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2001 Draft: Player Preview
2/12/01
Email Bill
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Bill Aquaviva
   

Updates will be made periodically as draft day approaches. The list of players below only contain Seniors, for now.

Quarterbacks:

Antwaan Randle El - Indiana Sr. 5'10/195
Antwaan was one of the leading rushers in the country, and his size all but eliminates him as an NFL QB so watch for him to be taken as a "Kordell" type and used as a RB and WR and on special teams.

Bart Hendricks - Boise St. Sr. 6'0/205
He had a great career at Boise State, but there's an issue here - he played at Boise State.

Chris Weinke - FSU Sr. 6'5/240
If he was 5 years younger this would be a completely different story, but he's not. He'll be drafted but only as a "gamble" as a struggling team hopes he can start right away or as a veteran backup. Either way, not much fantasy value.

Drew Brees - Purdue Sr. 6'1/220
He would be higher had he come out last year, but he still had a hell of a season, bringing Purdue to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1967 (Bob Griese). Even with his height and weak arm he'll be a first rounder given the lack of QBs in the NFL but it will be as a backup, so take him only as you plan for the future (2-3 years).

Jonathan Beasley - Kansas State Sr. 6'1/215
All-around QB has had a rocky collegiate career, or at the least an underrated one and his height has hindered him. However, he produced big time in the Cotton bowl spanking over Tennessee and could continue to impress at the combines - watch him closely.

Josh Heupel - Oklahoma Sr. 6'2/210
South Dakota? So he's the football player from South Dakota. Well, regardless of where he's from, this Heisman trophy finalist exploded onto the scene this year (as did Oklahoma) and should land himself a nice job in the pros holding a clipboard. If you're planning for the future then go ahead and take him, if not, let him hit the free agent wires. 

Marques Tuiasosopo - Washington Sr. 6'2/215
Had a very productive, but almost up-and-down career at Washington. Still, he's proved to be a very successful leader and is a tough, solid QB. He has good size and good skills and will serve as a #3, maybe a #2 QB somewhere.

Running Backs:

Anthony Thomas - Michigan Sr. 6'2/225
The "A-train" is no Butch Woolfolk, or Jamie Morris, or Tyrone Wheatley - thank god! This two-time Citrus Bowl MVP, and new owner of most major Michigan rushing records is a bona fide stud and should make an excellent pro RB.

Chris Barnes - N. Mexico St. Sr. 6'1/210
Not the level of competition for Mr. Barnes as others have faced, but still an admirable career. Backup material only.

Dee Brown - Syracuse Sr. 5'11/215
No, not the ex-Boston Celtic who pumped up his shoes and won the slam-dunk contest. This Orangeman hopes to follow a very successful transition to the NFL out of Syracuse.

Deuce McAllister - Mississippi Sr. 6'1/220
He runs, he catches, he returns punts/kicks, and he works hard…what else could you want in a #1 pick? Ignore his nagging injuries from this past year and scoop up the next Edgerrin James.

Hodges Mitchell - Texas Sr. 5'7/185
His lack of size may have finally caught up with him in the Holiday Bowl. He was held in check by the Ducks and then injured his knee and left the game. If his tiny frame cannot handle the College pounding, there's no way it can handle the Pro pounding. The "Dave Meggett" 3rd down back is losing favor in the NFL, so plan on him being a punt returner at best.

James Jackson - Miami Sr. 5'11/215
Look out for this guy. He "replaced" Edgerrin James in Miami and he's looking to make a name for himself in the NFL. He should have a big future in the NFL.

Kevan Barlow - Pittsburgh Sr. 6'1/235
Great size and decent speed for his bulk. Another Jerome Bettis? Maybe, but look at him more as a backup in the NFL.

LaDainian Tomlinson - TCU Sr. 5'11/220
No pro-style offense experience but he was still dominant, and played well against a tough So. Miss defense in his Bowl loss. He should be a good solid RB.

Lamont Jordan - Maryland Sr. 5'11/220
He got lost on a terrible team. This guy can play ball though. Keep an eye on him at the combines and expect to see his stock rise.

Travis Henry - Tennessee Sr. 5'11/220
He's no Jamal Lewis - yet. Tennessee disappointed early this year before getting turned around. Even with his bowl game loss he impressed and that should only continue in the NFL.

Bobby Newcombe - Nebraska Sr. 6'0/195
Hey, didn't he used to be a QB?

Wide Receivers:

Adrian Burnette - Tulane Sr. 5'10/185
This "Green Waver" is small, but he could still contribute in the slot. Besides, if Troy Walters can land with the Vikes (even though Daddy coaches there) then Burnette should hook on somewhere. Still, not much value.

Chris Chambers - Wisconsin Sr. 6'1/210
Quietly produced wonders in Badger-land without a marquee QB and a run-oriented offense. He has size and great speed and appears to be over his early season injury. Keep an eye on him at the combines - his stock could sky rocket before draft day.

James Jordan - La. Tech Sr. 6'1/230
A big strong WR that was really impressive. If his lack of speed doesn't scare away the one-dimensional rating scouts he should be a nice catch.

Justin McCareins - No. Illinois Sr. 6'3/205
Did it all at the small school, has good size and decent speed, and has a nice upside in the pros.

Kevin Kasper - Iowa Sr. 6'1/190
Set Iowa records for catches in a season (82) and catches in a career (153). He also had over 1,000 yards receiving this year and 7 TDs en route to being the team MVP this year. On this terrible Hawkeye team he was a bright spot and could be that way in the NFL too.

Marshaun Tucker - Oregon Sr. 5'10/185
He had a decent year in "Duckland", but his size will prevent him from doing anything of note in the NFL.

Marvin Minnis - FSU Sr. 6'1/185
He's a little light but that can easily be fixed, and should eliminate potential nagging injuries. He's a star and filled in for Peter Warrick wonderfully. I expect good things for him in the pros - plus, he doesn't have to maintain "smarts" to play in the NFL.

Nate Poole - Marshall Sr. 6'3/205
He's no Randy Moss, but then again, who is? He has great size and played very well at the up-and-coming school. He could be a nice late round steal. With Matthew Hatchette disappointing and being a free agent, I can see Poole filling the #3 spot in Minnesota.

Nate Turner - UNLV Sr. 6'3/200
He, like the whole UNLV team really shined this past year under John Robinson. He capped off his spectacular year with 126 yards in the Las Vegas Bowl against Arkansas. Great size and good raw talent - I like him as a sleeper.

Quincy Morgan - Kansas State Sr. 6'2/215
Great size and great talent. He shined against Tennessee in his bowl game and should continue to shine in the NFL. One of the top WRs available in the draft.

Reggie Wayne - Miami Sr. 6'1/195
Decent speed but nothing fabulous. Although that appears to be his only weakness. He has great hands and is a natural talent. He could be bigger than Moss in the pros - Santana, not Randy.

Robert Kilow - Arkansas St. Sr. 5'11/165
Special Teams only due to his weight - monster on kick returns and punt returns. Finished in the top 10 in the nation in four categories, all-purpose yards (3rd), receptions (4th), receiving yards (6th) and kickoff returns (8th).

Rod Gardner - Clemson Sr. 6'2/215
You probably didn't hear a lot about this guy, but he has been a stud WR for the Tigers and now owns the school record for most receptions (166). He has good size, great hands, and a lot of potential. Could be a 1st round pick.

Santana Moss - Miami Sr. 5'10/180
Forget his size issue, this guy is a playmaker. He'll be used on punt/kick returns in addition to WR so if your league counts those points, consider him early on.

Vinny Sutherland - Purdue Sr. 5'9/190
Even though he is one of the best WRs in Purdue history, this "Wayne Chrebet-ish" type WR will probably never get the chance Wayne did, so ignore him unless something miraculous happens.

Zek Parker - Louisville Sr. 5'10/195
One of the best kick returners in college, but that's about it. Stay away from him.

:: comments to bill aquaviva




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