Oregon's Stewart tops Northwest draft prospects

Running back Jonathan Stewart tops the list of the prospects coming out of the Northwest's schools in this weekend's NFL Draft.

Most mock drafts have Stewart, who decided to pass on his senior season at Oregon, going in the middle of the first round. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound back had surgery to repair turf toe last month, which could drop him a few spots.

One interesting scenario could be the Seattle Seahawks, who have the 25th overall pick, taking Stewart, who is from Lacey, Wash.

As a junior, Stewart set the Ducks' single-season record with 1,722 yards rushing and 2,481 all-purpose yards. He had nine games with at least 100 yards rushing.

There's more uncertainty surrounding Oregon teammate Dennis Dixon, considered a Heisman candidate his senior season until a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee required surgery.

Dixon has set up a Web site at www.dennisdixon10.com to address concerns about his knee. On it, he said he had worked out for Pittsburgh and had scheduled meetings with other teams.

"I continue to rehab and spend a good part of my days with Coach (Chip) Kelly on the board discussing defensive coverage, game management and decision making. I'm looking forward to learning a new offense beginning in May," he writes on the site.

Dixon threw for 2,136 yards and 20 touchdowns with four interceptions last season. He also rushed for 583 yards and nine scores.

Included among the other Ducks considered prospects are offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz and wide receivers Cameron Colvin and Bryan Paysinger.

Oregon State offensive guard Roy Schuening, was expected to go no later than the fourth round. The Pendleton, Ore., native, at 6-foot-4, 308-pounds, started in a school record 50 games.

Running back Yvenson Bernard finished his college career as the Pac-10's sixth-leading rusher of all time with 3,682 yards. However, concerns about his size (5-foot-11, 202-pounds) likely mean he'll be a late-round pick or a free-agent signing.

Others from Oregon State hoping for a call this weekend include center Kyle DeVan, kicker Alexis Serna and linebackers Derrick Doggett and Joey LaRocque.

Additionally, Portland State's Brennen Carvalho could be selected. The 6-foot-1, 310-pound center from Hawaii was named the 2007 Rimington Award winner for the top center in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, formerly NCAA Division I-AA.

Two other athletes from Oregon, Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge, who is from Hillsboro, and Washington State QB Alex Brink, from Eugene, were also expected to be drafted.

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