No week will likely move slower than this one for a handful of NFL draft prospects with Arizona ties.
Arizona State and the University of Arizona most likely won’t hear the name’s of any alums when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium close to three dozen times Thursday evening in New York but both schools will be represented as the three-day event unfolds.
One player who’s stock has taken a few unpredictable turns is former Tucson Canyon del Oro High and UofA star running back Ka’Deem Carey who bypassed his final year of eligibility to enter the draft.
Some believe Carey’s high number of carries and lack or speed could lead to a short professional shelf life while others like NFL Network analyst Charles Davis say Carey will make one team quite happy for taking a chance on one of the most productive college running backs in recent memory.
One of Davis’ co-workers agrees.
“Love Ka’Deem Carey,” NFL Network and NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks told Sports360AZ.com from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “I think Ka’Deem Carey is probably the best running back in the draft.”
Brooks said some scouts remind him of Detroit Lions versatile back Reggie Bush and says don’t be scared off by the heavy workload in Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense.
“He’s far more durable than you would think for a guy of his size,” Brooks explained.
Carey seems to be taking it all in stride.
Carey said he's well aware of what draft analysts think and what mock drafts say, but he hasn't been focusing on it. Confident in abilities.
— Daniel Berk (@DSBerk) May 5, 2014
Another in-state player who has caught Davis’ attention is ASU’s Carl Bradford who also left after his junior season. Like Carey, Bradford’s production at “Devilbacker” in Todd Graham’s defense has caught NFL coaches and scout’s attention.
“Carl Bradford played a bunch of positions,” he said. “Can play all over the place and because of that, that versatility is really an added benefit…he is intriguing. A lot people know he has a chance to be a really good player.”
Other local players expected to be drafted are ASU defensive tackle Will Sutton and possibly versatile running back Marion Grice. UofA safety and former Goodyear Millennium High star Marquis Flowers has received late interest from teams looking to convert him to linebacker.
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Eric Sorenson
A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.