NFL Draft Blitz

With the NCAA season over, it is time to take a look at what is next for the top schools in the nation. Will Texas defend their title? Can USC rise back to the #1 status? Which teams are most likely to rise and fall next year? Starting with the defending National Champion Longhorns, we’re going to take a look at the future of the top college teams.

Texas Longhorns

QB- Colt McCoy/Jevan Snead/Sherrod Harris

What’s to like: Without Vince, the Longhorns are a slightly above-average team. Colt McCoy looks to be a Chance Mock type player, a good backup but not a starter. Jevan Snead is a top player in the 2006 freshman class. Sherrod Harris was an early commit and will compete with Snead in the future.

What’s not to like: Losing Young really puts this coming season in jeopardy.

RB- Jamaal Charles/Selvin Young/Ramonce Taylor/Chris Ogbonnaya

What’s to like: There is depth, experience and potential star power here. Charles is the most likely to start, but there will be shared carries with the Senior Young and the dual threat Taylor. Incoming freshman Vondrell McGee looks promising as well.

What’s not to like: There are almost too many good players here. Henry Melton will likely move from power back to defensive end and promising freshman Marcus Houston has already transferred.

FB- Marcus Myers/Chris Ogbonnaya

What’s to like: Myers is a hard-nosed lead blocker that can also move the chains with the ball in his hands. Ogbonnaya is a versatile player that can run, block and catch.

What’s not to like: Losing a veteran like Ahmard Hall will still hurt this team.

WR- Limas Sweed/Billy Pittman/Myron Hardy

What’s to like: Sweed has shown improvement every year. He will be the go-to guy in ’06. Pittman and Hardy are also good players, with Pittman having a handful of big catches in 2005.

What’s not to like: Sweed still hasn’t had a breakout year. He’s had good games, but he’s taking on a lot of responsibility in 2006.

WR- Quan Cosby/Nate Jones/Jordan Shipley

What’s to like: As a freshman, Cosby fought for and won a starting position. Nate Jones and Jordan Shipley are both players with a lot of potential.

What’s not to like: Shipley has missed two years already with injuries and Jones hasn’t earned much playing time either.

TE- Neale Tweedie/Jermichael Finley/Tyrell Gatewood

What’s to like: Tweedie saw enough playing time in 2005 to be ready for this change. Finley is a very talented youngster who might start some games next year.

What’s not to like: Losing your best receiver in David Thomas will be very hard to replace.

What’s to like: Hills was an All American in High School and has the genetics people dream of. He’s also shown in 2005 that he can handle being the left tackle here.

What’s not to like: Losing a potential first-round pick in Jon Scott is still tough to overcome.

LG- Kasey Studdard/Mike Garcia

What’s to like: A returning starter, Studdard is already a veteran on the line.

What’s not to like: There’s nothing wrong with the left guard position.

OC- Lyle Sendlein/Dallas Griffin

What’s to like: Another returning starter here. Sendlein will be one year more experienced and ready to make the line calls.

What’s not to like: The depth here is running out. They’ll have to focus recruiting here or move some players around.

RG- Cedric Dockery/Chris Hall

What’s to like: Dockery comes from a line of Texas players. His brother Derrick starts at guard for the Redskins. Chris Hall has looked good in limited time, but was dominating in the 2005 practices at times.

What’s not to like: Dockery is talented, but young. Replacing a veteran like Will Allen takes time, not just raw potential.

RT- Justin Blalock/Greg Dolan

What’s to like: The Longhorns are set here with a potential All American and a very talented young player waiting in the wings.

What’s not to like: Dolan needs to log some playing time, even on special teams, to ensure an easy transition in 2007.

What’s to like: Crowder was again the best pass rusher on the team. Melton will make the move from offense to defense, where his size is more common. Incoming freshman Eddie Jones is going to be a star.

What’s not to like: Everything is fine here. The Longhorns are just hoping Melton makes an impact on defense.

DT- Frank Okam/Marco Martin

What’s to like: At times in 2005, Okam was the best lineman on the field. He’s more than ready to be the featured tackle in this defense.

What’s not to like: Martin is still an underachiever. Losing Rod Wright means more double teams for Okam.

DT- Roy Miller/Derek Lokey

What’s to like: Miller has more potential than any player on the line. He could be great. Lokey is already proven and might even take the starting job for a while.

What’s not to like: Both players are young and will be replacing an All American in Rod Wright.

DE- Brian Robison/Brian Orakpo

What’s to like: Here is another accomplished player. Robison is a good end, a great kick blocker and a world-class track athlete. Orakpo has spelled him at times and has looked good. He’s waiting in the wings.

What’s not to like: This is the ideal situation for the Longhorns. Robison does need to produce more sacks though.

OLB- Drew Kelson/Robert Killebrew

What’s to like: In case you missed it, that was Drew Kelson running side-by-side with Reggie Bush in the Rose Bowl. Killebrew has starting experience here too.

What’s not to like: The youthful mistakes will happen.

MLB- Sergio Kindle/Robert Killebrew

What’s to like: Kindle is the best defender in the 2006 freshman class. He has Derrick Johnson type talent and could start as a frosh.

What’s not to like: A freshman starting at middle linebacker might be dangerous.

OLB- Rashad Bobino/Eric Foreman

What’s to like: Bobino progressed amazingly this year and looks like the next NFL linebacker from Texas.

What’s not to like: There is going to be stiff competition here. Losing reps could hurt the starters.

CB- Aaron Ross/Brandon Foster

What’s to like: Despite some bad plays in the Rose Bowl, Ross has starting talent and is a top notch return man.

What’s not to like: If Ross falters, there is not much behind him.

FS- Michael Griffin/Ryan Palmer

What’s to like: Griffin had a brilliant year in 2005 and is only going to get better.

What’s not to like: No Michael Huff to help in coverage this year though.

SS- Marcus Griffin/Matt Melton

What’s to like: Griffin looked good in nickel coverage. He has starting talent.

What’s not to like: Griffin has never played as a starter and will be challenged hard by Melton.

CB- Tarell Brown/Deon Beasley

What’s to like: Brown looks like a first-round talent. Hopefully he has a speedy recovery from a broken arm.

LT- Tony Hills

DE- Tim Crowder/Henry Melton