Draft decisions looming for Big Ten talents

by Dan Kadar on Nov 24, 2009 2:10 PM EST in 2010 NFL Draft

A week ago we had an item on Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman thinking about the NFL Draft. He's not the only talented junior or redshirt sophomore with an NFL future facing a difficult decision. Here are some others:

Who: Bryan Bulaga, offensive tackle, Iowa
What's being said: "As of right now no decision has been made," Bulaga said last week. "No discussions between coach (Kirk) Ferentz and I have really even happened yet. I don’t know."

What he should do: Bulaga has had a fairly ordinary season for a would-be stud left tackle. He missed the three games of the season battling a thyroid issue. His play has been inconsistent this season and he's allowed pressure against some ordinary players. While Bulaga is highly regarded by me, it might be in his best interests to return for his senior season. By doing so, he could really establish as a dominant top-five pick.

Who: Greg Jones, linebacker, Michigan State
What's being said: "If anything, I’m going to talk to my parents about it, but for right now I’m just getting ready for the bowl game," Jones said.

What he should do: Jones has lead the Spartans in tackles for three consecutive years and is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Jones is likely considered a second-round player, but his draft stock may be at its peak. He should leave. If he does, he'll be a dependable starting linebacker almost immediately.

Who: John Clay, running back, Wisconsin
What's being said: "If the opportunity presents itself and I think it is a high enough spot, I'd encourage him to go," running backs coach John Settle said. "But if I think he can come back and help his status, then I'd encourage him to come back.

What he should do: Clay, a redshirt sophomore, would be wise to return for at least another season for the Badgers. As it stands, Clay might just be the latest productive Badgers back with a questionable NFL future.

Who: Donovan Warren, cornerback, Michigan
What's being said: Warren said he will return for his senior season. The site is a Scout.com paid site, but the headline and lead paragraph made it to Google News.

Note: Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn and Penn State center Stefen Wisniewski have not discussed their possible NFL futures recently.

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Comments

how big is Jones? and what system is he suited for?

Be careful....to a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

by Bezekira on Nov 24, 2009 5:55 PM EST reply actions

6’1 and anywhere between 220 and 230 pounds. He has room to grow.

He’d be best in a system like Atlanta runs.

Mocking the Draft: Your NFL Draft source.

by Dan Kadar on Nov 24, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions

I hope that Warren returns

As a Michigan fan, he’s the only corner on the roster that teams fear, we need that. I believe that he’s said that he’s all but guaranteed to return unless he gets a great grade from the advisory committee.

by BSU_Alum07 on Nov 25, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions

Thad Gibson and Cam Heywood from Ohio State should also be watched. Both could go pretty high, but I believe they have sad (for now) that they are staying. Ohio State always supplies a lot of NFL talent, yet it seems like their juniors who are borderline first rounders usually stay for more Big Ten Championships and shots at individual awards and the National Championship.

fka "DaytonDogg". Now a contributor to SBN's Dawgs By Nature. www.dawgsbynature.com

by Ryan Kelsey on Nov 25, 2009 11:32 AM EST reply actions