Say hello to Tony Pike

We've spent a lot of time discussing Sam Bradford's shoulder injury and the largely disappointing performance from Jevan Snead on Sunday, but are we maybe missing someone from the 2010 quarter back debate?

Tony Pike threw for 362 yards and three touchdowns as Cincinnati routed Rutgers on Monday 47-15. An inspired performance from the Bearcats signal caller, who's raised a few eyebrows. Mike Freeman at CBS Sportsline wonders whether he'll gate crash the draft:

"He's a better pure passer and more NFL ready than Tim Tebow. He's got a stronger arm than Colt McCoy. He's got the smarts of Jevan Snead and unlike Sam Bradford has two perfectly healthy shoulders. Some NFL scouts believe he's one of the fastest risers in all of college football and by the end of the season might be a first-round pick." - Mike Freeman

It's still early days and clearly the Rutgers defense didn't exactly put on the greatest performance. There's a danger of jumping on the bandwagon in these kind of situations. Before his master class in the season opener, we last saw him throwing four interceptions in the Orange Bowl against Virginia Tech.

However, it might be worth keeping an eye on Pike over the next few weeks. He's 6'6" and ranked 5th amongst QB's this year by NFL Draft Scout. He's reportedly had problems adding weight to his frame and is currently listed at a modest 226lbs.

Latest on Bradford, top 10 weekend plays

Jevan Snead is Matt Stafford

Before the season began, I was touting Jevan Snead as my favorite college QB this year. Let's be honest, there were a few people on the bandwagon. It was a trendy pick - Snead's regarded as a solid pocket passer with a big arm. The comparisons to Matt Stafford were inevitable and the feeling was a solid year for a talented Rebels outfit could propel Snead into a potential #1 draft pick next year.

It's only one game, but the comparison appears justified. It's been a particularly inconsistent display from Snead against Memphis in Ole Miss' season opener. He's thrown two picks, made some terrible decisions and forced a lot of throws. At the same time, he has the big arm and is on the money when he gets a receiver in single coverage. Doesn't this just sound like Matt Stafford mark II?

His first pick occurred when he zoned in on Derek McLuster and without seemingly making any read, simply threw it straight to a defensive back. I'm not sure if it was a bad route from McLuster or not, but Snead threw almost without looking and barely in the receivers range. Memphis turned it into six shortly after.

With 12:25 left in the second quarter and Ole Miss at 2nd & 13, he moved out of the pocket and ran towards the line of scrimmage. With a good 5-6 yards of empty space in front of him, he should have taken the handful and moved on to third down. Instead, he noticed he was approaching the LOS, checked his run and then threw what could only be described as a basketball free throw into the direction of a covered receiver. The ball dropped safely to the ground, but it was an unnecessary incomplete throw when there was 4-5 rushing yards on offer.

He threw a second pick with 5:38 left in the half. Snead stepped away from pressure in the pocket before throwing deep into double coverage. He was easily picked off. It was a blatant example of Snead trying to rely on his arm too much and forcing the throw. The deep play was never on, but he didn't make a read. It was the kind of decision making which raised question marks about Matt Stafford last year and it's something Snead needs to control. He can't afford to always rely on his arm and he's shown an inability to manage this game thus far. Why make that play when you're 10-7 up?

His second half performance was a little better in the sense he made up for the picks with a couple of TD's. Both thrown from around the 20 yard line, showing that clinical ability when he latches onto a receiver in single coverage. Both passes were thrown well and he showed good athleticism on the first to avoid pressure.

It's only week one but the feeling I get with Snead is that he does have the tools the pro-teams will salivate over. Like Stafford, he has a big arm and can make all the throws. Like Stafford, he can be erratic and he will throw interceptions. With the national spotlight firmly fixed on his performances this season, it'll be interesting to see how Snead copes and if he can find the form he showed at the end of the 2008 season.

The other top QB's also endured mixed fortunes. Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy coasted to victories in powder puff contests, whilst Sam Bradford suffered an injured shoulder as Oklahoma crashed to BYU. On the other hand, it's been a great weekend for underclassman running backs. After the depth filled 2008 class of RB's and the declaration of Knowshon Moreno this year, it did look like a tough act to follow.

However, Jahvid Best showed off his Heisman potential with a great display against Maryland. Jonathan Dwyer made a good start as did Joe McKnight. I need to see more of all three to determine whether or not they have the kind of potential to be every down backs in the NFL, let alone top draft picks. It's a good start though and Best is the one that intrigues me the most.

Finally, Mel Kiper published some of his 2010 big board during the Ole Miss game today. He has Sam Bradford at #1 (although this doesn't take into account his recent injury). Jevan Snead is at #7. There's a couple of other interesting choices - Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma) at #4 and Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State) as high as #8. Fellow Cowboy Russell Okung only makes it to #15.

Sam Bradford injures shoulder

Big news from the BYU/Oklahoma game this evening - Sam Bradford has injured his throwing shoulder. He was hit by a defender attempting a pass, landing awkwardly. Initial fears suggested he may have broken his collarbone or suffered a dislocation, but CBS Sportsline are calling it a sprain. The Heisman winner didn't return for the second half and sat on the sideline with his arm in a sling and ice taped to his shoulder.

Ironically one of the complaints tallied at Bradford is that he's never experienced consistent pressure behind a strong Sooners offensive line. Starting behind four new starters in the 2009 season opener, he's certainly felt some pass rush tonight. Before the injury, he was 10-14 for 96 yards and a TD. Oklahoma eventually lost the game 14-13.

It remains to be seen how long Bradford will be absent from this. His stock was particularly high at the end of 2008, winning the Heisman and notching 50 touchdowns as he led Oklahoma to the BCS Championship. Substantial missed time this year could have an affect on his draft stock. Mike Freeman says the injury shows Bradford made a mistake returning to the college ranks.

"Bradford remains yet another illustration of why college players with his kind of ability should take the cash and run. Returning was a tremendous risk. There was a good chance had Bradford departed last year he might've gone first to the Detroit Lions. The player who did, Matthew Stafford, signed a $41 million deal. That's what Bradford gave up and even if the shoulder injury isn't significant it still gives something to NFL teams to obsess." - Mike Freeman

Let's hope the injury isn't too serious and Bradford can return to the Sooners line-up as soon as possible. In a year where Seattle owns two coveted first round picks, it's in the Seahawks' interests to have a good look at the highest rated players ahead of next April. For more on today's college action, click here.

Opening weekend round-up

One of the underclassmen I'll be keeping an eye on this year is Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer. Entering his junior year, I fully expect him to declare for next year's draft if things go according to plan in 2009. Possessing a great combination of power and speed, he could be the first running back taken next year. He started the season well against Jacksonville State today, rushing for 95 yards on just seven carries including two touchdowns. He was pulled from the game early and missed the second half.

Obviously it wasn't the greatest test for Dwyer this afternoon, but he still flashed the kind of ability that makes him one to watch. Seattle might be in the market for a running back next year.

I've just finished watching the Georgia vs Oklahoma State encounter. I intended to keep an eye on Dez Bryant, however he was held without a catch until just before half time. Then he exploded into life - nailing a solid 19 yard reception and following it up with a long bomb 46 yard TD. He outran double coverage before making an acrobatic catch at full stretch. He added another TD later on, but also had a couple of sloppy drops. He's a big, fast receiver who appears to run good routes. However, I'm not completely sold on him yet.

Earlier I watched the Ohio State/Navy game - thoroughly entertaining as the Buckeye's just about hung on to avoid an upset. A lot of attention will be thrown at OSU's QB Terrelle Pryor. He had a mixed game, often over throwing his receivers and putting a bit too much into his throws. He threw a key interception late in the game which handed Navy a chance to get back into it. When he looked good however, he looked very good. With a bit more poise and a bit more polish, he'll prove to be a very good player.

Tennessee's Eric Berry had a quiet afternoon as the Vols rolled over Wester Kentucky in Lane Kiffin's debut. He registered three tackles and broke up a pass, but couldn't add to his many highlight reels. He'll have the opportunity in the next two games, against UCLA and Florida.

Elsewhere it was a great day for break out candidate Joe McKnight. The USC running back was a highly regarded 5 star recruit but hasn't lived up to the hype so far. He got off to a great start today against San Jose State, rushing for 145 yards on 14 carries including two TD's. He caught a pass for 21 yards and returned a kick for 17. He is an extremely gifted, electrifying player. If he can show greater consistency there's no reason why he won't be a first round pick next year.

Tim Tebow and the Gators won their powder puff opener against Charlestown 62-3. Tebow was responsible for two TD's before an early finish. The super star included a child in a wheel chair during warm ups, before taking the youngster into the locker rooms for a tour. Whether you're a fan of Tebow's game or not, he's a stand up guy for sure.

Texas quarter back Colt McCoy started slowly but found a rhythm as the Longhorns defeated Louisiana-Monroe. Last year's Heisman runner-up passed for 317 and scored 2 TD's. Texas eventually won 59-20.

Jahvid Best made a stunning start to his 2009 season against Maryland. With just over five minutes on the clock, he scored with a 73 yard run. Less than 60 seconds later, he added a second TD from two yards. He finished with 137 yards from ten carries. If he stays healthy, this guy could be awesome.

My top rated senior, Ndamukong Suh, had a comfortable afternoon as Nebraska defeated Florida Atlantic 49-3. The talented DT wasn't totally happy about the performance of his defense, as they allowed 122 rushing yards. "Rate our defense? B-minus. There were a couple breakdowns, and that let them get some momentum. When we're point on, we're getting three-and-outs. There were some lax places that we need to clean up."

What do you think about opening weekend? Anyone impressed/disappointed you? Let me know in the comments section or email rob@seahawksdraftblog.com

Curry wants you in his crew

Aaron Curry is on a mission - to get the 12th man wearing lime green! The colour will always remain synonymous with the moment Seattle picked Curry fourth overall, as you can see in the listed image. The rookie linebacker posted a distinct message to the fan base on his facebook page today:

"What does everyone think about wearing lime green shirts to the home opener? Trying to start 'Curry's crew....' and lime green will be our color.....thoughts?" - Aaron Curry

You heard the man, what are your thoughts? Interested in becoming a member of Curry's crew? Time to find yourself a lime green shirt.

Nick Reed - untouchable?

When the Seahawks drafted Nick Reed with a 7th round compensatory pick, expectations were typically low considering the price. Seemingly under sized and facing a tough ask to make the step up, getting a place on the practise squad appeared to be his likely destination.

Four pre-season games later and Reed leads the NFL with 4.5 sacks (ironically, former Seahawk Jason Babin - now with the Eagles - is in second place). The former Oregon Duck found ways to consistently make plays at the college level and he's carried that on into the NFL pre-season.

The question now remains - is he untouchable? A place on the roster appears to be locked in and Reed may even earn a place in Seattle's D-line rotation. Not bad for a 7th round flier. Perhaps we should start looking at the California-born defensive end in a different light? Here's a guy who set a school record for sacks at Oregon (29.5). He registered 51.5 tackles for a loss - also a record. His 13 sacks in 2008 earned All-American honours. Under sized perhaps, but an over achiever.

The big college kick off

The college football season kicks off today, as does the long road ahead to the 2010 draft. I'll be watching South Carolina at North Carolina State today, with Saturday viewing coming in the form of Navy/Ohio State and Georgia/Oklahoma State. Going back to tonight's game, I'll be particularly interested to see N.C. State's QB Russell Wilson. Ranked by the Sporting News as the best signal caller in the ACC, the sophomore QB threw 17 TD's and only one interception last year after recovering from injury.

I'm sure a lot of Seahawks fans will be showing interest in tonight's Boise State/Oregon game. Could be a tough one for the Ducks, but should they win it'll make a real statement. The Broncos won a thriller 37-32 when the two met in 2008.

Throughout the college football season we'll have scouting reports, stock reviews, mocks and much more so stay tuned. Here's some links to keep you going before kick off...

Bucky Brooks lists his must see games this weekend.

Also from Brooks, his top 16 senior prospects ahead of the new campaign. He ranks Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State) the highest ahead of my own personal favorite - Ndamukong Suh. Interestingly, Tim Tebow is absent from the list.

Gil Brandt looks at the top senior safety prospects. It's no surprise to see Seattle-born Taylor Mays at the front. "This is a driver player, who has speed, range and athletic ability. He reminds you of former Giants linebacker Brad Van Pelt, who played safety at Michigan State. He lines up 15 yards deep on most plays. Mays will be a first-round pick and play a long time."

Andy Staples lists his opening week power rankings for the top 25. Unsurprisingly, he has the Florida Gators ranked at number one. "While Florida deserves to be dropped from the poll for starting the most anticipated season in the program's history with a world-class stinker of a match up, the fact that the Gators bring back the entire two-deep depth chart on defense makes that impossible."

CBS Sports are reporting Alabama's talented offensive duo WR Julio Jones and RB Mark Ingram have been cleared to begin the new season. Concerns arose over their legibility this week due to a fishing trip the pair took on the Gulf Coast with businessman Curtis Anderson.

Guerin Emig is speculating that Jermaine Gresham will miss Oklahoma's game with BYU this weekend and could be out for longer. Rumors suggest the highly rated tight end has suffered a knee injury, although nothing has been confirmed or denied as of yet.

Some random musings...

I arrived back home safely today from vacation in Florida. Loved every minute of it, especially the opportunity to load up my suitcase with anything I could find with a Seahawks logo on it. Despite warnings about one piece of hand luggage per person scattered around the airport, I somehow managed to smuggle three bags onto the plane, including a packaged Seahawks football I found in a store on International Drive.

Here's a few random thoughts I'm having at the moment, let me know what you think...

- Am I the only person who doesn't think the Giants are playoff bound? Everything I've seen or heard recently has them as a post season shoe in. For me I see a franchise that lost an influential defensive coordinator, an offense that lost it's main receiving threat, a quarterback who just got paid and a stud defensive end who won't practise because he doesn't like the new DC. Not to mention the fact New York competes in the stacked NFC East.

- Why have the Eagles signed Michael Vick? Is he a long term replacement for McNabb? If not, surely his presence is only going to be disruptive? It's hard not to admire every other move the Eagles have made this post season (aside from allowing Brian Dawkins to leave) but the Vick move just doesn't make sense. Is it really worth the gamble for a couple of wildcat plays per week?

- The Buccaneers are my early tip to own the first overall pick next year. They can't protect the passer which means Josh Freeman is unlikely to be thrown to the wolves. They have precious little weapons on offense anyway and seem to be rebuilding the defense too. I saw their pre-season game against Miami and it was pretty ugly. With investment in a young signal caller already in place, if they did own the No1 pick next year I think a stud d-lineman like Ndamukong Suh would be just the ticket.

- With regard to the Seahawks - I'm afraid I can't offer much insight. None of their games were televised in Florida so I've only seen restricted highlights. From a stat sheet point of view obviously Nick Reed's efforts stand out. He found ways to make plays for Oregon and he seems to have carried that on in Seattle's pre-season. Can he do it in the NFL against much bigger, more athletic lineman? Who knows, but he has to make the roster surely?

- I'm officially excited about the new college football season. I used the flight home to study up with a few magazines, looking at the recruit reports and who is expected to make an impact this year. But being based in Florida has a strange effect on you. I officially caught Tebow-itis and now I can't wait to follow what will likely the biggest soap opera surrounding the 2010 draft. Is he a first round pick? Will he fall into the mid rounds? Can he adjust his mechanics this year and prove he is more pro-friendly? Does he even have to change his game? Get ready because as soon as the college season kicks off, we're going to need our own news channel to keep up with Tebow's draft stock.

- Finally, many thanks to IHOP for the introduction of their new NFL 'playbook' menu this week. A perfect send off before my flight home.