2008 NFL Draft: Several Buffs Hope To Hear Their Names Called

BOULDER ? The annual National Football League Draft is this weekend, and several Buffs should hear their names called on the podium in New York City.

Since 1973, one in six student-athletes who have signed a national letter of intent have been drafted into the NFL once their CU playing days are over, likely one of the top ratios in the nation and certainly in the top 15.  In the last 35 drafts (1973-2007), 156 Buffaloes have heard their names called on draft day (well days), with about the same number signing as free agents.

TB Hugh Charles, ILB Jordon Dizon, OT Tyler Polumbus and CB Terrence Wheatley are generally considered by draft experts as those most likely to be selected this weekend.  Others who are likely to sign as free agents if not drafted include DE Alonzo Barrett, TE Tyson DeVree, S Lionel Harris, OT Edwin Harrison, KR Chase McBride, WR/KR Stephone Robinson, TE Joe Sanders and WR Dusty Sprague.  And though he didn't play last season, QB Bernard Jackson impressed scouts with his abilities as a potential defensive back.

The draft begins Saturday (April 26) at 1 p.m. mountain time, with two rounds on the first day instead of three.  Each team has 10 minutes to select in the first round and seven in the second.  Day 2 (Sunday) gets underway at 8 a.m. MDT, with teams having five minutes to make their picks from rounds three through seven.  The entire draft is televised by ESPN.

Click the link below to reference the bios of all Colorado players eligible for the 2008 Draft.