Eugene and Young Submitting Their Names to the NFL Draft Advisory Board

'08 Football General30

Two For Pack Consult NFL Draft Advisory Board

N.C. State juniors Willie Young and Jamelle Eugene are submitting their names to the NFL draft advisory board for feedback on where they might be selected in the draft in April if they choose to leave school early, coach Tom O’Brien said Tuesday.

Additionally, linebacker Nate Iriving said

“After Rutgers I’ll worry about my future plans.”

Before anyone hits the panic button regarding 2009, keep in mind that

The draft advisory board reviews the credentials of underclassmen and provides them of an estimate of where they might be selected in the draft if they leave school in order to help them make informed decisions about their future.

That’s a long way from declaring for the draft, and in fact could be a good tool to tell a prospective NFL draftee what they may need to work on in order to raise their NFL draft stock.  That’s the good news.  The bad news? If by chance the League folks tell the players that they could go in the first three rounds, then Tom O’Brien would have some major holes to fill for 2009.

'08 Football General

30 Responses to Eugene and Young Submitting Their Names to the NFL Draft Advisory Board

  1. YANCSSB 12/16/2008 at 4:17 PM #

    In other NFL/Pack news, Rivers was snubbed in the Pro Bowl selections.

  2. tractor57 12/16/2008 at 4:18 PM #

    I think it only prudent for these young men to explore their options.
    Of course I hope the decision is to play for the Wolfpack but I will never criticise them for doing what is best for them.

  3. TOBtime 12/16/2008 at 4:55 PM #

    Irving and Young could really use a breakout year to get their draft stock up. If Eugene is the feature back next year and does not share as much time as he did with Brown the same could be said for him.

    Rivers has been getting snubbed since he was at NC State. If he throws alot, his numbers are inflated because of it and if his team runs the ball it’s because he sucks as a QB. The guy just keeps getting it done…unlike some other overrated Chargers. It was an absolute shame he had to even sit with Eli Manning at the Heisman ceremony. And the guy who won that year, what exactly were his numbers and what does he do now?

  4. packalum44 12/16/2008 at 5:01 PM #

    I always wish Wolfpack Alum the best whether they leave early or not. It is not their fault we have no depth. Regardless, these two young men are just being prudent. They have NFL aspirations and they likely just want to test the waters. IMHO they are fringe draft material at this time.

    On the other hand, I think Nate Irving would go in the 3rd or 4th round but that doesn’t mean he is ready. I really hope they all stay. If they do, we might be the favorites to win the ACC next year…

    BTW: Have heard that Tony Baker WILL return next season although I’m cautiously skeptical.

  5. ncsumatman 12/16/2008 at 5:15 PM #

    If I were a junior with a realistic shot at the NFL, I would submit my name also. The gain could be enormous, and there is no downside. Same thing for bball. If I were a junior who had not previously declared myself eligible, I would do it 100% of the time prior to my senior year. I can always withdraw from the draft, and some team might show some serious love, making me millions (by me I mean someone who can play ball).

  6. packalum44 12/16/2008 at 5:33 PM #

    “I’ll say who it is, Young and Eugene are the only two., of which neither at this point has any intention to leave, they just want to know.”

    TOB

    Is it just me or does everybody love listening to TOB’s interviews (or reading them in my case)??? He is as candid as you can be and unlike our past coach, he sounds like he knows what he is doing.

  7. McLovin 12/16/2008 at 6:14 PM #

    I’m not really worried about any of these draft rumors. Willie and Jamelle are two guys that do have potential to go to the NFL, and they want to see where they stand at this point. Hell I would too. But think about it: Willie could potentially have a GREAT season next year with his athletic ability. Jamelle will be the premier back like he was at the end of last year, which could allow him to showcase his talents. IMO, State could be pretty good next year, and these two could be the senior leadership. Would they really want to finish their careers on a 7-6/6-7 team or would they want to try for more (throw the money issue out. I don’t think either will be offered TOO much by any NFL team). I predict that the scouts tell them what they need to work on to raise their draft stock, and they come back to work on their skills.

    As far as Nate Irving goes, I don’t think we need to worry. My brother has some classes with him and Nate told him that he wasn’t planning on entering his name into the draft. He wants to come back for (at least) one more year.

    Really I believe only one thing could hurt us – if one of these guys goes into Birmingham and flat out DOMINATES Rutgers. His draft stock might shoot up just from one game (Anybody remember Ced Simmons v. Duke?) Otherwise I can’t really see any of these guys going too high this year.

  8. highstick 12/16/2008 at 6:42 PM #

    After going to the Panthers-Denver game Sunday, I’m reminded of the big difference between a pro player and a college player. It is huge in most cases, so if the draft number isn’t really high and you can complete your degree, please stay and at least get closer to the sheepskin. One of these days, this professional salary schedule is going to crumble just like the stock market!

  9. vtpackfan 12/16/2008 at 7:04 PM #

    Good for them, though we have some coaches on staff who have some strong ties to the League and I’m sure their feedback can be helpful.

    I wonder if TOB has every thrown a request across Belichik for an honest answer on a guys stock. Kinda doubt it.

  10. buttPACKer 12/16/2008 at 8:18 PM #

    OFF TOPIC:

    I just read an article about P. Johnson;s new contract with GT–app. 2m. It listed ACC coaches’ salaries, and at the near bottom was our very own TOB, at 1.1m nearly a half m less than Duke’s Cutcliffe. . . We have got to give this man–our beloved TO’B–a significant raise, and soon!

  11. packplantpath 12/16/2008 at 8:40 PM #

    I suspect they are waiting until after the season is officially over to announce a contract extension/raise. But, I agree. It needs to be done, and it needs to be done soon.

    Anybody who could get a bowl game with this team deserves it……

  12. wolfonthehill 12/16/2008 at 10:21 PM #

    Absurd that PR got snubbed… exactly what else was he supposed to do this season?

    Let’s just rename the Pro Bowl… how about “Prom King & Queen”?

  13. ruffles31 12/16/2008 at 10:27 PM #

    One thing to remember about Willie Young though is that he is 23 and he may not want to leave one year later. I hope he stays though.

  14. wufpup76 12/16/2008 at 10:36 PM #

    “Absurd that PR got snubbed… exactly what else was he supposed to do this season?”

    Having a great season … if the Chargers’ D wasn’t AWFUL, they probably would’ve already won the AFC West

    He got snubbed in favor of Int King Brett Favre … Not sure I agree w/ that … The Jets have won a few game in SPITE of Favre, not b/c of him – while the Chargers have absolutely wasted a great year from their QB by being completely lousy on D

  15. Alpha Wolf 12/17/2008 at 8:01 AM #

    ^ Losing the heart of their D, Merriman, didn’t help the Chargers. That would be like the Bears losing Brian Urlacher.

  16. Wolf Dog 12/17/2008 at 8:40 AM #

    Sometimes it is good to put your name in to the NFL even though you may have no intention of leaving. I don’t know if any players are leaving but Young and Eugene probably doing a smart thing putting their names in. Gets them some attention and gets NFL scouts looking at them a little closer. Makes for a good set up for their senior year and then if they produce they not flying under the radar but already being followed by the scouts.

  17. anti-smurf 12/17/2008 at 8:54 AM #

    I don’t think we have to worry about Young leaving. Willie stated earlier that his intentions were to come back. If he blows up in the bowl game, and draft status shoots up – who knows.

    I think they’re smart. Find out what it is they need to improve on to help boost their draft status. CAn’t blame them for that. I would do the same thing.

    I’m excited about next year! I think we are on the verge of really taking off as a program, and doing so in the right way!

  18. jaybird80 12/17/2008 at 8:58 AM #

    One other thing to consider is something that I heard on ESPN the other day. There is a chance that the NFL collective bargining agreement will be re-worked this off-season; and that could include a rookie salary cap like in the NBA. The thinking of some is that a lot of eligble college players will declare this year in order to get “paid” now rather than have to wait for their second contract. Of course, this could make this draft very deep and could push marginal players down the list from where they might have gone without the influx of talent. Not saying that Eugene and Young are marginal players, but that could be another reason checing out their status.

  19. GoldenChain 12/17/2008 at 9:22 AM #

    I think the guys should do what’s right for their pocketbook. Period.

    As far as Rivers, yeah he got snubbed!!!!!!
    OK so Peyton is a lock (#10 QBRating 90.3; 23TDs… less than PR, 12INTs….1 more than PR, 28 yds more than PR big whop), Farve is the sentimental favorite (#15 QBRating 86.5; 500 less yards than PR w/ 21TDs… less than PR, 17INTs…more than PR), Cutler is the golden boy (#12 QBRating 88.2; 336 more yds than PR but 24TD’s….less than PR, 15INTs…. more than PR).

    PR: 101.4 QBRating (#1 in the NFL); 28TD’s (highest in the NFL); 11 picks (less than those who were selected for the PB).

    For the life of me I don’t see how Farve or Cutler got in ahead of PR, especially Farve.

  20. burnbarn 12/17/2008 at 9:47 AM #

    “That would be like the Bears losing Brian Urlacher.”

    To a lesser degree like us losing Nate this season.

  21. Noah 12/17/2008 at 10:00 AM #

    There is a chance that the NFL collective bargining agreement will be re-worked this off-season; and that could include a rookie salary cap like in the NBA. The thinking of some is that a lot of eligble college players will declare this year in order to get “paid” now rather than have to wait for their second contract.

    That will be a consideration for Sam Bradford…not for a guy who is going to get picked somewhere in the fifth or sixth round.

  22. Mike 12/17/2008 at 10:21 AM #

    What everyone has to remember is how the pros work. They dont draft on stats – they draft on potential. They look at a 40 time, they look at size, and they look at how he looks in underwear.

    Young does not have the size (at this time) for the NFL scouts to drool. Jamelle is a good college back but has a long way to go before NFL ready. RB’s in the league are also a dime a dozen. There is absolutely no reason for RB to leave early unless he is a Peterson or Barry Sanders type.

    Irving really falls into an interesting category. He could certainly benefit from another year, but he has the qualities the scouts seek.

    My guess at this point is JE is undrafted, Young might be a late 2nd day guy, and Irving could be round 3-4. ONLY reason for any of them to go at this stage is fear of injury.

  23. anti-smurf 12/17/2008 at 10:59 AM #

    Rivers will make the Pro Bowl. Favre won’t go. He never goes. Only reason he got voted in is because of 1) He’s Favre, 2) NYJ turnaround, and 3) J-Co is a helluva WR!

    I have heard about the potential rookie cap – which I am in favor of. Baffled that guys that have nr proven themselves are being guaranteed tens of millions of $, while experienced veterans aren’t getting nearly that. Plus owners now must mortgage the future on what could be a gamble. Just ask Cleveland how that draft of Crouch worked out, or Oakland and Russell.

  24. RedTerror29 12/17/2008 at 11:11 AM #

    “There is absolutely no reason for RB to leave early unless he is a Peterson or Barry Sanders type.”

    The exact opposite is true. RB is the one position for which it makes sense to leave early if you’re not a first-rounder. It is because RBs are a dime-a-dozen in the NFL. The average career of a RB is so short there’s no time to waste.

  25. Alpha Wolf 12/17/2008 at 12:54 PM #

    “Just ask Cleveland how that draft of Crouch worked out, or Oakland and Russell.”

    I see your point but the obvious answer is how has Manning, Rothlisberger, Rivers and others worked out?

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