MWC players might overcome draft snubs

The draft means money and a closer look by personnel directors and NFL coaches. At times, it doesn't mean much more. Look no further than former Utah lineman and free-agent signee Barry Sims with the Raiders; UCLA free-agent receiver Drew Bennett with the Titans, a former QB who had more than 1,000 yards; Missouri Southern undrafted receiver Rod Smith with the Broncos, who chiseled out a 10-year career and is approaching 10,000 yards; or Wayne Chrebet of the Jets from Hofstra, another 10-year former free agent whom many consider the best third-down receiver in the NFL.

Local players from the leagues we're used to seeing — the non-BCS kind — make good. There are plenty of make-good stories from the have-nots of college football.

Utah State's 5-foot-11, 184-pound Kevin Curtis, the 74th pick of the 2003 draft, keeps turning heads since he walked on at Snow College from Bingham High and is now in his fourth year in the NFL, with the Rams.

And wasn't Utah's Steve Smith, a sixth-year player for the Carolina Panthers, better than Randy Moss this past year? Smith ranked No. 1 in the NFL in receptions with 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 TDs.

Watkins could stick with the Cardinals if he pushes himself. Anderson could be the next Steve Largent, Webb may be the best MWC receiver at the next level, UNM's Baskett has all the physical tools to stay in the league and the Horned Frogs' Rodgers can play myriad positions.

The NFL may have rained on the MWC parade draft day. But someday, this league's 2005 playmakers may prove them wrong.

---

E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com