College Stars Declare

OT ANDRE SMITH, ALABAMA
Alabama LT Andre Smith will forgo his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

Ross Mandel's Take: No surprise here. When you're projected as a top-3 pick, you almost have to come out. Is he too slow to deal with the quicker edge rushers in the NFL? Some people think so. I'm not one of them. This guy is a manster (all respect to Dan Hampton) in the making and should be a mainstay in whatever lineup he's in. If Matthew Stafford and Sam Bradford come out, he could go to Kansas City...assuming they have a GM by the draft. Rev--talk to me about the big man!

Ralph Mancini's Take: Smith has the size, strength and agility that make him worthy of being the first offensive lineman taken off the board. The big guy has great feet that allows him to maintain balance on the move.

RB DONALD BROWN, CONNECTICUT
Connecticut RB Donald Brown announced that he will forgo his senior season in school and enter the 2009 NFL Draft.

Ross Mandel's Take: It may be East Coast bias, but I love this kid's pro prospects. I know he's not the fastest back around, but he's got quickness and runs like a pro already. The team that takes him will be getting a solid NFL running back.

Ralph Mancini's Take: Brown clearly has nothing left to prove at the collegiate level. The UCONN product isn't only big enough to run up the gut and break tackles, but he's an explosive back, who can take it all the way once he gets passed the first level. Brown has the tools to be a magnificent NFL player.

LB GERALD MCRATH, SOUTHERN MISS
Southern Miss LB Gerald McRath will forgo his senior season in college and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. At middle linebacker in the Golden Eagles' 4-3 defense, McRath led the team with 137 tackles as a junior. The next closest on the team had only 84. McRath also chipped in 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Ross Mandel's Take: His tackle total is impressive, but he's not going to play inside in the pros. If he has a poor 40-time, he'll wish he never declared.

Ralph Mancini's Take: Although a bit undersized at 220 pounds, McGrath is masterful at reading what's in front of him and quickly attacking ball carriers by always being in the right position to make a play and taking the proper angles. McGrath could be a terrific run-stuffer behind a big pocket-pushing defensive line.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media