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Oregon's Clemens heads list of draft steals

Duck might be most mentally ready QB besides Leinart to contribute

Image: Clemens
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Kellen Clemens is mentally ready to contribute right away, GMJr.com's Russ Lande writes.
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COMMENTARY
By Russ Lande
GMJr.com
NBCSports.com contributor
updated 5:47 p.m. ET April 18, 2006

With the NFL draft around the corner, here's our top 10 steals!

1. Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon
I knew almost nothing about Clemens entering the 2005 season, but in the first game I graded him against Washington, he played outstandingly, and he never looked back. Clemens is a smart, fundamentally sound quarterback with a quick, compact release. When he strides into his throws, he can make all the throws with very good zip. I was impressed by Clemens’ ability to consistently make big plays — mostly with his arm, but occasionally with feet — even against heavy pressure. In order for Clemens to reach his potential, he needs to stride into every throw and do a better job of not forcing throws. Overall, he probably will be drafted late, but he has the ability to become a great NFL starter. Other than Leinart, there is no other quarterback more ready mentally to contribute early in his career.

2. Greg  Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
Jennings is a player I had heard so much about, I expected him to disappoint me. But he impressed me instead. Jennings has no glaring weakness that people can use an excuse as to why he should not succeed. He is a good athlete with the speed, balance and agility to make plays once he has the ball. Although Jennings lacks elite explosiveness and playing speed, his sharp routes and ability to turn the cornerback consistently enable him to get better separation than most receivers who have better speed. Jennings runs hard with the ball and fights and compete for extra yards until he is on the ground. He also is a solid blocker. Jennings will slip on draft day because he lacks great height or astounding speed, but he can contribute. Jennings will become a very good starting receiver who consistently makes big plays running after the catch and as a punt returner.

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3. Daniel Manning, S, Abiliene Christian
Manning came out early for the draft, and although he probably could have used another season in school, he is a great athlete. Although he lacks height, he is well built and has natural strength. Manning seemed to crank up his intensity level on the most important plays, so I believe that his intensity will consistently be at a high level in the NFL because he will no longer be superior to every other player on the field. He is going to be a good backup safety as a rookie before developing into a good all-around starting safety who makes big plays against the run and the pass. An added bonus is that Manning will be a good punt and kickoff returner.

4. Anthony Montgomery, DT, Minnesota
Montgomery is a strong, athletic defensive tackle who can have impact in several schemes. He needs to improve his consistency and learn to utilize his leverage better. Unlike most athletic defensive tackles, Montgomery consistently chases hard after the ball. Usually that level of hustle is seen in overachieving players who are limited athletically. Montgomery is going to be a high draft pick because he offers versatility and will be able to start and contribute early in his career. He will be able to make an impact rushing the passer, on inside runs and chasing down ball carriers on runs away.

5. Antwon Burton, DT, Temple
Burton might turn some scouts off because he is soft-bodied and fleshy and doesn't work out well. But focus on his play and it's clear he gets the job done. Burton has good instincts and quickness, which enables him to get off the ball very quickly. When he is aggressive with hands, he can jolt the offensive linemen and disrupt plays in the backfield. Burton has the natural strength to control offensive linemen. He is a consistently disruptive force against inside runs, and if he learns to bend his knees, he could become a dominant defensive tackle. Burton is never going to be a great pass rusher, but he has the talent to be a productive nose tackle.


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