Another First-Rounder On The Roster? And The Big Finish

Brian: On Thursday, Luke Kuechly became the fifth Boston College player drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in the last five years, joining former Eagles Anthony Castonzo (2011), B.J. Raji (2010), Matt Ryan (2008) and Gosder Cherilus (2008). He is the 10th Eagle selected over the last 13 years to get drafted in the first round -- a remarkable run for a non-traditional college football power -- and 19th overall. Kuechly joins such names as Mathias Kiwanuka (2006), William Green (2002), Marc Colombo (2002), Chris Hovan (2000), Damien Woody (1999), Pete Kendall (1996) and Mike Mamula (1995).

ATL recently profiled four guys that he thinks could be future first round NFL Draft talent, including Kevin Pierre-Louis, Kaleb Ramsey, Dominic Appiah and Chase Rettig? Any additions to this list, and which player, if any, on the current roster becomes the next first rounder out of Boston College?

Jeff: I think right now you have to look at the LBs first as potential future first rounders in the NFL. KPL is the obvious first person you look at but then a few years down the road look at maybe a Steele Divitto or Nick Lifka who we really don't know much about. Having Kuechly be successful for the Panthers can certainly help future BC guys from that unit. Of the seniors this season or juniors that might jump early, it is a long shot at best anyone goes first round. But if we are making a list, I think you have to look at Chris Pantale. If he could have a huge season, he has to be as close to an elite player at his position as anyone else on the team and he has the right size body for the NFL, he just might not have the speed they are now looking for to go along with that size.

At the RB position we have talent, but with Montel Harris's injury concerns and the hesitation of NFL teams to reach for someone in the draft at the RB position, it might be a long time until BC has another RB drafted in the first round even though LB and RB were probably the only two positions that BC was better at last year and figures to be again next year relative to the level of talent BC has had at those positions historically.

Brian: To me, it's interesting we aren't talking about O-Linemen getting drafted in future first rounds. Are you concerned at all about the depth on the OL going forward?

Jeff: Yes, this is an issue we have discussed before.

Jeff: BC has been really impressive the last ten years in the first round of the draft, but not so much in the draft overall. What does that tell us?

Brian: Two things. The level of talent has decreased and the number of college football programs has increased.

Brian: BC held a draft night on Thursday that drew 100 Flynn Fund donors and fans. Good idea?

Jeff: Excellent idea. The Flynn Fund should keep being creative and see what works.

Jeff: Is Chris Kreider the best thing to happen in New York this season since Jeremy Lin?

Brian: Tim Tebow begs to differ.

Brian: Lots of fans were upset about Spaz joking about his bedtime. Were you?

Jeff: This genuinely does not bother me. It's who Spaz is.

Jeff: The baseball team is right in the mix for a spot in the ACC tournament after a weekend sweep of Wake Forest. Series with UNC and last place Duke remain on their schedule. Will the Eagles qualify?

Brian: I'm going to say no. Baseball has been terrible on the road and the next three are in Chapel Hill.

Brian: Last one. Another former BC backer, Mark Herzlich, thinks the Giants starting LB job can be his. Do you?

Jeff: It's so hard to say. His level of play with the Giants this season was so much better than it was in the beginning of the 2010 season that it is certainly possible.