For the longest time, it's looked like Villanova offensive lineman Ben Ijalana has looked like the top small-school prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Not so fast. Well, maybe so fast., actually.
On Thursday, Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones dazzled at his pro day. According to those in attendance, Jones ran the 40-yard dash in the high 4.2- and low 4.3-second range. That goes with a 39.5-inch vertical leap and a 11-foot broad jump.
Poll: Who will be the first small-school player drafted?
Has Jones pushed past Ijalana and will he be the first small-school player drafted? One of the knocks on Jones is that he was too slender at 178 pounds. At his pro day, though, Jones was bulked up to 198 pounds on his 6-foot frame. in games, Jones has another gear. In this year’s draft class, there aren’t a lot of players with that trait.Ijalana is a wide-body offensive tackle who may kick inside to guard in the NFL. He has long arms and is a good drive blocker. I’d have him rated slightly higher than Vladimir Ducasse last year.
In addition to Jones and Ijalana, there is Lehigh offensive lineman William Rackley and Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmund Gates. Right now, though, Ijalana and Jones seem like a level ahead of everyone else. So who do you think will be the first small-school player taken?
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