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Monday, February 19, 2001
Updated: February 22, 3:17 PM ET
Kiper's Korner

By by Mel Kiper Jr.

As NFL hopefuls get prodded and poked before the draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lets us know who has the most to gain and lose by April 21.

Players Who Could Fall

Freddie Mitchell, WR, UCLA
6'1", 188 pounds
Needs a good time in the 40-yard dash to answer questions about his speed.
Jamar Fletcher, CB, Wisconsin
5'10", 196
He needs to show leaping skills. If he runs a sub-4.5 40, he's a first-round lock.
Robert Ferguson, WR, Texas A&M
6'2", 210
Great size. But played only one year of Division I ball. Must show speed and agility to climb.
Michael Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
6'1", 214
Short for QB and played only two injury-filled years. Needs good numbers to seal No. 1 pick.
Drew Brees, QB, Purdue
6'1", 220
Has to prove he's more than a product of Purdue's complex spread offense.

Players Who Will Rise

Brandon Winey, OT, LSU
6'7", 294
Gifted, versatile athlete who played TE in high school. Best football is ahead of him.
Kendrell Bell, MLB, Georgia
6'2", 233
Physically gifted. Has great measurable numbers. Not Ray Lewis, but could come close.
Will Allen, CB, Syracuse
5'10", 190
Excellent cover skills. Best recovery speed in the draft. Add return skills, and it equals special.
Adam Archuleta, S, Arizona State
Six feet, 213
Ex-LB has to show speed for new position. No question about strength: 30 reps at 225 pounds.
Cedrick Wilson, WR, Tennessee
5'10", 175
Reliable playmaker with polished return skills. Stock improved after great Senior Bowl practices.

This article appears in the March 5 issue of ESPN The Magazine.




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