Click Here to Email This Story to a Friend Click Here for a Printer Friendly Version
Scout.com RSS Feeds 
'06 NFL Draft Watch: Oklahoma State


Posted Aug 18, 2005

A competitive program the past few years, Oklahoma State is now faced with an off season coaching change coupled with the tragic death of a senior leader on defense. The program had a nice run of players selected during the draft’s first day but there is a chance that could change next April. 

Scouting the Big 12:  Oklahoma State

One prospect who could easily make a jump into the top 40 should he leave for the professional ranks is junior receiver D'Juan Woods.  Brother to 49er pass catcher Rashaun Woods, the younger sibling is faster and has more talent.  A reliable pass catcher with a well-rounded game, Woods consistently makes the tough reception downfield even when opposing defenses double him.  Displaying great focus and concentration, Woods is the go-to guy who cannot be stopped.  Lead blocker Shawn Willis sees minimal action in the Cowboys system yet presents himself as a tough and effective fullback.  Engulfing defenders and opening holes for running game, Willis possesses blocking vision yet is a minimal offensive threat.  A former tight end, Charlie Johnson will be used at blind-side tackle this year.  A big, strong football player, Johnson removes opponents off the line of scrimmage and makes good use of blocking angles in pass protection.  Only a short-range target as a pass catcher, he could jump into the late rounds if he excels as an offensive lineman.  Junior guard Corey Hilliard is a nice sized athlete who blocks with leverage and explosion at the point of attack.  Displaying footwork in pass protection, he easily moves about the field and effectively walls defenders from the action.  At times a bit tentative, Hilliard must improve his run blocking strength and tenacity.    Running back Seymour Shaw has solid size and flashed skill playing behind Vernand Morency.  A good campaign in '05 could move him into the late frames, though Shaw's status for this season is still up in the air due to grades.

After the untimely passing of senior Vernon Grant, the top prospect on defense is now junior Darnell Smith.  An explosive player, Smith possesses speed off the edge and makes plays in the backfield.  Undersized, he may ultimately stand up over tackle in a 34 defense and his best NFL position could be outside linebacker. Linebacker Lawrence Pinson and safety Jamie Thompson are both on the radar screen.

Oklahoma St. Prospect List

 Name Pos Yr #
Corey Hilliard G 3Jr 75
Charlie Johnson T 4Sr 71
Lawrence Pinson ILB 4Sr 99
Seymour Shaw RB 4Sr 2
Darnell Smith OLB 4Jr 50
Jamie Thompson S 4Sr 23
Shawn Willis FB 5Sr 37
D'Juan Woods WR 4Jr 84



Related Stories
'06 NFL Draft Watch: Oklahoma
 -by ScoutNFLNetwork.com  Aug 18, 2005
Preview: New England Patriots - New Orleans Saints
 -by PatriotsInsider.com  Aug 18, 2005
What did we Learn?
 -by BearReport.com  Aug 18, 2005

Story Tools
Top Stories 
Search Stories 
Discuss on Forums 


SUBSCRIBE NOW
Get our 2009 Pre-Season Fantasy Guide absolutely free!
Sign Up Today!

Upgrade Now!
Free Email Newsletter
Don't miss any news or features from ScoutNFLNetwork.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to have our newest articles emailed to you on a daily or weekly basis.
Click here for a list of all Team Newsletters.