Texas Football

By Travis Stewart//TexasFootball.com

In last year's NFL Draft, 36 kids from either Texas high schools or Texas colleges were picked by an NFL franchise to be a part of its future. As you would  expect, that led all states -- as a matter of fact, the state of Texas had more draft picks (36) than the number of states that had a draftee (34)! Six of those kids went in the first round, and had Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree not fallen down the draft boards, three of the top five could have called  the Lone Star State (and Dallas, specifically) home. So with that in mind, what does the 2010 Draft look like?

Obviously, we're still about a month and a half away from the big day. But we already have a somewhat solid idea of where our natives will go and what the  Draft order will look like. Starting today, TexasFootball.com is offering an eight-part series on the upcoming draft and how are Texans fit into the picture. Today is the final installment -- some noteworthy guys who should end up as undrafted free agents. Notice someone missing from the list? Email us.

Undrafted Free Agents
Like we discussed in the seventh-round segment yesterday, winding up as an undrafted free agent is almost better than getting drafted in the sixth or seventh round. These guys will get a few options to think about after they work out for teams following the draft. Sometimes, the guys that get snatched up here perplex me -- Graham Harrell being ignored, especially -- and sometimes they don't. Here's a smattering of the talent that should still be available after the top 224 guys go off the board.
 
Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas (Lake Travis)
>> One of Big 12's top passers over the past few years relegated to FA status after an inconsistent and disappointing 2010 season. Still highly accurate and competitive.

Chris Hall, OC, Texas (Irving)
>> Longhorn line's inconsistent showing in 2010 hurt Hall, but he's still one of the better centers available in this year's class.

Joe Turner, RB, TCU (Austin LBJ)
>> Injuries throughout career slowed Turner, but he still has the strength and running power to find a scout team roster somewhere.

Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian (Alcee Fortier, LA)
>> Late bloomer made enough of an impact at Abilene Christian in a short amount of time to get noticed. Originally pledged to LSU.

Shawnbrey McNeal, RB, SMU (Dallas Madison)
>> Draft decision pushed more by monetary necessity than positional ranking -- another year could have helped the speedy McNeal.

Jeff Moturi, WR, UTEP (Irving MacArthur)
>> One of the state's most consistent and prolific pass catchers couldn't get noticed with UTEP living off of the Bowl radar.

Justin Akers, TE, Baylor (Deer Park)
>> Being the top tight end in Texas doesn't get you very much notice these days. A skilled blocker with game smarts that could get a chance somewhere.

J'Marcus Webb, OT, West Texas A&M (North Mesquite)
>> One of the highest-profile high school OL of the decade struggled to stay eligible before leaving the Longhorns. Someone will surely take a chance on him.

Charlie Tanner, OG, Texas (Austin Anderson)
>> See Ulatoski, Adam; and Hall, Chris. Tanner is a good run blocker with a veteran's sense for the game.

Auston English, DE, Oklahoma (Canadian)
>> Once-promising Sooner talent was derailed by an injury and buried on the depth chart. Could be an impact run-stopper for a team in need of an end.

Brandon Sharpe, DE, Texas Tech (Toombs County, GA)
>> Surprise talent at Tech broke down opposing backfields in the college ranks, but pro scouts are not convinced of his long-term potential.

DeMarcus Granger, DT, Oklahoma (Dallas Kimball)
>> Never lived up to the high school hype his prep career generated. His questionable attitude has contributed to his fall to this spot.

Joe Pawelek, LB, Baylor (Smithson Valley)
>> One of the most unappreciated talents in Texas in recent memory. Bear's tough 2010 year really cost his draft stock -- he'll surely resurface somewhere. Perhaps San Francisco?

Brandon Brinkley, CB, Houston (Bay City)
>> An excellent cover corner who can break on the ball with ease. I would fully expect he gets a chance to make a scout team somewhere.

Rafael Priest, CB, TCU (Dallas Madison)
>> A very experience corner with good defensive coaching. But he's not a big kid, putting him at a disadvantage against tall, strong NFL receivers.

Da'Mon Cromartie Smith, S, UTEP (Rancho Verde, CA)
>> Led tha nation in tackles for a good chunk of the season, but the talent around him suffered all year long. May be one guy we never hear from again.

Jordan Lake, S, Baylor (Houston Memorial)
>> Like Pawelek, Lake's stock suffered in 2010. But he probably wasn't a true NFL draft pick anyways. A sound tackler and big hitter, but elite speed may keep him out of the league.

Chase Turner, P, Houston (Friendswood)
>> Could find a home with a number of programs -- perhaps the Texans could turn to him when Matt Turk finally opts to retire.

Andrew Sendejo, S, Rice, (Smithson Valley)
>> A veteran's sense for the game and a savvy defender, but doesn't have the explosion or top speed to be an NFL starter.

Jamie McCoy, TE, Texas A&M (Midland Lee)
>> Athleticism and pass-catching skills could make him an attractive choice for a team looking for a backup or third-string tight end.