Oct. 3
Mel Kiper Jr. rates the top senior prospects for the 2002 NFL draft:

1. John Henderson, DT, Tennessee -- Henderson combines imposing size with exceptional skill as the leader of the Vols' defense.

2. Kalimba Edwards, DE, South Carolina -- Tremendously productive; has 43 tackles in four games. In the Jevon Kearse mold as an explosive outside pass rusher; a destructive edge performer with great closing speed.

3. Wendell Bryant, DT, Wisconsin -- Had forced fumble, QB hurry, one tackle for loss and six stops overall against triple-option attack of Western Kentucky, which threw only four passes (completing one).

4. David Carr, QB, Fresno St. -- Solid but unspectacular game vs. Louisiana Tech. Against Tulsa, was 22-of-29 for 314 yards and three TDs. Earlier, posted brilliant efforts as he orchestrated upset victories over Wisconsin and Oregon State. Carr has consistently made the proper reads while showing big-time arm strength and impressive accuracy and touch.

5. Quentin Jammer, CB, Texas -- Bounce-back game vs. Texas Tech: six tackles, three "destructive" hits, three pass breakups. Also operated effectively in zone packages. He's a serious eraser in the Longhorns' deep patrol.

6. Bryant McKinnie, OT, Miami (Fla.) -- A dominating bookend LT (6-7½, 335 pounds). With a player of his caliber, he'll need to take his game to the level expected in coming weeks to secure a grade equal to the likes of Tony Boselli, Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace or Chris Samuels.

7. Mike Williams, OT, Texas -- Mammoth 6-6, 360-pounder is an All-American caliber RT. Credited with seven pancake blocks in the Longhorns' 41-7 victory over New Mexico State.

8. Anthony Weaver, DT, Notre Dame -- Not a great pass rusher, but a solid all-around performer who gets off blocks extremely well. He has superior quickness and block-shed technique.

9. Larry Tripplett, DT, Washington -- Solid game against Cal: six tackles (all solo, two for loss) and one pass breakup. On third-and-one on Cal's last drive, hit fullback for three-yard loss (the pivotal play of the game).

10. DeShaun Foster, RB, UCLA -- Bounce-back game vs. Oregon State: 31 carries for 147 yards and three TDs. He leads Pac-10 in rushing with 128 yards per game.

11. Javon Walker, WR, Florida St. -- Has taken on a leadership role; named one of offensive captains. Had three catches for 101 yards and one TD vs. Wake Forest.

12. Alan Harper, DT, Fresno St. -- Explosively quick off the ball; one of the top pass-rushing DTs in the country. Has been an integral part of Fresno State's unbeaten start.

13. Edward Reed, DB, Miami (Fla.) -- Now the QB of the Hurricanes defense, Reed had six tackles, an interception and a pass breakup in the drubbing of Penn State earlier.

14. Kelly Campbell, WR, Georgia Tech -- An exciting play-maker in the mold of former UCLA WR Freddie Mitchell. Campbell caught 10 passes in the opener against Syracuse.

15. Levi Jones, OT, Arizona St. -- Outstanding bookend LT with great feet and balance. A versatile athlete, Jones once worked on the defensive line.

16. Michael Lewis, DB, Colorado -- Had team-leading 12 tackles against Kansas. Hits like a ton of bricks from SS spot. Lewis is now the Buffaloes' all-time sack leader for DBs.

17. Alex Brown, DE, Florida -- Against Mississippi State: seven tackles, two hurries (3½ sacks overall). A serious force as an outside pass rusher.

18. Rocky Calmus, LB, Oklahoma -- In the Chris Spielman mold, he's the heart and soul of the OU defense. Calmus continues to be a tackling machine.

19. Ron Johnson, WR, Minnesota -- Uses size (6-2½, 212) well and has physical approach. In the Golden Gophers' loss to Toledo, Johnson hauled in seven receptions for 72 yards.

20. Daniel Graham, TE, Colorado -- Strong in-line blocker with excellent hands; one of QB Craig Ochs' favorite targets. Against Colorado State, Graham was credited with 22 downfield blocks on running plays as the Buffaloes rushed for 315 yards. Graham is a centerpiece of the Buffaloes' attack.

21. Keyou Craver, CB, Nebraska -- Smooth cover man with ideal recovery speed, Craver also starred for Nebraska's track team as a triple jumper.

22. Eddie Freeman, DT, Alabama-Birmingham -- Brings imposing presence (6-4½, 290) to UAB's defensive line. Freeman bench presses 500-plus pounds.

23. Pig Prather, DB, Mississippi St. -- Former RB was all over the field in the Bulldogs' earlier win over Memphis, finishing with six tackles (five solos), two stops behind the line of scrimmage and a sack.

24. Cliff Russell, WR, Utah -- Has 4.27 speed and outstanding hands. Has caught 19 passes, for 15.4-yard average and two TDs. Had an outstanding game vs. Oregon and Rashad Bauman.

25. Bradley Jennings, MLB, Florida St. -- Against Wake Forest, had five solo tackles; has been decent, but not great. Has nearly 200 tackles in the past two seasons.