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With the NFL Draft coming up, figured it was time to check in and see what folks are saying about Pitt's Ray Graham. Pitt has some solid players eligible for the draft, but Graham is really the only one all that likely of being selected.
After a slow start, Graham got on track a bit and ended up with a solid season. But his stock certainly slipped, to say the least. Coming into last season, SB Nation's Mocking the Draft site had him listed as the sixth best running back. Now, the site pegs him as the No. 15 back in the NFL Draft.
So where might Graham end up? CBS' draft site lists him as a 6th or 7th round pick. NFLDraftScout.com says the same. This site says he could be a good pickup for the Browns in a late round. Andhis site has him slotted higher as a potential pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round. Based on everything else I've seen earlier, including the previous projections, that seems a bit high.
Graham has the potential, no doubt. And without the ACL injury in 2011, Graham would have had a very good shot to go on the first day of the draft if he stayed healthy. The size isn't there, but Graham was absolutely dominating before he went down with the injury - and that can't be ignored.
Some team will take a flyer on him in a late round in my opinion. At the very least, Graham will get a look in free agency. He didn't have a good combine performance in the 40-yard dash, but improved at Pitt's pro day. He's no guarantee to be taken, but Graham will get his shot one way or the other.
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