Small College Draft Preview (Revised)

This powerful 6-5, 325-pound offensive lineman with good feet and plenty of potential had made his mark at Newberry after transferring from Tennessee, and was expecting to go as early as the third round of the NFL draft.

While Benedict's draft dreams will go unfulfilled, a number of other Division II, Division III and NAIA players hope to hear their names called on the weekend of April 26-27.

There was a day when small schools players could slip under the radar of NFL teams. But now, even Division II and III players are sometimes invited to the draft combine.

If you are talented enough for the NFL, no matter where you play, the league will find you.

Among the lower division players, expect Curtis Johnson of Clark-Atlanta to make the biggest impact, along with Mount Union receiver Pierre Garcon and Northwest Missouri State running back Xavier Omon.

Johnson missed drills at the combine due to a hamstring injury, but showed off his speed at the East-West Shrine all-star game. He is the brother of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker J.R. Johnson.

Johnson ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at his pro day and could go as early as the fifth round. Garcon and Omon are potential sixth-round picks.

Others who might be drafted include lineman Mackenzy Bernadeau of Bentley, linebacker Shane Simmons of Western Washington, quarterback Brad Roach of Catawba and cornerbacks Brandon Carr of Grand Valley State and Cary Williams of Washburn. A long shot at being chosen in the draft is Shane Longest, a kicker from St. Xavier.

The top 25 small schools players are listed below:

1. Curtis Johnson, Clark-Atlanta, 6-3, 237, Defensive End-Outside Linebacker

The NFL likes Johnson's speed and playmaking ability. He excelled at basketball and track as a prep athlete, and has pro bloodlines as the brother of former Baltimore Ravens linebacker J.R. Johnson. Had 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks last year as a defensive end. He is still growing into his frame and could add plenty of weight and strength without losing his speed. Is short for a defensive end, so will likely move to linebacker in the NFL. Always shows plenty of effort. If he can improve his knowledge of the game and his reaction to plays, he could have a good career in the league.

2. Pierre Garcon, Mount Union, 6-0, 207, Wide Receiver

Thanks in part to the pedigree of the great Mount Union Division III program, Garcon as invited to the NFL combine and also competed in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game. He grabbed 202 passes for 3,363 yards and 47 touchdowns during his three seasons at Mount Union after transferring from Norwich. Has a competitive fire and good toughness and is not afraid to go over the middle to make catches. Garcon is still learning how to run routes and lacks quickness for an NFL receiver, but could develop into a contributor with the right team.

3. Xavier Omon, Northwest Missouri State, 5-11, 230, Running Back

Omon, another Texas vs. the Nation all-star, was the centerpiece of Northwest Missouri's run to the Division II title game and became the first D-II player to rush for 1,500 yards in four straight seasons. He piled up 7,073 yards and 92 touchdowns during his collegiate career, including 2,337 yards and 37 TDs as a senior. Omon does enough things well, including catching the ball and blocking, to allow him to make a roster and contribute. But scouts wish he had better balance and quickness. He is projected as a sixth or seventh-round pick.

4. Shane Simmons, Western Washington, 6-1, 236, Outside Linebacker

Simmons spent his freshman year at Idaho before transferring to Western Washington following the murder of his best friend and teammate, Eric McMillan. Immediately posted big numbers at the Division II level, with five sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a sophomore. Had 125 tackles as a senior. Has great football instincts and special teams ability to overcome his lack of size. Simmons has been rising as a prospect in the past few months and could be a solid pickup in the sixth or seventh round.

5. Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley, 6-4, 306, Guard

Bernadeau was an excellent high school athlete, lettering in basketball and track as well as football. Began his college career as a tackle before moving to guard for his final two years. Was a two-time captain for Bentley. Has an NFL frame, but needs to work on his strength. Noted for his pulling ability. With his tools, Bernadeau would be a good seventh-round selection for a team wanting to add line depth and looking to develop for the future.

6. Brad Roach, Catawba, 6-6, 248, Quarterback

Roach is a Division II version of Joe Flacco. He has the size that NFL teams like and a strong arm, but will need some time to develop. He did participate against the competition of one of the most evenly matched D-II leagues, the South Atlantic Conference. Set school records with 3,322 yards and 32 TDs, as well as breaking marks for completions and passing efficiency. The Indians went 11-2, losing to eventual D-II national champion Valdosta State in the second round. Is likely to be picked up in the seventh round.

7. Brandon Carr, Grand Valley State, 6-1, 207, Cornerback

Coming out of one of the perennial D-II powers, Carr has been in a solid program. Has excellent cover skills and good athleticism to make up for playing against small-school competition. Could develop into a good NFL player as a seventh-round draft choice. Despite playing at corner, was fourth on the team with 71 tackles as a junior. Had five interceptions and 14 pass breakups last season. Was part of back-to-back national championship teams in 2005-06. For much of the offseason was considered as the best non-FBS cornerback prospect other than sure-fired first-rounder Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

8. Cary Williams, Washburn, 6-1, 187, Cornerback

Williams brings a good combination of size and 4.43 speed to the table, and that could be enough to make him a late-round draft choice. He turned in an outstanding performance at the Kansas pro day to jump up in many teams' opinions. Has strong ball skills and athleticism, which helped him pick off 11 passes in his final two years of college. Also returned kickoffs, averaging 28.6 yards and saw action as a wide receiver.

9. Ben Hochstein, Nebraska-Omaha, 6-3, 289, Tackle-Guard

Hochstein was a two-time Little All-America, whose stock is on the rise after running a recent 5.18 40-yard dash. Is versatile enough to player guard or tackle and has the frame to put on more weight. Served as one of his team's captains. Is the cousin of former New England Patriot Russ Hochstein. Was particularly noted for his run blocking at UNO. Was an extremely consistent performer in college. Needs to work on his technique, but should thrive with NFL coaching and could be a seventh-round selection.

10. Andy Studebaker, Wheaton, 6-3, 251,Outside Linebacker

The athletic Studebaker was a basketball and track star as a prep in addition to his football skills. Missed all but five games as a college senior with a season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament on his right foot, but has recovered. Smart and hard-working in the weight room, Studebaker has a frame that can be developed. If he is healthy, Studebaker could be a late-round steal for some team.

11. Alex Hall, St, Augustine, 6-1, 238, Defensive End

Hall's stock has been rising and he could sneak into the final round of the draft. A top-notch athlete, Hall is working to put on the weight he will need at the NFL level. Became the school's leader in sacks as a junior and emerged as a potential pro player with 13.5 sacks that year, including 4.5 in one game. Has run a 4.65 40. Has been compared to North Carolina Central product and 2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft choice Greg Peterson in terms of style and ability.

12. Shane Longest, St. Xavier, 5-10, 177, Kicker

Longest is small, but has a big leg that has impressed scouts. Has 50-plus- yard range in games and has hit 70-yard field goals in practice. Showed remarkable consistency his final three years. Was 27-of-37 on field goals and 47-of-48 on PATs with a long of 55 yards as a senior. Averaged 43.2 yards per punt, with 13 kicks downed inside the 20. Had 20 touchbacks on kickoffs. NFL scouts view Longest more for his versatility than his great skill at any one thing, and that could get this NAIA player drafted in the seventh round.

13. Michael Eubanks, Delta State, 5-11, 193, Strong Safety/Outside Linebacker

Eubanks was the defensive MVP of the Valero Cactus Bowl, an all-star game for Division II players, with six tackles, a forced fumble and an interception he returned for a touchdown. Has good speed (4.53) and athleticism. Was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award that goes to D-II's top player. Set an all- time D-II record with 39 career sacks for 239 yards of losses. Added 70.5 tackles for loss, third-best all-time in D-II. Helped Delta State to the NCAA quarterfinals.

14. Kolomana Kapanui, West Texas A&M, 6-3, 271, Tight End

Kapanui originally played at USC before transferring following the 2005 season. Is very raw as a player and has been plagued by injuries in college, but has the athleticism to turn some heads, if he is allowed the time to develop. Could be an excellent edition to someone's practice squad this fall.

15. Steve Allen, West Texas A&M, 6-0, 236, Inside Linebacker

Allen first earned attention at a quality junior college program, Fresno City College, and was one of a talented group of players at West Texas A&M. Has impressive size and athleticism and could be a big-time sleeper as a free agent. Ran in the 4.6 range as a junior, and one concern could that he has slipped to 4.7 as a senior. But his productivity could overcome that.

16. Mark Nicolet, Hillsdale, 6-1, 217, Quarterback

Nicolet was the offensive MVP at the Division II all-star game, throwing three TD passes and putting up 144 total yards. Set numerous passing records at Hillsdale and was viewed as an exceptional leader and an unselfish player. Was nominated for both the Harlon Hill Award and was a semi-finalist for the Draddy Award, which goes to the top student-athlete in college football. Has a good combination of skills as a passer and a runner.

17. Danny Woodhead, Chadron State, 5-7, 197, Running Back

Woodhead first came to attention when he led Chadron State to an upset of Montana State in 2006, one week after Montana State had beaten Colorado. Woodhead is the two-time Harlon Hill Award winner as the D-II player of the year. He rushed for an NCAA-record 7,441 yards and has shown fine ability as a receiver. Woodhead has run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, but his size and durability make him a question mark for the NFL.

18. Jamar Brittingham, Bloomsburg, 6-0, 210, Running Back

Brittingham has a good combination of skills to make him someone worthy of a free agent look. He has size and power and also has excellent hands. Is noted for his work ethic, his leadership abilities and for his football instincts, but Brittingham has been slowed by injuries during his college career.

19. Mike Peterson, Northwest Missouri State, 6-2, 251, Fullback/Tight End

Peterson is a workout machine whose lack of size should be offset by his strength. Has run in the 4.5 range and is the type of athlete who should get a long NFL look. His ability to block and catch the ball will make him attractive as either a fullback, H-back or tight end.

20. Daniel Polk, Midwestern State, 6-1, 203, Quarterback/Wide Receiver

Polk was the only college quarterback in any division to rush for more than 1,000 yards and pass for better than 2,000 last year. The career leading rusher and total offense leader at his school, Polk will probably be moved to wide receiver as a pro, because of his size. But his speed makes him a good gamble as a free agent choice.

21. Kurt Hout, Ferris State, 6-1, 285, Defensive Tackle

Hout originally started his college career at Northern Colorado before transferring to Ferris State before the 2006 season. He showed flashes of brilliance at the FCS level and continued his strong play in D-II. Has a good combination of size and athletic ability and should be able to carry more weight as a pro. Hout is a very aggressive player who likes the physical aspects of the game. His quickness led teams to consistently double-team him in college.

22. Edward Williams, Lane College, 6-4, 206, Wide Receiver

Williams brings NFL size to the table and has just enough speed (4.5 range) to be a real sleeper at the next level. He is disciplined, physical and has turned heads with his precise route-running ability. Williams isn't afraid to catch passes over the middle, but needs to develop more consistency.

23. Jermaine Moye, California-Pennsylvania, 6-2, 210, Wide Receiver/Free Safety

A transfer from West Virginia, Moye is a hitter with good speed, who has excelled as one of the best safeties in D-II. He also has shown ability as a return man. His running ability led coaches to move him to wide receiver for his senior year. Also has played baseball in college as pitcher.

24. Christian Serena, Western New Mexico State, 6-0, 235, Outside Linebacker/Long Snapper

Serena is one of those players that catches people's eyes on tape and in person because of his ability to go all over the field to make tackles. He was very productive at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to Western New Mexico. Has 4.6 speed to make up for his lack of size. His ability as a solid special teams player may help him make an NFL roster.

25. Brian Witherspoon, Stillman, 5-10, 175, Cornerback

Witherspoon is an extremely unpolished performer and is still working on a lot of fundamentals, but he has the raw athletic ability that will earn him a free agent shot. Has run a 4.29 40 according to some sources, and was the SIAC 100- and 200-meter champion. He also finished fourth in the NCAA D-II outdoor track and field championships.