Local Players in the NFL Draft
By Tony DeFazio

The 2008 NFL Draft does not feature a Darrelle Revis-Paul Posluszny duo - the Aliquippa natives who grew up a few miles from one another and were drafted 14th and 34th overall last year. But both Pitt and Penn State figure to have first-rounders in Nittany Lions' linebacker Dan Connor and Panthers' offensive tackle Jeff Otah. Here's a look at some local players who can expect to hear their names called at this month's draft.

Mike McGlynn, OL, Pitt
6-4, 309
Tough, versatile lineman can play both offensive tackle and guard positions. Smart with good awareness, aggressive and plays with a killer instinct. Not a great athlete and struggles in space so guard may be his best position. Can also long-snap. Middle-rounder.

Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
6-6, 332
Otah has a huge frame, long arms and is a great athlete. He's light on his feet and is strong, powerful, physical and aggressive. Very raw, however, and does not play with proper leverage. Struggled with quickness at the combine but was playing on a sprained ankle. Work ethic may not be what it needs to be. Still improving and has major upside. Sure-fire first-round pick.

Dan Connor, LB, Penn State
6-2, 234
Slightly more athletic version of former teammate Paul Posluszny. Smart, versatile linebacker and reliable tackler. Physical and aggressive with sideline-to-sideline range; adequate in coverage. Intense and competitive but has minor character concerns after prank-calling incident involving an aging, sick former assistant coach. Will have to get stronger but works hard enough to overcome any physical deficiencies. Likely to go mid-late first round.

Justin King, CB, Penn State
5-11, 192
Burner with smooth hips and excellent feet and hands. Not very strong or physical but still a reliable tackler. Struggles with big wideouts and is raw, but has a huge upside. Ability to contribute immediately as a returner could make him a late-second or early-third round selection.

Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia
5-9, 197
Excellent speed, quickness, agility, balance and burst. Good vision and instincts, is elusive and dangerous in the open field. Good hands. Durability and toughness a major concern. Possible return man but little experience in that area. At worst, a situational player in the NFL. Mid-rounder.

Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
6-0, 247
Solid frame, tough, strong and powerful. Outstanding blocker and tough runner who is a load to bring down. Good hands. Limited in space but can be a legitimate lead blocker in the NFL. Middle rounds.

Darius Reynaud, WR, West Virginia
5-9, 201
Emerged as a consistent threat last season. Explosive with good speed and quickness and often played faster than his timed 40. Good body control and dangerous after the catch. Short but has good bulk. Raw route runner and blocker. Second-day pick.

Johnny Dingle, DE, West Virginia
6-1, 265
Coming off excellent 2007 season and is still improving. Versatile but somewhat of a tweener. Not a great technician and has been inconsistent. Should have considered an extra year at WVU.

Bruce Hocker, WR, Duquesne
6-3, 205
Smooth with good size; long arms and uses his body well. Big and powerful receiver but not a polished product. Lack of competition a concern but he posses the attributes to make an NFL roster and a team will probably take a chance on him late in the draft.

Anthony Morelli, QB, Penn State
6-3, 231
Has nice size, a great arm and was productive in two seasons as starter. Ability to read defenses has been questioned. Sunday afternoon arm but Friday night head. Had all the physical tools but never put it together the way coaches expected. Possible late-round selection.

Joe Clermond, Pittsburgh
6-1, 249
Really came on as a junior and senior, both against the run and the pass. Had brief run-in the law before his senior season but seems to have put it behind him. Lacks size. May get drafted late.

Keilen Dykes, DT, West Virginia
6-3, 306
Can play end or tackle in the 4-3, or end in the 3-4. Can get to the quarterback but is not a great athlete and lacks good technique. Possible late-round pick.

Ryan Mundy, S, West Virginia
6-1, 215
Solidly built but questions exist about his durability. Lost a step after suffering injury while at Michigan. Possible late pick.

Darrell Strong, TE, Pittsburgh
6-4, 268.
All the tools but was a four-year underachiever. Had off-field issues as well.

Possible Free Agents:
Kennard Cox, CB, Pitt
Matt Hahn, FB, Penn State
Rodney Kinlaw, RB, Penn State
Antonio Lewis, CB, West Virginia
Marc Magro, LB, West Virginia
Tim McCutcheon, OT, Cal-PA
Mike Niklos, CB, Robert Morris
Austin Scott, RB, Penn State
Derron Thomas, LB, Duquesne
Eric Wicks, SS, West Virginia