The Hashmarks staff decided not to make the trip to Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl, but we've kept in touch with scouts, coaches and players throughout the week. In fact, as I was typing this entry, Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson called to check in.
His off-season home is about two hours away from Mobile, so he stopped by and watched the practices Wednesday. Since it's pretty obvious the Vikings could use some help at receiver, I asked him if anyone caught his eye.
"[Dexter] Jackson and [Lavelle] Hawkins were the two that stood out," said Tarvaris. "You couldn't help but notice those two guys. I'm pretty sure we could find a spot for one of them."
Jackson is the kid from Appalachian State who we mentioned leading up to the East-West Shrine game. A scout for an AFC North team still thinks Jackson is a mid-round guy because of his lack of size. He received a last-second invitation to Mobile when two receivers (Texas' Limas Sweed and LSU's Early Doucet) went down with injuries early in the week. Jackson, who caught two touchdowns in Appalachian State's victory over Michigan, caught the first flight out of Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday to make it in time for the afternoon practice.
Said one longtime AFC scout: "Jackson's only 5-9, but he's an excellent route runner and he pretty much catches anything close to him. If he can show something in the return game, someone's gonna have a nice player."
Hawkins had 72 catches for 872 yards and six touchdowns for Cal this past season. Most observers thought he was the best receiver during Senior Bowl practices. Listed at 6-2, 181, he could probably use a little more weight. But right now, he's projected as a second-round pick.
Here are some other players scouts were raving about:
- Expect Delaware's Joe Flacco to become a household name over the next couple of weeks. He had some troubles with the center exchange this week because he's used to operating out of the shotgun, but he still managed to have an impressive week. A lot of people think he would be in the same category as Matt Ryan, Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson had he played for a major program the past two seasons. But it's looking like he'll go in the second round at this point. I know the Ravens love the kid, and I think they have plenty of company.
- Here's my knee-jerk Senior Bowl observation of the day: I think USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis is making a big move. We already knew he could be a top-ten player, but I think he'll make a run at top-five status. From what I hear, the Eagles covet Ellis.
- Many of you (three e-mails) have written to ask when I'll be releasing the first Hashmarks mock draft. Right now, we're planning a late February release party that will take place at TABC in the Uptown section of Dallas. We already have firm commitments from Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, punter Mat McBriar and Around the Horn regular Tim Cowlishaw. Hope to see you there.
Jim Haller
