Nov. 7
Mel Kiper Jr. rates the top senior prospects for the 2002 NFL draft:

1. Julius Peppers, DE, UNC (senior exception: Peppers is a fourth-year junior) -- Didn't have a great game against Georgia Tech, finishing with only two assists. He has to pick it up a level and dominate from week to week to maintain his No. 1 status. Nevertheless, he is a feared sack artist and the nation's most dominant performer.

2. Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami (Fla.) -- A dominating bookend LT (6-7½, 335 pounds). Could secure a grade equal to the likes of Tony Boselli, Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace or Chris Samuels.

3. John Henderson, DT, Tennessee -- Henderson combines imposing size with exceptional skill as the leader of the Vols' defense.

4. Wendell Bryant, DT, Wisconsin -- 6-4, 295-pounder has a ton of ability.

5. Quentin Jammer, CB, Texas -- Leads nation with 17 pass breakups. Did great job one-on-one against Missouri's Justin Gage. A serious eraser in the Longhorns' deep patrol.

6. David Carr, QB, Fresno State -- Carr has consistently made the proper reads while showing big-time arm strength and impressive accuracy and touch.

7. Mike Williams, OT, Texas -- Mammoth 6-6, 360-pounder is an All-American caliber RT.

8. Kalimba Edwards, DE, South Carolina -- Hasn't been dominating but has been effective. Edwards has been double-teamed but is clogging things up, allowing others to make plays. Had five tackles and one hurry against Tennessee. In the Jevon Kearse mold as an explosive outside pass rusher.

9. Ryan Sims, DT, UNC -- In Peppers' shadow but has established himself.

10. Anthony Weaver, DT, Notre Dame -- Superior quickness and block-shed technique.

11. DeShaun Foster, RB, UCLA -- Good health remains key to Heisman hopes.

12. Edward Reed, DB, Miami (Fla.) -- The leader of the Hurricanes' defense.

13. Dwight Freeney, DE, Syracuse -- Tremendously consistent pass rusher.

14. Marc Colombo, OT, Boston College -- Has developed into an outstanding all-around tackle.

15. Larry Tripplett, DT, Washington -- Strength is as run-stuffer on inside.

16. Terrence Metcalf, OT-OG, Ole Miss -- Versatile lineman who is experienced at both left tackle and left guard. Hasn't allowed a sack since '99. Bench-presses 500 pounds.

17. Levar Fisher, OLB. N.C. State -- Ringleader of the Wolfpack defense. Had sprained knee against Clemson, but came back to record 17 tackles against Georgia Tech and 10 tackles and a forced fumble against Virginia as N.C. State registered its first ACC shutout since '90.

18. Kenyon Coleman, DE, UCLA -- Has keyed the dramatic turnaround of the Bruin defense.

19. Joey Harrington, QB, Oregon -- More than adequate arm strength, plus all the intangibles.

20. Javon Walker, WR, Florida St. -- Having a solid, consistent season. Caught only two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown against Maryland, but also caused two pass-interference penalties. Is one of offensive captains.

21. Alan Harper, DT, Fresno State -- Explosively quick off the ball; one of the top pass-rushing DTs in the country.

22. Cliff Russell, WR, Utah -- Has 4.27 speed and outstanding hands.

23. Marquise Walker, WR, Michigan -- Has made spectacular catches look routine; makes SportsCenter highlight catches on a weekly basis. A productive, competitive receiver with ideal size (6-3, 210) and excellent hands. Doesn't have great speed but he makes plays. If he can prove he has speed, he could be a first-round pick.

24. Robert Thomas, LB, UCLA -- Has been in mold of Ravens MLB Ray Lewis -- instinctive, tenacious, productive and consistent. An unbelievable force around and behind the line of scrimmage.

25. Levi Jones, OT, Arizona St. -- Outstanding bookend LT with great feet and balance. A versatile athlete, Jones once worked on the defensive line.