Brad’s crystal football: Draft preview

It’s that time of the year again – no, I’m not talking about the NBA playoffs, not the opening month of baseball, nor am I referring to the U.S. junior national ice dancing championships. I’m talking about the most interesting, dissectible, boredom-saving aspect of football: the NFL draft. The first three rounds of this year’s draft will be held on April 24, with the remaining three rounds on the 25th.

The draft provides the currently idle football fan with means to get excited about our favorite college players, and more importantly, our favorite NFL teams.

I have been an avid NFL draft junkie for the last five or so years. I guess the draft excites me the same way people get excited about most things. Anytime you study something for hours and hours on end, and it is something that is constantly in your thought process for many months, the actual event is thrilling beyond imagination.

Realizing my love for the draft, and recognizing – hoping – that others feel the same way, I have put together a preview and analysis of the top skill position players, and a shortened mock draft.

Quarterbacks

NFL personnel and scouts are split on whether Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning is the top QB. Roethlisberger is my pick for the top spot, due to his great size, arm strength, and consistent production in three years as a Hawk.

Manning is another great prospect. In three years as a starter at Mississippi, Manning almost single-handedly elevated the Rebels to premier status in the SEC. He, too, has good size, great arm strength, but also has some outstanding genes to perhaps give us a glimpse of what he could bring to the table. I believe these two will both end up as Pro Bowl-caliber quarterbacks, and this will not end up as another Peyton Manning/Ryan Leaf decision.

Running backs

Oregon State’s Steven Jackson is the most complete back coming out this year. At 6 foot 2, 230 pounds, Jackson has the size to go along with his explosive 4.5 speed. Jackson’s running style is comparable to pro bowler Eddie George. Kevin Jones has had an outstanding career at Virginia Tech. He has better in-game speed than anyone out there and at times his speed allowed him to take over games. Florida State’s Greg Jones may not end up in the first round, but may eventually end up as the best back to come out of this draft. Jones runs harder than a lot of NFL starters right now. He was the culprit of several violent hits this past season.

Wide receivers

This is undoubtedly the deepest position in the 2004 draft, and the deepest the receiver position has been in maybe a decade. Heading the list is Bilitnekoff Award winner Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald’s speed, and size, although very good, are not what separates Fitzgerald from the rest of this talented group. He has the natural ability, and the great instinct, that makes him comparable to NFL great Jerry Rice.

Former USC wideout Mike Williams gets the second spot here. Like Fitzgerald, Williams has that special ability to find an opening in the defense, and to make the impossible catch. Two more Williams’ – Roy and Reggie – each are vying for the third spot. Each has great size and ability, but Roy gets the nod due to his recent 4.37 40-yard dash time, compared to Reggie’s time of 4.5. Lee Evans, Rashaun Woods, and Mike Clayton could all find themselves getting drafted in the first round as well.

Tight ends

The weakest position on offense, tight end, might have the best player. Kellen Winslow II, the 6 foot 4, 240 pound soldier from Miami, was a game breaker for two years as a starter. He may be as arrogant as they come, but as far as ability and upside go, “K2” has it all. Winslow has the straight line speed to outrun any linebacker and most safeties, and the strength and separation skills to outmatch any corner. If he is smart and doesn’t hold out this summer, he has the game to take a lowly team to the playoffs, and to be Rookie of the Year. Ben Troupe, Ben Watson, and Utah State’s Chris Cooley fill out the top tight end prospects. All should be gone by the end of round three.

Brad’s 2004 NFL Mock Draft

First Round

1 San Diego-Ben Roethlisberger-QB-Miami Ohio-6’5″-255

2 Oakland-Larry Fitzgerald-WR-Pittsburgh-6’3″-225

3 Arizona-Robert Gallery-OT-Iowa-6’8″-320

4 N.Y. Giants-Eli Manning-QB-Mississippi-6’3″-220

5 Washington- Sean Taylor-FS-Miami-6’3″-235

6 Detroit-Steven Jackson-RB-Oregon State-6’2″-230

7 Cleveland-Kellen Winslow-TE-Miami-6’4″-240

8 Atlanta-Mike Williams-WR-USC-6’5″-235

9 Jacksonville-Roy Williams-WR-Texas-6’3″-220

10 Houston-Vince Wilfork-DT-Miami6’2″-325

11 Pittsburgh-Philip Rivers-QB-NC State-6’5″-240

12 N.Y. Jets-Reggie Williams-WR-Washington-6’4″-235

13 Buffalo-Tommie Harris-DT-Oklahoma-6’3″-295

14 Chicago-Kenechi Udeze-DE-USC-6’3″-285

15 Tampa Bay-Kevin Jones-RB-Virginia Tech-6’1″-215

Brad Barth is a freshman majoring in English. Comments can be sent to bcb@cc.usu.edu

Roy, here are some comments I made for each of the guys, I didn’t know if there’d be enough room-

1-Nothing like a great young QB to turn things around

2-Could end up better than teammate Rice

3-Mammoth OT, also runs a 4.9

4-Great name to go with proven skills

5-Great size and speed, has been compared to Ronnie Lott

6-Best back in draft goes to team in dire need of a good one

7-Most potential of any skill player in this draft

8-Vick to Williams could become a car dealership

9-Health issues and consistency a problem, but ran a 4.3 and has size

10-Huge, at 326 pounds he is still quick enough to get to the QB

11-Unorthodox throwing style but excellent productivity at NC State

12-Bigger, more polished, less hyped version of Mike Williams

13-Oklahoma product has uncommon athletic ability for a DT

14-Great natural pass rush ability, could be a difference maker

15-Va Tech tailback has great speed, was very productive as a starter

Please call me if you have any problems with the column, thanks-Brad