Boise State/Virginia Tech game features plenty of prospects

by Dan Kadar on Sep 6, 2010 11:06 AM EDT in 2011 NFL Draft

Boise State has had only one player selected in the last two drafts – cornerback Kyle Wilson in the first round this year.

But the Broncos are no longer just a team with a couple NFL prospects and players who can fit a scheme. This year's Broncos have at least five players who could get picked if they enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

Conversely, Virgnia Tech has had at least one player drafted every year since 1994, but only one first rounder since 2005. Unless redshirt sophomore Ryan Williams decides to go pro following this season, it will be another season without a first rounder.

Individually, Williams is the best draft prospect in today's game. He showed in 2009 that he's an strong but agile runner capable of breaking big plays. If he gets the chance, he could be a true workhorse. But whether or not he gets that opportunity has yet to be seen. Virginia Tech always has a bevy of running backs. Returning from injury is last year's starter Darren Evans. He's not as explosive as Williams, but he has an NFL future.

If the best player isn't Williams, it's Boise State offensive lineman Nate Potter. He gets compared frequently to former Bronco Ryan Clady. Like Clady, Potter's footwork is excellent. However, he's moving to guard this year and will need to be reevaluated.

Boise also features one of the best wide receiver duo in the nation in Titus Young and Austin Pettis. Young is the more dynamic of the two and will make is name in the NFL in the slot and on special teams. Pettis isn't as fast, but he has more size and is at his best when he can get vertical.

Two solid mid-round cornerbacks in Brandyn Thompson (Boise State) and Rashad Carmichael (Virginia Tech) are worth watching tonight. Obviously Carmichael will have more chances to show his talent against Boise's passing attack, but Thompson gets to show his all-around skill.

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Ryan Williams is a beast

by Yankees10 on Sep 6, 2010 12:07 PM EDT reply actions

I'm liking Marcus Davis in 2013

by dbcouver on Sep 6, 2010 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

From the bits I saw

Potter looked good

The 5th Dimension
#29 Eric Berry

by BAMFSpecialOps on Sep 7, 2010 3:16 AM EDT reply actions

VT

Va Tech defensive prospects are pretty tough to grade. There have been so many guys that were complete busts, especially in the secondary. I noticed the other day that the Eagles have already parted ways with Macho Harris. You have to give alot of credit to Frank Beamer and Bud Foster.

by Fivus Viener on Sep 7, 2010 11:22 AM EDT reply actions

Pettis certainly impressed

Played well on special teams too.

by CelticPride on Sep 7, 2010 3:45 PM EDT reply actions

Tyrod Taylor looks more like 5'1 then he does 6'1

and agree with the Celtic fan (I’m gonna go and show soldering irons in my eye sockets now), Pettis looks like the real deal.

I dunno if he’s a 1st rounder, so if he’s a 2nd rounder or later those guys are generally expected to be special teams players, and Pettis absolutely could be a terror for special teams.

by FreeBradshaw on Sep 7, 2010 8:52 PM EDT reply actions