ESPN Insider: Kiper on Underclassmen

[Yomar]

Underclassmen could have

huge impact on NFL draft

Thursday, December 5 Updated 11:52 AM EST

DRAFT NOTES | Dec. 4

Editor's Note: Mel Kiper Jr. looks at the potential impact of some standout underclassmen in the 2003 NFL draft. Of these players (listed alphabetically by position), only WR Charles Rogers has declared for the draft. According to NFL guidelines, players generally must complete three years in a college football program before being eligible for the draft. The two-day draft is slated for April 26-27 (rounds 1-3 are on Saturday, rounds 4-7 on Sunday).

QUARTERBACK

Rex Grossman | Florida | junior

Grossman lacked the game-to-game consistency he displayed in 2001, when he thrived in former coach Steve Spurrier's system. In the mold of former Bears QB Jim McMahon, he brings toughness and grit to the offense, as well as an above-average arm that allows him to complete passes to any point on the field. He would figure as an intriguing early-to-mid second-round possibility.

Eli Manning | Ole Miss | junior

Manning basically had to carry the Rebel attack this season without the benefit of a productive ground game. He also was without one of his primary targets, senior TE Doug Zeigler, for much of the season due to injury. With another year in the SEC, Manning could elevate himself all the way up to the top spot on the draft board. If he decides to bypass his final season of collegiate eligibility, Manning would be in the first-round mix, but certainly wouldn't be able to maximize his value.

RUNNING BACK

Chris Brown | Colorado | junior

Brown was unable to finish the regular season at full strength, but his numbers speak for themselves. His production was outstanding, but at the pro level, he'll have to work on doing a better job of taking proper care of the football. A big back with quickness, Brown would figure as a first- or second-round possibility.

Willis McGahee | Miami | third-year sophomore

A nonmedical redshirt in 2000, McGahee proved to be one of the true MVPs of college football this season. Every time the Hurricanes needed an impact play to ignite the offense, he delivered. Certainly, in a draft lacking a franchise-type back, he would ascend to the top of the list at running back. With his size, breakaway ability and natural pass-receiving skills, he could be a potential top-10 pick in round one if his workouts were good enough.

Onterrio Smith | Oregon | junior

Smith wasn't at full strength late in the campaign, but he's a proven standout who provides multidimensional capabilities. Like Chris Brown, his numbers speak for themselves. He would figure as a second-round possibility.

WIDE RECEIVER

This position is loaded with marquee talent, and it would be significantly strengthened if super blue-chippers such as Roy Williams of Texas and Andre Johnson of Miami opt to follow in the footsteps of Michigan State's Charles Rogers and leave college early.

Andre Johnson | Miami | junior

Johnson provides vertical-stretch ability at 6-2½ and 230 pounds, which is amazing. He's also been schooled in a pro-style attack that has produced a high number of quality NFL wideouts over the years, including Eddie Brown, Michael Irvin and Santana Moss (to name a few). Johnson would figure as a top 10-15 possibility in round one.

Charles Rogers | Michigan State | junior

Since Rogers has declared, his impact on the draft isn't potential but actual! He may have dropped a few catchable balls this season, but he still managed to grab 68 receptions for a 19.1-yard average and 13 TDs. His TD grab late in the Notre Dame game provided a glimpse of his awesome capabilities. With such an off-the-charts skill level, Rogers could go anywhere from the first pick overall to the third pick. Either way, he's one of the elite players in this draft.

Kelley Washington | Tennessee | sophomore

Only a true sophomore, Washington played baseball for four years in the Florida Marlins organization (from 1997-2000). Because he graduated from high school more than four years ago (in '97), the 23-year-old Washington would be eligible for the '03 draft if he so desires. Washington's 2002 season has been injury-plagued, but he had a phenomenal 2001 campaign (64 catches, 15.8-yard average, five TDs). In two games against LSU last year (including the SEC title game), Washington had 20 catches for 20.3 yards per catch and two TDs. With his size (6-3, 225), he would be an intriguing second-round pick.

Roy Williams | Texas | junior

Williams has been bothered some by minor injuries during his college career, but he was uncoverable down the stretch this season, simply overmatching the cornerbacks he worked against. Blessed with superior physical skills, Williams is also a humble young man who will work hard to maximize his ability. He would figure as a top 10-15 possibility in round one (and that's being a bit conservative).

TIGHT END

Michael Gaines | Central Florida | junior

Gaines has the overall skill level to transition into the NFL and ultimately develop into quite a weapon. Another year at UCF, however, could push him into the early-round mix in 2004.

Jason Witten | Tennessee | junior

Witten plays the game with a linebacker's mentality, combining ideal size (6-4, 265) with the ability to run away from or stampede defenders after he hauls in the reception. He would be at or near the top of my tight-end draft list and would garner attention in the third round.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Jeff Faine | Notre Dame | junior

Faine is a quality anchor who ranks right up there with the elite pivot men ever produced by the Irish. A rugged and intense performer, Faine finishes every block and should go on to an outstanding career in the NFL (whether he goes in this year's draft or in 2004). He would figure as a solid second-rounder.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Like at wide receiver, the addition of several blue-chip underclassman could significantly strengthen this position in the draft.

Rien Long | Washington State | junior

Long is the best defensive-line prospect to come out of Pullman since Keith Millard and Erik Howard in the early-to-mid 1980s. His performance has been equal to that of a first-rounder.

Will Smith | Ohio State | junior

Smith is a highly skilled edge pass rusher. He would figure to garner a great deal of attention in the early-to-middle part of the first round.

Terrell Suggs | Arizona State | junior

Also a force as an edge pass rusher, Suggs would figure to attract lots of attention in the early-to-middle part of the round one.

Johnathan Sullivan | Georgia | junior

Sullivan quietly developed into a dominant performer on the Bulldogs' defensive front, actually providing more game-to-game consistency than former Georgia stars Marcus Stroud and Richard Seymour. Sullivan's performance has been on par with that of a first-rounder.

Dwayne White | Louisville | junior

While an intriguing prospect, White tailed off some after a dominating '01 campaign that saw him wreak havoc on a regular basis. If he declared, he would have early-round potential.

Vince Wilfork | Miami | sophomore

A true sophomore, Wilfork signed with Miami in February 2000 and graduated from high school in 2000, but deferred enrollment until spring 2001. Since he's three years removed from high school, the NFL must rule on whether he's eligible for the 2003 draft (he also could apply for the supplemental draft). A powerful 6-1 and 350 pounds, Wilfork is currently second on the team with six sacks, even though he's the Hurricanes' third DT in the rotation. A young, developing blue-chip prospect, he follows in the footsteps of former Miami DT standouts such as Jerome Brown, Cortez Kennedy, Russell Maryland, Warren Sapp and Damione Lewis. Wilfork would have early-round potential.

LINEBACKER

Karlos Dansby | Auburn | junior

Dansby came through with a number of game-changing plays this season, taking his performance level to All-American status. He would be in the early-round mix.

D.J. Williams | Miami | junior

Like Dansby, Williams would be in the early-round mix based on his steady production.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Nathan Vasher | Texas | junior

Vasher ranks among the top cover men in college football, but he's not as big physically as former teammate Quentin Jammer. And size is a key factor in the draft evaluation process now that so many big, strong, physically gifted wideouts are starring in the NFL. He would have second-round potential in the '03 draft.

[DeathByLinebacker]

If some team gets Onterrio Smith in the 2nd they'll have a steal as big as the Broncos with Clinton Portis.

I really like WR Rashaun Woods who Kiper didn't even mention there. He doesn't have awesome speed, but he's a bigtime playmaker.