There are many players who went to college in the Bay Area (or are from the Bay Area) that are expected to be taken this weekend. But only one name rises above them all: California Golden Bears defensive end Cameron Jordan, who could get picked real early in the 2011 NFL Draft if the cards fall his way. Jordan is a versatile defensive linemen who can line up at multiple positions, play the run, rush the passer, and drop into coverage. Can he become the second linemen in two years Tosh Lupoi sends not only to the NFL, but sends them through the first round of the draft?
Other guys to keep an eye on (HT Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News):
- Oregon St. Beavers defensive tackle Stephen Paea from Los Altos. He's expected to go pretty early, but will it be first round or second? He had a curiously quiet 2010 season, although there's no denying his talents.
- Washington Huskies linebacker Mason Foster from Seaside. The man has a nose for the ball and made so many tackles at UW. Can he replicate those numbers in the pro? He could be another Desmond Bishop in the making.
- Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones from Antioch. He's fast. Real fast (4.3 40 time!)
- Nebraska tailback Roy Helu from Danville. There's a lot of good buzz surrounding Helu, but how well he translates to the next level is a concern.
- Cal prospects include not only Cam Jordan, but tailback Shane Vereen, linebacker Mike Mohamed, and safety Chris Conte. Read up on their backgrounds at the California Golden Blogs (Cal's SB Nation site) by clicking the links through their names.
- Stanford Cardinal prospects include defensive tackle Sione Fua, cornerback Richard Sherman, and fullback Owen Marecic. Read up on their backgrounds at Rule of Tree (Stanford's SB Nation site) by clicking the links through their names above.