The NFL Draft didn’t exactly go as planned for most of the experts’ top-rated wide receivers, including Indiana’s
James Hardy, who was projected as a late first round pick. Star cornerback
Tracy Porter was the first Hoosier taken in the draft, picked up by the New Orleans Saints with the ninth pick in the second round, 40th overall. Hardy was still not far behind, however, getting drafted by the Buffalo Bills 41st overall, only one pick after Porter.
Porter was picked by the Saints just one pick before Hardy went to Buffalo
Porter was the seventh cornerback taken in a draft that featured a number of defensive backs. Meanwhile Hardy was only the fourth wide receiver drafted, despite going midway through the second round. Donnie Avery, an under-the-radar prospect from Houston, was the first receiver drafted, going to St. Louis with the 33rd overall pick. It was the first time since 1990 that no wide receiver was taken in the first round.
Michigan State’s Devin Thomas, who was projected as the top receiver in the draft, was finally taken by the Redskins at No. 34, and Green Bay made another surprising pick with Jordy Nelson from Kansas State at No. 36. Hardy was drafted at No. 41 before the likes of DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly, and Limas Sweed, who were perceived to be among the top five WR prospects, along with Thomas and Hardy.
Porter, who is listed at just under 5’11”, 188 lbs, is expected to be a cover corner in the NFL, not as physical in the running game but smart and athletic enough to make plays in pass defense. He is added to a Saints secondary that struggled mightily against the pass last year despite handing a huge contract to ex-Indianapolis Colt Jason David last year in free agency.
Porter had 212 career tackles for Indiana, as well as 16 interceptions. He also has good value as a punt returner, a skill that he developed in his last two years at IU. He averaged more than 13 yards per punt return.
The 6’6”, 220 lb Hardy gives Buffalo Bill quarterback Trent Edwards a dangerous short to intermediate route runner to complement number one receiver Lee Evans and speedy Roscoe Parrish, who both specialize in stretching the field. While Hardy probably won’t be running to many deep routes, he gives the Bills a dangerous option in the red zone that they previously lacked (Evans is 5’10”, Parrish is only 5’9”). He adds a whole new element to a young, developing offense that will feature 2nd-year players in quarterback Trent Edwards and running back Marshawn Lynch.
Hardy amassed 36 touchdown receptions over his career at Indiana, and caught 79 passes for 1,125 yards last season.
Although it may have taken a little bit longer than expected, both of these former IU players now have great opportunities to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Expect both to make their names known when the season begins.
More IUplanet coverage:
http://iuplanet.com/forum/iuplanet-h...eaknesses.html
http://iuplanet.com/forum/iuplanet-h...draft-day.html
http://iuplanet.com/forum/iuplanet-h...-showings.html
Discuss Porter's future with the Saints and Hardy's future with the Bills in the forums.
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