Minnesota Vikings 2004 Draft coverage and picks. A round by round list of the teams 2004 draft picks and a profile of each player.
Kenechi Udeze
| Dontarrious
Thomas |
Darrion Scott |
Nat Dorsey |
Mewelde Moore |
Rod Davis |
| Deandre' Eiland
| Jeff Dugan
| Undrafted Rookie
Free Agents |
The Vikings Draft positions for the 2004 draft
Round 1-Pick #19 traded to Miami. Vikes pick at #20. Gain a
4th round pick #119.
Round 2-Pick #50 Vikes trade with New Orleans move up and pick at #48- Lose
5th round pick #151.
Round 3-Pick #82 traded to Baltimore. Vikes pick at #88. Gain a 5th round
pick #155.
Round 4-Pick #115 and #119
Round 5-Pick #155
Round 6-Pick #184
Round 7-Pick #220
Round 1, Pick 20 (from Miami)
Kenechi Udeze, DE USC
Full Name: Kenechi Udeze School: USC
Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 275 40: 4.74 Pos: DE
Bio:
2002: Started all 13 games, finishing with 44 tackles, including 8.5
tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Also totaled one interception and a blocked
field goal. He shared the Pac-10 lead in forced fumbles with 6. All-Pac-10
second team.
2001: Started 10 games and totaled 35 tackles, including 5 for loss
with 4 sacks.
The Good: Explosive young pass rusher that has improved in time yet
still has a great amount of upside potential. Athletic, fast off the edge
and plays with good balance. Moves well laterally, rarely off his feet and
displays a good closing burst of speed. Immediately alters his angle of
attack or slides to the inside, shedding blocks and getting to the play.
The Bad: Not always quick to locate the ball. Lacks bulk, engulfed by
opponents or held up by a single block.
The Skinny: Udeze is a sensational pass rusher and that's a big commodity in
the NFL. Yet at the same time he's rounding out his entire game and should
eventually be an adequate run stopper. Anyway you cut it he will be an early
draft pick in the future.
Career Notes
One of the nation's premier defensive ends, Kenechi guided the Trojans to a
share of the national title in 2003 as the leader of what was regarded to be
the premier defensive line in college football ... A dominating pass rusher
who combines size, speed and strength to defeat double team coverage ...
Three three-year starter (36 of 37 games) recorded 135 tackles (94 solos)
with 28 sacks for minus 185 yards, 51 stops for losses of 245 yards, a
school career-record 14 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, an
interception, five pass deflections and two blocked kicks.
Analysis
Positives: Has a compact, thick frame with good overall muscle tone,
powerful-looking legs and thighs and well-developed arms ... Shows a sudden
burst off the snap and has the strength to sit and anchor at the point of
attack ... Simply defeats the larger blockers when coming off the edge (too
fast to contain in isolated coverage) ... Quick to react and flow to the
ball, staying low in his pads to better utilize his power when plugging the
rush lanes ... Very aggressive with his hands, generally rocking blockers
back with his rip and club moves ... Has above average lateral agility to
pursue the plays coming from the back side ... Keeps his feet and displays
excellent change of direction agility to move through traffic and make plays
laterally ... Stays in control and is difficult to knock down due to his
wide, strong leg base ... Solid tackler who will not hesitate to face up and
wrap tackle, doing an excellent job of bringing his hips to drive through
the ball carrier ... His exceptional closing burst will always find him
around the ball and is evident in the way he constantly forces the
quarterback out of the alignment ... Has a great short area burst, but is
also equally effective accelerating in long pursuit ... Uses his arms
effectively to keep separation and has the body control to plant and
redirect on the move ... Quick to read blocking schemes, using a variety of
moves (rip, swim, club, jerk) with his long arms to combat blocks en route
to the quarterback ... Will usually be in great position to make the plays
... His strong arms and superb leg drive allows him to attack ball carriers
with a vengeance ... Keeps his head on a swivel and is very alert when
penetrating the backfield ... His bull rush is quite effective in attempts
to collapse the pocket ... Despite a high motor, he is well-coached and
knows to stay in control ... Has impeccable character and a strong desire to
improve ... Will make the extra effort in practices, the weight room and
film room to make sure that he succeeds.
Negatives: Not the largest pass rusher you will find, but his frame
does not appear to have the capacity to add additional bulk (needs to
monitor his weight, as added mass negates his sudden burst) ... Athletic
player, but will lean, reach, lunge and dive to make plays late in the game
(stamina issues when tired) ... Seems more comfortable working in the box
and rarely ventures out in long pursuit, despite having the obvious
quickness to excel in that avenue.
Campus Agility Tests
4.77 in the 40-yard dash ... 430-pound bench press ... 33-inch vertical
jump.
High School
Attended Verbum Dei (Los Angeles, Cal.) High ... His 1999 honors included
Super Prep All-American, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-Western, Tom
Lemming All-West, Long Beach Press-Telegram Best in the West honorable
mention, Orange County Register Fab 15 honorable mention, Tacoma News
Tribune Western 100, Las Vegas Sun Super 11 honorable mention, Cal-Hi Sports
All-State Small Schools first team, All-CIF Division XI first team, Los
Angeles Times All-Central City first team and All-Camino Real League
Defensive MVP as a senior two-way lineman ... Recorded 88 tackles, 24
tackles for losses, 13 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 blocked kicks in 1999
... As a 1998 junior, he posted 79 tackles and 14 sacks on defense and did
not allow a sack on offense ... Also was a shot putter on Verbum Dei's track
team, with a best of 56'7".
Personal
Sociology major ... His nickname, "BKU," stands for Big Kenechi Udeze ...
His first name means "God's love will always be with me" in Nigerian ...
Born 3/05/83 ... Resides in Los Angeles, California.
TOP
Round 2, Pick 48 (from New Orleans)
Dontarrious Thomas, LB Auburn
Name: Dontarrious Thomas School Auburn Year 5Sr
Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 241 40: 4.65 Pos:
OLB
Bio: Moved from outside linebacker into the middle as a senior and
totaled 75 tackles with 7 tackles for loss. Junior numbers included 92/11/3.
Awarded All Conference honors his first two seasons in the program, leading
the team in tackles as a sophomore with 122.
Positives: Nice sized athletic linebacker built for the weakside.
Fluid changing direction, displays speed and easily runs with tight ends or
running backs in coverage. Displays outstanding pursuit skills. Slips off
blocks and gets to the action with a burst of closing speed. Quick filling
the gaps in run defense, forceful and wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Struggled at middle linebacker last season. Not
instinctive when the ball's in the air and takes too many false-steps to the
action.
Analysis: Thomas has the athletic skills to be a productive player at
the next level yet needs to polish off his mental skills. Should be starting
in the NFL by his second season in the league.
Career Notes
Hard-hitting tackler who was an all-around defensive threat for the Tigers
throughout his career ... One of the team's best athletes, winning the
Off-Season Conditioning Award as a sophomore and senior ... Recipient of the
Pat Dye Leadership Award as a junior ... Started for three year at
strong-side outside linebacker before shifting to the middle as a senior ...
Finished his career with 350 tackles (165 solos), 6.5 sacks for minus 51
yards, 30 stops for losses of 104 yards, 15 pass deflections, two
interceptions, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and a blocked kick in
48 games ... His 350 tackles rank eighth on the school's career-record list
while his 185 assisted tackles rank fifth ... A three-time SEC Academic
Honor Roll member, he was also the winner of the inaugural Scholar-Athlete
of the Year Award for football in the Southeastern Conference.
Analysis
Positives: Has a tall frame with long arms and legs, good upper body
muscle definition, thick chest and shoulders ... Shows good football
instincts and is very quick to locate and track the ball on running plays
(just adequate in pass coverage) ... Will come downhill and take on blocks
with effective strength, using his hands with force to shed ... Able to gets
off blocks quickly and has outstanding ability to run sideline to sideline
... Covers ground well and is able to run through traffic and avoid low
blocks on the move, giving great effort in pursuit ... Solid tackler who
brings his arms to wrap and secure, showing pop behind his hits ... Has the
sudden burst needed to close off the edge and run down the opponent coming
from the back side ... Self-made type with a good attitude and the ability
to handle hard coaching.
Negatives: Change of direction agility is only adequate, but can
cover ground quickly ... Will struggle to maintain position on the tight
ends working in the short area ... Gets a little too high in his backpedal
and has stiffness in his hips that makes him look a bit awkward turning and
dropping back in the zone ... Does not locate and pick up the receiver well
in zone coverage, seeing the play develop too late (also gets frozen by
misdirection and play action).
Campus Agility Tests
4.57 in the 40-yard dash ... Bench pressed 315 pounds twice ... 325-pound
power clean ... 450-pound squat ... 39-inch vertical jump ... 11'2" broad
jump ... 32 ¼-inch arm length ... 9 ¼-inch hands ... Right-handed ... 20/29
Wonderlic score.
High School
Attended Perry (Ala.) High, playing football for coach George Collins ...
Class 2-A All-State selection ... Played linebacker, defensive back,
receiver and quarterback, recording 78 tackles (50 solos) and intercepted
six passes and returning one for a touchdown as a senior ... Picked up 278
yards on just 14 carries as a senior (19.9 avg) ... Three-sport athlete,
also competing in track and basketball.
Personal
Graduated in May, 2003 in Management Information Systems ... Nicknamed
"Reindeer" because of his running style ... Son of Mary Jo and Charles
Lawson, Sr ... Born Dontarrious Donta Thomas on 9/02/80 ... Resides in
Perry, Alabama.
Round 3, Pick 88 (from Baltimore)
Darrion Scott, DE Ohio State
Name Darrion Scott School Ohio State
Ht: 6-2.5 Wt: 275 40: 4.74 Pos: DE
Bio: Darrion Scott is a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive line. He led the team in sacks in 2002 with 8.5, and he also had 9.5 TFL and 43 tackles. Scott is a versatile lineman who can play either outside or inside; he will likely play a lot on the inside in 2003 since the best combination of lineman includes Simon Fraser at DE. Scott has a tendency to make big plays; he forced three fumbles in 2002 and recovered two. The Charleston, WV product would have been a first-day draft pick in 2003 but elected to return for his senior season. Majoring in History.
Career Notes
Versatile down lineman with experience at both end and tackle ... Three-year
starter who is big, strong and athletic ... He plays low and well against
the run and also has the speed to run down the ball carrier ... Came to Ohio
State as a linebacker, but played defensive tackle as a true freshman before
shifting to end ... Returned to tackle in his final season ... Saw action in
48 games, starting 31 contests as he recorded 136 tackles (78 solos) with
14.5 sacks for minus 86 yards, 25 stops for losses of 102 yards, 17
quarterback pressures, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Analysis
Positives: Well-built with long arms, thick legs and a toned upper
body ... Has good initial quickness coming off the snap, showing the field
vision to quickly locate the ball ... Shows good effort and strong leg drive
working his way through the trash ... Solid wrap-up tackler who plays at a
low pad level and shows good redirection agility ... Has the motor to get
upfield instantly and uses his rip moves to generate an efficient pass rush
... Has the short area foot speed to close and the change-of-direction
ability to string plays wide ... Keeps his legs moving to plug the rush
lanes and looks natural when asked to come off the edge as a pass rusher ...
Competes hard and will always chase the play.
Negatives: Lacks the ideal bulk to be effective at tackle (will have
to shift to end in the pros), as he will generally struggle coming off
blocks and does a poor job of holding ground at the point of attack ... Gets
engulfed by the larger offensive tackles and does not show any consistency
when facing double teams ... Needs to use his hands better to defeat blocks
(gets held too often) ... Has a good upfield motor, but dances around too
much rather than trying to shed ... Needs to use his natural strength better
and may need to be ridden by hard coaching (does not like working in the
weight room) ... Struggles vs. the run (when play is directed right at him),
as he does not maintain his foot balance (keeps leg base a little bit
narrow) and despite his strength, he tries to leverage too much when taking
on combo blocks.
Campus Agility Tests
4.7 in the 40-yard dash ... 410-pound bench press ... 560-pound squat ...
330-pound power clean ... 35-inch vertical jump ... 10'0" broad jump ...
4.09 in the 20-yard shuttle.
High School
Attended Capital (Charleston, W.V.) High ... Two-time All-State senior ...
Saw action as a line- backer and fullback, rushing for 1200 yards in his
final year ... Twice earned USA Today All-American honorable mention.
Personal
History major ... Son of Darrion and Shelia Scott ... Born 10/25/81 ...
Resides in Charleston, West Virginia.
Round 4, Pick 115
Nat Dorsey, OT Georgia Tech
Name: Nat Dorsey School Georgia Tech Year 3Jr
Ht: 6-7 Wt: 322 40: 5.47 Pos: T
Bio: Three year starter at left tackle who was an All Conference
selection his first two years in the program.
Pos: King-sized offensive lineman with a tremendous amount of upside
for the next level. Quick off the snap, moves well and displays adequate
skill on the second level. Can slide laterally, stays with the action and
works to finish blocks. Possesses a thick, powerful build, blocks with a
wide base and stays square. Gets movement from run blocks, easily rides
opponents from their angle of attack or engulfs defenders at the point. Gets
great punch from his arms and works to bend his knees and play with
leverage.
Neg: Overextends, late with his hands and bends at the waist. Does
not block with balance, ducks his head and uses poor angles. Not overly
alert nor does he show great wherewithal during the play. Weight is an issue
and looks poorly conditioned, wearing down late in the game.
Analysis: The athleticism Dorsey possesses combined with his great
natural size has made him a force on the college level three years running.
Now must take his game to the next level and commit to improving the details
of his position as well as staying in shape year round to reach his maximum
playing capability. Good workouts prior to the draft could push him into the
late part of round one.
Career Notes
Three-year starter at the demanding left tackle position who twice was
recognized by the league's coaches for All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors
... Despite playing with shoulder problems in 2002, he allowed only four
quarterback sacks during his career ... His size and strength have been
major factors in the success of the Yellow Jackets' running game the last
three years.
Analysis
Positives: Has a massive frame with thick legs, thighs and calves,
broad shoulders and a wide waist ... Flashed adequate initial quickness off
the snap ... Not explosive in his first move off the line, but does deliver
a strong hand punch to jolt ... Will position and sustain vs. the bull rush,
keeping his feet under him while showing good lateral agility on the move
... Engages with force in run blocking, getting his hands into the
defender's chest quickly to wall off and sustain ... Readily adjusts on the
move, showing the ability to engage and sustain on pulls and traps ... Has
quick redirection agility, doing a nice job of defeating the speed rush and
counters ... Carries a heavy hand to literally knock defenders down and is
able to recover and sustain body control after the initial hit ... Has a
very strong leg base and works well with the guards to clear rush lanes
in-line ... His balance and exceptional lateral agility allows him to get
out front on pulls.
Negatives: Still seems to be favoring a shoulder injury that caused
him problems in 2002 ... Has good foot quickness in the short area, but
labors to accelerate when asked to block in space (will use his long reach
vs. the edge rush, but can be defeated by a smooth swim move) ... Has had
problems controlling his weight in the past (when he plays over 325 pounds,
he has stamina issues late in games) ... Will deliver a heavy hand punch,
but needs to be more consistent with its use (better vs. the pass than using
it on the move) ... Not the most focused player you will find (gets called
for a high amount of false starts).
Campus Agility Tests
5.46 in the 40-yard dash ... Bench presses 225 pounds 26 times ... 4.89
20-yard shuttle ... 8'6" broad jump ... 33 ½-inch arm length ... 10 ½-inch
hands ... 35/47 Wonderlic score.
High School
Attended St. Augustine (New Orleans, La.) High ... Rated the No. 21 prospect
in Louisiana by Super Prep ... First-team All-State by Louisiana Football
Magazine, ranked among the Louisiana Top 30 by the New Orleans Times
Picayune and named to Max Emfinger's Louisiana Elite 85 ... All-District,
All-Orleans Parish, All-Metro and All-Catholic Elite League selection ...
Recorded 71 pancake blocks as a senior and 57 as a junior ... Only allowed
two sacks over two seasons.
Personal
Management major ... Son of Arjell and Nathaniel Dorsey, Jr ... Born
Nathaniel Willie Dorsey, III on 9/09/83 ... Resides in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
Round 4, Pick 119 (from Miami)
Mewelde Moore, RB Tulane
Name: Mewelde Moore School: Tulane Year: 4Sr
Ht: 5-10.5 Wt: 209 40: 4.68 Pos: RB
Bio: Leaves Tulane with setting 24 school records and seven league
records. Posted 185/915/5 carrying the ball, also catching 39/408/4. Started
the first nine games of the 2003 season before being shelved with a broken
bone in his left hand. Junior totals were 288/1,138/6 on the ground with
52/545/3 as a receiver. Had career numbers as a sophomore totaling
262/1,421/8 as a ball carrier and 65/756/7 as a pass catcher when he gained
All American acknowledgement. Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2000
when he started seven games and posted 174/890/2 on the ground and caught
33/350/1.
Pos: Quick, versatile ball handler perfectly suited for a West Coast
offense. Instinctive carrying the ball, immediately finds the running lanes
and quickly gets through the open spots on the field. Also patient, waits
for blocks to develop and works his runs. Elusive and slides off defenders
displaying the abilities to create yardage if nothing is available. Tough on
the inside, drives up the field and works to finish runs. Natural pass
catcher possessing soft hands with the ability to turn the short screen pass
into a long gainer. Viable receiving threat down the field. Quick footed in
all aspects of his game.
Neg: Cannot take a consistent pounding on the inside and rarely picks
up yardage off initial contact. More quick than fast and cannot run to
daylight or turn the corner with regularity.
Analysis: The "go-to guy" for the Tulane offense since his freshman
year, Moore is a competitive prospect that can fill a variety of roles at
the next level. Pass-catching skills are such that he could effectively be
lined up in the slot as a third receiver. The type of skill player that can
have specific plays drawn up for his abilities at the next level.
Career Notes
Outstanding running back and receiver who completed his career as the Tulane
and Conference USA all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards, and set
24 school and seven league records before his career ended … Ranks 11th on
the NCAA Division I-A career-record all-purpose yardage list with 6,505
yards and became only the second player in NCAA Division I-A history to
record 4,000 rushing and 2,000 receiving yards in his career, joining
Stanford's Darrin Nelson … Set school and conference all-time records with
22 games rushing for 100 yards … Ranks third in school annals and seventh on
the conference all-time record list with 189 catches, good for 2,059 yards
(10.9 avg) and 15 touchdowns … Caught at least one pass in 42 of 44 games he
played in … The four-time All-Louisiana selection carried 909 times for
4,364 yards (4.8 avg) and 21 touchdowns … He is the only player in NCAA
Division I-A annals to rush for over 1,250 yards and catch over 60 passes in
the same season (2001) … His 36 total touchdowns rank second on the school
and conference career-record charts … Also an superb baseball player who was
drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft,
receiving an $850,000 signing bonus … Played three seasons in the Padres'
minor-league system.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a stout frame with high, thick calves, thick ankles,
wide shoulders with good muscle definition and well-developed lower body
frame … Could add at least another 10 pounds with no loss in quickness … Has
quick feet, above-average balance and superb change-of-direction agility …
Has great field vision and natural run instincts … Shows strength running
inside, using his lower-leg drive to break arm tackles … Has adequate speed
to get to the corner … Shows an effective burst to get past the second level
… Is very quick to change direction, showing a sudden burst out of his plant
… Quick route runner with natural hands and a good feel for the short-area
passing game … Will reach and extend for the ball with ease … Runs through
blocks with tremendous balance and shows good ball security attacking the
holes … Has good spin moves to squeeze through tight rush lanes … Does a
very good job of finding the soft spot in zone coverage.
Negatives: Strong inside runner, but needs to run at a lower pad
level (when he attacks the holes high, he can be pushed back in the lanes) …
Can get to the perimeter and has the acceleration to find the second level,
but is more quick than fast … Despite his good strength, does not like to
block, showing inconsistencies while lacking assertiveness when asked to
face up and cut … Responsible player, but tends to be a bit demanding and
moody … Time playing baseball the past three seasons prevented him from
participating in offseason football conditioning programs.
AGILITY TESTS
4.63 in the 40-yard dash … 335-pound bench press … 405-pound squat …
305-pound power clean … 30½-inch arm length … 9½-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Belaire (Baton Rouge, La.) High, playing football for coach Barry
Amadee … All-Metro offensive MVP and a two-time all-district selection …
Named to the Louisiana Sportswriters' all-state team and the Louisiana High
School coaches second team … Holds the school records for career rushing
yards and single-season touchdowns (24) … Amassed 1,638 yards rushing and
279 yards receiving as a senior … Also a star baseball player, he was picked
for the Louisiana Coaches all-state team as well as being honored as a
first-team all-district and an all-region selection … Owns the school record
for stolen bases … Member of the National Honor Society and a Mathematics
Merit Award Winner.
PERSONAL
Finance/Accounting major … Presented with the Community Service Award for
Business Ethics at the Tulane Council of Entrepreneurs and Business School
Council Awards Gala in the spring of 2003 … Son of Jerry and Sandra Moore …
Born Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore on July 24, 1982, in Hammond, La. … Resides
in Baton Rouge, La.
Round 5, Pick 155 (from Baltimore)
Rod Davis, LB Southern Mississippi
Name: Rod Davis School Southern Mississippi
Year 5Sr
Ht: 6-2 Wt: 239 40: 4.75 Pos: ILB
Bio: Four-year starter who led the defense with 164/20/4 as a senior
and again as a junior posting 168/23.5/10.5. Sophomore totals were 100/10/3.
Pos: Explosive run defending linebacker best up the field. Seeks out
the ball carrier, takes good angles to the play and snuffs out the run.
Displays solid first step quickness, and flies around the ball. Moves well
in the box and always looking to get involved in the action.
Neg: Lacks lateral speed, body control and better going forwards than
in reverse. Takes a lot of extra-steps, quick coming up the field and gets
caught out of position. Lacks range and has minimal skills in pass defense.
Analysis: While one cannot discount the production of Davis in
college, he is a limited area player only effective as a two down defenders.
He does offer a lot of intensity and should be good on special teams.
Career Notes
A vocal leader who is considered to be the "heart and soul" of one of the
nation's premier defenses, the three-year starter and two-time defensive
captain has been a model of consistency for the Golden Eagles … Boasts a
string of 23 games with at least 10 tackles during his 35-game career …
Recorded 362 tackles (246 solos) with 14½ sacks for minus 102 yards and 40½
stops for losses of 177 yards during his career, adding 14 deflected passes,
two forced fumbles and six interceptions for 82 yards in returns … His eight
fumble recoveries are topped only by Melvin Ratcliff (10, 1992-95) on the
school's career list.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Broad-shouldered athlete with thick calves and good
overall muscle definition … Shows aggression as a wrap-up tackler, quickly
locating the ball while using his hands effectively to shed working through
the inside trash … Shows fluid moves working in space and has a sudden burst
when playing off the edge … Face-up tackler with the lateral agility to
pursue and string plays wide, displaying a sharp burst stringing plays down
the line … Has the short area speed to contain tight ends and backs on
crossing and fade patterns … Displays good closing speed, as he can drop
quickly into the zone or step up to engage the bigger blockers … Very
effective utilizing his swim moves and displays proper hand usage needed to
avoid blocks at his feet.
Negatives: Needs to show better knee bend when trying to contain the
inside run … Has the ability to locate the ball, but will sometimes take bad
angles vs. the inside run … Needs to develop more lower body power to
prevent blockers from riding him away from the play, but compensates with
consistent stun-and-jolt hand usage … Adequate in his pass drops, needing to
develop better hip swerve … While quick, he needs to improve on his foot
speed.
AGILITY TESTS
4.85 (rubber track) and 4.92 (grass field) in the 40-yard dash … 37-inch
vertical jump … 345-pound bench press … 600-pound squat … 31¾-inch arm
length … 10-inch hands … Right-handed.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Gulfport (Miss.) High, playing for coach Ronnie Cuevas … Lettered
three times as a defensive back before moving to linebacker in his senior
year … Recorded 128 tackles with four interceptions, eight sacks and three
fumble recoveries in his final seasons … The Clarion-Ledger second-team
all-state selection, he was listed among the top 40 recruits in Mississippi
by The Clarion-Ledger … Played in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
PERSONAL
Management major … Son of Linda Johnson … Heavily involved in community
volunteer work, participating in Real Winners Read (helps gather and deliver
books to libraries around the area to help build the book volume in
libraries for children in the area), Humane Society Food Drive (helps gather
food and money to buy food and supplies for the Hattiesburg area Humane
Society), Dubard School For Disabilities (serves as a mentor to children who
have disabilities and also reads to the children at the school), Habitat for
Humanity (helped athletic department build a house to give to a needy family
as part of the program) and Mentor for Area Schools (reads to children in
local schools and gives speeches encouraging the kids about not using drugs
and the importance of a quality education) programs … Born April 2, 1981 …
Resides in Gulfport, Miss.
Round 6, Pick 184
Deandre' Eiland, S South Carolina
Name: Deandre' Eiland School South Carolina
Year 4Sr
Ht: 5-11.5 Wt: 202 40: 4.54 Pos: S
Bio: Saw action at both safety and corner the past two season and
posted 43/2/5 as a senior after 70/1/2 the prior year.
Pos: Athletic defensive back with outstanding size/speed numbers for
the next level. Technically sound, fluid moving about the field and quick
arriving on the scene. Tough supporting the run and squares into tackles.
Strong at the point and defeats blocks on his way to the action. Fast enough
to recover from mistakes.
Neg: Not instinctive, lacks a feel for coverage and hands for the
pick. Does not give you the idea he plays heads up football.
Analysis: A durable defensive back that combines toughness and
tenacity in run support, Eiland is best facing the quarterback. Would be
effective at both safety spots in an interchangeable zone system.
Career Notes
Versatile defender with experience at every secondary position … The
Mississippi state 110-meter hurdles champion and national record holder in
the 55-meter dash (7.70) during his prep days, he came to the Gamecocks as a
cornerback and receiver, but quickly made a name for himself as a free
safety, earning Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team honors … He also
continued doing "double duty" while starring on the Gamecocks' track team …
He shifted to cornerback late in his junior year then saw action as a free
safety, nickelback and cornerback in his final season … Started 28 of 45
games, recording 211 tackles (147 solos) with three stops behind the line of
scrimmage, three quarterback pressures, three fumble recoveries for 47 yards
in returns, a forced fumble, nine interceptions for 131 yards in returns,
including a touchdown and 19 pass break-ups.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has adequate muscle definition with good lower-body
thickness in his thighs, quads and bubble … Shows enough foot speed and
strength to jam and control receivers, using his quickness to ride the
routes … Fluid in his backpedal, showing balance and explosive
plant-and-drive agility while coming out of his breaks … Has the burst and
acceleration to close on the ball in the open field … Can make plays on the
ball in the air once he locates it … Shows no hesitation to come up and
support the run, working through blocks and accelerating to the ball …
Strikes and sheds blocks with good quickness … Has the long speed to cover
the field from the right end position on the punt return unit and his
special-teams play could allow him to contribute immediately at the next
level … Hard worker in the weight room with good practice habits … Tough
competitor on the field who gives solid effort throughout his play.
Negatives: Frame needs further muscle development, but has little
room for further growth … Late to recognize the play develop and fails to
locate the ball consistently … Is fluid in his movements, but gets too high
in his backpedal stance … Will leave his feet to make the tackle, but is
more of a grab-and-drag down type than one who would stalk, wrap and secure
… Made the calls on defense, but has only marginal read-and-react skills …
Is better suited for safety, as he is more comfortable making plays on the
ball than handling man-coverage responsibilities.
AGILITY TESTS
Timed at 4.49 in the 40-yard dash, 2.61 in the 20-yard dash and 1.55 in the
10-yard dash … 4.28 20-yard shuttle … Bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times …
34-inch vertical jump … 31-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands … Right-handed.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Tupelo (Miss.) High, playing football for coach Johnny Hill …
Played cornerback and wide receiver … Had 55 tackles and five interceptions
as a senior … National high school record holder in the 55-yard dash with a
time of 7.70 … State champion in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 13.48.
PERSONAL
Retailing major … Born June 4, 1982 … Resides in Tupelo, Miss.
Round 7, Pick 220
Jeff Dugan, TE Maryland
Name: Jeff Dugan School Maryland Year 5Sr
Ht: 6-4.5 Wt: 263 40: 4.98 Pos: TE
Bio: One of the most consistent tight ends in the ACC since 2000.
Second team All Conference selection as a senior with receiving numbers of
14/175/0 after 9/91/1 the prior season. Set career highs of 25/319/1 during
his freshman campaign.
Pos: Reliable prospect with a complete game. Fluid releasing into
pass routes, adjusts to the errant throw and makes the tough catch in
traffic. Displays both focus and concentration, on the same page as his
quarterback and a solid receiver. Bends his knees as a blocker, displays
vision and strong at the point of attack. Patient, seals blocks or destroys
linebackers on the second level. Fundamentally sound in all aspects.
Neg: Overall game lacks explosion and speed. Not involved in the
passing game nor does he stand out in any single aspect.
Analysis: Though not the flashiest, Dugan quietly gets the job done
as both a pass catcher and blocker. A solid middle round prospect that could
flourish as a team's number one tight end in certain systems.
Career Notes
Regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends in college football, Dugan
was a major reason for the success of the Terps' running attack in recent
years, relishing his role clearing the way for the ground game … Moved into
the starting lineup as a freshman, answering the opening gun in 46 of 49
contests … Finished his career with 55 receptions for 649 yards (11.8 avg)
and three touchdowns … Registered 311 key blocks/knockdowns, including 37
touchdown-resulting blocks, adding four tackles and a fumble recovery.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Big, physical blocker with a thick, defined chest, long
arms and strong legs … Shows top effort in his play, getting off the snap
quickly to gain position on the defender … Has good short-area acceleration
and shows strength to power through the jam to easily get into his routes …
Will not hesitate while competing for the pass in traffic and times his
leaps well to get to the ball at its highest point … Plants and gets upfield
to make the underneath passes, settling in nicely to make the catch …
Physical blocker who shows tenacity and strength upon contact to control,
sustain and finish … Takes proper blocking angles to neutralize the
linebackers in the second level … Quick to reach his block point and stays
under control by adjusting and mirroring the defender's stunts and moves …
Displays good tempo and effort throughout his performance and takes well to
hard coaching.
Negatives: Needs to refine his route running speed, as he tends to
gather before cutting … More quick than fast, lacking the burst needed out
of his cuts to separate (compensates with his good leg drive to gain yardage
after the catch) … Little stiff in his hips (shows when trying to make
twisting moves to adjust to the ball in flight, but will time his leaps to
get to the ball at the high point) … Does not have the second gear needed to
stretch the field, but uses his power to break arm tackles … Must widen his
leg base when moving upfield to prevent from falling off after the initial
hit … Does not always compete from snap to whistle (makes a big play and
then takes several off).
AGILITY TESTS
Timed at 4.81 in the 40-yard dash … 350-pound bench press … 540-pound squat.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, Pa.) High, where he was rated the top
tight-end prospect in the state, according to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming
(Prep Football Report,) … Caught 20 passes in 1998 for 225 yards and four
touchdowns as a senior, adding 11 catches for 210 yards as a junior … Also
played defensive end where he had 57 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles
and a pair of fumble recoveries as a senior … Collected 98 tackles with
seven stops behind the line of scrimmage and three sacks as a junior …
First-team all-league defensive end and a second-team all-league tight end
as a junior and senior … Two-year starter and the team captain as a senior …
Also participated in track as an outstanding shot putter.
PERSONAL
Business and Finance major … Son of Kathy and Pat Dugan … Born Jeffrey
Steven Dugan on April 8, 1981 … Resides in Allison Park, Pa.
The Vikings signed 13 free agents following the draft -- WR Luke Danielson of Iowa State, WR Blake Elliott of St. John's (Minn.), guard Anthony Herrera of Tennessee, under tackle Spencer Johnson of Auburn, QB Matt Kegel of Washington State, long snapper Cullen Loeffler of Texas, LB Jeff Mack of Wisconsin, safety Ben Nauman of Augustana, kicker Dan Orner of North Carolina, TE Richard Owens of Louisville, OT Alan Reuber of Texas A&M, running back Butchie Wallace of Marshall, LB Grant Wiley of West Virginia, NT Jeff Womble of Florida State,WR Omar Jenkins of Notre Dame, and LB Gino Capone of Penn State .