Today Could Be A Long Day For Some Hogs

NEW YORK — Former Arkansas running back Darren McFadden shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called this afternoon in the first round of the NFL Draft.

He could know within the first hour of the draft where he will be playing next season. But not every former Razorback will be so fortunate.

Fellow running back Felix Jones and defensive tackle Marcus Harrison will have their patience tested today as they anxiously await their selection.

“I heard anything from early first to early second (round). Somewhere in the second round, I’ve heard that,” said Harrison, who plans to watch the draft with his family in his hometown of Little Rock.

“But I mean, it’s not like college where you can just have somebody sign a letter of intent. You really just got to go on what happens, what team needs you.”

Jones and Harrison are the only former Razorbacks other than McFadden who are expected to be taken on the first day of the draft. This year, the first day consists of only the first two rounds.

But anything is possible when it comes to the NFL Draft. As the past has shown, draft projections aren’t always accurate.

And though unlikely, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing in the history of the draft if a team took a chance and selected either former Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis or wide receiver Marcus Monk in the second round.

“I’ll be glad when draft day gets here because I can’t remember answering the phone this much (from NFL teams asking) about all the players at Arkansas that are going to get drafted,” said former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt, who plans to watch the draft from his new home in Oxford, Miss.

Hillis, Monk and former Arkansas offensive lineman Robert Felton are more likely to hear their names called on Sunday when rounds three through seven of the draft will take place. Jones, on the other hand, is expected to be gone before the first round ends.

The versatile tailback, who shined during his three seasons at Arkansas despite having to split carries with McFadden, has been projected as a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Most mock drafts have Dallas Cowboys owner and Arkansas alum Jerry Jones picking the Razorback with the No. 22 pick. It would give the Cowboys a multi-dimensional runner to complement starter Marion Barber.

“I just had a couple teams that talked to me at the (NFL) Combine (in February) that I feel were interested,” Felix Jones said late last month following his workout at Arkansas’ Pro Day. “I believe the Cowboys were (one team); Tampa Bay was (another).

“But the draft is something you can’t be real confident about because you don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m just waiting my time.”

Harrison has been projected as a second-round pick, and his draft status could have been higher if it weren’t for questions about his character and his surgically repaired left knee.

Still, today could be a productive day for the former Razorbacks. It will certainly be a long day for some of them.