Will Johnson go ahead of Moses?

Draft guru thinks both UGA linemen will be picked early

By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/21/07

Falcons beat writers Steve Wyche and D.Orlando Ledbetter are at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and they will be filing periodic, daily online reports. Check in throughout the day over the next week so the AJC can bring you the most up-to-date developments from the combine.

Indianapolis — Most of the NFL's coaches, general managers and front office personnel arrive Wednesday for the weeklong process of evaluating draft prospects at the RCA Dome/Convention Center.

More than 300 college players have been invited to the annual combine with the first allotment set to undergo physicals Wednesday. Some of the top players show up only to take physicals, opting not to take part in drills — 40-yard dash, strength and speed tests — for fear of hurting their projected lofty draft status.

Other players can help themselves by working on and displaying better-than-expected performances.

—- One player who could help himself significantly is USC wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who, despite his production, is being compared to former Trojan standout/NFL bust Mike Williams because of the physical similarities.

"His 40 time will be important to because there will be those comparisons," ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper said Wednesday.

—- Regarding the Falcons, Kiper said there are needs along the defensive line — especially if they lose end Patrick Kerney to free agency. Despite that, it would be a mistake if Atlanta passed on LSU safety LaRon Landry (6-2, 187), Kiper said.

"If he's there, you almost have to take him," Kiper said. "He's got some problems tracking the deep ball but that's the only thing that's kept me from placing him in the top three or four."

The Falcons are planning to upgrade at safety, where free safety Chris Crocker had problems in deep coverage and strong safety Lawyer Milloy, 33, is closing in on the end of his illustrious career.

—- On why Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson, who Kiper projects as a top 15 pick, leapfrogged more touted Bulldogs defensive end Quentin Moses in terms of draft status:

"One thing — production," Kiper said. "Moses didn't produce the results expected and Johnson did."

Kiper projects Moses, a preseason All-American, to be drafted "at best, second round."