The 2008 change that reduced the first day of the NFL Draft to two rounds could have a major impact on the Saturday night sleep habits of two University of Virginia players.

While Cavaliers offensive tackle Eugene Monroe is a can't-miss first-round pick, outside linebacker Clint Sintim and running back Cedric Peerman face a more unpredictable weekend.

"The only round I haven't heard is the first round," Peerman said at the Cavaliers' pro timing day last month, "and that's the one you want to hear."

The most UVa players selected in the same year was seven, headed by first-rounder Heath Miller in 2005, and that mark could be challenged this year.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay predicted on espn.com that six Cavaliers will be taken. Included on that list are tight end John Phillips, wide receiver Kevin Ogletree and linebacker Antonio Appleby.

McShay has Sintim going to the New York Giants with the 13th pick in the second round (44th overall) and Peerman going to New England with the 33rd pick of the third round (97th overall).

"Peerman's sensational showing at the combine is just one of the reasons we are high on him," McShay wrote. "There are some durability questions, but when he's healthy, we believe Peerman has the mental makeup and physical tools to develop into a versatile contributor in the NFL."

Sporting News Today, in its ranking of the top 100 prospects, had Sintim rated 60th and Peerman rated 88th.

The same publication had Sintim ranked fourth among inside linebackers, clearly in error. Sintim (6-foot-3, 253 pounds) was an outside linebacker exclusively during his UVa career.

At Virginia, Sintim played in a scheme, the 3-4, that is not used widely at the collegiate level. However, the 3-4 has enjoyed increased popularity in the NFL.

"I think about 13 teams are using it now," Sintim said. "It's pretty cool to go to the next level and be ahead of the curve. Coach [Al] Groh was one of the founders of the 3-4."

Of the above-mentioned six NFL hopefuls, all but Appleby attended the NFL combine in Indianapolis in February. Peerman helped his stock with a hand-timed 40-yard clocking of 4.34 seconds.

He ran an electronically timed 4.41, which put him near the top of the draft-eligible running backs.

Peerman was a Group A 100-meter champion at William Campbell High School, but his speed was an occasional topic of debate at Virginia.

"I played with a knee brace all season," said Peerman, who said all he needed was a slight break after the season to return to 100 percent.

Certainly, there have been no character issues with Peerman, who was ordained as a preacher prior to the 2008 football season. But, nobody should get the idea that Peerman isn't focused on football and the NFL.

"It's been a lifelong dream of mine," said Peerman, who will watch the draft with his family in Gladys.

Ogletree said on pro timing day that he plans to be on a golf course, an approach once taken by former UVa stars Tiki and Ronde Barber.

Some questioned Ogletree's decision not to return for his senior year, but he was pleased with his performance at the combine, where he was timed electronically at 4.45 in the 40.

"We didn't run that many vertical routes at Virginia," he said. "I think I surprised some people with my speed."

Wherever he's drafted, Ogletree won't take part in any second-guessing.

"Maybe the first week, I thought, 'What am I doing?' said Ogletree, who made his declaration in early January. "I have never, ever looked back."