Decision Time: Golden Tate, Notre Dame

By Mark Zavodnyik

Why Golden Tate made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Strike while the iron is hot: Tate has been one of the most exciting players in college football this season. He led the Fighting Irish in receiving with 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns, and his average of 124.7 receiving yards per game was third best in the nation. Tate’s productivity has been recognized as he is a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given out annually to the best receiver in the country. Going forward, it is hard to imagine Tate having a better year in college than the one he just completed. When Tate announced his decision to turn pro at a news conference on Monday, he mentioned how his performance this year played a role in his decision, “After having the year that I had, I'm not sure if I can even do much better, so I just feel like it was the right time,” Tate said. “Go out while you're hot, you know?”

2. Changes at Notre Dame: If Tate had stayed for his senior year at Notre Dame he would have had to get to know a new head coach as well as that coach’s offensive system. It seems impossible that he would be able to repeat, let alone match his performance from 2009 in that new system. More importantly, there will be a new quarterback at Notre Dame in 2010. The chemistry between Jimmy Clausen and Tate over the past two seasons has been a big factor in the development of both players. Tate was Clausen’s security blanket and his deep threat. Tate finished the season averaging 7.8 receptions per game, good for seventh in the nation. That average would not be equaled with a new quarterback next year.

Zavodnyik’s Take: There is plenty of evidence to show that Tate is an electric, game-changing player. The timing of his decision makes sense considering that he would be starting over with a new system, coach, and quarterback next season. The most important element for Tate’s draft status is going to be his 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Combine. He could be selected late in the first round of the draft if he proves to have top-end speed.

Photo Courtesy of College Press Box

Decision Time: Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

Mark Zavodnyik

Why Jimmy Clausen made the right decision to turn pro.

1. Unlikely senior year will be more productive: Notre Dame is a program currently in a state of significant transition. If Clausen had chosen to return to Notre Dame next year he would have to learn a new system under a new coach. This would be a stark contrast to the relationship he had with the recently fired Charlie Weis. Also, Notre Dame will likely have to replace three starters along the offensive line next season. It is hard to imagine Clausen having a more productive senior season with a new coach, new system and re-built offensive line.

2. Nothing more to accomplish: Unlike most quarterbacks, Clausen has gained a wealth of experience in just three years of college football. Since making his debut in the first game of the 2007 season, Clausen has gone on to make 34 starts. In that time he has proved to be a remarkably accurate quarterback who rarely makes mental errors. He finished this season ranked second in the nation in passing efficiency. Additionally, this year Clausen has shown toughness in his ability to play with injury (turf toe) and leadership in his ability to lead the Fighting Irish to multiple fourth-quarter comeback victories.

3. There could be a Rookie Wage Scale in 2011: As NFL players and owners begin to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, a wage scale curbing the value of rookie contracts could be on the horizon in 2011. This year there could very well be an influx in the number of players giving up their final year of college eligibility in order to enter the NFL draft before that wage scale is enacted. As a potential first-round pick, Clausen surely understands that the #9 overall pick in 2010 will get a more valuable contract than the same pick in 2011 (or even a higher one).

Zavodnyik’s Take: Clausen is one of college football’s most accurate and intelligent quarterbacks. He will likely be one of the first three quarterbacks taken in the upcoming draft. With so much uncertainty at Notre Dame, this was probably an easy decision for Clausen and his family.

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Sports Information

Decision Time: WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

LSU wide out Brandon LaFell has pulled out of the 2009 NFL Draft and will instead return to LSU for his senior season. All underclassman who declared and did not sign with an agent had 72 hours following the Thursday deadline to declare. He has 118 career receptions for 1,725 yards and 18 touchdowns, including 63 receptions for 929 yards and a SEC-leading eight touchdowns this past season. “We are extremely excited to have Brandon returning to the LSU football team for his senior season,” head coach Les Miles said on Sunday. “We were going to support him no matter what decision he made. We tried to give Brandon as much information as we could to help him with this decision, but ultimately it was a decision that Brandon and his family had to make. The news of Brandon coming back to school is big for our football team. His contributions to our football program have been very significant and I’m glad we are going to get another year with him.”

Mancini's Take: It sounds as though LaFell wanted to get a feel of where he was going to be drafted more than anything. What really baffles me here is that the LSU standout was ranked fifth among receivers entering the draft by a number of different services, making him second-round pick at worst. I think that LaFell can be faster version of Dwayne Bowe right now. Maybe LaFell thinks he can do better than that. This is a big roll of the dice, but one that can come up snake eyes.

Mandel's Take: Yeah, Rev--his hands were a problem this season, and might be why he--ahem--LaFell down the draft boards. He was wise to avoid hiring an agent and with his speed and size, all he needs to do is show the NFL scouts that his drops are a thing of the past. If he does so, he'll be a late first round pick after 2009.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Decision Time: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

By KENNY FRANEK

Why Crabtree made the right decision to come out:

1. A "sure" bet:Crabtree had the best hands in all of college football. In his two years as a starter at Texas Tech, he amassed an astounding 231 receptions for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns. That’s an average of over 115 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 20 touchdowns per season. Those scary stats alone tell you to go to the NFL while you have had minor injuries (mainly a sprained right ankle this year) and you are at the top of your game.

2. Nothing left to prove: Crabtree has already won numerous awards. These include: unanimous 2007 and 2008 First-Team All-America honors; 2007 and 2008 Biletnikoff Award winner, which is given to the nation’s best wide receiver (in 2007 he was the first freshman and Big 12 player to win the award); and he also won the Paul Warfield Trophy. On top of that, he set Big 12 and NCAA freshman records by leading the nation with 134 catches for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2007. The only possible thing left to do in college for Crabtree would be to win a national championship. That would not be likely if he chose to stay for two key reasons: Graham Harrell will no longer be there, instead he will be playing on Sundays; and teams like Florida, USC, and Texas will likely be the front runners yet again next year (especially with the announced return of Tim Tebow at Florida).

3. Bigger is better: Not only will Crabtree's spectacular set of hands be admired by many NFL teams, his size will as well. Listed as 6'3" and 214 lbs. Crabtree has the size all quarterbacks in the league covet. Many of the elite wideouts in the NFL stand taller than 6'2", including Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Calvin Johnson to name a few. Although he will not do his physical testing at the Combine, he will do it during his pro day in Dallas. He has great speed for a wideout his size which makes him even more appealing to NFL scouts. Even if his 40 time is not "astonishing", his size, route running ability, and hands will no doubt make him the first receiver taken in the 2009 draft.

Franek's Take: Even though Crabtree is just a red-shirt sophomore his decision to depart was a no-brainer. No one was more of slam dunk to leave early for the NFL.

Photo Credit: Texas Tech Athletics/Norvelle Kennedy

Decision Time: RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

By RALPH MANCINI

Why Moreno made the right decision to come out:

1. Outshining the competition: The 5’11”, 207-pound Moreno has been blessed with impressive speed--his 40 time has been clocked in the low 4.4s. He also has an intoxicating cocktail of toughness, athleticism, vision and running instincts that allow him to immediately hit the hole with the explosiveness of a panther chasing its prey.

2. More than just a speed back: Moreno isn’t exactly the type of ball carrier who’ll go down at first contact. In fact, the New Jersey native can often be seen gaining extra yardage by running through tackles before being finally brought down by a host of defenders.

3. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound: Moreno never gives up on a play. He will literally jump over would-be tacklers and continue running downfield when there’s no place to go.

4. “He’s my quarterback!”: No, we’re not talking about Tony Romo, but rather Moreno’s teammate Matthew Stafford, who has also declared early for the NFL Draft. The running back’s chances of winning a national title will be greatly diminished next season without the presence of his rocket-armed quarterback, who put up excellent numbers despite playing behind a shaky offensive line.

The Reverend’s Take: The All-American and first-team All-SEC performer already has the necessary attributes to make him a promising runner at the next level, including the ability to catch the ball and the durability to be a workhorse back. But aside from all his physical gifts, Moreno is mature enough to understand that he must still master other aspects of the game once he becomes a pro, such as run blocking and reading defenses. The former Bulldog’s enthusiasm, work ethic and talent should make him a fan favorite for years to come.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Decision Time: RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio St.

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Why Wells made the right decision to come out:

1. Durability Question – Wells’ durability question is in question as it stands now. What happens if Wells goes down again next year for a few weeks? The benefits of staying in college one more year are trumped by the potential of losing millions of dollars should he fall out of the first round due to injury concerns.

2. Already a First-round projection – Say what you will about leaving college early and not finishing your degree, but how many opportunities does one have to make millions for doing what they love? You can always go back to college, but you can’t undo a career-altering injury.

3. The keys of the offense are in Pryor’s hands…in the spread – Unfortunately for Wells, the emergence of dual-threat freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor has shifted the playbook to a more open set, shotgun, or plays for Pryor to make with his legs. Wells would be much more successful running out of the eye – is Todd Boeckmann qualifying for his seventh year?

Sears' Take: Wells has already declared for the NFL draft and rightfully so. He has three years of mileage on his treads at a position where maybe less is more. He is a proven, tough commodity, who already slots into a pro-style offense. A sure fire first round pick has little to prove at the college level and even less in terms of room to improve his draft stock.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

Decision Time: DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Why Wootton Should Play on Saturdays:

1. Recovery from his knee injury in the Alamo Bowl – Wootton’s success came crashing down on a freak play during the Alamo Bowl as his knee seemingly folded without contact while he pursued quarterback Chase Daniel. Full details of his injury have not yet been disclosed, but this certainly raises huge concern for a potential NFL team. Wootton needs time to recover.

2. One more year to develop physically – Wootton is considered a raw talent with the physical gifts to make most NFL teams drool – size and speed (6’7”, 270 lbs). With his size, a bit more polish will help Wootton develop in to a splendid strong-side end if he can demonstrate better pass defense capabilities. Right now, he stands as a work-in-progress pass rusher until he develops further.

3. Northwestern’s on the rise – The Wildcats were a few breaks away from solidifying the best season in the history of their program with a win in the Alamo Bowl versus Missouri. Has the team peaked in its short experience with Pat Fitzgerald as head coach? Probably not, and football is much more fun when you are winning.

Why Wootton Should Play on Sundays in 2009:

1. Northwestern will be depleted on offense – The Wildcats will hit the reset button on offense, losing their quarterback, running back and receiving corps. This could spell disaster for the 2009 season and may strain the defense’s ability to be successful as they will face increased pressure to carry the team while (likely) being on the field longer.

2. Big year, time to go – Wootton came off a tremendously successful season, adding a Big Ten Second Team award to his resume. He finished fourth in the Big Ten in sacks with 10 and sixth in tackles-for-loss (16).

3. He may not be the same after his knee injury – Wootton’s injury may be serious. If so, his best bet for an NFL payoff would be to take this time rehabbing and hope a team takes a chance on him, rather than running of the risk of a hobbled return to Northwestern.

Sears’s Take: Wootton’s injury came at the worst possible time – just as he was tidying up a wonderful regular season and demonstrating pro-like abilities in the bowl game. Even without the injury, the word on the street was that he was being asked to return in order to develop a bit more physically. Statistically, he has improved on a yearly basis, but one more season of consistency could solidify him as an early-round selection in 2010.

Decision Time: DE Brandon Graham, Michigan

By JOHN SEARS - BIG TEN INSIDER

Why Graham Should Play on Saturdays:

1. 4-3 end vs. 3-4 LB? – Graham falls into the category of hybrid or tweaner, depending on your perspective. He demonstrates success with one hand down as a 4-3 end right now (his natural position), but his size and speed may make him better suited as a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 set. Perhaps one more year of physical development will help scouts understand his future position in the NFL.

2. Lead the “D” next year while Michigan rebuilds – Graham seems to display a team-first, family attitude toward his Michigan brethren. He is quoted as saying leaving early would be like abandoning his team, so coming back despite partaking in one of the worst Michigan Football season ever may set a much-needed precedent of dedication and team first attitude.

3. Beat Ohio State - Graham has yet to notch a win against their hated rival. What better way to end his career as a Michigan Wolverine?

Why Graham Should Play on Sundays in 2009:

1. Because “he’s a lot like LaMarr Woodley”– Sports scouting is all about comparing unknown talent to that which is known. Derrick Harvey, defensive end from Florida, reminded everyone of…Jarvis Moss from Florida. With Graham terrorizing quarterbacks with an off-the-edge rush, he will certainly draw comparisons to the rising NFL star, LaMarr Woodley, whom Graham replaced back at Michigan. That can’t hurt his draft stock.

2. Where are the Wolverines going next year? – “It’s not about the individual.” You’re absolutely right. But if the team lays another egg, and the defense carries responsibility for that, will pro scouts look upon Graham with less admiration? Also, Michigan is pretty much a 50-50 shot to make a bowl next year, and has even less of a chance to beat Ohio State--it worth the anguish to deal with another year of losing?

3. Michigan is still without their 2009 defensive coordinator – The worst possible scenario for Graham would be a return for his senior year under a defensive coordinator that fails to put him in a position to shine. In 2008, the Wolverines rolled out a 3-3-5 look which took the edge out of the entire defense, Graham included. Flirting with another system in his senior year would hurt Graham’s potential even more.

Sears Take: Graham has stated he is returning for his senior season...which is a wise decision. While the team may not improve by leaps and bounds in 2009--Graham can. We have seen flashes of brilliance from the former 5-star recruit, but not consistency. The potential is there, no Graham needs to display more production on the field.

Decision Time: OT Eben Britton

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

Why Britton made the right decision to come out

1. On top of his game: While the 6’5”, 310-pounder is leaving a Wildcat team that could be on the verge of becoming a contender in the Pac-10, there is very little left for him to do or prove. Britton had a solid season – he ended up on the 2008 All-Pac 10 Conference First Team a year after he was named to the second team. He has been a part of the best offensive line that Arizona has had in some time and ended up with an iron-man like 37 consecutive starts at tackle. He’s an outstanding pass blocker with very good balance and footwork, and is also pretty solid in the run game.

2. Why Risk it: With Tuitama leaving, there is a chance this offense could take a step back and Britton’s stock would take a dip if it does. So while he could always get a little out of another year, the reward doesn’t outweigh the risk. There is also the possibility of an injury that should not be discounted.

3. Power Vacuum: One of the biggest stories of the 2008 Draft was the tremendous number of offensive linemen taken in round one. Many of those linemen had a positive impact for the teams that drafted them in their first season – Jake Long in Miami, Ryan Clady in Denver, Sam Baker in Atlanta before his injury, and Gosder Cherilus in Detroit. As we all know, NFL teams will follow trends and while they won’t gorge themselves like they did last season, teams will likely look to fill the positions early. Britton will likely find himself drafted earlier than he might have been in another year by a team in need of a solid offensive tackle. He’s good enough to be drafted on the first day either way, but there’s a good chance he’ll get taken in the first by a team not wanting to risk missing out in another year of top end linemen.

Garda’s Take: Clearly given the title here, I think Britton is making a fine decision by leaving Arizona a year early. He’s received accolades from the coaches within his own conference as well as the scouting community. With a constant hunger for good, pass blocking linemen in the NFL, Britton is poised to be drafted in a good spot, perhaps better than he might even have been able to do had he waited a year and worked on his game.

Decision Time: OT Andre Smith, Alabama

By RALPH MANCINI

Why Smith made the right decision to come out

1. Leader of the pack - At this point, there’s no doubt that Smith will be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. His physical skills and the high demand for left tackles in the NFL should make Smith a surefire top-5 selection this April.

2. Ready to dominate - There’s a reason why the 6’5”, 340-pound road grater has received just about every award or honor an offensive lineman can lay claim to. In addition to possessing the raw strength to blow people off the ball, Smith is versatile enough to play at both the guard and tackle positions. The ‘Bama native’s technique and quick feet make him a natural at just about any spot along the offensive front.

3. Toughness personified - Smith has the requisite confidence and nasty disposition that will go a long way toward injecting new life into an ailing line.

The Reverend’s Take: Although Smith’s recent suspension for improper contact with an agent casts some doubt on his character, this year’s Outland Trophy winner has been an exemplary teammate and leader for the Tide throughout his collegiate career. His consistent play should alleviate concerns about Smith’s commitment to the game of football. While he may not be as polished as some other recently-drafted players at his position, Smith’s athleticism gives him the tantalizing upside that several teams will be looking to tap into.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Alabama)

Decision Time: WR Kenny Britt, Rutgers

By JOHN GARRETT - BIG EAST INSIDER

Why Britt made the right decision to come out

1. Records broken – Britt became the Big East’s all-time leading receiver with 3,043 yards and tied the conference mark with 14 career 100-yard games – set by Larry Fitzgerald (not a bad name for a receiver to be linked with…). He also owns almost every Rutgers receiving record.

2. New Signal Caller – With fifth-year senior quarterback Mike Teel - Rutgers’ most accomplished quarterback in school history – being lost to graduation, Britt would have to build a rapport with one of the candidates for the starting quarterback job, which is still up-in-the-air. More than likely it would have been tough for Britt to reproduce 1,371 yards on 87 catches and seven touchdowns - in only 12 games (he was suspended one game for violating team rules). After setting the Rutgers single-season receiving yardage record as a sophomore, Britt was able to top that mark this season, while also having the second-best yards per game average in the nation with 114.3.

3. Play the hand you’re dealt – Kenny Britt was lucky enough to be dealt a “good hand” in terms of his frame: 6-4, 215 pounds – ideal NFL size. He has very good hands and while he isn’t considered a “burner”, he has above-average speed for his size and runs crisp routes.

Johnny G’s Take: With a new quarterback set to be under center next fall, Britt was wise to declare, especially on the heels of racking up 119 yards and a touchdown in the PapaJohn’s.com Bowl. Numerous times this fall, the Scarlet Knights also ran reverses with Britt, one of which he took to-the-house in a nationally televised game against Louisville. Another dimension that will help his value is Britt’s fearlessness—he’s not afraid to go over-the-middle and does not shy away from contact.

Decision Time: QB Mark Sanchez, USC

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

Why Sanchez Should Play on Saturdays in 2009

1. Pad the resume – Sanchez did not become a full time starter until this year, though he did start three games for John David Booty in 2007. Sanchez has the raw talent to play with anyone, but it’s hard to imagine a team confidently picking him in the first round when they have so little tape to go on for him as a starter.

2. Develop those skills – Sanchez is a pretty solid quarterback, but is prone to the occasional bad decision. He’s often able to get away with those decisions--his receivers are able to recover bad throws due to their size advantage--but he won’t have that luxury in the NFL. Another season under the USC coaching staff’s excellent pro-style tutelage and he’ll learn how to be more careful with those throws and become a far more valuable commodity.

3. It’s not when you go, it’s where you go – At this point, given his lack of starting experience and occasional bad decisions, it’s unlikely Sanchez will maximize his draft potential. With all but two starters returning to the offense next year, Sanchez will be in a perfect position to not only improve his game, but improve his stock for the 2010 draft.

Why Sanchez Should Play on Sundays in 2009

1. Scarcity of position depth – While there are some decent quarterbacks, none of the senior class is terribly impressive overall. Even if Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow declare, the class still will lack depth (and one could argue Tebow wouldn’t change that at all anyway). Sanchez may benefit from that lack of depth and wind up being drafted by a team desperate for potential and a pedigree like his…one willing to overlook his flaws.

2. Been there, done that – Yes, he’s only been a starter for a season. Sure, he needs some seasoning. But really, what does he have to prove? The 3,207 yards, 34 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions speak very well of his capabilities. So do his 164.64 quarterback rating and a 65.8 completion percentage. Another season of reps would be a good thing, but it would still only be college football-–he could be learning behind an NFL quarterback from an NFL staff.

3. Accidents happen – Sanchez already suffered a freak injury once, hurting his knee messing around in a summer practice. We all know that anything can happen on the field as well. Sanchez risks serious injury at his position and while it is noble to finish your degree, it’s something a player can do later on without risking the immense amount of money and his NFL career.

Garda's Take: Sanchez appears to have the potential to be a solid NFL signal-caller but right now, that’s all it is--potential. While he could gain the experience he needs while sharpening his skills in the NFL, it’s a tricky business, one that has wrecked the careers of multiple players who came out too early. With most of his offense coming back and a coaching staff as close as you can get to an NFL staff at USC, Sanchez is far better off returning for his senior season and getting his skill-set improved in a less pressure-filled situation that still is top notch.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee (USC)

Decision Time: S Taylor Mays, USC

By ANDREW GARDA - PAC-10 INSIDER

Why Mays Should Play on Saturdays in 2009:

1. Finish what you started – Mays has had an outstanding career at USC, but the one thing he hasn’t done is capture a National Championship. Returning to a team that will likely retain a vast majority of its starters on both sides of the ball would give Mays an outstanding shot to go out on top.

2. Prove it to me – Mays was named one of the top two ‘workout warriors’ by ESPN the Magazine prior to the 2008 season. While he has been good in his first two full seasons as a starter, the more time he can spend shutting down wide receivers, the more scouts will see that he’s not just good in the weight room.

3. Experience and Conditioning – While Mays slipped into a starting spot as a freshman, he’s still learning every day. Part of that is in the film room and on the field under the excellent USC defensive coaching staff, but more of it is off the field. Mays has worked hard to get his body into shape for the rigors of the NFL and another year would put him in even better shape, both mentally and physically.

Why Mays Should Play on Sundays in 2009:

1. Momentum, go with it – You could argue that there are one or two safeties who are better than Mays, but the finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award can only really go downhill. A National Championship, while nice, won’t raise his stock any, and an injury would kill it.

2. He’s got the tools, he’s got the talent… – While it wasn’t the Combine or Pro Day, ESPN The Magazine’s article about the top workout guys in college raised Mays’ profile. His numbers are staggering and scouts love his measurables. Mays also showed his toughness by stepping into a starting position freshman year and his leadership ability by mentoring younger players.

3. …. And he’s shown it on the field too – While Mays’ numbers aren’t gaudy and he’s not running pick sixes back often, he is very consistent at his spot. That consistency – and the de-cleating hits he loves putting on opposing players – will make him a welcome addition to an NFL team and allow him to step in and contribute early.

Garda's Take: There just isn’t much left for Mays to prove. He’s a hard hitting, speedy player poised to excel at the next level. While the ‘workout warrior’ label has some people worried, Mays has proven that he has what it takes on the field as well as in the weight room.

Photo Credit: College Press Box(USC Athletics)