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2003 Michigan Draft Eligibles
by Gail Bahr
(With special thanks to Rob of Boomer’s Draft Guide for his e-mails and excellent information)
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Probably the first Michigan player who will hear his name called on April 26th is:
Bennie Joppru, tight end, 6’4”, 246, didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the combine but at Michigan’s Pro Day he averaged 4.78. Joppru had an excellent senior season and demonstrated soft, reliable hands. He can make the acrobatic catch and adjust to the poorly thrown ball. At the Senior Bowl he made one outstanding catch, pulling in a deflected ball while taking a wallop. A good route runner, he’s intelligent and instinctive. He’s also an above average blocker He needs to improve his overall strength but is quick and blocks very well in space. Currently he lacks the strength to be an explosive drive blocker but a year in an NFL weight and conditioning program will correct this deficiency.
Drew Henson, quarterback, 6’4”, 233, 4.7---Henson is an interesting prospect whose first love would appear to be baseball. Originally on the Yankees’ farm team, he was traded to the Reds and then back to the Yankees, where he had a disappointing 2002 season. He is still considered a good baseball prospect and is eligible for the 2003 NFL Draft. He only started for one year at Michigan so is relatively inexperienced. On top of that he hasn’t played football in two years but he has a strong arm and good accuracy. Poised, he has sufficient mobility to avoid the rush. The question is how high some team will draft him with the hope that he will choose to play football.
Ronald Bellamy, wide receiver, 6’, 208, 4.57/combine, Pro Day 4.41---Bellamy had his finest season as a senior, finishing third in receptions and receiving yards and second in touchdown receptions. Although he has always played in the shadow of other Michigan receivers, he is a legitimate short to intermediate receiving prospect. He has long arms and reliable hands and runs good routes. A willing blocker, he has also shown skill as a punt return man.
B.J. Askew, RB/FB, 6’2”,241, didn’t run at the combine, ran 4.6 at Michigan’s Pro Day---Askew is viewed as a bit of a “tweener”; that is, a player caught between two positions. He has played both tailback and fullback during his college career. His senior year he played fullback. He’s a fluid runner though he sometimes runs a little high and isn’t particularly quick. He always keeps his feet moving and finishes strong. He has very good hands as a receiver and is an improving blocker. His blocking will need to improve further if he is to make his mark as a fullback in the NFL.
Shantee Orr, defensive end, 6’ 7/8”, 259, 4.85---Another tweener who may have to consider switching to linebacker in the NFL. He moves well and can get to the quarterback but lacks the bulk and strength to get away from big offensive linemen. He has solid field instincts and is a high-energy player with a very good swim move. If he can add some bulk he may be able to remain at DE; otherwise a switch to linebacker should be considered. He appears to have the frame to add some weight.
Victor Hobson, 6’ ?, 252, 4.85, pro day ave. 4.61---Hobson has improved every year. He played outside but some project him inside. He’s a quick reactor with solid instincts,. He’s a good run defender, who attacks with gusto and holds his ground. Occasionally, he has trouble shedding because his shoulders aren’t squared up. He moves up field quickly and takes good angles to the ball. A solid prospect who should be able to contribute on special teams.
Julius Curry, safety, 6’, 198, 4.54---a good athlete with very good hands and feet, he is able to change direction smoothly. He’s a physical player but will sometimes overrun the play. He’s a reliable punt returner. Curry has been held back by injuries as well as having to share time with Charles Drake and Cato June. He needs experience but has potential.
Charles Drake, safety, 6’1”, 203, 4.62---very athletic, Drake has a lot of upside potential. He began his Michigan career at running back, moving to safety in 2000, so he lacks experience at safety. He’s a good hitter who seldom misses a tackle. He demonstrates good footwork. He sometimes seems a little hesitant but that is likely due to his relative inexperience at safety.
Cato June, safety, 6’ 1/8, 218, 4.68:combine, pro day:4.6 but pulled up with a leg injury after one run---June is a physical and tough safety who plays the run very well. He attacks aggressively with good hand usage. He hits hard and generally wraps up well. Occasionally, he overruns the play. With his toughness and ability to deliver a hit, he should be able to contribute immediately on special teams.
This list is not all-inclusive and is intended to feature only those Michigan players who have attracted the most interest among NFL teams.
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