Ferguson would solidify OT class

Originally Published: November 29, 2004

By Todd McShay | Scouts, Inc.

Note: Our scouts watch college football with an eye on the next level. This week they offer takes on Virginia OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Florida State CB Bryant McFadden and two special-teams stars – Tennessee punter Dustin Colquitt and Ohio State kicker Mike Nugent. Also, their list of the top 32 draft prospects gets four new faces.

This year's senior class lacks the blue-chip offensive tackle prospect of past drafts. Florida State's Alex Barron is the closest thing to a Jonathan Ogden (Ravens, '96), Orlando Pace (Rams, '97), Walter Jones (Seahawks, '97), Chris Samuels (Redskins, '00) or Robert Gallery (Raiders, '04) that this year's group has to offer. But due to his inconsistent technique and lack of a mean streak, Barron doesn't grade out nearly as high.

The good news is that help could be on the way in the form of Virginia junior D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who reportedly is keeping his NFL options open. Ferguson (6-foot-5, 295) has started every game of his Cavaliers' career – 14 as a true freshman, 13 last season and 11 so far this season. He has the potential to one day be considered in the same breathe as the aforementioned elite NFL offensive tackles.

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