So after all the smoke has cleared, our Golden Bears are now scattered to the winds.  Of course, some more players will be picked up as undrafted free agents (Robert Jordan, Andrew Larson, et al) later this week, but for now, let’s focus on what’s been said in the local papers about each of our former players.

DeSean Jackson:

• The Trenton Times writes that THA1 indeed has a chip on his shoulder, but is happy to have landed in Philadelphia because they were high on his list.  The primary concern cited is his (lack of) size, something that has been dissected to death both here and elsewhere, though the article also mentions that one NFC team took him off their draft board entirely due to character concerns.  Now that seems a bit harsh.
• Another article from the Trenton Times which says that THA1 comes with great speed, no size, and questionable character.  He also figures to take time to develop as a receiver.
• The Philadelphia Daily News calls THA1 a playmaker, and THA1 is also quoted as saying he’s 175 pounds right now but would like to get to 180.  It also includes a gushing quote from Jerry Rice saying he has all the talent in the world to do whatever he wants to do.  He’s also expected to handle kick return duties as well.
• The Philadelphia Inquirer’s draft roundup says that we can expect THA1 to handle punt return duties and perhaps see some time as the third receiver, although there remains speculation that because Lito Sheppard is still on the team roster, he may be packaged with a high pick next year to get a receiver such as Roy Williams which would push THA1 even further down the depth chart.
• And finally, the question that needs to be answered - what does Donovan think about all this?

Craig Stevens:

• The Tennessean reports that Craig Stevens has enjoyed a much better return to the state, in light of the last time he and the rest of our Golden Bears went to visit.  He projects into the role that Ben Hartsock had with the Titans, and will be regarded as more of a blocking tight end that a receiving tight end.  Which is good, because that’s what he probably should be doing.

Thomas DeCoud:

• The Atlanta-Journal Constitution says that new Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff knows his safeties, and that DeCoud must have the qualities that he likes.  He could end up being the top backup at both safety spots.
• What did those in Atlanta learn from the draft?  Jimmy Williams better watch out, or DeCoud could end up being the top backup at strong safety instead.

Lavelle Hawkins:

• You might have heard that Pacman Jones was traded to the Cowboys for a fourth round pick…you may have also heard that Hawk went to the Titans with a fourth round pick.  So yes, Hawk was taken with the pick they received for Pacman.  He talks about the fact that he’ll likely be remembered for that, or at least that he’ll initially be known that way, and realizes that will put some additional pressure on him.  He also went to high school with current Titans and former Arizona Wildcat RB Chris Henry.

Mike Gibson:

• Philly.com likes his phyiscal frame, but not his leg strength.  It’s expected that he’ll reside on the practice squad for a while and work out along the interior line, rather than tackle.

Justin Forsett:

• The Seattle Post-Intelligencer spent three lines on Forsett.
• The Seattle Times spent one.  Clearly, the Emerald City is excited.