With the January 15 date that underclassman must declare for the NFL draft right around the corner, we decided to catch up with 11W NFL draft analyst Zombie Kiper to see what he has to say about the three Buckeyes contemplating the jump.
Zombie Kiper
We'll start with the unluckiest guy in Glendale, Teddy Ginn. Ginn is gone -- no ifs, ands or buts about it. His buddy Troy is graduating and the prospect of working with a new quarterback next year coupled with the injury scare are too big of factors for him to return. The NFL knows what it will be getting out of him: blinding speed, great football moves, decent hands and improving overall receiver skills. An interesting destination is Green Bay with the 15th pick. If Brett Favre returns for one more season, Ginn would have a chance to put up decent numbers right away. There are visions of Willie Gault and John Jett dancing around in our heads, but we feel Ginn will become a productive receiver in the NFL.
Zombie Kiper: He's looked at as being light. But he definitely has the frame to add .. I'll swallow your soul! I'll swallow your soul!
Uh, okay. Antonio Pittman is another Buckeye that, unfortunately, also appears to be leaving early. Pittman turned in the team's only respectable performance in the championship game and has had an all-around solid career. With two straight 1000 yard seasons, big games against Michigan on his resume and Beanie Wells breathing down his neck, it's a good move for Pittman. Word is, he was pleasantly surprised by his projection from the NFL Draft Advisory Council, so look for him to declare at the press conference he has scheduled next Monday in Akron.
ZK: I ate your mother's dog! I mean.. I think he's a late second.. mmm.. dog.
This is quickly deteriorating. Moving on, the last undecided junior is a guy who we thought was probably coming back. Receiver Anthony Gonzalez is a sharp guy, comes from a family that probably doesn't need the money he would make from the NFL and from all accounts, genuinely seemed to like the collegiate experience. We were further convinced that he would return when Ginn went down in the championship game and Gonzalez was largely neutralized. We thought his numbers cost him some significant coin on Monday night and were looking forward to seeing him working with the young receivers next season. Alas, Buckeye Commentary is reporting that Gonzo has scheduled a 2:30 press conference tomorrow. As Keith points out, you don't schedule pressers if you're coming back. Evidently, he also received good news from the NFL and was looking at going in the first or second round.
ZK: This kid is unique.. Your soul!
We'll be back later, with more draft analysis from Zombie Kiper.
