Who says you need to stay four years in college to go high in the NFL Draft? Not the two highest former area standouts chosen over the weekend.
Joe Haden
So much for the former Friendly High standout’s slow 40-yard dash time (4.57 seconds) at the NFL Combine holding him back. Haden not only had a better time (in the 4.3-4.4 range) at his pro day, he has been a starting shutdown corner from the moment he arrived at Florida, helping the Gators win two national titles in three years. That’s why it was a no-brainer for the Browns to take the playmaker seventh overall instead of Earl Thomas and Kareem Jackson.
Arrelious Benn
Another D.C. native who always has been heading for an early exit from the college ranks, Benn was the third wide receiver chosen in the draft behind first-rounders Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant, going in the second round (39th overall) to Tampa Bay. Benn will join the Bucs with plenty of pedigree and esteem, while his new receiving teammate, fourth-rounder Mike Williams, will be under pressure to overcome a bunch of off-field issues.
Larry Asante
The former Hayfield star disappeared into the Midwest via a stint at Coffeyville Community College (Kan.) before surfacing at Nebraska, where he became a three-year starter at safety. (Who knew the Cornhuskers had anyone but Ndamukong Suh?) After being picked late in the fifth round (160th), Asante has been given a chance to earn a spot in the Cleveland secondary alongside Haden. Whether he’ll be able to do so remains to be seen.
