Three WAC Players Chosen in First Round

Ryan Mathews was selected by the San Diego hargers with the 12th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Mathews was not alone. The San Fransisco 49ers selected Mike Iupati from Idaho with the 17th overall pick. Kyle Wilson from Boise State went to the Jets at the 29th spot. The WAC has consistently increased in talent and prestige over the last decade. With more talent comes more exposure and with more exposure, the teams in the conference are able to attract more talent. The talent in the league can not be denied. No one evaluates talent more thoroughly than NFL scouts. To have three players chosen in the first round is a good sign that the Western Athletic Conference is a quality football league. In 2007, the WAC had 17 players chosen overall, but none in the first round. That year, the WAC had three players go in the second round and three more were selected in the third round. 18 total players were drafted from the WAC in 2008 and 2009 combined, with Ryan Clady of Boise State being the only one picked in the first round. Clady went 12th overall to Denver in 2008. Lonyae Miller and Anthony Harding are two running back prospect that could be selected in this year's draft from Fresno State. The Bulldogs' Seyi Ajirotutu is a wide receiver prosect that could be a big target for NFL teams. A.J. Jefferson should get the call by someone to fill their cornerback need. Kevin Jurovich should be drafted out of San Jose State. Jurovich has good speed at 4.44. The Spartans' Justin Cole has good size at 6'3" 242 at outside linebacker. He has the frame to put on a few more pounds. In the trenches, Hawaii Center John Estes and Louisiana Tech Defensive Tackle D'Anthony Smith should both go in the middle rounds. Smith has dropped a little recently in mock drafts, but should be looking good with five defensive tackles chosen in round one. Look for Smith to go in the third round or early fourth round.