High projections

Jason Hill is letting his legs do his pre-draft talking. The record-setting Washington State University receiver boosted his NFL stock when he covered 40 yards in 4.32 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. In a recent ESPN.com mock draft, Hill is projected to go to the New York Jets late in the second round when the draft unfolds this weekend.

So how are you feeling, Jason?

“I’m not doing any individual interviews until Saturday,” he said, politely, by telephone last week. If all goes as projected, Hill will be the first area player selected. The first three rounds are Saturday, with rounds 4-7 Sunday.

The 6-foot, 210-pound Hill, who caught a school-record 32 touchdown passes at WSU, is ranked 10th among receivers by Scouts Inc. Hill considered skipping his senior season in 2006, but decided to return after he was projected as a fourth-round pick by the NFL’s central scouting service. He appears to have improved his draft status by a round or two after catching 41 passes for 600 yards as a senior.

“I think everyone thought Jason was a good player and more than likely an early round guy and his combine certainly didn’t hurt him at all,” said San Diego Chargers scout Ed Langsdorf, who was in the RCA Dome stands when Hill clocked his sprint time. “He certainly ran well and he’s been very productive in his collegiate career.”

Hill is one of possibly four Cougars that could hear their names this weekend. Safety Eric Frampton, defensive end Mkristo Bruce and tight end Cody Boyd are possible second-day selections.

The 5-11, 204-pound Frampton, projected by ESPN.com to go in the fifth round, is a hard hitter who diagnoses plays quickly, according to Scouts Inc.

“When the scouts came through they liked what he did,” said Idaho head coach Robb Akey, who was WSU’s defensive coordinator from 2003-06. “One scout told me that they usually find a guy at safety that can run but won’t hit, or a guy that will hit but can’t run as well. Eric’s a guy that can run and hit you.”

Bruce, 6-51/2 and 268 pounds, had an impressive stat line in 2006. He had 67 tackles, 16 tackles-for-loss, 11 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

“I love that kid,” Akey said. “He became a great leader for us. He’s a big guy that can run. I know they’ll want him to be a little heavier to be a defensive end in that league but he’s capable of carrying that.”