Each week, FanHouse's Rollercoaster Report will take a look at several NFL Draft prospects to find out which players' stocks are on the rise, and who's stuck in freefall. More than 300 prospects begin workouts at the NFL scouting combine on Saturday in hopes of improving their draft stock. But what about the guys that didn't get the invitation to Indianapolis? The event features the best of the best, of course, but that does not mean there's no value to be found in the players staying home this weekend.
After the jump, a breakdown of five college stars that could hear their names called in April, despite being left off the Indianapolis invite list, and another handful who missed out on the combine for a reason.
On the Rise
Devin Moore, RB, Wyoming: It's hard to know what to make of Moore, but it's safe to say that some people were surprised when he did not make the cut for Indianapolis. Way back in May, WalterFootball.com called Moore the "2009 version of Chris Johnson," and the similarities -- quickness, smallish stature, non-BCS school -- are definitely there. Moore looked like he was making a move on the draft's first day after a strong senior season, but may have undone that progress when he ran a disappointing 4.41 in the 40 at his own, personal "combine."
Greg Carr, WR, Florida State: Between his own lethargy, and Florida State's abysmal quarterback play, Carr never took off like the Seminoles hoped he would. But he closed his career with a strong bowl-game showing, had a nice week as an injury replacement at the Senior Bowl and now teams are noticing his athletic 6-foot-6 frame again.
Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers: Teel (pictured) closed his final college season strong, guiding Rutgers to a second-half surge and a PapaJohns.com Bowl victory. He's not a sensational athlete, and he doesn't have a rocket for an arm, but he showed that he's capable of making an NFL roster.
Jason Williams, OLB, Western Illinois: Williams became just the second Leatherneck to attend the East-West Shrine Bowl, and he made the trip worthwhile. Even without then trekking to the combine, Williams will stay on teams' minds during the draft's second day; he's a versatile linebacker that could add some solid depth somewhere in the league.
Dropping Off
Willie Tuitama, QB, Arizona: After a nice senior campaign, Tuitama (pictured) was disappointed to be left out of the Indianapolis roll call. His 2008 numbers couldn't mask the fact, though, that he's a long-term project at best in the NFL's eyes, with far too many inconsistencies to be considered a hot prospect.Brad Lester, RB, Auburn: There was some initial thought that Auburn's Brad Lester-Ben Tate combo could be reminiscent of Cadillac Williams-Ronnie Brown. Uh, not even close. Lester had a very disappointing senior season (and, really, college career), then suffered a late knee injury. He needs to do a lot to get back into sixth- or seventh-round consideration.
Maurice Crum Jr., LB, Notre Dame: Do you want the good or the bad? The good is that Crum was a four-year starter at Notre Dame, a two-year captain -- almost unheard of for the Irish -- and allowed himself to be moved around the field for the team's benefit. The downside? He's small (6-foot-0), never produced the numbers he was expected to and it's unclear which linebacker spot he's best suited for.
Jorvorskie Lane, FB, Texas A&M: You could argue that no player's NFL stock has plummeted as much in one year as Lane's. He might have inched into the first day in 2008, but instead returned to A&M, where Mike Sherman barely used him in the Aggies' new offense, and questions about his weight and desire lingered. Fullbacks are a dying breed as it is, so Lane must prove that he can both block and run the ball well to find a roster spot.
