With the NFL draft a week from Saturday, here are some of the latest projections for former Hoosiers James Hardy and Tracy Porter:
TODD MCSHAY OF ESPN has Hardy being drafted in the first round, with the 28th pick by the Dallas Cowboys. McShay has Porter being drafted in the second round, with the 35th pick by the Kansas City Chiefs.
MEL KIPER JR OF ESPN has Hardy being drafted in the first round, 24th pick by the Tennessee Titans. Kiper Jr. has Porter in the second round, the 49th pick by the Philladelphia Eagles.
Pat Kirwan of NFL.com has Hardy being drafted in the second round, 33rd pick by the St. Louis Rams, and (unless I read it wrong) doesn't appear to have Porter landing in the second round of the draft.
A couple of quick notes:
* For what it's worth, I think Todd McShay is the most reliable and accurate draft 'guru.' He has surpassed Mel Kiper Jr. for a number of reasons. Looking at his draft picks, i'd say Hardy landing in Dallas would be great for him. He would get to play with an established quarterback in Romo, and - say what you want about Terrel Owens - but he plays and practices very hard, as unlikeable as he may be. Hardy could learn a lot from him.
For Porter, I would be surprised to see him fall out of the top 50 due to his impressive 40 time and combine workouts. The Chiefs are struggling right now, but Kansas City can be a great football town. I don't know if i'd wish it upon anyone to have to play in Philly, their fan base can turn on an athlete at the drop of a hat. Then again, Jim Johnsons blitzing defense could really benefit Porter.
* After IU's pro day, I ran into Hardy and had an impromptu chat with him. It wasn't really an interview because we were talking at a Bloomington establishment that rhymes with 'Bilroys.' Anyhow, after my roomate predicted to him that he would be going to the Titans, Hardy responded with, "I hope so."
So either he was just humoring my intoxicated roomate ( strong possibility,) or he has his sights set on playing with Vince Young. Tennessee made the playoffs last year and Jeff Fischer is a rock solid coach, but I still think for Hardy, Dallas would be the best fit for a number of reasons.
