Wednesday, April 3, 2002
Updated: April 8, 1:10 PM ET
ESPN The Magazine: Late Bloomers
By by Mel Kiper, Jr.
Sure, the first-rounders get the big bonus money, the free trip to New York on draft day, a photo-op with the commish when their names are called. But look out for the players picked on Day 2. While bonus babies hold out, the guys drafted in rounds 3-7 come into camp with something to prove. And the coaches love them for it, because theyll play anywhere theyre asked for whatever the team wants to pay. First-rounders provide the window dressing; the middle-rounders fill the store.
Need proof? Of the 22 players who started for the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI, only five were drafted in the first round. How about this: Of the 32 quarterbacks who
finished the season as their teams regular starter, only eight were first-rounders. Zeroes are big with first-rounders, and thats the number of former first-round quarterbacks chosen to start in the last Pro Bowl. Number of first-rounders among the leagues top four rushers in 2001? Zero again.
Anyone can make the consensus picks. But it takes real skill to find the man in the middle. Heres my take on the Day 2 stock, zeroing in on four players for each position who will make any team -- and a difference.
QUARTERBACKS (Round)
Seth Burford, Cal Poly (7)
Rohan Davey, LSU (3)
Kurt Kittner, Illinois (3)
Josh McCown, Sam Houston St. (4)
TRANSFER STAR: Seth Buford
Age: 23
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 240
A transfer from Idaho State, he threw for 4,281 yards and 36 TDs in 25 games. Also rushed for 6 TDs. Has good mobility for a big QB and knows how to move around the pocket. He needs to improve his accuracy, but his confidence, poise and size will get a coachs attention.
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RUNNING BACKS
Ladell Betts, Iowa (4)
Leonard Henry, East Carolina (5)
Jamar Martin, Ohio State (6)
Lew Thomas, Vanderbilt (6)
REAL DEAL: Ladell Betts
Age: 22
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 215
First player ever to lead the Hawkeyes in rushing in 4 separate seasons. Lacks breakaway speed (timed at 4.58 in the 40), but is patient and sets up blockers well. Uses strong lower body and compact build to dart through holes. Outstanding receiver (71 career receptions) and effective blocker.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Terry Charles, Portland State (3)
Emmett Johnson, Virginia Tech (4)
Antwaan Randle El, Indiana (3)
Ron Johnson, Minnesota (4)
NUMBERS MAN: Terry Charles
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 196
Huge numbers at Division I-AA school (71 catches, 12 TDs, 15.5 ypc). Overcame knee injury sustained late in 2000. Plays bigger than he is. Has great hands and makes the difficult catch. Lack of big-time competition not a factor. Could make an immediate impact as a third receiver.
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TIGHT ENDS
Mark Anelli, Wisconsin (6)
Matt Hill, Boise State (5)
Doug Jolley, BYU (3)
Jerramy Stevens, Washington (4)
AWESOME SKILLS: Jerramy Stevens
Age: 22
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 260
Caught 43 passes, 28 for first downs, as a third-year sophomore in 2000. Broke his foot in the second game of 01 and saw action in only 3 games. Awesome physical and athletic skills. If hes still around in later rounds, some team will hit the jackpot.
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O-LINEMEN
Matt Anderle, Minnesota (5)
Marc Columbo, Boston College (2)
Seth McKinney, Texas A&M (4)
Qasim Mitchell, North Carolina A&T (4)
SIZE AND BALANCE: Marc Columbo
Age: 23
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 313
An overachiever. Also versatile: Can play left and right tackle, which will boost his draft stock. Needs to improve upper-body strength, but has excellent footwork and balance for his size. A lot like the Jets Jason Fabini.
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D-LINEMEN
Dorsett Davis, Mississippi State (3)
Ryan Denney, BYU (2)
Will Overstreet, Tennessee (3)
Larry Tripplett, Washington (3)
OUTSIDE CHANCE: Will Overstreet
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 260
Smart player who never gives up on a play. Strong lower body. Not physically imposing, but can be a good situation player on passing downs as a defensive end. If
he shows he can cover, could be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
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LINEBACKERS
James Allen, Oregon State (3)
Andre Davis, Florida (4)
Levar Fisher, NC State (3)
Robert Thomas, UCLA (4)
JUNIOR ACHIEVER: James Allen
Age: 22
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 230
Didnt play up to his junior year, which earned him preseason All-America honors as a senior. Gifted athlete who added 30 pounds in Corvallis. Has good computer numbers, size, weight and a 4.55 40-time. If he can duplicate his junior-year form, has the potential to be this years Kendrell Bell.
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DEFENSIVE BACKS
Tony Beckham, Wisconsin-Stout (4)
Michael Lewis, Colorado (3)
Jon McGraw, Kansas State (3)
Roosevelt Williams, Tuskegee (3)
RAW TALENT: Tony Beckham
Age: 23
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 188
Impressive talent who played on both sides of the ball. As a wide receiver in 01, had 7 catches and averaged 26.1 yards per reception. As a defensive back
hes still raw, but has tremendous speed4.35 in the 40and good recovery ability. In two or three years, could pay huge dividends.
This article appears in the April 15 issue of ESPN The Magazine.
