Breaking down Jayhawk NFL Draft prospects
A closer look at the Kansas players up for the NFL Draft.
By Asher Fusco (Contact)
Friday, April 25th, 2008
Anthony Collins - Offensive tackle
6-foot-5
317 pounds
Pros: Collins has the size and athleticism to succeed at the next level, traits he frequently displayed while dominating most of his opponents. Despite a late-season leg injury, Collins earned AP first team All-America honors and was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s best lineman.
Cons: Collins, who left Kansas after his junior year, only has one season of collegiate experience at left tackle. He also had a late start on football because he focused on basketball early in his high school career. He learned quickly in his time at Kansas, but his background could scare some teams away.
Projection: Second round. Collins may not be a first-rounder because of the depth of the offensive tackle class. Even though he isn’t one of the five best tackle prospects, he shouldn’t fall out of the third round.
Derek Fine - Tight end
6-foot-3
245 pounds
Pros: Fine could fit into some NFL teams’ systems as an H-back, a combination position between a tight end and fullback. Fine was a very consistent blocker and leader during his time at Kansas, and tested well at the combine by performing 24 bench press reps. He started for three seasons at Kansas.
Cons: Fine isn’t as fast or athletic as most high-level tight ends. His 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine was an underwhelming 4.85 seconds. Though he caught 44 passes last season, he dropped quite a few catchable balls.
Projection: Seventh round. How early Fine is drafted could depend on which teams are willing to use a draft pick on a player that might not see the field much outside of special teams during his first few seasons. Fine should be selected late in the draft, but could fall into the free agent pool.
Marcus Henry - Wide receiver
6-foot-4
207 pounds
Pros: Henry developed a reputation as a big-play receiver during his senior season for good reason. The Lawton, Okla., native averaged 18.8 yards per reception, including 16 catches for 20 yards or more. At 6-foot-4, he towered over most of the cornerbacks who lined up across from him, and used his leaping ability to reel in spectacular catches.
Cons: Henry did not impress many with his 4.55 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and his 207-pound frame might not hold up as well in the pros as it did against weaker collegiate competition. He stuck out as an inconsistent route-runner during his first three years at Kansas.
Projection: Seventh round. Henry probably doesn’t project as an every-down wide receiver in the NFL, but he could be valuable on special teams or as a reserve receiver. He could slip out of the draft, but chances are a team will take a chance, given his 6-foot-4 body.
Brandon McAnderson - Running back
5-foot-11
238 pounds
Pros: McAnderson was ultra-productive during his one season as a starter at Kansas. He scored 16 rushing touchdowns and averaged nearly six yards per carry as the Jayhawks’ featured back last season. The reason for his great success wasn’t overwhelming athleticism: McAnderson is a smart runner who finds holes and uses blocks to his advantage.
Cons: McAnderson’s 4.68 second 40-yard dash reinforces the fact that he isn’t going to be a tailback in the NFL. He will move to fullback at the next level, a position that better suits his husky physique. Unfortunately, McAnderson didn’t get much practice playing fullback in Kansas’ one-back offense, raising questions about his experience.
Projection: Undrafted free agent. McAnderson should get a shot to play in the NFL, but it probably won’t come through this weekend’s draft. His inconvenient proportions make him a tailback stuck in a fullback’s body.
James McClinton - Defensive tackle
6-foot
289 pounds
Pros: When healthy, McClinton was the best player on the Kansas defense last season. He ran effortlessly through double-teams with his blazing first step and notched 11 tackles-for-loss as a senior. Though he battled an injury late in the season, he stayed on the field and helped lead the Jayhawks to an Orange Bowl title.
Cons: McClinton is undersized, and his late-season leg injury hindered his play in nationally televised games. He tested extremely poorly at the NFL Combine, running a 5.47 40-yard dash. Along with his leg injury, McClinton has suffered two seizures in the past year, which could raise a red flag.
Projection: Undrafted free agent. His dominance at Kansas could help him land a tryout as a free agent, but his poor performance at the NFL Combine could keep him out of the draft.
Aqib Talib - Cornerback
6-foot-1
202 pounds
Pros: Talib built a vast collection of highlight-worthy plays during his three seasons on the field at Kansas. He used his incredible athleticism to snare 13 career interceptions and displayed his versatility by scoring five touchdowns on offense. Talib is fast (4.44 40-yard dash), big (202 pounds) and proven (consensus All-American).
Cons: The cornerback developed a reputation as a risk-taker, which sometimes worked against him. Talib was burned several times during his career after biting on fakes or taking a chance at an interception. Also, several teams expressed concern about the fact that Talib failed three drug tests while at Kansas.
Projection: First round. Draft experts have Talib coming off of the board anywhere from No. 10 to the early second round. It all depends on what each team needs near the top of the draft, but a talent such as Talib would be a tough player to pass up late in the first round.
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