NFL Draft Predictions

I'm a self-confessed NFL draftnik. And not in the Mike Mayock, ability to either scout or predict order kind of way. More in the "hopelessly in love with both college and NFL football so that I sit down and watch the entire draft" kind of way.

Pathetic, I know.

But the draft always brings around a level of excitment in that I get to see who my Niners pick up, and where my Cal Bears end up. Very rarely if ever, do those two sectors combine.

But the Golden Bears have been represented in the draft pretty well over the years and I don't anticipate it being too different this year.

So without any further adieu, here are my bold predictions for where this year's draft prospects end up.

Keenan Allen - 1st Round - 27th pick overall (Houston)
Allen has had a bit of a crazy offseason. After a knee injury sidelined Allen for the last three games of the season, Allen was unable to participate at the NFL combine and instead had to wait until his own personal workout in front of NFL scouts. Despite posting a subpar 4.7 40, he still impressed in nearly every other aspect. Shortly after, Allen was flagged for having unusually high water levels in his urine, often an indication that a player might be trying to flush his system of any drugs. His agent has denied any such reports, but few players have had as crazy of an offseason.

Still, the fact remains that Allen is still likely the most polished receiver in this year's draft, and easily be a Top 20 pick if he were healthy through workouts. Some teams that need a WR in this year's draft might be looking at more speedster options like Tavon Austin or Cordarelle Patterson, but I do think Allen still ends up somewhere near the bottom of the first round with a team that can use him immediately in the short to intermediate passing game.

Houston seems like the best fit, as the Texans desperately need another option to complement an aging Andre Johnson. St. Louis and Minnesota both have two first round picks and could use a receiver here, but they've kept their WR preferences pretty close to their vest. I can't imagine Allen lasting beyond the first 40 picks in the draft however. That would be an absolutely ridiculous steal.

Brian Schwenke - 3rd round - 94th overall (Baltimore)
Schwenke looks to continue the proud tradition of Cal o-linemen who go on to some underratedly fantastic careers in the pros. Schwenke is probably under a few people's radar because of how awful the Bears' o-line has been the past few years, but Schwenke was one of the few bright spots of last year's offensive line.

Schwenke was also hugely impressive at the senior bowl, and most some of the better measureables among all the centers at the combine. He has the experience and flexibility to play at either the center or guard position, and is good enough to immediately contribute. He may not be an immediate starter, but he's going to give you a solid outing for the next 8-10 years if he stays healthy. And speaking of which, injuries have rarely if ever, been an issue for Schwenke.

I can also see a handful of teams picking him up in 3rd or 4th round such as Chicago, or Cincinnati.

Marc Anthony - 6th round - 182nd overall (Carolina)
Anthony has been universally praised by scouts for his coverage skills, specifically in ability to play physical in press coverage. Like much of of his career at Cal however, his durability and speed concerns persist. His 4.63 time at the combine isn't impressing anyone.

He still has the ability to be an eventual contributor as a reserve player in the future however, and I see teams taking a waiver on him in the later rounds.

Steve Williams - 6th round - 194th overall (Seattle)
For what it's worth, I do believe Williams will be severely under-drafted. As an early-entrant, Williams hasn't been on most scouts' radars as he didn't necessarily win any post-season accolades or get any real press during the season.

Williams did turn some heads however after he notched a 4.2 hand timed 40 at the combine, before settling with the official 4.4 time.

While I completely understand William's reasoning for declaring early, the 4th year junior probably could have moved up a few rounds had he stayed for another year. He would have easily returned as one of the best corners in the conference his senior year.

He's got the coverage skills and speed to be a contributor at the next level, and honestly, I thought he was Cal's best player on defense last season. He still needs to improve his tackling and physicality to be a more rounded player at the next level, but a team his definitely going to take a chance on his potential.