Unknown Prospects For The 2009 NFL Draft

Image: Ramses Barden

Every year a player is drafted without the media hype and the accolades announcing his coming hall of fame career. Yet this player or players have seasons that surprise the experts and even the teams that draft them. Below I've listed some of the top small school prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft in a look ahead to what is to come.

WR Ramses Barden, 6' 6" 228 lbs. Cal Poly 4.63:
He is 6'6" 228 lbs and bound to garner much attention at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2009. He had a couple of 200-yard games in 2007 and over the course of last season averaged 26 yards per catch. He is tough and strong and can break a ton of tackles. He has good hands and the size to excel in the red zone. His 4.63 40 time leaves something to be desired, but his big frame will be a good target at the next level. Right now, he's being projected as a 5th round pick. If he can improve his forty time into the 4.55 range he may move up into the third round possibly next year.

RB Herb Donaldson, 5' 11" 220 lbs. Western Illinois 4.53:
He has a good blend of size and speed and the vision to make the cut and attack the holes as they open. He piled up 1,491 yards last year. Many believe he could be a quality number two back for almost anyone who drafts him, maybe even a good starter.

TE Darius Hill, 6' 5" 235 lbs. Ball State 4.64:
He set a school record for a tight end with ten touchdown catches in 2006. Word has it he may move from TE to WR this year. It is possible this may hurt his draft stock somewhat but with good hands and speed. He has run in the 4.64 40 yard dash range. He should be taken in the middle rounds a potential TE prospect or WR project if he can get his 40 time down into the 4.55 range.

DE/OLB Brandon Swain, 6' 4" 255 lbs. West Texas A&M 4.69:
He is one of the most athletic defensive ends coming into the 2009 NFL Draft. He had 14 sacks and five forced fumbles last year. He is a quarterbacks nightmare. He has good speed off the edge and a desire to get in the backfield and make plays. His 40 yard dash time of 4.69 is quite impressive for a lineman. He should be a steal in the middle rounds.

CB Darren Banks, 5' 11" 185 lbs. West Liberty 4.43:
A former Marshal player before he transferred in 2004. He has good speed and the hands for the interception. He has all the tools to be a good playmaking corner in the league. He led his conference with ten interceptions last year.

QB Armanti Edwards 6'0" 180 Appalachian State 4.44:
He is an incredible athlete for a quarterback running a sub 4.5 40 yard dash. He is a excellent leader with a fairly strong arm and all the intangibles you could ask for. He doesn't always make the best decisions but he is coachable with a lot of upside. He nearly set his conferences rushing record with 1,588 yards last year. He completed 65% of his passes displaying excellent accuracy throwing on the run. Unfortunately at only six feet tall and 180 pounds he may be better off moving to wide receiver in the NFL. He will be a junior in 2009, so he may declare early, if not he will be one of the best late round QB options in the 2010 draft. If he declares in 09 he could go as early as the middle rounds, as next years draft class is considered to be one of the weaker ones at quarterback. He might start in this league at quarterback or be a good slot receiver somewhere, that much I am sure of.