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Sunday, December 28, 2003


w00t w00t w00t

Thanks to the Saints (and several other factors) we are in the playoffs, daddy! WHOOOOOOO

And for the teams that missed the playoffs, here are the top 25 prospects according to Mel Kiper. Read on and check 'em out.

1. Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss (6-4, 210) | previous ranking: same
Manning began the season at the No. 4 spot on my Big Board, and now he's up to No. 1. Why? It's due to the cumulative effect of his fantastic season. He makes plays at crunch time. He has an outstanding arm and possesses tremendous pocket awareness. He has stepped up his intensity in the huddle as well as his leadership on and off the field. He's accurate, poised and intelligent. After adding weight and strength last offseason, Manning has Ole Miss on the verge of accomplishing a first in school football history ... winning the SEC West and going to the SEC championship game.

Manning's situation this year is comparable to Carson Palmer's last year. Palmer rose up the draft board and wound up becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft (to the Bengals). If Manning had declared for the draft last year, he could have been a late first-rounder. Now he's looking like a sure-fire early first-rounder come April. He's the younger brother of Colts QB Peyton Manning.

2. Roy Williams, WR, Texas (6-4, 213) | previous ranking: same
Williams was the clear No 1 when I launched my 2004 draft board, but he dropped to No. 2 on Nov. 11 -- not because of any slip-up on his part but due to the meteoric rise of QB Eli Manning. In a way, it's a matter of splitting hairs, but Manning gets the nod right now. Depending on the juniors who declare early for the draft, Williams might drop a bit more, but he'll likely remain in the top three overall. Williams is a brilliant talent who has excelled this season despite a lack of consistent quarterback play. Texas runs a conservative offense that isn't especially sophisticated in its passing schemes. Williams still averaged 16.1 yards per catch on 61 receptions with eight TDs this season.

A superb athlete with great size, Williams averaged 17.8 yards per catch with 12 TDs as a junior in '02, when he returned to the all-world form he displayed as a freshman after slipping some as a sophomore (when he averaged just 12.5 yards per catch). If Williams had 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.

3. Ben Roethlisberger (jr.), QB, Miami-Ohio (6-5, 245) | previous ranking: unranked
Roethlisberger was a wide receiver until his senior year of high school, so he wasn't heavily recruited. But he's emerged as a potential top-five pick overall after a remarkable year. In the first game of this season, Roethlisberger was intercepted four times in a 21-3 loss at Iowa. But he rebounded from that season-opening disaster to play at an extremely high level the rest of the campaign. He's got great size and has surprising mobility for his size.

Roethlisberger possesses all the intangibles NFL teams looks for: passion for the game, intelligence, work ethic. Plus, he has great physical ability. He has a slightly slower delivery than some other QBs, but his release point is fine and he delivers the ball accurately. Roethlisberger reminds me of New York Jets QB Chad Pennington.

In the GMAC Bowl last week, Roethlisberger completed 21-of-33 passes for 376 yards and four TDs (and no interceptions). After the game, he declared for the NFL draft. In the regular season, he completed 65 percent of his passes and threw 33 touchdowns (and just 10 picks).

4. Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa (6-7, 318) | previous ranking: 3
His size and physical skills make him ideally suited for pass protection. Over the past two years, Gallery 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 is key for the Hawkeyes in 2003, because he's the only returning starter on the O-line. He's gotten bigger and stronger throughout his college career.

5. Will Smith, DE, Ohio State (6-3½, 255) | previous ranking: 4
Smith is an excellent natural pass rusher with great closing speed. He was the headliner on the Buckeyes' stellar defensive front seven during last season's national-championship run (recording 10½ tackles for loss and 4½ sacks). Had he declared for the 2003 draft, he probably would have been a late first-rounder. In '04 he's a likely early first-round pick.

6. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami (6-2, 230) | previous ranking: 5
A middle linebacker who will shift to the outside in the NFL, Vilma is 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 after the 2000 season as the nation's top college linebacker. Vilma, who had outstanding 2001 and 2002 seasons, is an underrated standout on a strong team. He's smart, instinctive and fast (in the 4.5-4.6 range in the 40).

7. Ben Troupe, TE, Florida (6-4¼, 260) | previous ranking: 6
Troupe is an imposing figure and a gifted athlete. This season, he hauled in 39 receptions, averaging 16.4 yards per catch with five TDs. Last season, he caught just 15 passes while sharing time with current NFL tight end Aaron Walker. As Troupe maximizes his ability and refines his pass-catching game, he will become a high-quality NFL tight end. Coming into the season, I envisioned him as a first- or second-round draft choice. Now, I expect him to be a solid first-rounder.

8. Reggie Williams (jr.), WR, Washington (6-3½, 218) | previous ranking: 7
Williams has the size and physical skills every NFL team is looking for. He is big enough to get off press coverage and into routes quickly, and will give teams a matchup advantage against even the biggest cornerbacks at the next level. The first player in school history to start the first game of his freshman season, Williams caught four balls for 134 yards against Michigan in that debut and set the tone for an excellent, consistent career. He is very much a competitor with focus and a business-like approach, and even without the benefit of a solid running game and offensive line Williams still finished tied for fourth nationally with an average of 7.42 receptions per game. Speed will be critical in his workouts, and if Williams can run the 40 in the 4.47-4.52 range he will be a top-10 selection.

9. Shawn Andrews (jr.), OT, Arkansas (6-5, 360) | previous ranking: unranked
A huge right tackle, Andrews is a tremendous run-blocker, dominating the defensive end he works against, driving him significantly off the ball. He would accentuate an NFL rushing game. He's also light on his feet for a player his size, making him adequate in pass protection. Andrews has been an All-American caliber offensive tackle since his freshman year. I expect him to go in the early-to-mid first round.

10. Kevin Jones (jr.), RB, Virginia Tech (5-11½, 210) | previous ranking: 8
Jones is an explosive runner with game-breaking speed. In the open field, few cornerbacks can catch him. He has the ability to stop on a dime and change direction. Plus, he's a good pass-receiver out of the backfield and is a strong blocker, making him a complete player. A tremendous natural athlete, Jones was highly recruited out of high school. In fact, he was seen by most as the nation's best high-school running back in his class. The only concern is that his running style is a bit upright, but he's excelled despite an average offensive line (except for center Jake Grove, who is outstanding).

11. D.J. Williams, OLB, Miami (6-2, 240) | previous ranking: 9
A superb physical specimen, Williams has developed into a tremendous player, with great athleticism and excellent 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 for the '03 draft, he probably would have gone in the mid-to-late first round. Next April, he could be a top 5-10 pick.

12. Karlos Dansby, OLB, Auburn (6-4, 225) | previous ranking: 10
With range and athleticism, Dansby can create difference-making plays in a variety of ways. He's posted some impressive performances this season. Dansby led the Tigers with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in '02. He's an excellent pass rusher, and his best football is ahead of him. He's having a strong senior campaign.

13. J.P. Losman, QB, Tulane (6-2½, 220) | previous ranking: 11
Losman is a pure passer who can thread the needle or feather the ball when he has to. He's also one of the toughest quarterbacks in the country -- he'll hang in the pocket and take abuse in order to make throws. Losman has a passion for the game and studies endlessly, and he's an honors student in the classroom. With the skills and intangibles the NFL looks for, he has a chance to be a solid first-round draft pick.

14. Jake Grove, C, Virginia Tech (6-3, 300) | previous ranking: 12
It's rare to see a first-round-caliber center. It happened last year, with Notre Dame's Jeff Faine being drafted by the Browns in the first round. It could happen this year with Grove, an outstanding anchor who controls the interior of the Hokies' offensive line. Grove has the ability to fire out at the middle linebacker while also handling collapse-the-pocket defensive tackles extremely well. As the QB of the O-line, he's a great leader. A rugged competitor, Grove is tough as nails and has played in lots of big games at perennial power Virginia Tech.

15. Dwan Edwards, DT, Oregon State (6-2½, 308) | previous ranking: 13
Edwards was arguably the Pac-10's best defensive lineman this season. He's quick, explosive and disruptive behind the line of scrimmage despite being consistently double-teamed. He creates a steady inside push and is effective against the run as well as the pass. His tremendous athletic ability enabled him to quietly have a great year in the Pac-10.

16. Will Poole, CB, USC (5-11, 190) | previous ranking: 14
Originally a nickel back, Poole was not a starter until replacing the injured Kevin Arbet in the third game this season. He started 10 games as a redshirt freshman at Boston College in 2000, was suspended for the '01 season and transferred to Ventura Junior College in 2002 (where he intercepted seven passes). Poole is an instinctive player and an excellent tackler with good ball skills.

17. Stuart Schweigert, S, Purdue (6-2, 209) | previous ranking: 15
Schweigert is a true center fielder for the Boilermakers. His savvy and speed enable him to consistently show up in the middle of the action -- he runs a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. Schweigert is Purdue's career interceptions leader (with 17).

18. Ricardo Colclough, CB, Tusculum (5-11, 186) | previous ranking: 16
Colclough is the best player in Tusculum history, and he would be a star at any major college. Before transferring to Tusculum, a Division II school, Colclough played at Kilgore Junior College, where he was a juco All-American. Besides being an outstanding cornerback, he's a brilliant punt and kickoff returner. At Kilgore, he averaged 40 yards per kickoff return.

This season at Tusculum, Colclough's stats were impressive: nine interceptions (one returned for a TD); 10 pass breakups; 17 punt returns for a 13.9-yard average; and 18 kickoff returns for a 29.4-yard average and two TDs (97 and 92 yards). Colclough has a great vertical leap and has made some highlight-film interceptions. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.43. He needs to get stronger so he won't be pushed around by bigger NFL receivers, but I expect him to be a late first-round pick.

19. Chris Perry, RB, Michigan (6-0½, 225) | previous ranking: 17
Perry is one of the nation's best running backs and a strong Heisman candidate (on my list, No. 2 behind Oklahoma QB Jason White). Perry isn't a game-breaker, but he's tough in short-yardage and red-zone situations. He's also a good pass-receiver and blocker -- you could make a case that he's the most complete back in this draft. He's a better prospect than former Michigan RB Anthony Thomas, who was a second-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2001 draft.

20. Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 188) | previous ranking: 18
An underrated SEC standout, Robinson has excellent feet and great ball skills. There aren't many wide receivers who can accelerate past Robinson on deep routes. He consistently runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.40-4.45 range. Robinson is the kind of shutdown corner who can match up against the opponent's best receiver and maintain excellent coverage the entire game. Definitely a player on the rise.

21. Philip Rivers, QB, N.C. State (6-4½, 230) | previous ranking: 19
Rivers has been a constant on my top-five Heisman list all season because of his phenomenal '03 performance. Look at his numbers this season: He completed 71 percent of his passes, with 4,016 yards, 29 TDs and just seven interceptions. Rivers has great size and a good arm, though his lower release point could be a question mark and his footwork is not polished. But he makes up for that low release with an incredibly quick, hair-trigger release. Rivers is accurate, smart and an excellent leader with great instincts. And keep in mind, he's achieved his success this season with three key offensive components in and out of the lineup with injuries (LT Chris Colmer, WR Sterling Hicks and featured RB T.A. McClendon). Rivers is reminding people of Bernie Kosar, who had an awkward release and lacked great footwork but found success in the NFL.

22. Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin (5-10½, 193) | previous ranking: 20
Evans had a magnificent junior year in 2001, establishing a new Big Ten receiving record with 1,545 yards. Then, in 2002 spring practice, he suffered a serious knee injury that required further surgery in November 2002, causing him to miss the entire 2002 season. This season, Evans had 60 receptions for a 19.4-yard average (1,162 yards) and 12 TDs. He possesses good leaping ability and outstanding pass-receiving skills. At full strength, he can be as good a wide receiver as Charles Rogers or Andre Johnson, who both declared early and became first-round picks in the the 2003 draft.

23. Vernon Carey, OL, Miami (6-4, 355) | previous ranking: 21
Carey has starting experience at both tackle spots as well as right guard. His experience makes him a proven All-American-caliber lineman. He also has incredible athletic ability and the necessary mean streak. Carey is one of the nation's best offensive lineman.

24. Rodney Leslie, DT, UCLA (6-3, 297) | previous ranking: 22
Leslie is a hard worker with excellent strength in both his upper and lower body. He has the versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, giving defensive coordinators plenty of flexibility. He's been a destructive defensive force for the Bruins all season. Last year, Leslie suffered a broken foot midway through the campaign, but he rebounded well this year.

25. Bob Sanders, S, Iowa ( 5-8½, 205) | previous ranking: 23
You could make a case that, pound-for-pound, Sanders has been the best defensive player in college football during his tremendous career. The lack of ideal height is the only real concern for Sanders. If he were two inches taller, he'd be an early-to-mid first-round draft choice and would probably be one of the top five seniors on my Big Board right now. Sanders is a lights-out hitter who runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.35 range. Ultimately, he probably will be drafted in the second round, but he'll be tremendous in workouts.

DROPPED -- Dropped out of Top 25 (since last ranking):
Marcus Tubbs, DT, Texas (6-4¼, 325) | previous ranking: 24
Tubbs has been a consistently dominant performer in the Big 12. It's unusual for someone his size to have such quickness and up-field explosion. With great stamina and physical ability, Tubbs doesn't wear down in the fourth quarter. He has tremendous potential.

Rashaun Woods, WR, Oklahoma State (6-2, 192) | previous ranking: 25
One of the most polished wide receivers in the nation, Woods runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Because he has quick feet and runs disciplined routes, he plays even faster than his 40 time indicates. He's good with his body in traffic, using it to shield the ball from defenders. This season, Woods caught 66 passes for a 17.3-yard average and 14 TDs. In 2002, Woods caught an amazing 107 passes for a 15.8-yard average and 17 TDs.

etch-a-sketched by john at 1:53 PM