtstang]

Banjo won't make the NFL, but the more important question is who will wear the #23 jersey next year? I could see D. Johnson put it on for one season.

[ojaipony]

Banjo won't make the NFL, but the more important question is who will wear the #23 jersey next year? I could see D. Johnson put it on for one season.

Great question. Jared Williams? (I know he likes #22 though).

[mrydel]

Zach.

[squire]

Banjo won't make the NFL, but the more important question is who will wear the #23 jersey next year? I could see D. Johnson put it on for one season.

I was wondering the same thing.
I'd second DJ for #23.
By the way, some positions just seem wrong for the #23 such as O line, D line. What if someone emerges from those position groups? Just sayin.

[ClickClack]

An O lineman can not wear 23.

I think D lineman with low numbers is great, love Thompson and Frazier's 8 and 9.

Mrydel-doesn't 23 have to be worn by an African American?

[mrydel]

I thought it was based on character not color.

[jtstang]

Mrydel is right, Line would also be a good choice. Don't know what to tell you about the OL dilemma, but rules are rules.

As I understand the honor, it's based on character, having the will to overcome adversity and all that stuff.

[mrydel]

I think Babjo has represented the honor very well but I would rather it now go to a senior who has proven his character during his tenure. Plus, it would draw attention to the honor annually. I kind of feel like it has been lost in the shuffle during the last 3 years with little or no public recognition. It should be an honor for which the kids could strive. As far as OL or other positions the number may not fit, perhaps a helmet sticker 23 for that person should they be most deserving.

[SMUer]

I don't think position numbers are a rule in the NCAA...just a NCAA "recommendation", unlike the pros. Can anyone confirm? I was looking it up during one of the bowl games and found that explanation.

[SMUer]

Section 4, Article 1:

It is strongly recommended that offensive players be numbered
according to the following diagram that shows one of many offensive
formations (Rule 1-4-2-b):
80-99 End
70-79 Tackle
60-69 Guard
50-59 Snapper
01-49 Quarter/Full/Halfbacks

http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/rules/fielddiagrams/football.pdf

If it is only "strongly recommended" I think we should give it to a LB or a FB if they deserve it...who cares!?! Say "it's a new and important tradition at SMU" and leave it at that. Might get us some extra talk-time because it would be so unusual.