UB's James Starks (AP)

2009 and into the 2010 draft could be a banner year for WNYer’s in the NFL Draft.  Four could be picked, which may be a record.  Two players from UB are already getting a lot of love from a very legitimate source.

NFL.com draft guru Gil Brandt is currently ranking the top players at each  position heading into the college season.  At running back, Bulls star James Starks (Niagara Falls) is rated by Brandt as the 10th best back.  Heading into his senior year, Starks has already run for over 3000 career yards and 34 touchdowns.

Teammate Naaman Roosevelt (St. Joes) is rated by Brandt as the 14th best wide receiver.  Roosevelt had 104 catches and 14 TD last season.

Both Starks and Roosevelt’s production in 2009 will depend on how quickly new Bulls quarterback Zach Maynard adjusts to starting.  Of course, their production will impact their draft status.

The other two WNY players with draft potential are Arizona TE Rob  Gronkowski and Syracuse WR Mike Williams.  Gronkowski was third-team All-American last year, and is only heading into his junior season.  Another productive year could put Gronkowski (Williamsville North) high on the draft lists.

Williams has been very productive as a receiver on some bad Orange teams.  He sat out last year after a grade issue, but is back and starting in 2009.  He is big and athletic, traits NFL teams love.

With two WNYers drafted in 2009 (Derek Kinder & Dan Gronkowski), this is shaping up as a great era for producing outstanding football players.