I don't see that happening. Marlon Jackson and Derrick Strait are the only corners scouts talk about going in the first round. And maybe the CB for USC (Poole).
Strength of schedule for the previous season is the first tie-breaker for teams with the same winning percentage. So, I assume it's the harder the schedule, the higher the pick, right?
Nah, the harder the schedule the lower the pick. If a team with the harder record has the same number of wins against a harder schedule, they draft lower because the other team has an easier record but still has the same record.
We're locked in at the #10 pick, no matter what happens in the rest of the games. Start making your predictions now.
I would seriously love for the Texans to draft Sean Taylor. The guy is a freak of nature. The Texans Will probably draft between 7-10...do ya'll really think Taylor will last that long? I like our offense...Carr needs to make a huge jump in his production next season...9Td's (shouldve been 10 today, but Andre stepped out) and 13 INT's...Must improve. If we get Taylor, we should look to improve our LB's next. I think DJ Johnson from Texas will be available. In the third round Nathaniel Adibi, the DE out of Va Tech. This should be a busy offseason. I wouldnt mind seeing Chris Palmer fired either.
If Derrick Johnson is there in the second round that really would be a steal but I doubt that will happen. John Vilma from Miami would be a good pick in the second round.
Really? The Texans had the easiest schedule of the 5-11 teams? That's amazing considering the Texans opponents had what? A 57% winning percentage?
i know i heard not too long ago that the Texans had the #2 hardest schedule in the NFL. Can someone post the strength of schedule list?
If the Texans have to choose #10 I doubt that Sean Taylor will be around. Damnit! I really hope that he is though. Where do we go from there id he isn't? Tommie Harris will probably be gone. So will Wilfork. Upgrade the LB's first maybe? I think DJ Williams out of Miami (FL) is said to be the top prospect. Or should try and upgrade the OL take the big OT, Shawn Andrews out of Arkansas. Then we could move Pitts to guard. I dont know how many times I almost threw up this year with his penalties. It'll be interesting this offseason with the free agents. Houston is an attractive place to play if youre a FA. Playing in a new Super Bowl worthy Stadium, young, steady improving team. We'll see how much Houston is commited to winning this offseason. Another smart move would be to FIRE CHRIS PALMER...the guy sucks!
If he has a big time Holiday Bowl there is no way he will stay at Texas. He knows they won't win a title next year because Oklahoma will punk them like they always do.
The only way the Texans could possibly have the 10th pick is if it really does go that the harder the schedule, the lower the pick. By my figuring, the Texans opponents have a .570 winning percentage. The Falcons opponents have a .539 winning percentage. The Browns opponents have a .539 winning percentage. The Jaguars opponents have a .543 or .539 depending on whether Baltimore wins or loses to Pittsburgh tonight. The Lions opponents have a .535 winning percentage. The Redskins opponents have a .531 winning percentage. It would seem to me that the Texans should have the 5th pick overall in the draft if S.O.S. is the first tiebreaker.
I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or not. In any event, the Texans did have the toughest schedule of the six 5-11 teams. The first tie-breaker is strength of schedule. The order of ranking starts with the team with the weakest schedule getting the higher pick. This is done, because the belief is that had the team with the tougher schedule had the same schedule as the weaker team, it would've had a better record. Hope this clears it up for you. P.S. If you weren't being sarcastic, then this explaination was meant for those that don't understand it.
I honestly didn't know which way it went. The better the team the lower the pick makes sense. But I've never really paid any attention to how the draft order was established.
Just to clarify once and for all, in case of a tie, the team with the LOWEST opponent winning percentage picks FIRST in the draft. Therefore, the Texans will essentially be the LAST of the 5-11 teams to draft. Yes, it sucks ass, but dems the rules. I rather hope Sean Taylor is there for us when we pick...
It's hard to think about tiebreakers all day with the better team getting something better (playoff position) and then turn around to think about the worse team getting something better (draft position). If I'd have been thinking, it would've been obvious.
sorry you're wrong. In all of the years that Mack Brown has coached (even before UT) he has only lost one underclassman to the draft (Natrone Means). Players love playing for him. It's also been stated that DJ Johnson is a pure instinctively linebacker and is lacking in the fundamentals department. While that has gotten him far at this point in his career, there is still alot of polish to do before he plays on sundays. Plus he has already stated that he wants to be known as the best linebacker in the country (win the butkus award in 2004). Every article I have read has points showing that BOTH DJ Johnson and Cedric Benson are leaning heavily towards returning. pasted from an article Mel Kiper did rating the best jrs: Linebackers 1. Derrick Johnson, Texas -- A terrific all-around linebacker at 6-3, 222, Johnson will likely be in the 230-235 range when he finishes his career. Fast, instinctive player who is all over the field. Led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and fumble recoveries and has already said he will return to Austin for his senior season. One of the top-10 overall players in the country next season. I seriously doubt a "BIG" game at the holiday bowl will sway his decision. He's been having big games all season.
I guess there would probably be some interest for these articles. These are done by Mel Kiper, college football guru. BIG BOARD: Kiper's Top 25 NFL prospects | Dec. 23 Miami-Ohio junior QB Ben Roethlisberger, who declared for the draft after a stellar GMAC Bowl performance, makes his debut in my updated Big Board (at No. 3). Roethlisberger was a wide receiver until his senior year of high school, so he wasn't heavily recruited. But he's emerged as a potential top-five pick overall following a remarkable year. Another junior, Arkansas OT Shawn Andrews, has also declared since my last Big Board (he debuts at No. 9). I project the massive Andrews as an early-to-mid first rounder. Ole Miss QB Eli Manning eyes the top spot in the 2004 NFL draft. 1. Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss (6-4, 210) | previous ranking: same Manning began the season at the No. 4 spot on my Big Board, and now he's up to No. 1. Why? It's due to the cumulative effect of his fantastic season. He makes plays at crunch time. He has an outstanding arm and possesses tremendous pocket awareness. He has stepped up his intensity in the huddle as well as his leadership on and off the field. He's accurate, poised and intelligent. After adding weight and strength last offseason, Manning has Ole Miss on the verge of accomplishing a first in school football history ... winning the SEC West and going to the SEC championship game. Manning's situation this year is comparable to Carson Palmer's last year. Palmer rose up the draft board and wound up becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft (to the Bengals). If Manning had declared for the draft last year, he could have been a late first-rounder. Now he's looking like a sure-fire early first-rounder come April. He's the younger brother of Colts QB Peyton Manning. 2. Roy Williams, WR, Texas (6-4, 213) | previous ranking: same Williams was the clear No 1 when I launched my 2004 draft board, but he dropped to No. 2 on Nov. 11 -- not because of any slip-up on his part but due to the meteoric rise of QB Eli Manning. In a way, it's a matter of splitting hairs, but Manning gets the nod right now. Depending on the juniors who declare early for the draft, Williams might drop a bit more, but he'll likely remain in the top three overall. Williams is a brilliant talent who has excelled this season despite a lack of consistent quarterback play. Texas runs a conservative offense that isn't especially sophisticated in its passing schemes. Williams still averaged 16.1 yards per catch on 61 receptions with eight TDs this season. A superb athlete with great size, Williams averaged 17.8 yards per catch with 12 TDs as a junior in '02, when he returned to the all-world form he displayed as a freshman after slipping some as a sophomore (when he averaged just 12.5 yards per catch). If Williams had declared for the 2003 draft, he likely would have been an overall top 10-15 pick and the third receiver off the board, behind Michigan State's Charles Rogers and Miami's Andre Johnson. 3. Ben Roethlisberger (jr.), QB, Miami-Ohio (6-5, 245) | previous ranking: unranked Roethlisberger was a wide receiver until his senior year of high school, so he wasn't heavily recruited. But he's emerged as a potential top-five pick overall after a remarkable year. In the first game of this season, Roethlisberger was intercepted four times in a 21-3 loss at Iowa. But he rebounded from that season-opening disaster to play at an extremely high level the rest of the campaign. He's got great size and has surprising mobility for his size. Roethlisberger possesses all the intangibles NFL teams looks for: passion for the game, intelligence, work ethic. Plus, he has great physical ability. He has a slightly slower delivery than some other QBs, but his release point is fine and he delivers the ball accurately. Roethlisberger reminds me of New York Jets QB Chad Pennington. In the GMAC Bowl last week, Roethlisberger completed 21-of-33 passes for 376 yards and four TDs (and no interceptions). After the game, he declared for the NFL draft. In the regular season, he completed 65 percent of his passes and threw 33 touchdowns (and just 10 picks). 4. Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa (6-7, 318) | previous ranking: 3 His size and physical skills make him ideally suited for pass protection. Over the past two years, Gallery has developed into one of the nation's premier left tackles. Intelligent and a good athlete, he started his college career as a tight end. He is key for the Hawkeyes in 2003, because he's the only returning starter on the O-line. He's gotten bigger and stronger throughout his college career. 5. Will Smith, DE, Ohio State (6-3½, 255) | previous ranking: 4 Smith is an excellent natural pass rusher with great closing speed. He was the headliner on the Buckeyes' stellar defensive front seven during last season's national-championship run (recording 10½ tackles for loss and 4½ sacks). Had he declared for the 2003 draft, he probably would have been a late first-rounder. In '04 he's a likely early first-round pick. 6. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami (6-2, 230) | previous ranking: 5 A middle linebacker who will shift to the outside in the NFL, Vilma is the latest in a long line of top-flight middle linebackers produced by the Hurricanes (including Ray Lewis, Nate Webster and Dan Morgan). He took over for Morgan, the Butkus award-winner after the 2000 season as the nation's top college linebacker. Vilma, who had outstanding 2001 and 2002 seasons, is an underrated standout on a strong team. He's smart, instinctive and fast (in the 4.5-4.6 range in the 40). 7. Ben Troupe, TE, Florida (6-4¼, 260) | previous ranking: 6 Troupe is an imposing figure and a gifted athlete. This season, he hauled in 39 receptions, averaging 16.4 yards per catch with five TDs. Last season, he caught just 15 passes while sharing time with current NFL tight end Aaron Walker. As Troupe maximizes his ability and refines his pass-catching game, he will become a high-quality NFL tight end. Coming into the season, I envisioned him as a first- or second-round draft choice. Now, I expect him to be a solid first-rounder. 8. Reggie Williams (jr.), WR, Washington (6-3½, 218) | previous ranking: 7 Williams has the size and physical skills every NFL team is looking for. He is big enough to get off press coverage and into routes quickly, and will give teams a matchup advantage against even the biggest cornerbacks at the next level. The first player in school history to start the first game of his freshman season, Williams caught four balls for 134 yards against Michigan in that debut and set the tone for an excellent, consistent career. He is very much a competitor with focus and a business-like approach, and even without the benefit of a solid running game and offensive line Williams still finished tied for fourth nationally with an average of 7.42 receptions per game. Speed will be critical in his workouts, and if Williams can run the 40 in the 4.47-4.52 range he will be a top-10 selection. 9. Shawn Andrews (jr.), OT, Arkansas (6-5, 360) | previous ranking: unranked A huge right tackle, Andrews is a tremendous run-blocker, dominating the defensive end he works against, driving him significantly off the ball. He would accentuate an NFL rushing game. He's also light on his feet for a player his size, making him adequate in pass protection. Andrews has been an All-American caliber offensive tackle since his freshman year. I expect him to go in the early-to-mid first round. 10. Kevin Jones (jr.), RB, Virginia Tech (5-11½, 210) | previous ranking: 8 Jones is an explosive runner with game-breaking speed. In the open field, few cornerbacks can catch him. He has the ability to stop on a dime and change direction. Plus, he's a good pass-receiver out of the backfield and is a strong blocker, making him a complete player. A tremendous natural athlete, Jones was highly recruited out of high school. In fact, he was seen by most as the nation's best high-school running back in his class. The only concern is that his running style is a bit upright, but he's excelled despite an average offensive line (except for center Jake Grove, who is outstanding). 11. D.J. Williams, OLB, Miami (6-2, 240) | previous ranking: 9 A superb physical specimen, Williams has developed into a tremendous player, with great athleticism and excellent range from sideline to sideline. He's also a good form tackler. He began his career as a fullback and was considered a great prospect coming out of De LaSalle High School in California. Had he declared for the '03 draft, he probably would have gone in the mid-to-late first round. Next April, he could be a top 5-10 pick. 12. Karlos Dansby, OLB, Auburn (6-4, 225) | previous ranking: 10 With range and athleticism, Dansby can create difference-making plays in a variety of ways. He's posted some impressive performances this season. Dansby led the Tigers with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in '02. He's an excellent pass rusher, and his best football is ahead of him. He's having a strong senior campaign. 13. J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane (6-2½, 220) | previous ranking: 11 Losman is a pure passer who can thread the needle or feather the ball when he has to. He's also one of the toughest quarterbacks in the country -- he'll hang in the pocket and take abuse in order to make throws. Losman has a passion for the game and studies endlessly, and he's an honors student in the classroom. With the skills and intangibles the NFL looks for, he has a chance to be a solid first-round draft pick. 14. Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech (6-3, 300) | previous ranking: 12 It's rare to see a first-round-caliber center. It happened last year, with Notre Dame's Jeff Faine being drafted by the Browns in the first round. It could happen this year with Grove, an outstanding anchor who controls the interior of the Hokies' offensive line. Grove has the ability to fire out at the middle linebacker while also handling collapse-the-pocket defensive tackles extremely well. As the QB of the O-line, he's a great leader. A rugged competitor, Grove is tough as nails and has played in lots of big games at perennial power Virginia Tech. 15. Dwan Edwards, DT, Oregon State (6-2½, 308) | previous ranking: 13 Edwards was arguably the Pac-10's best defensive lineman this season. He's quick, explosive and disruptive behind the line of scrimmage despite being consistently double-teamed. He creates a steady inside push and is effective against the run as well as the pass. His tremendous athletic ability enabled him to quietly have a great year in the Pac-10. 16. Will Poole, CB, USC (5-11, 190) | previous ranking: 14 Originally a nickel back, Poole was not a starter until replacing the injured Kevin Arbet in the third game this season. He started 10 games as a redshirt freshman at Boston College in 2000, was suspended for the '01 season and transferred to Ventura Junior College in 2002 (where he intercepted seven passes). Poole is an instinctive player and an excellent tackler with good ball skills. 17. Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue (6-2, 209) | previous ranking: 15 Schweigert is a true center fielder for the Boilermakers. His savvy and speed enable him to consistently show up in the middle of the action -- he runs a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. Schweigert is Purdue's career interceptions leader (with 17). 18. Ricardo Colclough, CB, Tusculum (5-11, 186) | previous ranking: 16 Colclough is the best player in Tusculum history, and he would be a star at any major college. Before transferring to Tusculum, a Division II school, Colclough played at Kilgore Junior College, where he was a juco All-American. Besides being an outstanding cornerback, he's a brilliant punt and kickoff returner. At Kilgore, he averaged 40 yards per kickoff return. This season at Tusculum, Colclough's stats were impressive: nine interceptions (one returned for a TD); 10 pass breakups; 17 punt returns for a 13.9-yard average; and 18 kickoff returns for a 29.4-yard average and two TDs (97 and 92 yards). Colclough has a great vertical leap and has made some highlight-film interceptions. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.43. He needs to get stronger so he won't be pushed around by bigger NFL receivers, but I expect him to be a late first-round pick. 19. Chris Perry, RB, Michigan (6-0½, 225) | previous ranking: 17 Perry is one of the nation's best running backs and a strong Heisman candidate (on my list, No. 2 behind Oklahoma QB Jason White). Perry isn't a game-breaker, but he's tough in short-yardage and red-zone situations. He's also a good pass-receiver and blocker -- you could make a case that he's the most complete back in this draft. He's a better prospect than former Michigan RB Anthony Thomas, who was a second-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2001 draft. 20. Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 188) | previous ranking: 18 An underrated SEC standout, Robinson has excellent feet and great ball skills. There aren't many wide receivers who can accelerate past Robinson on deep routes. He consistently runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.40-4.45 range. Robinson is the kind of shutdown corner who can match up against the opponent's best receiver and maintain excellent coverage the entire game. Definitely a player on the rise. 21. Philip Rivers, QB, N.C. State (6-4½, 230) | previous ranking: 19 Rivers has been a constant on my top-five Heisman list all season because of his phenomenal '03 performance. Look at his numbers this season: He completed 71 percent of his passes, with 4,016 yards, 29 TDs and just seven interceptions. Rivers has great size and a good arm, though his lower release point could be a question mark and his footwork is not polished. But he makes up for that low release with an incredibly quick, hair-trigger release. Rivers is accurate, smart and an excellent leader with great instincts. And keep in mind, he's achieved his success this season with three key offensive components in and out of the lineup with injuries (LT Chris Colmer, WR Sterling Hicks and featured RB T.A. McClendon). Rivers is reminding people of Bernie Kosar, who had an awkward release and lacked great footwork but found success in the NFL. 22. Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin (5-10½, 193) | previous ranking: 20 Evans had a magnificent junior year in 2001, establishing a new Big Ten receiving record with 1,545 yards. Then, in 2002 spring practice, he suffered a serious knee injury that required further surgery in November 2002, causing him to miss the entire 2002 season. This season, Evans had 60 receptions for a 19.4-yard average (1,162 yards) and 12 TDs. He possesses good leaping ability and outstanding pass-receiving skills. At full strength, he can be as good a wide receiver as Charles Rogers or Andre Johnson, who both declared early and became first-round picks in the the 2003 draft. 23. Vernon Carey, OL, Miami (6-4, 355) | previous ranking: 21 Carey has starting experience at both tackle spots as well as right guard. His experience makes him a proven All-American-caliber lineman. He also has incredible athletic ability and the necessary mean streak. Carey is one of the nation's best offensive lineman. 24. Rodney Leslie, DT, UCLA (6-3, 297) | previous ranking: 22 Leslie is a hard worker with excellent strength in both his upper and lower body. He has the versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, giving defensive coordinators plenty of flexibility. He's been a destructive defensive force for the Bruins all season. Last year, Leslie suffered a broken foot midway through the campaign, but he rebounded well this year. 25. Bob Sanders, S, Iowa ( 5-8½, 205) | previous ranking: 23 You could make a case that, pound-for-pound, Sanders has been the best defensive player in college football during his tremendous career. The lack of ideal height is the only real concern for Sanders. If he were two inches taller, he'd be an early-to-mid first-round draft choice and would probably be one of the top five seniors on my Big Board right now. Sanders is a lights-out hitter who runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.35 range. Ultimately, he probably will be drafted in the second round, but he'll be tremendous in workouts. DROPPED -- Dropped out of Top 25 (since last ranking): Marcus Tubbs, DT, Texas (6-4¼, 325) | previous ranking: 24 Tubbs has been a consistently dominant performer in the Big 12. It's unusual for someone his size to have such quickness and up-field explosion. With great stamina and physical ability, Tubbs doesn't wear down in the fourth quarter. He has tremendous potential. Rashaun Woods, WR, Oklahoma State (6-2, 192) | previous ranking: 25 One of the most polished wide receivers in the nation, Woods runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Because he has quick feet and runs disciplined routes, he plays even faster than his 40 time indicates. He's good with his body in traffic, using it to shield the ball from defenders. This season, Woods caught 66 passes for a 17.3-yard average and 14 TDs. In 2002, Woods caught an amazing 107 passes for a 15.8-yard average and 17 TDs.
underclassmen by positions: TOP JUNIOR PROSPECTS BY POSITION | Dec. 17 Bowl season has begun, and it's time for juniors to start declaring their intentions regarding the NFL draft. So here's a look at the nation's top five junior prospects by position (most of these juniors will be part of the 2005 NFL draft). OFFENSE Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is looking at a big NFL future if he declares for the draft. 1. Ben Roethlisberger, Miami (Ohio) -- Has size (6-5, 245 pounds) and all the intangibles NFL teams looks for: passion for the game, work ethic, smarts. Roethlisberger is reminiscent of New York Jets QB Chad Pennington in that regard, but has a stronger arm and is more mobile. Completed 65 percent of his passes and threw 33 touchdowns in the regular season against just 10 interceptions. Would be a top-15 selection if he comes out. 2. Andrew Walter, Arizona State -- Came into the year looking like one of the best quarterbacks in the nation but the Sun Devils fell on hard times and Walter struggled. Too many throws came with a sidearm delivery, and while you can live with a 24-10 TD-to-INT ratio a completion percentage of 52.5. Would benefit from another year in school to improve his accuracy, but his potential could get him into the second or third round. 3. Matt Mauck, LSU -- Spent three years in the Chicago Cubs organization so he is a little older than the average junior, but Mauck goes 6-1, 217 and is a good athlete. He has had some big games in key matchups for the Tigers and had an excellent 2003 season thanks to a live arm and quick release. Has a chance to be one of the better QBs in college if he returns for his senior season. 4. Dan Orlovsky, Connecticut -- Another guy with good arm strength, Orlovsky is one of the more unheralded quarterbacks in the nation. Has excellent size at 6-4, 230 and showed the ability to bring his team back from behind. Threw for 33 TDs and nearly 3,500 yards this season, but the only concern is a long, slow release when putting the ball up. 5. Derek Anderson, Oregon State -- Came in as a very heralded prospect, but his grade has been on a steady decline for the last two seasons. Anderson threw 25 TDs and 13 INTs (47 percent) as a sophomore but regressed to 20 scores and 19 picks this season. Accuracy has also been a concern as he improved his accuracy from a 47 percent completion rate as a sophomore to just 49.4 this season. Has size (6-5&189;, 233) and a strong arm, though. Others of note: Kyle Orton, Purdue; Chris Rix, Florida State; Stan Hill, Marshall Running Back 1. Carnell Williams, Auburn -- 5-11, 200...Tremendous natural running ability with his balance, vision and instincts. Williams has quickness but not tremendous speed, but he can outrun defenders. Cadillac has very few peers as a pure runner and the only question is his hands out of the backfield and his ability to be a factor in the passing game. Would be a first-round pick if he declared for the draft. 2. Steven Jackson, Oregon State -- Fits the Ricky Williams mold at 6-2, 230 and is not just a straight-ahead runner. Jackson has the hip flexibility to can make defenders miss and is also adept at catching the ball out of the backfield. More of a between-the-tackles runner with the ability to bounce the ball outside. Also looks like a first-round pick if he comes out. 3. Kevin Jones, Virginia Tech -- A little upright with his running style, but tremendously athletic with game-breaking speed and the ability to catch the ball and block. A complete player. 4. Cedric Benson, Texas -- The more you watch him the more you like him. A three-year starter who can pick up the tough yards inside, Benson can also get outside when called upon. Has good body lean and patience hitting the hole, and played as well as any back in the country over the last few weeks of the season. Looks like a late-first or early-second round pick should he declare. 5. Ronnie Brown, Auburn -- Rushed for 13 TDs and over 1,000 yards as a sophomore while filling in for Cadillac Williams but fell off the radar a little this year behind Williams and Brandon Jacobs. Had some minor injuries that also limited his production, but with his size (6-1, 222) and explosiveness he could still push his way into the early-to-mid second round should he come out. If he returns, though, he will be one of the top runners in the nation next season. Others of note: Walter Reyes, Syracuse; Darren Sproles, Kansas State; Anthony Davis, Wisconsin Wide receiver 1. Michael Clayton, LSU -- Terrific hands and concentration in traffic. Speed will determine where Clayton gets drafted, and with the necessary 40 time he could wind up in the middle of the first round if he decides to enter the draft. Clayton is also a physical player who saw some time at safety this year and can cover kicks. 2. Reggie Williams, Washington -- Williams has already declared for the draft and has excellent size (6-3½, 218) to go with great hands and excellent natural receiving skills. Like Clayton, speed will have everything to do with whether Williams ends up in the middle of the first round or somewhere in the late first to early second round. 3. Braylon Edwards, Michigan -- Has been the Wolverines' leading receiver each of the last two years and this season almost singlehandedly led Michigan to victory against Ohio State. Made several outstanding catches over the course of the year. Probably gets into the late first or early second round if he comes out, but Edwards will be one of the most coveted college receivers in the nation if he returns for his senior year and works on his attention to detail. 4. Mark Clayton, Oklahoma -- Had his best overall season this year, hooking up with Jason White every time the Sooners needed a key completion, averaging better than 18 yards on his 71 catches. Not big at 5-10&189;, 177, but a very good natural receiver. Could be a second-rounder if he comes out. 5. Reggie Harrell, TCU -- Excellent size at 6-2, 208 and has the speed to stretch a defense vertically. Harrell is the reigning Conference USA champion in the 60-meter hurdles and also has the toughness to make the tough catch in traffic. Also catches the ball with his hands rather than cradling it to his body. With that combo he has All-America potential next season. Tight End 1. Kellen Winslow, Miami (Fla.) -- The consummate TE at 6-4&188;, 248 with tremendous athletic ability. Provides an unbelievable dimension to the passing game and would be a top-10 pick if he declares for the NFL. 2. Brian Casey, Kansas State -- Has quietly developed his pro potential and 6-6, 270-pound frame. Casey was a bigger factor than one would expect for a guy who has gotten little in the way of national attention, but his 16 catches went for an average of 19.2-yard average. He can stretch the deep middle and get the job done as a blocker. 3. Jason Peters, Arkansas -- Has a lineman's size at 6-4&189;, 320 pounds but is much more nimble than one would expect. Peters shows good hands and if he were to lose 10-15 pounds he can be effective as both a receiver and a blocker. 4. Andrew Clarke, Toledo -- A big-time player in the Mid-American Conference, Clarke is a great threat in the passing game and a tough, aggressive player at 6-3&189;, 247. One of the more underrated standouts in the MAC this season. 5. Joel Dreessen, Colorado State -- Was one of Bradlee Van Pelt's favorite targets all season and had a solid overall season. More of an H-back at 6-4, 249 with excellent speed. Also excelled in the classroom. Others of note: Eric Knott, Michigan State; Steve Freming, Arizona Offensive line 1. Shawn Andrews, Arkansas -- Became just the third freshman starter in the offensive line in school history and has been a dominant run blocker his entire career. Andrews is light on his feet even at 6-5, 360, and after being a first-team All-American selection as a sophomore and junior he has a Pro Bowl future as an NFL right tackle. Has declared for the draft and is a potential top-10 pick. 2. Jammal Brown, Oklahoma -- Was a key on one of the best O-lines the Sooners have ever had. Brown is a dominant physical force in the running game at 6-5, 315, but needs to continue his improvement in pass protection. 3. Ben Wilkerson, LSU -- Was part of a tremendous recruiting class before the 2001 season and had been as good as advertised. Showed no ill effects from offseason back surgery and is one of the elite centers in the country. Combines smarts and physical tools. Will be the top center in college if he returns to school but will demand first or second-round attention should he come out. 4. David Baas, Michigan -- Standout the last two seasons for the Wolverines. Baas checks in at 6-4, 322 and understands how to use leverage against his opponents while also displaying pop at the point of attack and sustaining his blocks to the whistle. 5. C.J. Brooks, Maryland -- A three-year starter for the Terps, Brooks began his career as a tackle but made a nice transition to guard. Dropped some weight to get lighter on his feet in pass protection but still comes in at 6-5, 320 and remained a good run blocker. Others of note: Chris Colmer, NC State; Michael Munoz, Tennessee; Alex Barron, Florida State DEFENSE Defensive line 1. Tommie Harris, Oklahoma -- Harris has been a fixture at DT since his freshman year and dominated along the front this year. Can use brute force to occupy blockers at the point of attack and at 6-3, 280 he has the quickness to get off blocks. A top-five overall pick if he declares. 2. Kenechi Udeze, USC -- Moved from DE to DT prior to the 2001 season and has been one of the top defensive players in college football ever since. Has improved his numbers every year and piled up 20 tackles for loss this season, including 12.5 sacks. Very strong at 6-3, 279 and also does a good job against the run. Solid early-to-mid first-rounder if he comes out. 3. Randy Starks, Maryland -- Quick and athletic at 6-4, 305, Starks boasts a vertical jump of better than 31 inches and squats 765 pounds. Has shown tremendous athleticism throughout his career and would have to get first-round consideration should he declare, but Starks will be one of the top defensive players in the nation if he comes back to College Park. 4. Dan Cody, Oklahoma -- Just starting to come into his own, Cody is the Sooners' most effective pass rusher off the edge and closes quickly. Built like Adonis, he is a chiseled 6-5, 265 and has incredible strength. A workout warrior and a first-rounder if he comes out. 5. Vince Wilfork, Miami (Fla.) -- Has turned heads since early in his career but needs to drop 15-20 pounds from his 6-1, 360-pound frame. Short arms are also a concern against the taller offensive linemen in the NFL. Others of note: Anttaj Hawthorne, Wisconsin; David Pollack, Georgia; Mike Patterson, USC Linebackers 1. Derrick Johnson, Texas -- A terrific all-around linebacker at 6-3, 222, Johnson will likely be in the 230-235 range when he finishes his career. Fast, instinctive player who is all over the field. Led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and fumble recoveries and has already said he will return to Austin for his senior season. One of the top-10 overall players in the country next season. 2. Lance Mitchell, Oklahoma -- Was having a great year before tearing an ACL in mid-September. Mitchell has all the physical skills at 6-3, 247, and how high he rates next year will depend on how close his rehab gets him to pre-injury form. 3. Michael Boley, Southern Miss -- Did not get as much attention as senior teammate Rod Davis, but Boley emerged this season as the Golden Eagles' top defender. Excels in all aspect of linebacker play but is at his best attacking the line of scrimmage. Had 148 tackles (21.5 for loss) and 10 sacks despite not having outstanding size (6-2&189;, 200). 4. Pat Thomas, NC State -- A veteran who has started the last two seasons, Thomas is similar to former Wolfpack standout Lavar Fisher. Very adept at diagnosing the play and finding the football and recorded 119 tackles. Not real big at 602, 226, but you can't argue with the productivity and consistency. 5. James Kinney, Missouri -- Must be accounted for from his MLB spot on every play and has good read-react skills. Kinney made ballcarriers pay with every one of his 141 tackles (32 more than his next-closest teammate) and means everything to the Mizzou defense. Others of note: LeRoy Hill, Clemson; Lionel Turner, LSU; Kevin Burnett, Tennessee Defensive back 1. Sean Taylor, Miami (Fla.) -- Taylor is to the safety spot at Miami what Ray Lewis was to the middle linebacker position, outpacing predecessors at safety like Bennie Blades and Ed Reed. The prototype safety at 6-2¼, 225, Taylor has the necessary attitude and instincts. A top-five overall pick should he come out. 2. Chris Gamble, Ohio State -- A two-way player who also saw time at WR, Gamble has unlimited upside as a cornerback but still needs some work on the finer technical points of CB play. He has good ball skills and excellent size for a corner (6-1&189;, 181) but still needs to refine the fundamentals. Still, Gamble looks like a first round pick no matter when he comes out. 3. DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech -- A Tremendous physical specimen at 5-10&189;, 186, Hall has great strength and unbelievable speed (claims to run in the 4.2-4.25 range). Has recovery ability in coverage and averaged 14.5 yards per punt return this season. Probably not a shut-down corner but is very effective. 4. Matt Ware, UCLA -- Another good-size corner or safety at 6-2½, 205. Ware is a good athlete who will likely be a safety in the NFL but has the versatility to play corner as well. Durability has been a concern, though, as he has lost time to injury the last couple of seasons. 5. Marlin Jackson, Michigan -- Moved from CB to safety prior to this season in order for the Wolverines to get their four best DBs on the field together. Does not have great recovers speed and will have to show in workouts whether he will be a corner or safety at the next level. Others of note: Sean Jones, Georgia; Antrel Rolle, Miami (Fla.); James Butler, Georgia Tech Kickers 1. Dave Rayner, Michigan 2. Mike Nugent, Ohio State 3. Ryan Killeen, USC 4. Nick Novak, Maryland 5. Nick Hayes, Alabama-Birmingham Punters 1. Dustin Colquitt, Tennessee 2. Matt Payne, BYU 3. Cody Ridgeway, Mississippi 4. Chris Kluwe, UCLA 5. Bryce Benekos, UTEP
