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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Kiper looks at the 2004 rookie draft!!!!!
        
(Message started by: Bouve on Mar 19^th, 2003, 3:16pm)

Title: Kiper looks at the 2004 rookie draft!!!!!
Post by Bouve on Mar 19^th, 2003, 3:16pm

Editor's Note: In the midst of the 2003 NFL draft process, ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. takes a moment to look ahead -- to the Top 15 prospects for the 2004 draft (these players are juniors now and will be seniors next season, with height and weight in parentheses).
Texas WR Roy Williams averaged 17.8 yards per catch and scored 12 TDs in '02.

1. Roy Williams, WR, Texas (6-4, 213)
He's the clear No. 1 on this list. Had Williams 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. As a junior in 2002, he returned to the all-world form he displayed as a freshman after slipping somewhat as a sophomore (when he averaged just 12.5 yards per catch).

A superb athlete with great size, he averaged 17.8 yards per catch and scored 12 touchdowns in '02 (finishing strong with eight TDs in the season's final four games). In each of his college seasons he's been nicked up, so he hasn't had a full season of 100 percent health. And with Chris Simms moving to the NFL, Texas will have a new quarterback in '03 (either Vincent Young or Chance Mock), which will impact Williams.

But if he stays healthy and keeps producing, he could be the No. 1 overall pick or an early first-rounder in '04.

2. Eli Manning, QB, Mississippi (6-4, 210)
Had he declared this year, he might have been a late first-rounder. But by returning to school -- where he'll have a good wide-receiving corps and what should be an improved offensive line -- he could be next year's Carson Palmer, moving up to be perhaps the second or third pick overall.

The younger brother of Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning, Manning has an excellent arm. Last year, Mississippi had trouble running the ball. And already in spring practice, the Rebels have suffered a key injury to redshirt freshman RB Jamal Pittman. But if they can muster a running threat, Manning should really light it up.

3. Will Smith, DE, Ohio State (6-3½, 255)
Smith was the headliner on the Buckeyes' stellar defensive front seven this past season, recording 10½ tackles for loss and 4½ sacks. He's an excellent natural pass-rusher with great closing speed, and he has a chance to take his game to an unbelievable level in 2003. Had he declared this year, he probably would have been a late first-rounder. Next year he has a chance to be an early first-round pick.

4. D.J. Williams, OLB, Miami (6-2, 240)
A superb physical specimen, he's developed into a heckuva player, with great athleticism and tremendous 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 this year, he probably would have been drafted in the mid-to-late first-round area. Next year, he could be a top 5-10 pick.

5. Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin (5-10½, 193)
He had a magnificent junior year in 2001, establishing a new Big Ten receiving record (1,545 yards). Then, in 2002 spring practice, he suffered a serious knee injury (ACL), which required further surgery in November 2002. He missed the entire 2002 season, and he will also likely miss practice this spring. He possesses good leaping ability and outstanding pass-receiving skills. When he was healthy, he was as good a wide receiver as Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson or Roy Williams. The question is, can he get back to full strength? If he can return to his pre-injury form, he figures to be ranked in the top five on my board as next season progresses. But if he can't, his rating will drop dramatically.

6. Lance Mitchell, LB, Oklahoma (6-2, 244)
A super blue-chip juco recruit, he was a juco All-American at City College of San Francisco, which went 24-0 and won two California juco titles when Mitchell was there. He had an outstanding first season at Oklahoma, leading the Sooners with 113 tackles (18 for loss). He has outstanding physical ability and is a major force against the run, offering a great package of production and physical ability.

7. Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa (6-6, 315)
Over the past two years, he 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'll be key for the Hawkeyes in 2003, because he'll be the only returning starter on the O-line. He's gotten bigger and stronger during his college career.

8. Claude Harriott, DE, Pittsburgh (6-4, 255)
A backup his first two seasons, he led the Panthers in 2002 with 7½ sacks and 7 forced fumbles in his first year as a starter. He also made 17 tackles for loss, taking over games as a real difference-maker. He can wreak serious havoc in the backfield.

9. Derrick Strait, CB, Oklahoma (5-11, 193)
Since redshirting in 1999, he's been a starter, so he should finish his career as a four-year starter in the tough Big 12. With excellent size for a cornerback, he isn't satisfied to be only a cover guy -- he's also strong against the run. He tied for the team lead with six interceptions and returned them 175 yards (an impressive average of 29.2 yards per return). He also led the team with 13 pass breakups. He was as good as (or better than) teammate Andre Woolfolk, a senior cornerback who figures to be at least a second-round pick this year.

10. Greg Jones, RB, Florida State (6-1, 233)
He was the nation's No. 1 junior running back to start the 2002 season. But after playing 10 games -- gaining 938 yards and averaging 5.8 yards per carry (with eight TDs) -- he was lost for the season with a knee injury (torn ligament). Before that, he put ion a show. He's quick, with an outstanding size-speed ratio. He can make defenders miss and then punish the tackler.

Had he stayed healthy and declared for the '03 draft, he likely would have been a top 5-10 pick. Now he's rehabbing, although he won't be practicing this spring, eyeing instead a fall return. Jones' situation is different than Miami RB Willis McGahee, who injured his knee in the Fiesta Bowl. Because McGahee injured his knee so late, he likely won't be able to play in 2003, so it made sense for him to declare for the draft and get paid by an NFL team while he rehabs. Jones,on the other hand, expects to rehab in time to play for the 'Noles in '03.

11. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami (6-2, 230)
A middle linebacker who will shift to the outside in the NFL, he's 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 in 2001 as the nation's top college linebacker. He had outstanding 2001 and 2002 seasons. He's smart, instinctive and fast (in the 4.5-4.6 range in the 40). He's an underrated standout for a strong team.

12. Brandon Everage, S, Oklahoma (6-0, 190)
One of the hardest-hitting safeties in the country, he showed marked improvement in his coverage skills in 2002 (team-leading five interceptions). He's a big-time hitter and intimidator who can affect the concentration level of receivers who come into his area.

13. Karlos Dansby, OLB, Auburn (6-4, 225)
With range and athleticism, he can create difference-making plays in a variety of ways. He led the Tigers with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks. He's an excellent pass-rusher, and his best football is ahead. He's primed for a huge senior campaign.

14. Michael Gaines, TE, Central Florida (6-2½, 270)
There was some speculation that he would declare for this year's draft, but he needs to show more production. In 2002, he made only 11 catches but averaged 17.4 yards per reception with two touchdowns. He has good size and good hands, presenting a solid target. He's powerful and he runs well. He should be much more of a factor in Central Florida's offense in 2003.

15. Madieu Williams, DB, Maryland (6-1, 200)
He became one of the of the ACC's best defensive players in 2002, with some big-time games against quality opponents. He has a knack for making excellent plays in coverage from his free-safety position. He also played cornerback at Towson State, where he spent two years (breaking up 10 passes in 2000). Towson is the same school that produced Chad Scott, who wound up transferring from Towson to Maryland and becoming a first-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in '97. A gifted athlete, Williams runs the 40 in the 4.5 range and has a 37-inch vertical jump. Given his versatility and development, he's a prospect to watch.

Note: DB Madieu Williams narrowly beat out North Carolina S Dexter Reid for the 15th spot on this board. At 5-11½ and 189 pounds, Reid had 166 tackles in '02, most in the ACC and the second-best total in school history.