English to find home by NFL Draft today

By JERRY BURNES

Tomorrow finally ends all the speculation. The 2009 NFL Draft will come and go like a warm spring day, and NIU’s own Larry English will finally have a home in the NFL. As of today, however, where and what position he will play is still in question.

Most projections have English landing in the early second round to teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. If he goes higher than 64th overall, where John Spilis went in 1969, he will be the highest draft pick in Huskie football history.

“It would mean a lot, and it would be an honor,” English said. “Especially with the caliber of player to come out of NIU and into the NFL.”

Depending on where he lands, English could be asked to move from defensive end to outside linebacker, a move that doesn’t bother him at all.

“It’s obviously going to be an adjustment,” the NIU career sack leader said. “I have no reservations. I’m ready and willing to do what a team wants me to do.”

NFL Draft coverage can be found on ESPN starting at 3 p.m. Coverage of the later rounds will extend to Sunday, where former NIU wide receiver Matt Simon is looking to land. Simon has a chance to land in the sixth or seventh round of the draft.