<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>University of Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither, who figures to generate plenty of interest from NFL scouts, on Thursday officially applied for entry to the supplemental draft. Barring any paperwork hang-ups, Gaither will be part of the July 12 lottery, which has now expanded to four known prospects. Gaither joins Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver, Nebraska offensive lineman Chris Patrick and Morgan State defensive tackle Robert Armstrong as players in the supplemental draft. A starter in 17 of his 23 appearances for the Terrapins over the past two seasons, Gaither might challenge Oliver for top billing in the supplemental draft. The summertime lottery, which is limited to "special cases" prospects, typically includes about three or four players every year. It is believed there are still one or two players deliberating over whether to apply for the 2007 special draft. Gaither was declared academically ineligible two weeks ago and, after much consideration, decided the NFL was his best career option. "The plan is still to return [to school]and earn my degree," Gaither said Thursday night. "But after going over all the academic stuff as it affected me right now, and where I stood, this is the best thing." It is not yet known when Gaither will audition for NFL scouts. But when he does work out, he is likely to draw a pretty healthy crowd. And if Gaither performs well in front of scouts, he could earn a spot in the first three rounds of the supplemental draft. To this point, Oliver, a solid cornerback who lacks top-end speed, has been viewed by most talent evaluators as the prime prospect in the supplemental pool. Any team that chooses a player in the supplemental draft must forfeit its corresponding pick in the regular-phase draft in April 2008. Blessed with great size (6-feet-9, 350 pounds according to the Maryland roster), Gaither has surprisingly quick feet and is regarded as an outstanding pass protector, a blocker who might project as a left tackle at the professional level. In 2005, Gaither did not surrender a sack in his 11 starts. "He's expressed a desire to get his degree, but I think the opportunity to make a living and the chance to be successful at the next level was deciding factor," Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen told the Baltimore Sun. "We wish him the best of luck and hope he achieves success in the NFL and in life." Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.</div>http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2920248Another high round talent in 2008 who is too dumb to wait for the NFL. Could see him go in the Third or Fourth round of the Supplemental.
Expected. He was put on academic probation this season so this is really his only shot at the NFL.I hope the Ravens pick him up. With his size, he could learn technique and other intangibles from Jon Ogden who is the same size.
Passing Paul Oliver is a joke. He's not even top 5 at his position whereas Oliver was considered first or second at his.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Jul 5 2007, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Passing Paul Oliver is a joke. He's not even top 5 at his position whereas Oliver was considered first or second at his.</div>Gaither was a Workout Warrior in the making. Great Size (6'9, 330), Very Good Quickness and is a Gym Rat, so I'd expect him to shine in the workouts. When he had entered the draft he would have finished in the Top 5 of his position easily, probably Top 3. He is very raw in his technique though and I wouldn't expect him to have a huge impact as a Rookie because of it. And yeah, Oliver was considered a Top Cornerback prospect, but he does have questionable speed. I haven't seen a 40 time from him yet, but if he can't pass 4.5 I don't think anybody can really label him an Elite Prospect for the next level.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Jul 5 2007, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Jul 5 2007, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Passing Paul Oliver is a joke. He's not even top 5 at his position whereas Oliver was considered first or second at his.</div>Gaither was a Workout Warrior in the making. Great Size (6'9, 330), Very Good Quickness and is a Gym Rat, so I'd expect him to shine in the workouts. When he had entered the draft he would have finished in the Top 5 of his position easily, probably Top 3. He is very raw in his technique though and I wouldn't expect him to have a huge impact as a Rookie because of it. And yeah, Oliver was considered a Top Cornerback prospect, but he does have questionable speed. I haven't seen a 40 time from him yet, but if he can't pass 4.5 I don't think anybody can really label him an Elite Prospect for the next level.</div>Sounds more like a future 5th round draft pick, by your own description.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Brooksie5 @ Jul 5 2007, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I heard Oliver ran a 4.55/4.6 in some workout for the draft.</div>There were the same rumors about Leon Hall until the Combine....
Gaither and Oliver are on the same level in the eyes of all scouts. Gaither is ahead in some, Oliver is ahead in others."Scouts timed the former Bulldog cornerback who ran times of 4.56 and 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash." "Georgia's track is considered faster than at the combine. NFL teams generally add .08 seconds on a 40 time at Georgia to compare it to times at the NFL combine." Some draft analysts touted Oliver as a first-round talent for 2008, but the last player taken in the first round in the NFL supplemental draft was quarterback Dave Brown of Duke by the New York Giants in 1992. A second or third round selection is probably the best-case scenario for Oliver.""In 2005, Gaither did not surrender a sack in his 11 starts. Those teams which have demonstrated a particular interest in Gaither include Atlanta, Baltimore and Jacksonville." I say spend our 4th on him. 2nd is too steep imo.
