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2004 KAC NFL DRAFT PROFILES (arrows indicate RISING or FALLING stock)  HOT!! 2003 NFL DRAFT FIRST ROUND REVIEW SENIOR BOWL GAME NOTES JOHN NAVARRE (6�6� 228) QB MICHIGAN � I dare you to find anyone in college athletics that has lived in a bigger (Rick Leach-like) fishbowl than the 3+ year Wolverine starter. In fact Navarre is the first UofM QB to start four straight season openers since Rick Leach from 1975-78. But by finally winning the big game v. Ohio State with a 21-32, 278 yard, 2 TD performance � Navarre won over even his harshest critics. Not to mention that Navarre only rewrote the Michigan record book during his career, pretty impressive especially considering that five of the last six Wolverine QB�s have gone on to the NFL (make it six for six if and when Drew Henson gives up on his baseball career). Michigan has thrown the ball more than ever in their history with Navarre at the helm, who threw 385 times in 2001, 448 in 2002, and 410 going into UM�s Rose Bowl appearance this year. Navarre also became the first Michigan QB to throw for 3,000 yards in a season. Completion percentage has never been high, 53.5, 55.4, and 59.3 percent. What has been impressive is the TD to INT ratio, 44/16 over the past two seasons, which is attested to Navarre making the smart plays and not making mistakes. Navarre will have more challenges to rise up to at the next level. Despite being 6�6�, Navarre tends to have a lot of balls knocked down due to a low release point. Sometimes has too much velocity on the short throws, but is good at throwing the outs as well as the deep ball, especially when he gets protection in the pocket. Is not a runner, but will make a run for the sticks when need be. Navarre has tendencies to throw the ball high and is not good throwing on the run. Is very smart, never gets flustered and reads through his progressions well. Was 33-4 in his high school career, and was rated the #5 pro-style QB by one recruiting publication. Don�t expect Navarre to be a Pro Bowl QB, but at the very least as a reliable backup or a starter in a system where he�s asked not to carry the team, but just do enough to win (think Miami, NY Giants). Don�t expect him to be a high draft pick (remember Tom Brady was a late sixth-round pick), but more as a low-risk third or fourth round selection.ANTWAN ODOM (6�5� 277) DE ALABAMA � Probably the best of several defensive line prospects to come through the Crimson Tide program in just the past two seasons. Red-shirt Junior declares for the draft after a good, but not great season which saw Odom record 40 tackles, 24 QB hurries, 10 TFL�s and eight sacks, following 42 tackles, 12 TFL�s, and 10 sacks in 2002. Another possible concern could be health, Odom suffered a sprained neck during pre-season workouts this year (wire reports at the time said he �collapsed�, which turned out to be inaccurate) � but came back to record a sack, forced fumble, deflected pass and two QB hurries in the season opener. Also, shoulder surgery ended Odom�s 2001 season. Has ideal size for the NFL and has also ran the fastest 40 (4.65) of any defensive lineman in Alabama history. Has himself on record for doing a 36 inch vertical leap (very good) but only 17 225-lb reps (not good). Teammates refer to him as a Jevon Kearse-type capable of changing the opposing teams game plan, although he also makes life miserable for opposing running games. Some feel Odom could slide into the second round with his so-so season, but several teams (Cincinnati, Green Bay, San Francisco, Washington, Seattle) will be looking for defensive line help mid first-round, and Odom has an excellent chance to be snapped up there. IGOR OLSHANSKY (6�6� 309) DT OREGON � One can only hope that the Steelers somehow draft him, where perhaps Kimo Von Oelhoffen can take him under his wing. Many were of the opinion that Igor made a grave mistake coming out a year early, especially considering that the Big Ukranian had only played football since his Junior year in High School. The prevailing thought was one additional year of Pac-10 experience could had helped him out immensely. However, Igor turned heads nonetheless, especially after doing 41 lifts at the combine, second only to Hawaii�s Isaac Sapogoa. An imposing figure with cartoon-like muscles, Igor recorded 15 TFL�s this past season. Burst upon the scene initially in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, stepping in to stop Colorado�s vaunted rushing game in an easier-than-expected 38-16 win. This past year the Ducks were one of the best rushing units in the country, highlighted by holding Michigan to �3 yards on the ground. The D-lines ability to control the line of scrimmage ultimately allowed the linebackers and safeties to be involved more in coverage. More than a strength-guy, Igor has also played end in his career and also has a background in martial arts. There are some minor injury concerns, including shoulder and hamstring woes this past season as well as off-season back surgery last year. Many peg Igor as a borderline first day pick, but look for someone to think of him high enough to take a chance in the second round. UYI OSUNDE (6�3� 248) DE CONNECTICUT � UConn has quickly become a legitimate Division IA football program, winning 13 of it�s last 16 games and closing out the 2003 season with a 51-17 rout at Wake Forest, who had been ranked in the top 25 earlier in the season. The biggest star of this emerging outfit has been Osunde, who finished the season among the top-five among all D1 student-athletes with 24.5 TFL�s, along with 11 sacks. I stress the word student-athlete, Osunde is currently pursing a master�s degree in education. Uyi has done much of his best work against upper-caliber competition, recording seven tackles, 2 TFL�s and a sack v. North Carolina St. and seven tackles, a TFL, a sack, and a fumble recovery against Virginia Tech. If the game stats don�t impress you enough then his 38 inch vertical leap, 430 pound bench press, and 30 225-lb repetitions will. Most estimates on his 40-time fall in the 4.6 � 4.7 range, although Uconn reportedly timed him at 4.51 on an indoor track. Looked at by the scouts as a tweener could play either DE or a pass-rushing OLB. Is a speed rusher who has inside moves as well, the TFL�s indicate how good he is at turning the corner and making the play in the backfield. Never quits and will pursue to make the stop down the field. Locating the ball and making open-field tackles have been identified as potential weak spots, some also feel he is still an unfinished product Missed 2001 due to shoulder surgery, with a second procedure which caused him to miss Spring 2003 workouts. Had all-state recognition in basketball as a prep, averaging 14.0 per game as a power-forward. A late-season injury is keeping Uyi from participating in the post-season All-Star games, which will be a blow and could keep him from being a first-day selection.TONY PAPE (6�6� 305) OT MICHIGAN � The latest in a line of highly touted, experienced Michigan tackle prospects, a list that includes Jeff Backus (#18 overall pick in 2001) and Jon Jansen (2nd round pick � 1999). Considered average athletically, but has classic tackle size and plays with great technique. Is a blue collar/lunch pail type with a mean streak who plays with a low base. Has been a left tackle for most of his college career but has also seen time on the right side. Effective in both run and pass blocking, although I tend to like his pass protection skills the best. Could use to gain a few more pounds along with some more mass, look for him to hit the weight room big-time between now and draft day. Out of high school, Pape earned first-team USA Today honors and was a Parade All-American. Figures heavily into the mix of second-tier tackles (after Gallery and Shawn Andrews) and should go in Round 2.JARRETT PAYTON (6�2� 224) RB MIAMI � So you say you want to play for one of the nation�s elite teams??? Whereas Jarrett�s father initially made his mark getting a chance to play for a smaller program (Jackson St) in the 1970�s, Payton has had to bide his time behind Clinton Portis, Najeh Davenport, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore during his five-year Hurricane career. Finally got a chance to show his wares after Gore was injured in mid-season of �03, and wound up rushing 177 times for 985 yards (5.6). What should serve well on Payton�s resume would be his work in Miami�s two games with arch-rival Florida State, first grinding out 97 yards between-the-tackles on a sloppy track in Tallahassee, then showing his outside burst on a pair of long runs, finishing 17-131 in the Orange Bowl and earning the game MVP honors. Has also been utilized on return units as well as at fullback. Maybe considered a step slow compared to other recent Hurricane backs, but his 40 time falls in the 4.45 � 4.50 area, and was once clocked at 4.3 in high school (although I tend not to believe that one). Was also ranked #58 among all recruits in 1999. Lack of experience may be a negative for the time being, but prospective teams will also know that he has not been overused. I consider Payton one of the best bets to become the latest second-day running back to become an effective NFL starter, and I like the size/speed combination. Also did not hurt himself with an impressive combine workout. For sentimental reasons, many would like to see Jarrett be selected by the Bears (and there is a need there) but would probably be better served blazing his own trail somewhere else. As a 12-year old in 1993, Jarrett was the presenter in his dad�s Hall-of-Fame induction.CHRIS PERRY (6�1� 218) RB MICHIGAN � His Michigan lineage (Anthony Thomas, Tyrone Wheatley, Tim Biakabutuka) goes along the lines of a traditional, grind-it-out, move the chains type of back. And then there is his high school, where Perry was preceded by several years by Eddie George � another smashmouth back. Helped himself as much in 2003 as any back in the draft, carrying the ball 338 times for 1,676 yards and 18 scores. Game that put him in the Heisman race was a crucial late-season game at Michigan State where Perry wore out the Spartan defense to the tune of 51 carries for 221 yards. Looking at the measurables and stats, the grind it out stereotype seems to be true, his 40 time consistently runs in the 4.55. Also, throw out a season opening tune-up v. Central Michigan and you will find at Perry had only one run for more than 30 yards all year. Getting to the outside and open-field running is not his forte. What Perry brings is punishing inside running along with being a plus receiver out of the backfield (44 catches in 2003) with great hands and is a decent blocker. One knock is that Perry runs too high (a criticism leveled at E. George over the years) but Perry actually measured at the combines at 6� even, one inch shorter than advertised. There is also concern that Perry put a lot of miles down in 2003, but it should also be noted that Perry did not get nearly as much work the previous three seasons, and was splitting time as recently as 2002. There were reports that Perry�s attitude was not the best when not the featured back, so he may not be a happy camper if he�s not the guy. Perry has spent the pre-draft period at a prospect skills camp in New Orleans. and also turned some heads in an obstacle course drill at a Super Bowl week event. Many mock drafts have Perry as the third back off the board, either going at #32 to New England or at #37 close to home with Detroit. The Patriots go without saying and the Lions upgraded their line through free agency, either should be a nice fit for Perry.STEPHEN PETERMAN (6�5� 321) OG LSU � A true street-fighter, Peterman was the fiery, emotional leader of a veteran offensive line unit that helped lead the Tigers to the BCS title. Very passionate about his trade, as evidenced by his feelings about University of Georgia players selling off their 2002 SEC Championship rings. Originally came to LSU as the #1 tight end prospect in the state of Mississippi, before moving to defensive line � then two years at left guard before moving to the right side this season. Peterman is an aggressive run-blocker, and dominates when locking on to a defender. Earned �block of the day� honors along with teammate Rodney Reed on the CBS telecast v. Mississippi on 11/22 when the duo helped spring Michael Clayton to a 10-yard score on a screen pass. Although very strong, some scouts downgrade him on agility and athleticism. However, many compare him favorably with former LSU guard Alan Faneca, who was drafted 26th overall in the 1998 draft and is now a Pro-Bowler with the Steelers. Is a true warrior who truly loves living in the trenches, will play through injuries and will leave absolutely nothing on the field. The smart money has Peterman going in the second round at the latest after he wins over the pro personnel types in the draft workouts.JASON PETERS (6�5� 320) TE ARKANSAS � Junior eligibles are fleeing Fayetteville like it�s on fire this year, Peters is just one of five leaving the Razorback program. How Peters fits in the NFL draft is unclear however, most like Peters skills as a blocker enough to project him as a third rounder, but some feel he could slip all the way down to Round 6. Peters was perhaps the most oversized player for his position at the combines (along with Kentucky QB Jared Lorenzen) where he weighed in at a whopping 336. Some feel that Peters would make for a better tackle, Peters played alongside All-American Shawn Andrews who manned that position for the past three years. Peters has also said publicly that he wouldn�t even mind giving defense another shot, Peters was one of Texas� top defensive end prospects as a prep and started his Arkansas career on the D-line. Although his best value at the position seems to be as a road-grater in short yardage/red zone situations � Peters also saw plenty of action catching the ball in 2003, catching 21 passes in a revamped Razorback offensive attack. For his size Peters does not run bad at all, being time most recently in the 4.9 range, which is actually up from a 4.6 prep clocking (when he only weighed 270). Only did 21 bench presses, which was a little disappointing. There were a couple of blotter issues, including a disorderly conduct charge (urinating in public) along with an arrest stemming from not paying a speeding ticket � both cases were considered minor and should have minimal impact on his draft standing.CODY PICKETT (6�4� 225) QB WASHINGTON � Was listed among the top-twenty overall by the scouting services going into the 2003 season, but stock dropped after only completing 56.6 percent of his passes throwing 15 TD�s v. 13 picks, down from his record-setting 2002 season, where Pickett threw over 600 times, throwing 28 TD�s v. 13 INT�s. The coaching transition following the dismissal of Rick Neuheisel, along with the fact that Washington had no running game to speak of, placed all the pressure on Pickett. The other factor that dropped Pickett to being a projected 2nd-3rd rounder were the emergence of QB�s such as J.P Losman and Philip Rivers, meaning that there are now five QB�s besides Pickett capable of being first-round selections. However Pickett has some Brett Favre-like qualities that may make him a steal for some team. Not a running QB per-se, but his 4.68 40-time makes him faster than any of the potential first-rounders. Also has thrown 75 yards, farther than Jake Plummer at a camp at the Broncos QB runs in Pickett�s native Idaho. There are concerns about Pickett taking a lot of shots this past season, although he has proven himself as willing to throw in the face of a blitz. Also a very tough customer, played much of the 2001 season with a completely separated right shoulder � yes his throwing shoulder. Like I said, Favre-like qualities. As if football�s not tough enough, Pickett has also dabbled in Rodeo � his dad is a Pro Rodeo Hall-of-Famer, although Cody�s future NFL employers would probably like to see him quit that pursuit for the time being. U-Dub has also brought several QB�s into the NFL (Mark Brunell, Billy Joe Hobert, Marques Tuiasosopo amont others) in recent years, which also bodes well for Pickett.WILL POOLE (6�0� 190) CB USC � Has made the most of his one final shot at college glory, and has risen up the charts to #15 among seniors on Mel Kiper Jr�s list as of late November, ahead of notables such as Derrick Strait and Nathan Vasher. Has raised eyebrows with a couple of impressive late-season performances including shutting down Washington�s Reggie Williams when assigned one-on-one to the All-American candidate in the second half. Poole also recorded a pair of picks in a blowout win at Arizona, earning him Conference Player of the Week honors. Poole�s career began at Boston College, where he was second on the team in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2000 and starred with eight tackles and an INT in the Eagles bowl game victory. However, Poole was bounced out of the BC program early in 2001 for violating unspecified team rules. One newspaper reported that it involved stealing money from a teammate. Poole was forced to resurrect his career as a California JUCO star in 2002, where he intercepted seven passes and blocked an amazing six kicks. Scouts will be interested because of his size, above average tackling skills, and his man-to-man abilities � as demonstrated by his performance v. Williams. In less than one year as a Trojan, Poole has successfully replaced Troy Polamalu as the leader of the SC secondary. As a New York City prep, Poole was a hoop star playing with the likes of Lamar Odom and Erick Barkley (St John�s) and was also on BC�s basketball squad as a freshman. UPDATE: A nasty case of strep throat (infections in both ears) cost Poole 14 pounds just before his Pro Day. Poole still worked out, running a pair of 4.65's but only had a 28½ vertical, a dissapointing performance that could see him slide out of the first round.Need even more on the draft � then check out PHILIP RIVERS (6�5� 235) QB NORTH CAROLINA ST � You can't quibble with the raw numbers this year, Rivers completed an amazing 71 percent of his passes, while averaging 335 yards per game and throwing 29 TD's v. only seven INT's. Huge game in State's bowl victory has even got him in the latter portion of Round 1 on some boards. However opinion is very mixed due to a throwing style where he seemingly throws from his ear. One scout feels that pro defenders can stop him merely by throwing their arms up to break up the pass, rather than by rushing. However, another scout (referring to the completion pct.), noted that why you might not like the process, that it is the end result that matters. Going into this season Rivers, along with Virginia�s Matt Schaub are being touted as the best of the ACC QB's with both receiving pre-season Heisman consideration. Rivers finished his career with over 13,000 passing yards, ranking him among the all-time NCAA leaders. Rivers ranks as one of the biggest mysteries in this draft, although a team in need will probably take the plunge early - it is a crapshoot whether it is a gamble that will pay off.DUNTA ROBINSON (6�0� 185) CB SOUTH CAROLINA � A borderline first-day selection at the start of the season, Dunta�s value has skyrocketed to the point that Mel Kiper ranked him 12th among seniors at years end. Played safety in the Gamecock system his first two years, then really blossomed upon moving to cornerback. A tough, physical corner who turned it times in the 4.38 � 4.40 range this past spring. Plays physical at the line, is a big-time hitter, and is fluid and athletic. A smart kid who is tough and durable - Dunta is fundamentally sound, and plays better in zone coverage than man-to-man. Prevents the big play, but many feel he could do better playing the ball. Does well in run-support, but sometimes has problems shedding receivers blocks. Could also be utilized on punt returns, some feel he has Rod Woodson-like potential. Played running back and receiver in high school as well as defensive back. I don�t see Dunta in the elite tier of corners but could well go at the end of Round 1 or beginning of Round 2.BEN ROETHLISBERGER (6�5� 242) QB MIAMI (OH) � As huge a prospect that Byron Leftwich was, this MAC QB turned out to be even better, and this tremendous athlete has a real shot at being the #1 overall pick in this draft. Ben is capable of throwing every pass in the book, and throws a beautiful deep spiral. Is the perfect size for a QB and demonstrated in his teams bowl game how he flicks off would be sackers before throwing a perfect strike on the run. Rushed for 508 yards as a freshman in 2001, but has cut down on his scrambling since while working on becoming a premiere pocket passer. Completed over 69 percent of his passes this year, with 37 TD�s v 10 INT�s in 14 games while passing for nearly 4,500 yards. Big Ben saved his best for last, throwing for 17 TD�s in his final four collegiate games v. only one INT. Roethlisberger is poised beyond his years and grades very well from the neck up. Actual game experience could be an issue, Ben�s first love was basketball and didn�t play football until HIS SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, but that lone prep season was a good one, being runner-up for Mr. Football in Ohio and not a bad state to be ranked #2 in. Ben was also a .300 hitting shortstop as a prep and has also served as Miami�s punter, getting nine of 11 kicks inside the 20-yard line in 2002 and even earned conference Special Teams player of the week honors. Playing against MAC competition will be another issue, as Ben has had mixed results playing against the big-time programs. Iowa and LSU stopped him during his career, although Ben also had a 343 yard, 3 TD day v. the Hawkeyes last year. Has already retained super-agent Lee Steinberg - and has dropped out of school and is currently in California working out to improve his standing even further. Eli Manning carries bigger name recognition, but look for Roethlisberger to be the franchise QB coming out of this draft. |
2003 NFL DRAFT PROFILES
