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 CHRIS KELSAY (6�5� 260) DE NEBRASKA � Very smart, dedicated athlete in the mode of former Husker Grant Winstrom whose non-stop motor (11 hour workouts, six days a week) has impressed scouts enough that he should get a round one call. 39 sacks for his college career who was also feared in the run-defense game. Four-time all-conference academic selection who will graduate with a 3.6 GPA. Draft status initially dropped during the 2002 season due to a hamstring that cost him five games. Still managed to record 13 TFL�s along with seven sacks. Has 6 percent body fat and holds the school position records in the pro-agility run (3.90) as well as the 10-yard dash (1.63). Those would be acceptable numbers even for a receiver or D-back. 40-time most recently recorded at 4.78. Bench-presses 400 pounds and most recently recorded 23-225 lb reps (has been credited with as high as 30). Good (but not great) athleticism with a good burst along with straight-line speed. Lack of size could also hamper him at the next level. Has played at both the left and right ends. Has a strong array of club/swim/rip moves and can specialize in the big play such as knocking the ball away from the QB. Older brother Chad was a seventh-round selection (1999) who saw time with the Steelers and Rams. Great leader whose passion should be an asset to whomever selects him.JIMMY KENNEDY (6�5� 315) DT PENN ST � In a top-heavy defensive line field, Kennedy has risen to the top of the bunch � at least among draft experts. Was once in the 400-pound range coming out of high school, and was in the 350-360 range as recently as his junior season. Kennedy then conditioned himself even more, getting down into the 315-330 pound range for this past season, and the results were dramatic. Jimmy�s improved to (13 games) 87 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 passes broken up, as opposed to 51 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks back in �01 (11 games). Really established himself as among the best in the land with a three sack performance v. Wisconsin in October. Has also reportedly gotten his 40-time down from the 5.15-5.20 range down to a 4.97 clocking last summer. Recorded 23-225 lb reps on Pro Day. At his slimmer weight was powerful enough to beat double-teams, as well as moving down the line to make plays. Experts feels that Kennedy can either maintain his current weight and be a Warren Sapp-like performer, or to get back into the 340-350 lb category and be a two-gapping run stuffing force. Many mock drafts have Kennedy going to Houston with the #3 overall pick, however the Texans made elect to trade down to address multiple needs. In that case, Chicago is very high on him and would probably pounce at #4. A disappointing combine effort not withstanding, do not expect Kennedy to slide much past that point.KENNY KING (6�5� 275) DE ALABAMA � One report had King weighing 285 (along with a report that he has added 10 pounds), but also had him only at 6�2� � quite a discrepancy. Played all over the defensive line (DT, DE, and NT) during his Crimson Tide career. 40-time comes in the 4.7-4.8 range and has been reported to bench 450 pounds and squat 650. Some scouts feel that the workout numbers have not translated on the football field quite as well. King has recently invested in the services of noted fitness guru Mackey Shilstone, and has reportedly dropped his body fat by 5 percent as well as adding the bulk. Seems to be at his best on the bullrush, but also blew up plays in the backfield on a regular basis. In addition to football, was one of the best shot-putters in Alabama during his prep days. Projected as a DE in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme in the pros, as he is still a bit undersized to play inside. Look for Kenny to be drafted either late third or in the fourth round.DAVID KIRCUS (6�2�, 185) WR GRAND VALLEY ST � Listed as a late fourth-round pick by Rob's Scouting - �Circus� Kircus put on a show at GVSU's Pro Day, posting 40 times of 4.48 and 4.47, along with a 40" vertical and an impressive 10'9" long jump. Also recorded a 3.83 short shuttle and a 6.56 three-cone drill. But then Kircus was asked to lift the bar, which he was finally talked into. With that Kircus only proceeded to do four repetitions. You don't have to be Atlas to play receiver in the pros but one has to do better than that. Kircus first opened eyes at recent All-Star games, including catching six passes for 153 yards and a pair of scores in the remote Pioneer Bowl at St. George, UT. That was followed with a six catch, 100 yd, 2 TD outing at the Hula Bowl which featured one spectacular TD reception in particular. Grand Valley coach Brian Kelly was one of the coaches at the Hula Bowl, which helped in Kircus being able to get his number called. Kircus has caught an incredible 64 TD receptions in the past two seasons, including 35 scores in helping lead Grand Valley to a 14-0 record and the Division II title. Included for a 11-270, three TD outing in the championship game. Along with the prolific pro-style offense run by Lakers, the presence of QB Curt Anes (also a draft prospect) helped in achieving these numbers. All of this is beginning to make Kircus a fascinating prospect. Size helps along with running crisp routes and catching nearly everything thrown his way. Look for Kircus to be a second day selection and to be impressing someone in a training camp come next summer.BYRON LEFTWICH (6�6� 250) QB MARSHALL � Click on name link for great bio (from University web site) and highlights of his Marshall career, along with testimonials/analysis from many sources. Status as #2 QB on board in jeopardy amidst reports that mysterious shin injury suffered late in season may in fact had been a broken leg. Reminds many of Viking QB Daunte Culpepper in regards to size and big-time accurate arm strength/velocity, others draw comparisons to Dolphin legend Dan Marino. A better fit for a team believing in having the QB throw the deep ball, as opposed to a West Coast type offense. Went into the �02 season as the #1 QB on everyone�s draft board, following a junior season that featured 42 TD passes v. only 9 INT. Positive item that Leftwich�s injury did show was just how tough and dedicated to the team (the images of his linemen literally carrying down the field during a final drive were epic) he is, a trait that actually endears him to NFL brass. Also will wait till the very last possible second before getting hammered and is very good operating out of the shotgun. As far as speed is concerned, Byron is not a runner (4.92 40 time) to begin with � although he will scramble for yardage when needed. Another intangible that will help in Byron�s draft status is this year�s success of another Marshall alum, Chad Pennington. The general consensus is that Leftwich is better at this point in his career than Pennington was.BRANDON LLOYD (6�1� 185) WR ILLINOIS � Fluid receiver with long arms and great hands who has #2 receiver written all over him. Declares for draft as a third-year sophomore who rebounded after a broken leg suffered in 2000. Not exceptional (4.5-4.6) speed but has a 36� vertical and 10�4� long jump to his credit. Plays faster on the field, with capability of getting wide open down the field for big plays. Also fearless going over the middle. Had a great tandem going with fellow wide-out Walter Young, who is considered a second day prospect. Improved his stock this past season playing with a brand new quarterback. Needs to bulk up some as he lacks somewhat in the blocking game and will tend to get pushed around by the bigger defensive back. There is also talk that his arrogance/cockiness could also be a turn off to some. Since Lloyd didn�t wow the scouts with the 40-time look for him to be a mid-second round pick.RIEN LONG (6�6� 286) DT WASHINGTON ST � Here are the latest press clippings - Long has been training with someone representing an outfit called Competitive Edge Sports (you can tell how this has become big business), and Long says the workouts have 'taken him to the next level' and have made him even more explosive. Is also said to have now bulked up to 301 pounds. Is also said to have out-performed Arizona State's Terrell Suggs both times ASU and WAZZU locked horns. It wasn't like they were matched against each other!!! Not everyone came away impressed after the combines however, so Long may slip from being a potential top-ten selection to possibly the later stages of the first round. Also had to deal with off-season knee surger. Entered the draft at very last minute, even wavering through the mandatory three-day grace period after a season that saw him won the Outland trophy. The so-called experts were about as divided as Rien himself about coming out. ESPN analyst Mark May, a one-time Outland winner himself strongly encouraged Long to come out. Meanwhile, PFW expert Joel Buchsbaum (before his passing in late December) thought that it would be better for Long to stay at WSU. According to Buchsbaum "Long is a very good player who could become a dominant player if he comes back for another year in school, he's good because of a combination of things: He's powerful enough with enough mobility to rush the passer.ERIC MANNING (6�1� 295) DT OREGON STATE � Experienced three-year starter who also saw extensive time as a freshman in 1999. Projected as a one-gap player who can be utilized in a �three-technique� (playing over the offensive guard) scheme in a front-four. Explosive first-step burst off the snap. Good with the upper-body strength and effective using rip, club, and swim moves. Effective plugging up the middle to disrupt the running game. Finds ball well and will make big plays. Lack of height, limited speed (5.05), and ability to keep weight on are concerns that may limit his upside. Will potentially have trouble trying to deal with some of the bigger O-linemen and may have trouble trying to anchor. Is on record for doing 26-225 lb reps which is very acceptable. Is showing up on most mock drafts as a solid-third rounder.VINCE MANUWAI (6�2� 309) OG HAWAII - Has slipped from the first to second round on most draft boards. 40 time checks in at 5.23, weight has been recorded as low as 295, was credited at the combines with 28 225-lb reps. A talented, athletic, intelligent, very strong in-line blocker who can be utilized in multiple systems in the NFL game. Has natural feel for the game and stays low to the ground. Originally pegged as a first-round selection after grading tops among guards in spring Scouting Combines, but is sliding into the second round on some draft boards. According to one scout �He�s strong as an ox and looks really good on the running plays and runs well � We�d like to see him fly around a little bit more though�. Lack of size is also of some concern to scouts. Hawaii coach June Jones raves "He is easily the best lineman I've ever had, at any level, better than anyone we had when I was the head coach in Atlanta (1994-96)," "Because he's a guard-center player, he probably won't be taken in the top half of the first round, but he's going to be in the first round somewhere, believe me." Was credited with 49 'de-cleaters' as a sophomore in 2000, followed by 53 de-cleaters in '01RASHEAN MATHIS (6�1� 190) DB BETHUNE COOKMAN � Some reports now have his weight up in the 200 lb range. Generally considered the best non-Division I player available in this draft. Has been utilized at both the corner and safety positions, as well as punt returns. First gained attention with 11 interceptions in 2000, then the ball-hawker returned to safety in 2002 intercepting 14 passes. Mathis was even utilized on offense and caught three passes for 71 yards. One of the taller DB�s available, although some feel he�s a bit on the slight side. Has nice speed at 4.45 and usually gets to the ball playing center field. Also recorded with 22 225-pound repetitions. Works better in pass coverage than in run-support. When playing corner the opposition simply threw away from him, �like people avoiding telemarketers�. Had a nice 17.1 average returning punts in 2001, including two scores. Return average dropped dramatically to 6.6 last year. Some felt that he played in flashes and spurts, and did not turn up the intensity at all times. Obviously will be making a huge step to play at the next level, but does have the tools to make the challenge. Most have Mathis as a solid second round selection, although there is an onside chance someone could even reach late in the first.SULTAN MCCULLOUGH (6� 190) RB USC � Opened eyes at the East-West Shrine game with an electrifying 76-yard run off a screen pass, although he tweaked a hamstring nearing the goal-line. That play alone could elevate Sultan into third round status, with teams eyeing him as a third-down situational type. Will continue to open eyes in upcoming combines/workouts, but will remain to be seen if that will translate in NFL game situations. Claims he's capable a 4.1 40 along with 10-flat 100. That may be a stretch but McCullough is already documented with a 4.32 and a 10.17 100 as a member of the USC track team. Also showed surprising strength at the Indy combines, performing 27 225-lb reps. Had strong 2000 season with 1163 rushing yards (5.1 avg) and six scores, but has struggled with injuries in junior and senior years. Critics say he will not be good in anything other than in a straight line scenario, and needs to learn how to use his blockers more. Older brother Saladin starred with Oregon before moving on to the LA X-treme (XFL) and SF 49ers.JEROME MCDOUGAL (6�3� 270�) DE MIAMI � Joel Buchsbaum compares McDougal�s skill to that of Hugh Douglas. There�s a shock, JB using a one-time Jet as a reference. Guess you can also say that McDougal plays with the abandon of a Brooklyn taxi-cab driver. Recorded an incredible 48 QB hurries in 2001, although some thought his play was somewhat inconsistent this past season. After his transfer from JC powerhouse Hinds Community College in 2001, McDougle recorded 30 TFL�s and 13 QB sacks in two seasons with the Canes. Jerome also attended Pittsburgh State as a freshman before going the JC route. Thanks in part to the transferring, McDougal will come into the league as a slightly over-aged (24) rookie in 2003. Scouts have been wanting to take a look at Jerome as an outside backer in a 3-4 scheme, which is fine with McDougal � as long as he gets to rush the passer. Is explosive off the snap and has a non-stop motor. Capable of the speed or bull rush, and capable of going inside to disrupt the run - although the opposition did find some success when they went with draw plays. Ran some decent 4.65 times during his on-campus workout, but it appears he did not impress the scouts quite enough to warrant a top-ten pick come April � somewhere between 15-20 sounds like a more likely scenario. McDougal is also a tad small in the scouts eyes. On the plus side however comes maturity along with the advantage of facing his toughest opponent (UM�s O-line) every day in practice.WILLIS MCGAHEE (6' 225) RB MIAMI (FL) - At least he's talking a strong game. Willis vows not only to return from his devasting Fiesta Bowl injury by opening day, but says he will rush for 1,300 yards as an NFL rookie. Despite the torn ACL McGahee elected to turn pro since that will make him eligible for NFL free agency one year earlier. Prior to the inury was unarguably the best back on the board - and appeared to be going to Houston with the third overall pick. When healthy, he is the total package in regards to speed, power, vision, balance, and acceleration when hitting the hole. McGahee's rise this year was as swift as his fall, as he was originally slated at seeing time at fullback this year before teammate Frank Gore went down with his own knee injury. Where and when he goes now is totally in question. It would just be like Dallas or Oakland to roll the dice early in either the first or second round. It is also the opinion of many the Willis will now last into the second day or even not be drafted at all. Whatever the case, look for McGahee to wind up with an outfit not necessarily looking towards '03, but more towards '04 or '05.BILLY MCMULLEN (6�4� 210) WR VIRGINIA � Member of Virginia�s �Distinguished Gentlemen� club, for whatever that�s worth. Tall lanky receiver with great vertical leap (38�) whose ability to out-jump defenders for big catches reminded many of Herman Moore a decade earlier. Had been a factor in the UVA program since starting as a true freshman in 1999, where he led all freshman in the conference in scoring, and was fourth overall. A game-winning TD catch v. Maryland that season was named the College Football National Play of the Week. Does a great job at getting between the ball and defender. Speed is only in the 4.6 area, and figures to have trouble separating from defenders at the next level, but still has a role of a reliable possession receiver written all over him. Best statistical season was 2001, with 83 catches for 1060 yards (12.8 avg) and 12 scores � before slipping to 68 catches/886 yards (13.0) and three scores last year. Was also utilized on reverses seven times for 37 yards, as well as throwing a pass for a TD. Sporting News recently listed McMullen as going no. 37 overall to Arizona. That seems a little high, but Billy should still be a solid third round pick.KAWIKA MITCHELL (6� 250) ILB SOUTH FLORIDA � While looking at defensive mate Shurron Pierson, scouts may have gotten a bigger charge out of seeing Mitchell. Native Hawaiian was ranked 19th among inside backers in The Sporting News Draft Preview, but has now cracked the top five on Rob�s Scouting and KFFL, among other lists � ahead of more well known names such as Bradie James and Lance Briggs. The transfer from Georgia ran 40�s of 4.61 and 4.65, along with a 40-inch vertical and a 10�1� long jump � and then lifted 28 times!!!! The 28 lifts and 4.6 time both rank among the fastest at the position, talk about a size/strength combo. Recorded 117 tackles this past season including 19 TFL�s, along with four sacks and an interception. Recorded 106 tackles the year before. Can be used at both weakside as well as middle linebacker. Tough competitor who once walked away from a car crash where he was thrown from his vehicle at 50 mph. If you see Mitchell selected on the first day ahead of some other names you were expecting, now you know who he is.CASEY MOORE (6�2� 250) FB STANFORD � Consensus has him as the best overall fullback prospect this year. Not overly impressive in any one area but is the safest bet as far as the overall package is concerned. Good comparisons of current NFL players include Fred Beasley and Jon Ritchie. Good, but not exceptional athleticism and carries a time in the 4.7 range, along with decent numbers (22 225-lb reps) in the weight room. Reliable as far as carrying out assignments on the playing field. There is some concern that Casey is actually too tall for the position, and would not be able to get the pads down low enough. Will contribute with the occasional pass reception (16 catches last year) or short yardage run. Did have a nice 6.4 average in 54 carries in 2002. Running style is strictly north-south. FB�s rarely get selected in the first, or even second round. Look for a late-third round call here.KINDAL MOOREHEAD (6�2 � 285) DE ALABAMA � Just one of three members of the Bama front four who are expected to be selected in the first three rounds, and one of the heavier D-ends around. Is also capable of playing inside at DT, and the Tide utilized him at whatever position he created the best matchup. In his Senior season was effective both against the pass (9 sacks) and the run (14 TFL's) Is supposedly a monster in the weight room, but threw up the bar 23 times at his workout � which is good but now great. Other numbers include 40 times just a tick under five seconds, along with a 34-inch vertical leap and a 9-foot long jump. Has a great first step and uses a tremendous leg drive to bull-rush. Is athletic enough to play laterally or even drop into pass coverage. Has battled some injuries, including a torn Achilles in 2000. Is also said to have a motor that does not go on every play and is said to only be a two-down end at the next level. Some feel Moorehead is talented enough to as high as late first-round, but is more likely to go in the second or third.OVIE MUGHELLI (6�1� 255) FB WAKE FOREST � Traditionally fullbacks (except for perhaps a Mike Alstott or Rob Konrad) do not go very early on draft day. This year should be no exception, but thanks to a strong Senior Bowl showing Mughelli is quickly moving to the top of the fullback list. �Physical specimen� is a buzz phrase that quickly comes to mind as Ovie comes with what is described as a chiseled, very muscular upper body. Is described as a �true fullback� but is so quick he could end up being utilized as an H-back or blocking tight end. At Wake Forest this past season, Mughelli was the lead blocker on a unit that ranked seventh in the entire nation in rushing, and displayed great short yardage prowess by scoring 12 times (81 carries/324 yards). Ovie is described as a punishing, intense aggressive blocker very capable of taking on linebackers as well as defensive lineman. Exceptional on special teams, and is often the first one down on punt coverage. Also a very smart player, father is a doctor and wants to follow in those same footsteps. On the downside showed struggles catching the ball out of the backfield and has also been described as a bit raw, but flaws are considered coachable. When all said however, Ovie is showing as much upside as any FB on the board and should grade as a solid third-round selection.SPENCER NEAD (6�4� 270) TE BYU � Don�t think he will pan out as successfully as some who had proceeded him (Itula Mili, Chad Lewis, Doug Jolley), but it�s obvious that �Quarterback U� has turned into �Tight End U�. And we�re not even counting ex-49er Greg Clark and Raven star Todd Heap, two other Mormon TE�s that somehow eluded the �Y�. In fact second-string tight end Gabriel Reid (who I wont profile unless I get to about 200 players) is also getting consideration after some strong All-Star showings. Nead brings tremendous size, is agile and is a nice target to find, and also possesses excellent hands. His blocking game is a bit raw (but should improve) and is a bit (4.88 40-time) on the lumbering side. Look for Nead to be selected late-third or more likely in the fourth round.TERRANCE NEWMAN (5�11� 185) CB KANSAS ST � 5�10� in some profiles. Despite being in the top five-six overall in most mock drafts, Newman actually took the step of actually performing at the Indianapolis combines, where he shined by posting a 4.35-40, along with an incredible 41-inch vertical leap. Newman still has designs of even landing the #1 overall pick, and the Bengals have reportedly asked him how much money he would be expecting if he were drafted first. Still, I do not see Carson Palmer or Charles Rogers being unseated with the first two picks. Although on the short side, Newman makes up for it with world-class speed, along with quickness and tremendous leaping ability. His shutdown, man-to-man skills rank as the best available in this year�s draft. In a showdown with Oklahoma St. star receiver Rashaun Woods, Newman did his job, as Woods caught eight passes, but for only 77 yards. Also excels on returns, has blocked three punts, and even saw time at wide receiver this past season. Only downside is that some feel that Newman can be more physical and contribute more in run-support, and is also slightly over-aged, as he will be 25 by NFL Opening Day in �03.KASSIM OSGOOD (6�5� 210) WR SAN DIEGO ST � Chargers Update reported that Osgood has �Terrell Owens� type of potential, that should get your attention. Was overshadowed in some respects on his own team, Osgood caught 108 passes for 1552 yards (14.4) and eight scores for SDSU this past season while teammate J.R Tolver went 128/1785/13.9/13, one of the most prolific receiving duos in college history. Osgood was considered to be more of the possession receiver in the Aztecs scheme. Helped draft status even more with a six catch, 117 yard outing at the Hula Bowl. Osgood spent his first three college seasons at Cal Poly, where he set a 1-AA single game record with 17 catches for 376 yards in a game v. Northern Iowa. Started career at Cal Poly as a defensive back. Osgood has been clocked at 4.47 in the 40, has breakaway speed and soft hands. Off the field Osgood is considered an outstanding citizen, majors in sociology and plans on becoming a surgeon. Draft stock is rising rapidly and as of February is considered at least a third round prospect.CALVIN PACE (6�4� 270) DE WAKE FOREST � Have seen weight listed at anywhere between 255 and 270, also have seen him listed as tall as 6�6�. Speed (around 4.8) not extraordinary but has performed as well as anyone in the ACC the last two years in particular, recording 40 TFL�s along with 18 sacks. Also forced four fumbles in the 2001 season. Strong upper-body makes him an exceptional bull-rusher, along with utilizing swim and club moves. Doesn�t leave anything on the field, and refers to himself as being �off the chain. Made an impressive comeback from a broken leg suffered in November to play in his team�s bowl game. Stamina is a possible issue, and it is said that his effectiveness diminishes after being on the field for a number of plays. A bit undersized, and may be overmatched by some of the bigger offensive tackles. Has already gained 50 pounds since arriving at WFU so there might not be too much more room to grow. Also has some trouble getting loose after getting engaged. Scouts have been impressed by his off-season workouts and should merit a late-second or early third round grade.CARSON PALMER (6�5 225) QB USC � Some have had the weight as high as 235. After shaky sophomore/junior seasons (29 TD�s v. 30 INT�s), Palmer completed 63 percent of his passes (up from 54.9% in �00 and 58.6% in �01) while throwing for 32 TD�s v. only 10 INT�s en route to becoming the recipient of this year�s Heisman Trophy. To illustrate just how much Carson�s stock has risen, it took until mid-season for many �experts� even to consider him a first-day (third round or higher) selection. By November Palmer was suddenly among the top-15 overall, and by season�s end was mentioned in the same breath as Byron Leftwich as the best QB on the board. Was a consensus #1 overall draft pick in January/February - but now some think the Bengals (or whomever winds up with the #1 pick) may opt for Charles Rogers or Terrell Suggs instead. Still, Palmer should slip no lower than Chicago at #4. Should Palmer end up as a Bengal, it probably won�t be a horrible proposition with emerging star Chad Johnson as one of his receivers. Palmer has been top dog before, as he was one of the most coveted prep QB�s in America when he signed on with SC in 1998. Started a good portion of his freshman campaign, as well as the first three games of �99 before getting injured (collarbone) � which allowed him to redshirt. Even when struggling, Carson has been raved upon for having �the total package� � which includes a very strong and accurate arm, along with good mobility (4.78) despite wearing a knee brace. Palmer will run to elude rushers in the pocket, but don�t look for him to run for yardage. Decision-making has been considered one of the shakier aspects to Palmer�s game, a criticism that was even made in �02, albeit to a much lesser extent.ANTWAN PEEK (6�2� 245) DE CINCINNATI � Besides showing that needs work in getting the bow-tie on his tux right, the University profile gives a ton of workout numbers � 1,625 pounds on the leg press, 775 lbs on the squat, 400 lbs on the bench � and 25 225-lb repetitions (though he only did 21 at the combines). Is on record with a 4.54 40-time and was second on the team with a 37 � vertical leap. 40-time comes in the 4.5 � 4.6 range. Body fat is an impressive five percent. Was one the more dominating speed-rushers in college ball over the past couple seasons, with outstanding speed turning the corner. A good pro comparison to Peek would be the Packers Kabeer-Gbaja Biamila. Swims and clubs his way to the inside, and also good coming off the edge. Also has a knack for forcing fumbles. Comes pretty light at 245, pretty interesting considering his dad goes about 280. Some 3-4 teams considering drafting him as an OLB. Is moving his way up the draftboard, and is now being considered a third or even second round choice.KENNY PETERSON (6�3 275) DE OHIO ST � Let me get this right, Kenny is attempting to lower his 40-time from 4.82 to 4.70, while bulking up by 20 pounds. Well, Peterson has apparently achieved the first half of that equation by showing up at the combines at an impressive 298 pds, and has been wowing scouts by consistently performing 30 reps on the 225-pd bench. Now Kenny is vowing to record his 4.7 on his Pro Day on the Ohio State campus. That did not happened as he pulled a hammy on his attempt. Before that he did 27 225-lb reps, along with a 30-inch vertical (which doesn't sound that impressive) and an 8'7" long jump. Prior to the 2002 season, Peterson was used as a situational pass rusher, and was considered a second day prospect at best. However, a breakout Senior campaign, capped off by a tremendous effort in the Buckeyes Fiesta Bowl upset (two sacks, forced fumble) elevated him into second round status. His All-Star and combine work has now got Kenny projected for the later stages of Round 1, and some think even top 15. The added bulk adds speculation that he could move inside at the next level, and is very capable of stuffing the run and blowing up plays in the backfield, as well as bullrushing from the tackle position. If he gets a step towards the QB, look out!!! In the minds of scouts, he was also one of the most impressionable and mature prospects at the combines.TERRY PIERCE (6�2� 250) LB KANSAS STATE � Some press releases had Pierce running in the 4.45-4.55 range, but in his on-campus workout could only muster times of 4.72, 4.78, and 4.84, severely hurting his first-round chances. Also weighed in at 256, several pounds over what was considered optimum for him. Pierce did record a 32" vertical leap and looked solid in linebacker drills. As a junior this past season recorded 110 tackles, 16 TFL�s, six pass breakups, and five sacks while garnering second team All-Big 12 honors, after being named first team all-conference in �01 and making the conference All-freshman team in 2000. Also excelled in the classroom gaining conference All-academic honors. Could play either at outside or inside at the next level, has outstanding pursuit ability and makes quick reads - while seeking out and demolishing would-be ball carriers. Such a forceful tackler that his speed is almost an afterthought. Capable of playing the pass and rush the passer as well. Also recorded 28 225-lb repetitions at the recent combines. In addition to football, starred in the discus and shot put as a prep star. Not a quite a finished product, but capable of moving into an NFL starting lineup by midseason.SHURRON PIERSON (6�3� 250) DE/OLB SOUTH FLORIDA � Amazing physical specimen not a secret anymore after posting incredible numbers at the Indianapolis Combine including a 4.61 40-time (translated to a 4.49 considering the slow turf), then blowing away the competition by recording a broad jump six inches longer than his nearest competitor. Is also reported to be able to bench press 500 pounds, squat 700 pounds, do 35 225-pound reps, and is said to have a 42 � inch vertical. After the combine performance no one is doubting him. Declared after his junior season after recording 18 sacks over the past two seasons. Besides playing for a smaller school, drawbacks include size as he�s a classic tweener who could very well end up being an outside backer at the next level. Defending the run is reported to be another weak area. Still Pierson has a ton of upside and his incredible workout numbers should elevate him from being a Day Two pick to a solid third round selection.MIKE PINKARD (6�5� 260) TE ARIZONA ST � UPDATE: For those of you wondering how this projected third rounder free-fell completely out of the draft. Full disclosure came out afterwards on an apparent failed drug test from back in February. Pinkard was eventually picked up as a free agent by Kansas City. Late bloomers strengths lie in athleticism, along with perfect size for a tight end and nice speed (4.65-4.70) to boot. Weaknesses lie in sloppy route running and hands � and has been described as a bit raw. Started his ASU career as a defensive line prospect before moving over to offense, learning behind future NFL star Todd Heap in 2000. Got on the field in 2001, but wasn�t utilized much as a receiving option (9 catches, 158 yards). Broke out in his senior season with a 31 catch, 536 yard season. Notice the 17.4 receiving average over his last two seasons, illustrating his potential as a deep threat down the middle (similar to the Raiders� Doug Jolley) . Got a late call as an injury replacement for the Senior Bowl, and immediately became the best tight end on display in Mobile. Keep in mind however that the better TE prospects this year (Jason Witten, Teyo Johnson, Dallas Clark) are underclassmen. Also has a couple of blocked kicks on special teams on his resume. Won�t pay immediate dividends in the NFL, but should be a nice developmental player for down the road. Carries a solid third round grade.ARTOSE PINNER (5�11� 219) RB KENTUCKY �Suffered what was originally thought to be a minor injury in Senior Bowl, but word came out during combines (in which he showed up on crutches) that he had actually sustained a broken fibula. Started his career at UK as a fullback for two years, then played sparingly at HB in �01 before emerging in his senior year. In fact, was going as well as any back in the SEC by year�s end, never a small feat. Tallied eight-100 yd days over the course of the season, including a 224 yd, 4 TD effort v. Vanderbilt. An excellent power back, with strong legs built low to the ground. His fullback experience also makes him good in blocking and catching the ball out of the backfield. Downside is that he lacks that explosive top gear, and shouldn�t be counted on to break long-gainers especially at the next level. Great Blue North Report currently ranks him at #126, making him a fourth/fifth round pick � although that could improve slightly with good performances at the All-Star Games/combines.ANDREW PINNOCK (5�10� 255) FB SOUTH CAROLINA � Primarily a tailback the past two seasons, his best bet in the pros will be as a fullback, and may be the first selected at the position. A good comparison of a current NFL player would be the Steelers Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, who also gets to carry the rock on occasion. How much Pinnock can be used as an inside runner at the next level depends on his 40 time, which most have in the 4.7 range, although others have him down in the 4.6�s. Has a powerful lower-body and breaks tackles, but there was also some concern about fumbling this past season. Rushed 124 times for 563 yards and five scores this past season, after 115 carries for 622 yards and 12 scores in 2001. Was used in a very limited basis in the receiving game. His prospects as a fullback improved after his all-star appearances, in which he frequently delivered some devastating blocks. Knows his assignments and displays plenty of intensity, although there is still room for improvement in being a consistent lead blocker. Was among the top twenty fullbacks in the nation coming out of high school. At the very worst will be selected fourth round, although a first day call is a strong possibility.TROY POLAMALU (5�10� 215) S USC � Prounounced poe-la-MA-loo. Runs a 4.35 along with a 43½ vertical leap and squats 600 pounds. Instinctive skills on the field harken back to the days of SC legend Ronnie Lott. Like Lott Troy is more linebacker than defensive back, and is exceptional in run support. Was slowed for some of his senior season due to a bum ankle, which slightly slowed his draft status for a while. A devastating hitter who had 118 tackles in 2001, including 20 in USC�s bowl game. Can be over-aggressive, but has great closing speed (especially from behind) and an extra gear, and helps in a variety of areas. Was in on three sacks and three forced fumbles during the season. Is not nearly as stout defending the pass, has potential weaknesses in deep-coverage and covering tight ends capable of holding him off, and can be bitten on play-fakes. Still, Troy returned three INT�s for TD�s over the past two seasons. Height is another obvious issue. Should be a monster on special teams, with great punt-blocking ability. Has several relatives who have been involved in football. Due to the workout numbers, Troy has a chance to surpass Ohio State�s Mike Doss as the first safety taken and be selected late in the first round. |
