2008 Buff Draft Class Review - Jordan Dizon

Over the next couple of days, we will be reviewing how the NFL is treating the 2008 Buff draft picks and free agents. Although the Buffs did not have a lot of players who had the ability to play in the NFL last year, the few that did were recognized for it with higher than anticipated draft selections.

Jordan Dizon – Middle Linebacker / 2^nd Round Draft Pick / Detroit Lions

As the cream of the crop in the 2008 Draft for the Buffaloes, the 2008 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year will always be remembered by Buff fans as one of the most effective and talented linebackers they have ever seen play the game. His professional career has not gotten off to the same success as his collegiate career. Dizon got a DUI two days before the NFL draft but no one knew about it until after he was drafted by the Lions in the 2^nd round. His character was called into question when he did not bring the issue to light before the draft and even after he was drafted.

Dizon also did not make it into camp on time as he was a “hold out” for one day as his contract was getting finalized. You can tell by the article that Dizon has his head on straight and Buffs fan know that he is a good kid but as a rookie, he still has a lot to prove to the NFL ranks and an arrest and a holdout in the first 4 months of his NFL career is not the best way to go about it. On the second day of camp, Dizon signed a four year contract and is now an official member of the Detroit Lions.

-It seems that Marinelli is giving Dizon a pass for his two mishaps because of his desire to play and be a successful football player. If I were Dizon, though, I wouldn’t test Marinelli anymore. He has to be one of the most “no BS” coaches in the NFL.

The media and the blogs have not been so kind to Dizon in the early going. Unfortunately, most of the press has been negative about Jordan. The Lions are pondering bringing in other middle linebackers like Takeo Spikes just in case Jordan can’t fill the void left by Boss Bailey leaving for the Denver Broncos.

-Dizon and fellow rookie running back Kevin Smith have a diary on the official Lions website. If anything, reading his posts really show how much he loves the game and his desire to compete. I think Dizon will be a stud and make people forget about his early distractions. The guy is an outstanding football player.

Hugh Charles gets a chance with the Browns

Well Hugh isn't exactly signed but he will get a chance to earn a contract with the Browns at their mini-camp this week. At times over his career, he has looked like a fully capable running back who could possibly be a change of pace back in the NFL. He has speed and he is versatile but there were too many times he disappointed. His size and toughness are often questioned, though. It was very clear during the last two years that Hawkins had issues with his desire to the extra yard or stay in bounds. We wish Hugh the best of luck at the next level and hope that he can make the team.

Polumbus Signed by the Denver Broncos

Better late than never, Tyler Polumbus was signed to an undrafted free agent contract by his hometown team the Denver Broncos. He was also courting offers from Kansas City and Indianapolis. Polumbus, a 6'7" 312 lb OT, feels confident that the system that the Broncos deploy will fit his play. The Broncos added two other offensive linemen in the draft including OT Ryan Clady from Boise State who was taken in the first round. Clady was recruited by CU head coach Dan Hawkins at Boise State, who loves Clady's agility and footwork to go along with his 6'6" 320 lb frame. Polumbus should have a legitimate shot to make the team as starting left tackle Matt Lepsis recently retired. Clady should be expected to step in Day 1 and be one of the starting tackles while Polumbus, Ryan Harris (a second year player out of Notre Dame), Mitch Erickson (an undrafted free agent from South Dakota State) and last years starter Erik Pears (third year from Colorado State) will compete for the other tackle spot. Chris Kuper may also be in the mixbut I believe he is better suited as a guard. Harris is the odds on favorite to win the job as he fits the Broncos style the best. We will see how effective the size of Polumbus will be in a Broncos system which usually has smaller, quicker offensive lineman especially inside and the right tackle which is where you would pencil in Polumbus.

Two other draft eligible Buffaloes, Hugh Charles and Tyson Devree, were not drafted and have not yet signed free agent contracts, but both have received interest and could be locked up this week.

Dizon, Lions Looks Like a Great Fit

I know, I know how can I say anyone fits well with the Detroit Lions? You're all probably wishing Dizon didn't get stuck in Detroit which has done nothing but kill themselves by taking wide receivers, possibly employing the worst GM in the history of the NFL and making poor free agent decisions. But look at it this way... he is playing for a no nonsense coach that has a defensive background and doesn't care about the typical draft-defined attributes like "sneaky quick" or "plays well in space". Marinelli likes hard nose football players and that is what Dizon is and will be. Second, the Lions depth at LB leaves something to be desired. Gilbert Gardner, Alfred Fincher, Buster Davis, Alex Lewis and Paris Lenon don't strike fear in anyones eyes. It is logical to think that Dizon will step into a starting role on Day 1 and it is his job to lose. Yes, I forgot one LB and that is Ernie Sims. Sims is a flat out stud that Dizon can learn from since he is also an undersized LB. And finally, the Lions don't play in a division that prevents them to contend. Hopefully for Dizon he is able to stay healthy possibly by bulking up because the opportunity is definitely there in Detroit.

Here is Jordon's conference call with the media yesterday

Draft Day Did You Know????

In celebration of the NFL draft today, we have compiled a few nuggets from past drafts so you can win that $20 bar bet from that supposed die hard CU fan -

DID YOU KNOW...

...that there are only 5 WR combinations in NFL Draft history to be drafted in the first round, one of those combinations was from Colorado – Charles Johnson (1994) and Michael Westbrook (1995).

...that in 1995, Colorado along with Florida State had 10 players drafted, which led that years draft with the most players selected from one school. Those ten players were: Michael Westbrook led the way as the fourth overall pick to Washington in the first round, with Salaam selected by ChicagoPittsburgh (No. 60). In the third round, Green Bay at No. 65 snagged Darius Holland, and Chris Hudson went to Jacksonville at No. 71. Rounding out the final 3 spots were Derek West (No. 149), Shannon Clavelle (No. 185) and Tony Berti (No. 200). at No. 21. Three players went in the second round: Christian Fauria to Seattle (No. 38), Ted Johnson to New England (No. 57) and Kordell Stewart to

...that Colorado has 20 first round picks since 1967, ranking them 18th all time. Other Big 12 teams on the list include Texas with 30, Oklahoma with 28, Nebraska at 27 and Texas A&M with 21.

...that Colorado is one of 12 schools since 1938 to have two players taken as the infamous Mr. Irrelevant. No school has had more than two players receive the dubious honor. Randy Essington went to the Raiders in 1984 and Jim Kelleher went to the Vikings in 1977.

...that Colorado ranks tied for 19th all-time for most players ever selected in the NFL draft with 254 players. Out of the Big 12, Oklahoma has the most players selected in the draft with 330, ranking 4th all time behind Notre Dame, USC and Ohio State.

...that the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles have both drafted 16 Colorado Buffaloes since 1938. Since 1990, Bill Cowher and the Pittsburgh Steelers fell in love with the Buffs, drafting 7 players including Kordell Stewart, Chad Brown, Charles Johnson, Deon Figures and Joel Steed. A Buff has not been selected by its home state team in the Denver Broncos since 1980. No hometown love I guess.

Wouldn't mind seeing Mr. Dizon's name being called by the Broncos in the 4th round.