Brian Carpentar asked where people in Albuquerque think Hank Baskett is going in the NFL Draft.
It's a great question, and I'll do my best to answer all the questions I've been getting about the Lobos in the draft here.
From everything I've heard, Ryan Cook is the Lobos' top prospect. He probably will go in the third or fourth round of the draft. Although his position is plenty competitive, it's not nearly as hot as the glamour, loaded positions of wide receiver and running back.
Teammates Hank Baskett and DonTrell Moore should get drafted, with both of them going anywhere from the third through sixth rounds. I know that's broad, but I've heard wild variations in the evaluations of these guys.
I get the sense that the remainder of the Lobos will be battling for free-agent contracts. I see Terrance Pennington, Marcus Parker and Gabriel Fulbright as the darkhourses who could get drafted late or end up going the free agent route.
Free agent contracts sometimes can be work well for guys because they can shop for teams they fit in well with and where they could be most productive.
Bottom line, though, nobody knows how this draft will go down.
None of the Lobos are getting rave reviews or a lot of attention from draft analysts, but a lot of them have great agents.
I talked with Lobos coach Rocky Long and a lot of other folks who say this is such a tough process for the guys trying to get recognition from a lesser known school. Long also said it's hard to evaluate these players based solely on the skills tested at the combine. For example, a lot of people are disappointed by Baskett's sprint speed, but Long thinks he'll have a lengthy NFL career.
I know it can be disheartening for Lobos fans who want their guys to get all the attention on draft day, but going in as a lower pick with less pressure on a potentially more competitive team can be a blessing.
As draft day draws closer, check back here for more updates.

Posted by ilimon at 03:16 PM | Permalink