Timmons, Davis highlight '07 FSU draft class

Former Seminole linebackers, along with Lorenzo Booker, should hear their names called on the NFL Draft's first day.

A year ago, four Florida State players were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

There won’t be that many former Seminoles selected in Saturday’s first 32 picks when the 2007 NFL Draft kicks off at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. In fact, it’s likely that only three will hear their respective names called all day long.

Lawrence Timmons, Buster Davis and Lorenzo Booker are FSU’s lone players expected to be taken in the first three rounds. Timmons projects as the only first rounder in that group.

It is said that Timmons, who elected to forego his senior season after one year as a starter at strongside linebacker, could go as early as Pittsburgh at No. 15 or fall as far as defending champion Indianapolis at No. 32.

It has long been rumored that the Steelers are enamored with the South Carolina native because of his ability to get to the quarterback. Looking for a replacement to Joey Porter, who signed a free agent deal with the Dolphins this offseason, Pittsburgh could use Timmons in their 3-4 defensive scheme.

“He's a pass rusher who makes big plays,” said agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents Timmons and was in Tallahassee last month for FSU’s pro day. “He's an impact player.”

Davis finds himself in an opposite position as his former position mate.

While Timmons is less experienced, he boasts a large frame that has NFL scouts drooling. Davis has the know-how after spending five years in Tallahassee but his 5-foot-10 stature worries some teams.

Still, he is considered one of the five best middle linebackers in the draft after a productive Seminole career in which he posted 265 total tackles. He was also clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.6 seconds.

Booker has seen his stock rise after an impressive Emerald Bowl performance capped off a less-than-stellar FSU career.

A former five-star prospect coming out of St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif., Booker’s tenure in Tallahassee was marred by split carries with other tailbacks and poor offensive coaching. He never lived up to the billing that made him such a highly sought after recruit but his 91 yards rushing and 117 yards receiving in the victory over UCLA showed scouts what he is capable of.

Helping matter is the fact that Booker posted impressive numbers at both the NFL combine and at FSU’s pro day. He could be selected anywhere from the mid-second round to the end of the third.

“I think (the NFL coaches) know what I can bring,” Booker said.

Former left tackle Mario Henderson and wide receiver Chris Davis are the only other Seminoles that project as draft picks but both with likely be picked somewhere on the second day.


Timmons


B.Davis


Booker


C.Davis


Henderson