Future NFL drafts: What BC has on-deck
By Joe Micik
Yes, I’m still annoyed with what took place in the 2011 NFL Draft, and we know that if free agents are ever going to be signed, Herzlich will get an offer. I think it’s time, however, for a palate-cleanser of sorts, because I know most Eagles fans are still irked. Assuming all goes well in the development of our current Boston College football players, which ones have the best chance of being drafted in years ahead?
Montel Harris, RB
At the collegiate level, Montel is a good, capable running back who has been largely consistent and reliable. He, along with new NFL pro Da’Quan Bowers, headlined the 2010 All-ACC team. Some future mock drafts have projected him to be as high as a second-round pick, while others seem to think he’s third-day, late-round quality. He had a knee injury this past season which I’m sure the NFL scouts and coaches won’t miss, but he does seem to be a legitimate candidate for the 2012 draft. The 2011 BC season, amongst other things, will have a lot to say about where he ends up.
Luke Kuechly, ILB
One draft scouting website currently ranks Kuechly as the top inner linebacker in the projected 2013 NFL draft class. He is a very talented young defensive player, in much the same way as pre-illness Mark Herzlich, and if he continues along this same path, he may well find himself picked on the first night at Radio City. He hasn’t even begun his junior year at BC yet, and he’s already compiled this résumé:
-Eagles’ all-time single-season tackles leader with 183 (2010)
-FBS leader in tackles with 183 (2010)
-ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2009)
-All-ACC first team (2009 & 2010)
-First-team All-American (2009 & 2010; consensus 2010)
-Named to 2011 Lott Award watch list
-Finalist for 2010 Nagurski and Butkus Awards
I also maintain that he will add “ACC Defensive Player of the Year” to his list of achievements before he leaves Boston College. Kuechly has dominated the ACC in his first two seasons, and if he stays healthy, he is trending towards the first or second round in a future draft.
Too early to tell but worth following up after next season: Chase Rettig, QB
Some people think he could evolve into the real deal. Maybe not Doug Flutie or Matt Ryan good, but good enough. Of course, it’s too early to know, but Rettig will be a guy we will watch for the next few years to evaluate his how his abilities translate beyond college football. Hey, we’ve had BC QBs drafted into the NFL before, we can do it again. Aim high, Chase. Aim high.
Way too early to tell but worth following up after his sophomore season: Albert Louis-Jean, S
Easily the best recruit BC has brought in this year, but he hasn’t even proven himself at the college level yet, let alone the next one. He, like Rettig, is here because he’s a guy to watch for the next several years. It’s hard not to think about what we might be saying about ALJ in a few years, given his caliber. If he plays up to his ability, he will be noticed.
There are others not listed here who could be discovered in seasons to come, but one thing I know is that the Eagles have some solid players waiting in the NFL’s bullpen. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to take this time to enjoy watching them play while we still have them.