Locals in NFL Draft

As you watch the NFL Draft over the next two days, keep an eye out for a few former Tampa Bay area prep standouts that could get their names called.

There's former St. Pete Catholic playmaker Chris Davis (Florida State), who said that he's heard he could get picked as early as the third round and as late as the fifth. Davis said he made visits to St. Louis, Philadelphia and New England, with most teams saying they like him as a slot receiver and punt returner.

Davis joked he wasn't planning any draft parties over the weekend, because "you never know how things will turn out."

At this rate, Davis may go before Notre Dame's Brady Quinn....

Then there's former Largo QB/DB Marcus Paschal (pictured). Paschal played safety for Iowa, following the footsteps of Colts safety Bob Sanders. Paschal, who helped himself at the NFL Combine, said he could go in the late rounds, or possibly as an undrafted free agent.

"All I want is a chance," Paschal said.

Another guy under the radar could be former Land O'Lakes receiver Logan Payne. Payne played for Minnesota and could be the kind of possession, slot receiver in a similar mold to Brandon Stokley..Payne will likely be a late-round pick or free agent pickup.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Photo of former Largo star Marcus Paschal (Iowa). Image from media.scout.com.

Comments

[Vinnie]

He has his chance now. He has a good situation and teammates he can learn from.
Make the most of it.
Congrats