NFL Draft Blog by Rob Rang : CBSSports.com Blogs

Knee scope will sideline RB Richardson at Combine

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:20:02 EST

The competition to be the second running back selected in the 2012 NFL Draft will go from one of the more intriguing second tier topics of this week's Scouting Combine to one of the major stories with news Wednesday that Alabama runner Trent Richardson, the unquestioned top talent at the position, won't be able to perform in Indianapolis.

Richardson, NFLDraftScout.com's No. 6 rated overall prospect, underwent minor knee surgery a few weeks ago after initially injuring his knee while preparing for the BCS National Championship, according to NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora.

Though Richardson won't be able to participate in the athletic drills at the Combine, according to the report, he is expected to be able to participate in Alabama's March 7 Pro Day.

Under radar underclassmen set to light up combine

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:34:13 EST

With the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off Wednesday, nearly every where you look you'll find another analyst with a list of athletes who could put up astonishing workout numbers.

Dane Brugler and I collaborated on a that identified ten players with questions to answer in Indianapolis. Our colleague, Bruce Feldman, identified ten "athletic freaks" who should put forth some of the best numbers of any players invited to the combine this year.

The simple reality of the combine season is that only occasionally are scouts surprised by the athleticism shown by prospects. At least among the senior prospects, scouts have been looking at them all year long and know what to expect. Prospects who don't perform well despite having a month (or more) typically to prepare for the very specific drills tested serve as more of a red flag to most talent evaluators than a surprisingly strong workout usually helps a prospect.

Stephen Garcia fighting odds to reach NFL dream

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:02:41 EST

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia wasn't among the 300-plus prospects invited to this week's Scouting Combine, but he is still working hard to convince scouts to give him a shot at the NFL.

Garcia participated in the Battle of Florida all-star game and took part in one of the regional scouting combines that were set up this year. He's waiting to hear if he'll be selected for a "super regional combine" scheduled for March 30 at Ford Field in Detroit.

It has been a long road for Garcia, a one-time prized recruit who was kicked off the South Carolina team last year for drinking alcohol when he was given a no tolerance policy from coach Steve Spurrier following five previous suspensions.

However, Spurrier is allowing Garcia to participate in South Carolina's March 28 pro day, and the quarterback said he's committed to proving to NFL teams that he does not have a problem with alcohol.

RG3 pushes pro day in front of Luck's

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 8:03:48 EST

Robert Griffin III has moved his pro day up to March 21, one day before Andrew Luck's pro day, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move avoids a conflict for NFL scouts, who can now take in both workouts.

The change might benefit teammates more than Luck and Griffin III, who are the top two rated players by NFLDraftScout.com. With Stanford and Baylor both boasting several draftable players, scouts won't have to choose which workout to attend.

Luck and Griffin will both be in Indianapolis this week for the Scouting Combine. While they will interview with teams and take part in measurements and the media sessions, both may choose to skip the throwing sessions. Many top quarterback prospects choose to wait until their personal pro days, when they can work out on their home turf and with their own receivers.

Blackmon to 'do it all' at Combine; Fleener won't

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:21 EST

NFL scouts will get the opportunity to see Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, who most rated as the elite wide receiver in the 2012 draft, participate fully in this week's Scouting Combine.

NFLDraftScout.com has learned that a high ankle sprain will keep another potential first round pass-catcher from doing the same, however.

Albert Breer of NFL.com reports that Blackmon plans to "do it all" in Indianapolis this week and even predicts that he'll be timed between 4.4 and 4.5 seconds when he runs the 40-yard dash. Despite Blackmon dominating the competition at the collegiate level, including winning back to back Biletnikof Awards as the nation's elite receiver, scouts have reservations about his straight-line speed. Blackmon, in fact, has been routinely estimated as a receiver with 4.55-4.60 speed by area scouts who have scouted him numerous times in person. A perceived lack of top-end speed is the one physical characteristic Blackmon would appear to be lacking when compared to receivers taken in the top six in recent years like A.J. Green, Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson. Scouts also have some reservations about Blackmon's decision-making off the field, in large part due to an arrest for driving while under the influence of alcohol in October, 2010. Blackmon was just 20 years old at the time.

Report: Tannehill to work out on campus March 29

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:36:52 EST

NFL scouts will get the opportunity to scout Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill Pro Day one week after the only two quarterbacks currently rated by NFLDraftScout.com ahead of him -- Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III -- are scheduled to hold their own.

NFL.com's Gil Brandt reports that Tannehill will have an on-campus workout March 29.

It will be the first time scouts have seen Tannehill since he guided the Aggies to a Meineke Bowl win over Northwestern December 31st. Tannehill suffered a foot injury while preparing for the Senior Bowl at IMG Football Academy in Bradenton, Florida. It was discovered that he had broken the fifth metatarsal. The injury and subsequent surgery in which a screw was inserted cost Tannehill the opportunity to compete in the Senior Bowl, next week's Scouting Combine or Texas A&M's initial Pro Day March 7.

NFL to open Combine gates for 250 fans

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:34:07 EST

The NFL's ever-expanding marketing promotions have taken the next logical step and will be allowing 250 fans into the 2012 Scouting Combine.

Fans interested in attending the quarterback and wide receiver position drills on Sunday, February 26 are asked to register at 1iota.com. Tickets are free but won't be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to write a "short essay" on why they deserve to be among the lucky ones allowed into Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to watch wide receivers run the 40-yard dash as well as quarterbacks and receivers performing their positional drills. Fans fortunate enough to be picked will also be given a raffle ticket, giving them a chance to win NFL Shop gift cards, a mini helmet signed by the Colts' Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai and Under Armour swag bags.

Why wait? Kuechly doing everything at Combine

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:37:25 EST

The unfortunate reality about the Scouting Combine is that too many of the elite prospects choose not to work out in Indianapolis but instead wait until their Pro Day.

Boston College's Luke Kuechly -- the consensus top rated inside linebacker in the 2012 draft and reigning Butkus, Nagurski, Lombardi and LOTT Impact Trophy award winner -- told me that he certainly won't be passing up on the opportunity to compete.

"Yes, I'll be doing everything at the Combine. I'm looking forward to it," Kuechy told me in a phone interview this week.

Kuechly has been hard at work at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida preparing for the work out since shortly after his January 6 announcement that he'd be bypassing his senior season and heading to the NFL.

Panthers plan private visit with LSU DT Brockers

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 5:52:40 EST

Typically NFL teams wait until after the Combine and Pro Day workouts to schedule private visits with potential draft picks.

The Carolina Panthers, however, have already invited LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers to visit their facility March 8, according to the redshirt sophomore's agent.

Albert Elias of Elias Sports Management announced the proposed meeting via his Twitter account.

Listed by LSU at 6-6, 306 pounds pounds, Brockers ranks among the elite talents in what has shaped up to be a strong defensive tackle class. Brockers is currently second among defensive tackles on NFLDraftScout.com's board (behind Penn State's Devon Still) and is our No. 13 overall rated prospect. He's among six defensive tackles NFLDraftScout.com currently projects as potential first round prospects -- the highest total from any position in the 2012 draft. I'm even higher on Brockers than my peers, ranking him 10th overall on my Big Board.

Tannehill out of boot, will re-schedule Pro Day

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:02:43 EST

While Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins boosted their stock with strong efforts at the Senior Bowl, Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill remains the most talented senior quarterback in the land and is likely to be the first one drafted.

Some believe Tannehill's obvious talent will be enough to land him in the first round, joining redshirt juniors Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III as top 32 picks. Others, including myself, are having a harder time envisioning a quarterback who just 19 collegiate starts at the position as being a first round pick. While I don't include him in my mock draft, I do believe he's among the top 32 talents in this draft.

Regardless of where he is ultimately drafted, Tannehill will have to first prove his health, as he underwent surgery recently to repair a broken foot suffered during passing drills at IMG Football Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl and while ESPN's Pat Yasinkas is reporting that Tannehill is now out of the protective boot he was in, Tannehill won't be ready to work out for scouts at the Combine or Texas A&M's scheduled Pro Day March 7.

Report: Prior to Tebow, Broncos eyed RG3

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:20:18 EST

Prior to the development of Tim Tebow as the most talked about quarterback in Denver since John Elway, the Broncos were looking at another versatile, Heisman-winning passer as a possible first round target for the 2012 draft -- Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

Rated behind only Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Southern California offensive tackle Matt Kalil among the elite prospects in the 2012 draft by NFLDraftScout.com, Griffin is likely to earn a top-five selection come April. That would almost surely keep RG3 out of Denver's reach, as the Broncos would have to package several picks -- including their current first round selection (No. 25 overall) to move up to get him.

Steve Wyche of NFL.com reported Tuesday, however, that the Broncos were closely scouting Griffin this season.

Busy Pro Day schedule announced

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 8:42:13 EST

In less than two weeks, every team in the league, hundreds of media members and the 328 college prospects though most likely to be drafted will all be in Indianapolis for the 2012 Scouting Combine.

The Combine is scheduled from February 22-28. The Pro Day "season" will unofficially kick off just four days later.

Pro Day workouts are held on campus. While the interview and medical testing components of the Combine are left out at Pro Days, the same athletic drills (40-yard dash, bench press, 3-cone drill, etc.) take place. It is the best opportunity to for athletes not invited to the Combine to audition in front of high-ranking NFL decision-makers.

The Pro Day dates for Stanford and Baylor were leaked earlier when it was discovered that Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III's universities had scheduled their workouts for March 22. National champion Alabama's Pro Day was announced yesterday, as well.

NFL source: Barron's surgery won't drop stock

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:48:04 EST

Alabama safety Mark Barron will not be able to participate in the upcoming Scouting Combine after undergoing a double-hernia surgery, NFLDraftScout.com has confirmed.

Barron is the only safety currently rated by NFLDraftScout.com as a first round talent.

There had been speculation at the Senior Bowl that Barron had been unable to participate in the event due to a pre-existing medical condition.

The rehabilitation for a hernia surgery typically runs two to four weeks but can extend up to eight weeks. The Combine is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks, covering February 22-28 in Indianapolis.

Stanford, Baylor each schedule March 22 Pro Days

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 8:13:36 EST

Unless Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III defy the trend of top-rated quarterbacks choosing not to throw at the Scouting Combine, talent evaluators are going to have a tough time seeing both throw prior to the 2012 draft.

That's because Stanford and Baylor have each scheduled their on-campus "Pro Day" workouts on March 22, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The conflicting schedule could force teams to split up their decision-makers to take in the workouts. This happened last year when the Carolina Panthers sent head coach Ron Rivera to watch Cam Newton's Pro Day workout at Auburn while general manager Marty Hurney reportedly attended Ryan Mallett's workout at Arkansas.

Another possibility, of course, is that Luck and/or Griffin could schedule their own individual workouts so that scouts could attend both.

Report: WR Owusu medically cleared by NFL doctor

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:40:24 EST

According to at least one doctor within the NFL's Head, Neck and Spine Committee, Stanford wide receiver Chris Owusu is "perfectly normal" and able to "play football now."

Prior to every NFL team's doctors checking out Owusu, the assertion that the former Cardinal receiver is fine has to be taken with a grain of salt. For one, Owusu has had three concussions over the past two seasons, the last of which of which ended his 2011 season on November 5. The concussion (suffered against Oregon State) kept Owusu out of several big games, including Stanford's January 2 Fiesta Bowl matchup against Oklahoma State.

Second, Evan Silva of ProFootballTalk.com cites communication with Owusu's agent (Steve Caric of Caric Sports Management) as the source of the story. What else might an agent say about his client other than that he is healthy and likely to boost his stock at the upcoming Combine?

The official 2012 Scouting Combine List

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:13:52 EST

A few weeks ago NFLDraftScout.com reported the initial list of players invited to the 2012 Scouting Combine, noting that the list would be updated soon with underclassmen and a few late senior additions.

National Football Scouting, the organization that puts on the Scouting Combine for the NFL, released the expanded list Tuesday morning.

While most of the record 65 underclassmen granted special eligibility for the 2012 draft are included on the list, 10 are not. Though every year there are players drafted who were not among those invited to the Combine, generally talent evaluators wish to see the underclassmen up close due to the limited viewing they may have of the early entrants throughout the year. As such, the 10 underclassmen who didn't make the Combine cut are clearly being currently viewed as long shots to be drafted. The 10 underclassmen not listed include Wyoming running back Alvester Alexander, Texas running back Jamison Berryhill, Kansas State running back Bryce Brown, Minnesota tight end Tiree Eure, Syracuse wide receiver Dorian Graham, Boston College defensive end/outside linebacker Max Holloway, Miami wide receiver Aldarius Johnson, Tulsa wide receiver Damaris Johnson, Purdue guard Ken Plue, and Auburn quarterback Barrett Trotter.

Washington RB Polk expects to run in the 4.4s

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 4:46:25 EST

Alabama junior Trent Richardson is universally considered the top running back in the 2012 draft.

Ask five scouts which runner will follow him on draft day and you are liable to get five different answers. Some are enamored with the pure speed of Miami's Lamar Miller or Virginia Tech's David Wilson. Others like the all-around game of Boise State senior Doug Martin. With an MVP-performance in the Senior Bowl that showcased his potential as a returner, Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead is making a late run up the board.

A so-so performance in Mobile has taken some of the luster off of Washington's Chris Polk, but if he runs as fast in workouts as he and those close to him expect him to, the former Husky will certainly be in the mix.

Diamonds in the rough emerging in film study

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:52:02 EST

Over the past few weeks, my fellow NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler and I have been working around the clock to finish up the 300+ player profiles we'll be offering here and for Lindy's NFL Draft Magazine.

While that time has left me unable to keep up the blog with the frequency I would have liked it has opened my eyes to a few lower rated prospects that haven't been receiving the attention their play warrants.

Here are the names of five prospects whose play forced me to re-evaluate where we've been ranking them...

QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State: I was disappointed to see Osweiler leave after his junior season as he remains a raw prospect. However, he possesses a strong, accurate arm and much better athleticism than most would reasonably expect given his huge frame (6-7, 240). There has been so much talk about which quarterback is likely to follow up Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin. For my money, that player has been (and remains) Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. But in the race to follow Tannehill, Osweiler has the physical skill-set to lead ahead of next group, including Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, the two most impressive quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl.

NFL: No plans to sell fans tickets to Combine

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:42:29 EST

With the NFL continually finding new ways to market itself and the insatiable appetite fans have for all things football it has been theorized by many that it is only a matter of time before the league begins selling tickets to the annual Scouting Combine.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello informed the media at the Super Bowl, however, that he knows of no plan to this citing crowd noise as a deterrent.

Only recently has the NFL allowed anyone other than league personnel into the workouts. Media has generally been asked to remain in a different part of the building away from the workouts. With NFL Network cameras being allowed to record some of the action in recent years, a few select members of the media have been allowed to come in and watch the quarterbacks throw to wide receivers in recent years.

Ex-Iowa RB Coker transferring to Stony Brook

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:45:21 EST

Blessed with a well-coached offensive line and a pro-style offensive attack that features the run, the Iowa Hawkeyes seemingly always have a strong running attack under Kirk Ferentz.

Unfortunately, rarely during Ferentz's recent tenure have his running backs been able to remain as the starter for more than a season. Not since the days of Albert Young (who left in 2007) have the Hawkeyes have enjoyed any real continuity at running back. Each of the past five seasons, in fact, Iowa has had a different player lead the team in either rushing yardage, rushing touchdowns or both.

The turnover will continue in 2012 due to the fact that Iowa's leading incumbent rusher Marcus Coker will be taking his talents to FCS powerhouse Stony Brook.

WRs steal the thunder, boost stock in Senior Bowl

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:02:32 EST

As usual, the quarterbacks generated most of the hype throughout the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. But during the game Saturday it was their receivers who stole the spotlight as the North defeated the South, 23-13.

Arkansas wide receiver Joe Adams shrugged off a fumble in the first quarter to catch six passes for 116 yards for the South, demonstrating the elusiveness and pure speed that helped him return four punts for touchdowns this season, earning the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year award. For his efforts Adams was named the Senior Bowl's "Outstanding Player" for the South squad.

Arizona's Juron Criner, also of the South, was quiet early in the game but connected with college teammate, quarterback Nick Foles, to the tune of four catches for 50 yards and the South's only touchdown, a 20-yarder with 12:55 left in the game. Criner finished with six catches for 77 yards.

Senior Bowl All-Practice Teams

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:45:42 EST

The Senior Bowl is scheduled to begin at 4 pm eastern time and you can bet there will be plenty of NFL scouts who will be watching the game.

Not nearly as many will be watching the game, itself, however, as took in the practices throughout the week. Quite frankly, the Senior Bowl is like any other all-star game in football or other sport, the players participating in it are largely decided based on popularity rather than talent.

It remains to be seen which players will help their stock during the game, itself.

Here are the players from the offensive units on the North and South squads making my All-Practice Team.

Report: Datko ends redshirt pursuit; NFL eligible

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:20:41 EST

Florida State's Andrew Datko entered his senior season among the most highly touted offensive tackle prospects in the country.

Unfortunately, the Seminoles preseason All-ACC left tackle's 2011 season ended after just four games due to lingering shoulder issues. Datko pursued gaining another year of eligibility with a medical redshirt but was not among the list of several NFL-caliber players initially granted an extra season from the ACC.

According to editor-in-chief John Crist of NoleDigest.com, Datko has elected to end his pursut of a medical redshirt, has signed with agent Drew Rosenhaus and is preparing for the 2012 draft. He's currently rated as the No. 11 offensive tackle for the 2012 draft and the 118th rated prospect, overall by NFLDraftScout.com. Datko was one of two highly athletic tackles to star for the Seminoles over the past four seasons. While he started at left tackle, Zebrie Sanders was the Seminoles' right tackle. Sanders flipped over to the left side and played well once Datko's senior campaign finished early.

South Team's CBs stealing the show at Senior Bowl

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:45:55 EST

MOBILE, ALA -- With the NFL evolving into a predominantly passing league, cornerbacks are in high demand and have become one of the premier positions at the next level. With that said, the senior class boasts some intriuging talent at the cornerback position and several of those rising talents can be found on the South squad at the Senior Bowl.

North Alabama (and former Florida Gator) cornerback Janoris Jenkins has put to rest any debate as to who is the most talented senior cornerback in this year's group with his performance in practice this week. He is a fluid athlete with very light feet and swivel hips to turn and run downfield, but also shows the closing burst and physical nature to attack what's in front of him. At practice on Wednesday, Jenkins showed impeccable timing and explosion to plant, drive and blow up the play, knocking the ball and North Carolina receiver Dwight Jones to the ground in one of the drills.

Arizona WR Criner quieting critics at Senior Bowl

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:36:09 EST

MOBILE, Ala -- Arizona wide receiver Juron Criner saw his stock slip before his senior season even began amid concerns about family and personal health issues.

While those issues will still need to be investigated fully by NFL teams, the playmaking skills that he demonstrated throughout an record-breaking career with the Wildcats have helped him stand out this week for the South Team at the Senior Bowl.

Though I still have reservations about Criner's straight-line speed, he's shown enough in that category to eat up the cushion against off-man coverage supplied by a cornerback group for the South that is as strong as any position playing in the 2012 Senior Bowl. Criner runs precise routes and has excellent body control to adjust to the ball while it is in flight. He demonstrated this in beating North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins, my 21st overall rated prospect in the 2012 draft on a deep ball midway through Wednesday's practice.

Trio from the North boosting stock at Senior Bowl

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:58:35 EST

MOBILE, Ala. -- After scouting the North team practices for the past three days I am ready to make some adjustments to my own personal rankings on a few prospects.

I wouldn't necessarily characterize these adjustments as "Risers" from the Senior Bowl - at least not in terms of how NFL scouts perceive them. They may have been high on these three prospects already. I, on the other hand, may have underrated these prospects based on my initial film review and will be working with fellow analysts Dane Brugler, Brad Noel, technical director Brian Hitterman and the rest of our resources at NFLDraftScout.com to adjust our rankings based on what we've seen thus far at the Senior Bowl.

In previous blog posts I highlighted the play of Cal wideout Marvin Jones and Connecticut defensive tackle Kendall Reyes. Each would qualify for this list, as well.

DTs Reyes, Martin proving disruptive at Sr Bowl

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:58:55 EST

MOBILE, Ala. -- With Penn State's Devon Still -- NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated senior defensive tackle -- out of the Senior Bowl due to a sprained toe scouts were curious to see which of the remaining interior defensive linemen would be able to step up their play.

Based on Tuesday's North practice, Connecticut's Kendall Reyes and Michigan's Mike Martin are taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Physically speaking, the two couldn't be much different. Reyes, who measured in just a shade under 6-4 and 300 pounds lined up at the three-technnique and even was split out as a five-technique defensive end. His burst off the snap and quick hands made him a tough draw for even the most athletic and experienced of the North offensive linemen. Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler, arguably the nation's top pure guard among seniors, struggled handling Reyes one on one during drills and during the scrimmages throughout practice, as well.

QB, WRs emerge at Monday's North Sr Bowl practice

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:16:06 EST

MOBILE, Ala. -- Making a strong first impression at the Senior Bowl can send a player's stock skyrocketing and boost his rookie contract by millions of dollars.

Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins and California wide receiver Marvin Jones can't start writing checks just yet but if they continue the sparkling efforts turned in Monday during the North Team practices they could prove to be two of the big winners from this year's Senior Bowl.

Cousins out-shined Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Boise State's Kellen Moore by attacking all levels of a talented North defense. His experience in a pro-style offense was obvious as he made quick decisions, showed accuracy short, middle and deep and thread the needle through tight spaces. Whereas his teammates struggled to find a rhythm with their new receiving corps, Cousins was hitting on all cylinders, spreading the ball all over the field and hitting his backs, tight ends and receivers on a variety of routes.

Early impressions from Senior Bowl weigh-ins

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:59:23 EST

MOBILE, Ala. -- It might seem silly to think that lasting impressions can be made on scouts when athletes strut on stage for the weigh-ins prior to various all-star games but talent evaluators can take a lot from the height, weight, hand size, arm length, and general build of the athletes.

Each football position carries with it certain ideal measurements. This, of course, does not mean that players can't be successful in the NFL despite being shorter, heavier or physically less impressive than expected. It does, however, give scouts an idea as to where a prospect might project in the pros, as well as his dedication to the weight-room, etc.

At no all-star game is this more important, of course, than the Senior Bowl, the most prestigious and talent-filled all-star game in college football.

Add New Mexico St RB Turner to "early entry" list

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:29:23 EST

On Thursday the NFL announced that a record 65 underclassmen had officially been declared eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft.

New Mexico State junior running back Kenny Turner's name was not on the list but due to the fact that he is five years removed from his high school graduating class, it didn't need to be. This is the same reason why Utah State's Robert Turbin's name was not on the list.

Turner has had an circuitous route to the announcement, which was made via the official New Mexico State Athletics website. As NFLDraftScout.com's No. 32 rated running back of the class of 2013, the decision may at first appear surprising.

Turner, 26, was viewed as one of the best athletes in the state of Florida when he allowed a momentary act of youthful self-preservation change his life.