At 6-foot-4½ Todd Heap provides a huge target.

1. Todd Heap, Arizona State -- When you combine his impressive pass-receiving skills and 6-foot-4½, 252-pound frame, it's easy to see why Heap could provide great value in the latter stages of round one. Just look at how much Tony Gonzalez has meant to the Kansas City Chiefs' passing attack. Drafted by Baltimore, first round (31st)

2. Alge Crumpler, North Carolina -- Quality athlete who shows good hands, then runs with a great deal of authority in the open field, battling for every inch of real estate. Crumpler excelled as a linebacker at the prep level, so he definitely has the right approach. He's solid, reliable and hard-working; expect to hear his name called in round two. Drafted by Atlanta, second round (35th)

3. Arther Love, South Carolina State -- Quality Division I-AA performer who is a real student of the game and has the necessary physical skills to eventually push for a starting job. Currently, though, he needs more reps catching the football while adapting to the major jump in competition. Good-looking developmental prospect who would figure as a solid early-to-mid second-day choice. Drafted by New England, sixth round (180th)

4. Billy Baber, Virginia -- Presents some real possibilities as a pass-catching option, presenting a nice target while also showing the body control necessary to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. In-line blocking skills should also be adequate, making Baber a fast (4.73), experienced pass-catching TE who could emerge as a key contributor in the NFL. Drafted by Kansas City, fifth round (141st)

5. Shad Meier, Kansas State -- Even though he caught just nine passes last season and finished his career with only one TD reception, Meier's size (6-foot-5, 255), athletic ability (34-inch vertical jump), speed (4.79) and strength (20 reps) has allowed him to enjoy quite an elevation up the draft board since the conclusion of the regular season. In the end, don't be surprised if Meier ends up being the third TE selected. Drafted by Tennessee, third round (90th)

6. Tony Stewart, Penn State -- Improved from 14 catches in '99 to 38 last season -- the most receptions in one year for a TE in Penn State history. While he lacks eye-catching 40 speed, Stewart plays faster than he times, presents quite a target (6-foot-5, 255) and shows excellent concentration when hauling in the reception. At the pro level, though, Stewart will have to work diligently on becoming a more effective in-line blocker. Drafted by Philadelphia, fifth round (147th)

7. Sean Brewer, San Jose State -- The 6-foot-3½, 254-pounder possesses enough speed (4.77) to create some problems for the defense, while his bruising style allows for some extra yardage to be picked up after the reception. With his hard-nosed style and improved blocking ability, Brewer has the look of a solid No. 2 TE in the NFL. Drafted by Cincinnati, third round (66th)

8. Jabari Holloway, Notre Dame -- Played a lot of football with the Irish, breaking in as a starter during his freshman season in '97. Unfortunately, an ankle injury sustained early last season resulted in Holloway finishing with just six catches. However, with his experience as an in-line blocker combined with his superior work ethic, Holloway has a chance to make the grade as a quality backup in the NFL Drafted by New England, fourth round (119th).

9. Mike Roberg, Idaho -- With his 4.68 speed and 6-foot-4¼, 255-pound frame, Roberg has been able to enjoy a steady climb up the draft board. His solid performances against Washington State and West Virginia last season also are working in his favor. Roberg's size, speed and business-like approach make him an intriguing second-day possibility.

10. Marcellus River, Oklahoma State -- Has the size (6-foot-4¼, 250) and pass-receiving skill you look for, but it's his improvement as an in-line blocker that will ultimately determine if he's able to develop into a more complete performer.

Other tight ends of note:
Brian Natkin, UTEP
Brandon Manumaleuna, Arizona (Drafted by New England, fourth round (129th))
Bryan Blackwood, Oklahoma State
Jevaris Johnson, Georgia
Ryan Sprague, Florida State
Ivan Mercer, Miami (Fla.)
Tevita Ofahengaue, BYU
Khary Jackson, Oklahoma State
Andy Stensrud, Iowa State
Elliott Carson, Vanderbilt
Dauntae Finger, North Carolina
Dan O'Leary, Notre Dame
Antoine Harris, USC
Billy Kendall, Memphis
Ryan Prince, Weber State