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Monday, February 5
Random thoughts on draft prospects
By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com
Some random thoughts in this time between the all-star games and the February combine...
With Michael Vick's decision to leave Virginia Tech as just a third-year sophomore, the door now opens for Michigan signal caller Drew Henson to possibly become the first pick overall in next year's NFL draft.
North Carolina DE Julius Peppers, who will be a fourth-year junior next season, is poised to establish himself as the Tar Heels' top defensive player since Lawrence Taylor.
LSU QB Josh Booty and Georgia QB Quincy Carter, both underclassmen, would have been better off, in my opinion, transferring to Division I-AA programs where they could have maximized their value during the 2001 season. Currently in the evaluation process, both Booty and Carter figure as second-day possibilities.
Even though FB is almost a forgotten position in the NFL these days, take a look at what a devastating lead blocker like Sam Gash meant to the Ravens when they needed to control the football. In the draft this year, Maryland FB Matt Kalapinski could turn out to be a nice second-day choice.
Arkansas State QB Cleo Lemon could be a factor down the road in the NFL. He has a live arm and plays a smart game.
In my opinion, Michigan RB Anthony Thomas improved as much as any RB in the country when it came to getting the most out of each carry. His balance and determination jumps out at you on film. He also appeared quicker than his junior campaign.
Florida State RB Travis Minor could figure as a Priest Holmes type in the NFL.
While TE isn't a strong position this year, there are several prospects who are enjoying a steady rise up the draft board. UTEP's Brian Natkin led all TEs in the nation this past season in receiving, then put on a show catching the football at the Senior Bowl practices.
OTs the NFL will be studying very intently in the next few months include Marques Sullivan of Illinois and LSU's Brandon Winey.
Iowa State DE Reggie Hayward upgraded his draft status during the postseason all-star games, as did Southern Mississippi DE Cedric Scott.
Prospects who appear to be losing some ground of late include USC DT Ennis Davis, Ohio State WR Ken-Yon Rambo, USC LB Zeke Moreno, Nebraska MLB Carlos Polk, Baylor CB Gary Baxter and Appalachian State DB Corey Hall.
Underclassmen who need strong individual workouts to solidify early-round grades include Texas A&M RB Ja'Mar Toombs, Auburn RB Rudi Johnson, Texas A&M WR Robert Ferguson, Wisconsin CB Jamar Fletcher and Washington DB Hakim Akbar.
Garnering favorable commentary at the Senior Bowl practices were North Carolina OLB Sedrick Hodge, Pittsburgh RB Kevan Barlow, Notre Dame OG Mike Gandy, Alabama Tony Dixon, Texas A&M-Kingsville C Robert Garza and Tennessee OLB Eric Westmoreland.
If he can turn up the intensity dial and gain the necessary consistency, Maryland DT Kris Jenkins possesses as much raw physical ability as any player at his position in the draft.
Other super blue-chippers for the 2002 NFL draft include Texas CB Quentin Jammer, Tennessee DT John Henderson, Miami (Fla.) OT Bryant McKinnie, LSU TE Robert Royal and Minnesota WR Ron Johnson.
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What's the deepest position in the draft? Mel Kiper Jr. goes wide for his pick.