A Washington State football player didn’t go in the 2017 NFL Draft until the 7th round. The Raiders used their 221st overall pick to select Shalom Luani. It was a good way to round out the third day of the draft for Coug fans. But, next year, we may not have to wait as long to hear a Cougar get picked... That is if you believe mock drafts that come out 362 days early. And why wouldn’t you?
Every year, media outlets try to capitalize on the hype around the draft by releasing their “way too early” mock drafts predicting the first round picks for next season. Now, obviously, there are a couple of problems with these predictions. First, there is a full season of football to be played both in college and in the pros. Players can tank in the college game while players in the NFL emerge as faces of the franchise filling perceived holes from before the season. Second, draft positions are exceedingly difficult to predict when NFL rosters are for from being set. And, third, injuries are a thing that happen.
Now, with those negatives in mind, the lists are a good observation of what the national media are thinking of college players coming out of spring football. And right now, they are high on WSU rising senior quarterback Luke Falk.
Below is a look a couple of popular “way too early” predictions and where they have Falk going, along with some of their thoughts on him.
SBNation: Dan Kadar - 24th Overall to Buffalo
“The Bills could be after one in the first round in 2018 and just missed in the top 10 earlier in the mock draft.”
CBS Sports: Will Brinson - 20th Overall to Arizona
“The Cardinals were a candidate to draft a quarterback early and whether or not Carson Palmer is coming back for 2017, they're going to need to plan for the future.”
USA Today: Luke Easterling - 18th Overall to Arizona
“Falk may have gotten early-round consideration this time around, but he went back to Pullman for his senior year to refine his skill set. The Bird Gang will need a replacement for veteran Carson Palmer.”
Watch out Arizona. The gunslinger (drink!) is coming your way.
Or not. We’ll find out in 11 and a half months...
Football
A look at the WSU Cougars’ top NFL draft prospects for 2018 | The Seattle Times
Stefanie Loh also takes a great look at Falk's projections, along with a look at the other NFL prospects suiting up for the Cougs next season.
Washington State assistant football coaches receive raises | The Spokesman-Review
Mike Leach’s contract has been extended by one year, and athletic director Bill Moos says the two will have a discussion about a raise. That part comes later, but Leach has already taken care of his assistant coaches.
Basketball
Washington State adds year to men’s basketball coach Ernie Kent’s contract | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State athletic director Bill Moos has enacted a rollover clause in men’s basketball coach Ernie Kent’s contract, keeping Kent in Pullman at least five more years.