Mel Kiper - Some players' stock on the rise

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E S P N . C O M | M E L 'S B I O | C O L L E G E F O O T B A L L | H O M E

Tuesday, January 23

Some players' stock on the rise
By Mel Kiper
ESPN.com

Now that the postseason all-star games have concluded, NFL draft prospects are preparing for a crucial time in the evaluation process. During February and March, they will be scrutinized heavily at the NFL combine and during individual workouts. Listed below (by position) are the players who are rising up the draft board following postseason action. Keep in mind that the incredible showing of Ravens RB Jamal Lewis last year during an individual session propelled him into the early portion of round one.


	TCU RB LaDainian Tomlinson's showing at the Senior Bowl has elevated his draft position.

Quarterbacks
Jesse Palmer, Florida -- Looked much better than I anticipated during practices in Mobile. He spun the ball exceptionally well, tossing tight spirals accurately all over the field. Palmer also threw a very catchable ball. Entering the Senior Bowl week, Palmer looked like a late-rounder or undrafted free agent. Now he could be a possibility for the early-second-day area.

Mike McMahon, Rutgers -- After a strong performance at the Blue-Gray game, McMahon enjoyed a fine week in Mobile as well. He displayed a live arm and the ability to throw strikes on the move. While he tossed more interceptions than TDs and completed less than 50 percent of his aerials this past season, you have to keep in mind that the Scarlet Knights lacked a top-of-the-line supporting cast to accentuate McMahon's ability. Don't be surprised if he jumps up into the third or fourth round.

Running Backs
LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU -- Early in the week, Tomlinson was on fire at the Senior Bowl practices, displaying tremendous vision as well as a major league burst when lanes opened up. He also caught the ball fairly well. Then, he took it easy after appearing to suffer a minor hamstring injury. To his credit, Tomlinson was ready to go on game day, putting on quite a show from start to finish. He ran with authority and on several carries picked up positive yardage after initial contact. Throughout the year, some observers questioned why I ranked Tomlinson so high when evaluating the Top 25 senior prospects. After his effort in Mobile, there shouldn't be any doubters.

Lamont Jordan, Maryland -- Following a less-than-spectacular final campaign with the Terrapins, Jordan needed to deliver an eye-catching performance in Mobile. He was OK in practice, but on game day, he proved to be one of the most impressive players on the field. Jordan was quick to the hole, ran with purpose and flashed home-run-hitting speed in the open field. After such a strong effort, Jordan now positions himself solidly in the mix of RBs behind Ole Miss's Deuce McAllister and Wisconsin's Michael Bennett.

Correll Buckhalter, Nebraska -- Following his outstanding effort at the East-West Shrine game, Buckhalter is now beginning to move out of teammate Dan Alexander's shadow. Keep in mind, Buckhalter averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry this past season, while proving to be a back who could find the end zone. This past year, he scored seven rushing TDs, bringing his career total to 27. Since quality RBs tend to drop down the draft board, don't be surprised if Buckhalter becomes a major steal in the early-to-mid second day area.

Wide Receivers
Chad Johnson, Oregon St. -- In my opinion, he was clearly the most impressive on the field at the Senior Bowl practices. The 6-foot-3, 189-pounder came to Mobile focused and ready to put on a show. He looked like a featured wide-out in the NFL, with his sub-4.4 speed, superior natural pass receiving skills and incredible body control. By the way, his cousin, Keyshawn Johnson, was in Mobile late in the week to cheer him on. If there was ever any doubt as to whether Johnson was an elite prospect, it was answered in Mobile. This young man stole the show, moving up possibly as high as the Top 15 of round one.

Reggie Wayne, Miami (Fla.) -- Proved to be the most polished wide-out in Mobile, snatching passes out of the air with his incredibly strong, quick hands. Wayne never even double-clutched a pass and dropped none. His route-running was precise and disciplined, allowing the experienced Wayne to get the best of the cover men he was pitted against. While he's not necessarily the most feared deep threat, his ability to accelerate past CBs is evident both on film and at field level. Entering Senior Bowl week, I viewed Wayne as a late first- or early second-rounder. Now he appears to be solidly positioned in the 15- 25 area of round one, depending on how well he performs during individual testing.

Cedrick Wilson, Tennessee -- Lacks ideal size (5-foot-9, 180), but he runs crisp patterns, shows excellent hand-eye coordination and is spunky enough to come into traffic and haul down the reception. Another plus for Wilson is his ability to get the job done in the return game. In the right situation, he could end up being a productive and valuable third option and special teamer.

Tight Ends
Brian Natkin, UTEP -- Caught the ball well while also displaying the necessary quickness after the reception. The way he handles himself in the passing game will remind you of the Colts' Ken Dilger.

Offensive Linemen
Robert Garza, C, Texas A&M-Kingsville -- Handled the huge jump up in competition extremely well. Garza is quick, tough, strong and smart, which are the exact qualities needed to anchor an offensive line in the NFL.

Jeff Backus, OT, Michigan -- His feet are good, not great, and his arms may be a little shorter than some of the other highly rated OT prospects, but there isn't a bookend tackle out there who enjoyed as consistent a college career. Backus was out there every week at the critical left tackle spot, starting an unbelievable 49 straight games over his four seasons as a starter with the Wolverines. He keeps the top pass-rushing DEs at bay on a regular basis, while showing the strength and toughness to get the job done in run-blocking situations as well. Heading into Senior Bowl week, I had some doubts as to whether Backus would be a first-rounder. But after his outstanding performance in Mobile, Backus should hear his name called before the first round has been completed.

Steve Hutchinson, OG, Michigan -- Dominating left guard, with the skill level to project to a RT spot in the NFL if that is where he is needed. Hutchinson has carried a high grade all year in my Top 25 senior prospects, and even with the influx of top juniors, he should still end up in the early-to-mid portion of round one.

Mike Gandy, OG, Notre Dame -- Technically sound trenchman who always gives you a solid, workmanlike effort. Gandy could go as high as round two, and in a worst-case scenario figures to at least be off the board by the conclusion of day one.

Defensive Linemen
Reggie Hayward, DE, Iowa St. -- Proved to be a difference-maker off the edge during postseason action, spending a great deal of time in the opposition's backfield. With his pass-rush potential, Hayward could figure as a contributor in the rotation as a third DE early on in the NFL.

Willie Howard, DT, Stanford -- Shows outstanding quickness for a 293-pounder and his all-out hustle was evident on game day at the Senior Bowl. Howard also has the ability to be a factor at DE in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, certainly adding to his value. Even though it would be easy to get lost in the shuffle with all the highly regarded DTs available, that won't be the case with Howard after his solid showing in Mobile.

Linebackers
Sedrick Hodge, OLB, North Carolina -- Gifted athlete who was a track star in high school. This past season, Hodge enjoyed a productive campaign, finishing with 82 tackles, including seven sacks and 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage. With his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame and impressive straight-line speed, Hodge figures to garner some consideration during the latter stages of day one.

Torrance Marshall, LB, Oklahoma -- Since the midway portion of the 2000 season, all Marshall has done is show up big at key points in the game. This was the case once again at the Senior Bowl.

Tommy Polley, OLB, Florida St. -- Wasn't dominating during the regular season and checked in at just 218 pounds in Mobile, but on game day at the Senior Bowl Polley came through with an outstanding performance. He showed excellent range, took exact pursuit angles and showed sustained intensity. With the knee injury behind him, Polley now will have to add a few pounds and increase his overall strength quotient in order to capitalize on the momentum he appears to have built up at the Senior Bowl.

Secondary
Fred Smoot, CB, Mississippi St. -- Talks a lot during the course of each game, but again at the Senior Bowl, he backed it up with his performance on the field. Smoot plays bigger than 5-foot-11, 168 pounds while showing the anticipation and awareness in coverage that is necessary to reach Pro Bowl status. The experience he gained working in a variety of coverage schemes at MSU is also working in his favor. With solid individual workouts, Smoot has positioned himself to be the first CB selected.

Andre Dyson, CB, Utah -- After intercepting 10 passes with the Utes over the last two years, Dyson picked off four passes during the week of practice at Mobile. His instincts are top-notch and he shows the sure hands that are necessary to come away with the turnover when the opportunity presents itself. Like Chad Johnson, Dyson also has the necessary blood lines. His brother, Tennessee Titans WR Kevin Dyson, was in Mobile to support Andre on game day.

Will Allen, CB, Syracuse -- Still has to do a better job finishing plays, but he shows quick feet, a smooth turning motion and excellent overall coverage technique. Allen's kickoff return skills are also a plus. This past season, he averaged 24.1 yards per return.