March 11, 2002
Rank and File: Offense
by Keith Weiland
HoustonProFootball.com
Hard to believe the draft is next month! Time to roll out a position-by-position ranking of some of the top names that will be called out on the draft’s first day.
This week we’ll take a look at players on the offensive side of the ball.
Quarterback
1. David Carr, Fresno State, 6’3″ 229
2. Joey Harrington, Oregon, 6’4″ 217
3. Patrick Ramsey, Tulane, 6’2″ 225
4. Josh McCown, Sam Houston State, 6’3″ 222
5. Rohan Davey, Lousiana State, 6’2″ 250
The draft’s biggest drama will be finding out when Harrington is selected. At one point rumored to go as high as third overall, he shouldn’t slip past the Redskins, who may even be willing to trade up a few spots to get him if they haven’t resolved their starting QB dilemma by draft day.
And don’t forget Kurt Kittner, Illinois. Kittner is such a slow starter. He has fizzled in workouts and is free falling off some first day boards. Kittner possesses good mechanics though and could be a steal if he’s not rushed into playing for a couple years.
The Advance Scout says Meet David Carr, Houston’s new QB. His arm strength and accuracy, combined with his maturity, has the team drooling.
Running Back
1. T.J. Duckett, Michigan State, 6’2″ 255
2. William Green, Boston College, 6’1″ 221
3. Clinton Portis, Miami, 5’10” 204
4. Lamar Gordon, North Dakota State, 6’0″ 210
5. DeShaun Foster, UCLA, 6’0″ 222
6. Chester Taylor, Toledo, 5’10” 205
7. Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern, 5’9″ 205
Duckett is proving to be the right combination of size and speed and will challenge Green as the first back taken in the draft. The question is whether any teams will be looking to spend a high first round pick on a running back. Portis solidified his status as the third best available back with reports of a lightening-quick 40 time.
And don’t forget Maurice Morris, Oregon. Morris was overshadowed by Harrington on the Ducks offense, but he can hit the hole in a hurry and break tackles.
The Advance Scout says The Texans are rumored to have keen interest in Gordon, though the team may wait until the middle rounds to select their running back.
Wide Receiver
1. Ashley Lelie, Hawaii, 6’3″ 195
2. Antonio Bryant, Pittsburgh, 6’1″ 190
3. Javon Walker, Florida State, 6’2″ 207
4. Jabar Gaffney, Florida, 6’0″ 202
5. Donte Stallworth, Tennessee, 6’0″ 190
6. Josh Reed, Louisiana State, 5’10 203
7. Marquise Walker, Michigan, 6’2″ 210
8. Andre Davis, Virginia Tech, 6’1″ 200
9. Kahlil Hill, Iowa, 6’1″ 200
10. Reche Caldwell, Florida, 6’0″ 200
11. Antwaan Randle El, Indiana, 5’9″ 190
12. Tim Carter, Auburn, 5’11” 190
13. Cliff Johnson, Utah, 5’11” 185
14. Ron Johnson, Minnesota, 6’2″ 215
15. Kelly Campbell, Georgia Tech, 5’11” 174
Whew! This is a long list, but the WR depth is there for the second and third rounds. In fact, it’s almost certain that one of these top six or seven guys listed above will drop out of the first round. And if you think this is a deep class, wait until the 2003 draft. No slight to the upcoming QB class (Eli Manning, Byron Leftwich, etc.), but next year’s draft will be the year of the receiver.
And don’t forget Brian Poli-Dixon, UCLA. Though he was a disappointment battling injury and dropping far too many balls, Poli-Dixon may yet put it all together on the pro level if he can find a way to stay healthy. Clocked at 4.45 seconds at the combine and standing 6’5″, I can’t help but paraphrase David Letterman by saying, “Poli-Dixon Stick-um spray. Stick-um spray Poli-Dixon.”
The Advance Scout says Expect the Texans to target a wide receiver six feet or taller on the first day of the draft, and probably as early as the second round.
Tight End
1. Jeremy Shockey, Miami, 6’5″ 245
2. Dan Graham, Colorado, 6’3″ 245
3. Jerramy Stevens, Washington, 6’6″ 255
This is a solid trio of tight ends. A wide receiver in high school, Shockey has great hands and speed and will be a quarterback’s best friend.
And don’t forget Chris Baker, Michigan State. He has solid hands, but unspectacular speed. Nevertheless, Baker can be a productive player.
The Advance Scout says Tight end is a need area for the Texans. It could be addressed on the first day depending on how the early rounds shake out.
Offensive Tackle
1. Bryant McKinnie, Miami, 6’8″ 343
2. Mike Williams, Texas, 6’6″ 378
3. Levi Jones, Arizona State, 6’5″ 315
4. Mike Pearson, Florida, 6’6″ 300
5. Victor Rogers, Colorado, 6’6″ 330
6. Marc Colombo, Boston College, 6’7″ 295
7. Langston Walker, California, 6’8″ 340
Williams must have nearly suffered a heart attack at the combine, and I don’t mean because he tilted the scales at 378 pounds. He needed to spend much of his time denying rumors that his knee had any existing damage. McKinnie didn’t do much to quiet concerns about his strength conditioning when he reportedly did just 20 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at Miami’s pro day workout.
And don’t forget Joaquin Gonzalez, Miami. A smart blocker, he rarely makes any mistakes. His limited upside and questions about his size are what’s causing him to slip.
The Advance Scout says With Tony Boselli and Ryan Young already on the roster, the Texans will not be targeting an OT in the early rounds.
Offensive Guard and Center
1. Toniu Fonoti, Nebraska, 6’4″ 349
2. Terrence Metcalf, Mississippi, 6’3″ 312
3. Andre Gurode, Colorado, 6’3″ 316
4. Kendall Simmons, Auburn, 6’2″ 310
5. Fred Weary, Tennessee, 6’4″ 305
6. Seth McKinney, Texas A&M, 6’3″ 300
7. LeCharles Bentley, Ohio State, 6’2″ 295
Fonoti will be a monster in the running game of whatever team selects him. He is a tremendously aggressive blocker, and compares favorably with recent first round guards. Fonoti will be a perennial Pro Bowler someday.
And don’t forget Martin Bibla, Miami. Another Hurricane lineman, Bibla is a tireless worker. Unlike his teammate McKinnie, Bibla showed his lunch pail strength by lifting 225 pounds 35 times.
The Advance Scout says The recent free agent signing of Steve McKinney lessens the Texans urgency to select a G/C in the draft, but one may still be taken on the first day as added depth for the team to develop.
The only thing Keith Weiland can do in 4.45 seconds is dial Pizza Hut.