IS THIS THE 2006 NFL SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

OR A CASTING-CALL FOR THE LONGEST YARD?
By Dave Te' Thomas, NFLDraftScout.com

  July 10, 2006 - In mid-July, the NFL will conduct its supplemental draft for players who have lost their collegiate eligibility. While some have extenuating circumstances for being in this phase of the draft, a few of the more notable entrants come with big warning labels attached due to their penchant for getting into trouble off the field.

The four more notable players in this draft are a trio of linebackers; Ahmad Brooks (Virginia), Jason Berryman (Iowa State) and David Dixon (Hutchinson Community College), former U.S. Marine Sergeant, fullback Ahmard Hall (Texas). Two other late entrants into this draft are North Carolina State speedster, receiver Richard Washington and Texas defensive tackle Marco Martin, who never lived up to his prep school performances.

Most scouts feel Brooks and Berryman will be drafted, as Miami has shown a keen interest in Brooks and Green Bay has been evaluating the ability of Berryman. Both have a checkered past off the field that makes one wonder who will be drafting them -- the NFL or the likes of Adam Sandler, Burt Reynolds and the casting director for another possible remake of “The Longest Yard.”

Let’s take a look at the four featured players to see if they are worthy of a team forfeiting a draft pick in the 2007 regular draft in order to select one of these athletes now:

AHMAD BROOKS -- Virginia-Inside Linebacker-#34-6:03.7-259

The son of former Washington Redskins defensive tackle Larry Brooks, Ahmad is by far the best product in this supplemental draft based on on-field performance. However, he comes with a long history of off-field problems and had nagging injuries that lingered during his final season.

After a stellar career at C.D. Hylton High School, where he recorded 207 tackles (144 solos), 34 for losses, five forced fumbles, three sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries and 16 quarterback pressures as a senior and also rushed for 848 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 12.6 yards per carry, Brooks was forced to attend Hargrave Military Academy to improve his academic standing.

He then enrolled at Virginia, where he earned a starting job at inside linebacker during 2003 fall camp, becoming the first freshman since P.J. Killian in 1990 to lead the team in tackles. He recorded 117 hits (68 solos) with four sacks and 10 stops for losses. In 2004, Brooks joined Ray Savage (1989) as the only first-team All-American linebackers in school history. He led the team in tackles for the second consecutive year, becoming the first Cavalier to do that in his first two college seasons since Charles McDaniel (1982-83). Brooks totaled 90 hits (39 solos) with eight sacks, 10 stops behind the line of scrimmage and two interceptions. He also deflected four balls and caused a fumble.

Brooks underwent knee surgery during the offseason that would prevent him from playing in the first three contests of the 2005 season. He returned to action as an outside linebacker vs. Maryland, but missed the following game vs. Boston College with an ankle sprain. He returned to inside linebacker, starting his next five games before a back injury forced him to the sidelines for the final two games. He finished with only 27 tackles (10 solos), a 9-yard sack, five pressures and four pass deflections.