Thus far, 36 underclassmen have declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Last year, 53 juniors and redshirt sophomores declared with 15 being taken in the first round.
So it stands to reason that several more names will enter the draft fray before the Jan. 15 declaration deadline. Players who do declare have a 72-hour window to withdraw their name, as long as they didn’t sign with an agent.
Here’s a quick overview on some, not all, of the biggest names who haven’t made their NFL Draft decisions.
Player: Rob Gronkowski | TE | Arizona
Situation: Gronkowski is rehabbing in Florida following back surgery. He expects to hear back from the NFL Draft advisory committee on Monday about his draft projection. Gronkowski’s father, Gordon, said nine NFL teams said his son would be a first-round pick and nine said he’d be a second-round pick.
Solution: If he receives a first- or second-round grade, come out. However, Gronkowski shouldn’t expect to be taken in the first round. His injury is a big red flag and his playing shape is probably lackluster. So whether or not he’d be able to conduct a private workout is unknown.
Player: Carlos Dunlap | DE | Florida
Situation: The polarizing defensive end had an up and down year. Many consider that it was more down than up. Dunlap’s father, Carlos Dunlap Sr., says his son should go pro.
Solution: Dunlap shouldn’t go pro but probably will. His size and athleticism should make him a first-round pick. But if he returns, bulks up some, and consistently plays harder, he could again be considered a top 10 pick.
Player: Greg Jones | MLB | Michigan State
Situation: Doesn’t it seem like Jones has been in college forever? Regardless, the junior is still debating on going pro. Jones most recently said on Jan. 3 that he’s 50-50.
Solution: Go pro. Jones is ready for the NFL. He’s a highly productive player who could possibly start immediately. That said, don’t expect his name to be called in the first round.
Player: Amari Spievey | CB | Iowa
Situation: Spievey recently said he was 50-50 about coming out. He’s seen one teammate (Bryan Bulaga) enter the draft and be projected as a first rounder. He’s seen another (Adrian Clayborn) return even following a great bowl game.
Solution: Spievey may have only had two interceptions this season, but he’s a playmaker. He shown that he’s good athlete with good size at 6-foot and 190 pounds. In a moderately weak cornerback class, Spievey should come out. If he does, he could go in the latter half of the first 60 picks.
A look at underclassmen who could still declare for NFL Draft
Player: Noel Devine | RB | West Virginia
Situation: As of Jan. 3, Devine was not sure whether or not he’d turn pro. If he does, totaling 168 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Gator Bowl didn’t hurt.
Situation: At best, Devine would be the fourth or fifth running back drafted this year. He has great speed and is elusive, but his size will always be an issue. However, he should come out. Even by coming back, Devine probably won’t improve his draft position and only risk injury.
Player: DeMarco Murray | RB | Oklahoma
Situation: Over the last month, Murray has gone back and forth about entering the draft. He had an up and down year and was injured for part of it.
Solution: Murray should return. He could improve his draft stock by staying healthy and showing he’s an excellent all-around running back.
Player: Case Keenum | QB | Houston
Situation: The stat-sheet-stuffing Keenum dodged draft discussion in December. However, he didn’t completely shoot down the chances of going pro.
Solution: Following a bad showing in the Armed Forces Bowl where he threw six interceptions, Keenum should return. He was at best a third rounder before that game, and his draft stock only plummeted.
Harvey Unga | RB | Brigham Young
Situation: Unga is still waiting to hear back from the advisory committee. He had a solid year with 1,087 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Solution: Unga is a good power back and not much else. He projects as a fourth- or fifth-round player, so it might not hurt him to return.
Maurkice and Mike Pouncey | C, G | Florida
Situation: The Pouncey twins remain undecided as of Thursday. Many consider Maurkice, a center, a top 75 player. Mike, a guard, isn’t rated as high.
Solution: Maurkice should go and be one of the first interior linemen drafted. Mike should return to school and prove he can handle the inside on his own.
Stephen Paea | DT | Oregon State
Situation: Paea is in a somewhat unique situation. He’s been at Oregon State for four years and spent a year at prep school before enrolling.
Solution: Named the Pac-10’s top defensive lineman this year, Paea should turn pro. His draft stock is limited because of his size (6-foot-1, 285 pounds) and likely won’t go up.
Note: You’re not seeing Georgia Tech players Derrick Morgan (DE), Jonathan Dwyer (RB) or Morgan Burnett (S) because they have been very quiet following the Orange Bowl.
Same thing with any undeclared players from Alabama or Texas. Other players are not listed because there has been no news on them recently.
