PER PFT.
SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT TODAY
The annual Supplemental Draft unfolds today, with seven players in the mix. The most recognizable candidate is former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks, who was kicked out of school following an injury-shortened 2005 season.
Considered by some scouts as one of the top linebacking prospects in years, the concern is whether Brooks can put behind him the demons that resulted in his dismissal from the Cavaliers. As one league source told us, "You don't know whether you're getting Lawrence Taylor or Lawrence Phillips."
And there continue to be concerns regarding Brooks' inability during his Pro Day workout to perform some of the running drills without specific and explicit instruction on how to do so -- even though he had been working with a trainer to get ready for the session for weeks.
There also is confusion as to the number of teams that attended the workout. We initially heard that everyone but the Bears showed up. Gil Brandt reported that everyone but the Vikings was there. Brooks' agent said that only 22 teams were present. We've since confirmed that the Bears weren't there, even though the agent claims the Bears are interested. We've also confirmed that the Vikings weren't there either, since they don't think he fits in their system and they are concerned about his history.
Now, Giants G.M. Ernie Accorsi says that only 18 teams were present.
We also continue to hear that Brooks' former coach at Virginia, Al Groh, isn't doing Brooks any favors by giving his NFL contacts bad reviews regarding the player. Moreover, Brooks has had trouble with his weight. Though he got it under control in time for his Pro Day, the crash course to drop pounds might have left him weaker for the workout than he should have been.
In the end, though, none of it will stop him from getting drafted; he's got too much potential to ignore. Our guess? He'll go in the late fourth or early fifth round. The most likely candidates are the 49ers, Dolphins, and Giants.
The fun begins at 1:00 p.m. EDT. Check back for updates as it unfolds.
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