Disappointments
By Robert Davis

What a difference a year can make. Players can go from definite first round picks, down a couple rounds, and in certain cases, out of the entire first day of the upcoming draft. There are many reasons for their fall, from injury to attitude, or for just plain bad play. These guys were considered prime prospects entering the year, but are not anymore.

Quincy Carter, QB, Georgia - Carter, a former minor league outfielder for the Chicago Cubs entered the season as one of the premier quarterback prospects in all of college football. His play has been nowhere near deserving of that label though. His poor accuracy and horrible judgment are the main culprits for his demise. He’s forced passes into places he never should consider throwing the ball. Against South Carolina at the start of the year he threw five interceptions, as the Gamecocks upset Carter’s Bulldogs. Quincy has always had the physical tools, but his head has always been questioned. This year, even more questions about whether or not he has the mindset to become a NFL quarterback have become evident. Once considered a definite first rounder, Carter has fallen well down into the second day of the draft. Carter, only a junior, has the option to return to Georgia, but he will face a fierce battle against Cory Phillips, who has outplayed Carter this year, just for the starting job. Quincy may have to turn back to professional baseball as his future profession.

Freddie Milons, WR, Alabama - Milons was rated by quite a few people as one of the elite wide receiver prospects in the nation entering this season. After his sophomore season, Milons drew comparisons to former Florida St. wideout Peter Warrick, but this season, he took a few steps back. His play this season basically summarizes the entire Alabama season: Inconsistent and disappointing. Milons’ hands have let him down this year. He has simply not made the plays that were expected of him. In his defense though, he has had to deal with bad quarterback play. Before the season, Milons was considered one of the underclassmen that could declare and become a first round pick. But this season has dropped his stock down in the third round range. Like Carter, he can, and definitely should return for his senior season of college.

Ennis Davis, DT, USC - A possible number one overall pick entering the season, Davis has suffered a big fall as well. His style of play draws comparisons to former Trojan DT, and current Raider all pro Darrell Russell. His attitude is the reason he has fallen, and one of the reasons USC had a very disappointing season this year. Davis does not play with the same intensity level throughout the game, and takes quite a few plays off. He has fallen into the second round area at this point, but if placed with the right coaching staff, who can light a fire under him, Davis could play to the level many thought possible before this season. The only thing standing between Davis and stardom is himself. If he wants to, he could become one of the best defensive lineman in the draft.

Roland Seymour, DE, Florida St. - Seymour has teamed with Jamal Reynolds at FSU to be one of the best end tandems in college. Seymour was headed on his way to becoming a first round pick last season, but he injured his knee against Virginia Tech. He did not enter that draft because of the injury, and that is also the reason for his fall in this draft. He really has not fully recovered from that injury, although he has played this season. His play has not been up to the level that he normally plays at though. If he proves that he is fully recovered from his injury by the time the draft rolls around, his stock will improve, but at this point, he is a likely third rounder.

Jashon Sykes, LB, Colorado - Sykes was considered by many the top linebacker prospect in all of football entering the season. His first two years at Colorado he displayed talent that could make him a top ten pick in the draft. But this season, his play has suffered. He has overrun plays, gotten out of position for tackles, and has not played as hard as he should. He was even benched during the season for his poor play. He is only a junior, but should he enter the draft, he a second round prospect, falling all the way from potential top ten from the year before.

These guys all have the physical ability to warrant high picks in the NFL Draft, but they are showing that much more than pure ability is required to become a high draft pick.