Oct. 17
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. Wendell Bryant, DT, Wisconsin -- 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).

3. David Carr, QB, Fresno St. -- Carr has consistently made the proper reads while showing big-time arm strength and impressive accuracy and touch. He's posted brilliant efforts in upset victories over Wisconsin and Oregon State.

4. 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.

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

6. Anthony Weaver, DT, Notre Dame -- Solid performance against West Virginia; leading tackler with seven tackles. Has three sacks on the year.

7. Quentin Jammer, CB, Texas -- Bounce-back game vs. Texas Tech; also operated effectively in zone packages. He's a serious eraser in the Longhorns' deep patrol.

8. DeShaun Foster, RB, UCLA -- Bounce-back game vs. Oregon State: 31 carries for 147 yards and three TDs.

9. Mike Williams, OT, Texas -- Mammoth 6-6, 360-pounder is an All-American caliber RT.

10. Larry Tripplett, DT, Washington -- Solid game against Cal: six tackles (all solo, two for loss) and one pass breakup. On third-and-1 on Cal's last drive, hit fullback for three-yard loss (pivotal play of the game).

11. Javon Walker, WR, Florida St. -- Three catches for 29 yards vs. Miami. Has taken on a leadership role; named one of offensive captains.

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. Robert Thomas, LB, UCLA -- Has been in mold of Ravens' Ray Lewis -- instinctive, tenacious, productive and consistent. An unbelievable force around and behind the line of scrimmage. The most dominant defensive player in the country this year.

15. Kelly Campbell, WR, Georgia Tech -- An exciting play-maker in the mold of former UCLA WR Freddie Mitchell.

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

17. Keyou Craver, CB, Nebraska -- Had three tackles, interception and two pass breakups vs. Baylor. Also returned four punts for 51 yards. Smooth cover man with ideal recovery speed, Craver has been a star triple jumper for Nebraska's track team.

18. Daniel Graham, TE, Colorado -- Caught four passes for 29 yards in win over Texas A&M. Strong in-line blocker with excellent hands; one of QB Craig Ochs' favorite targets. Graham is a centerpiece of the Buffaloes' attack.

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

20. Michael Lewis, DB, Colorado -- Five tackles against Texas A&M. Hits like a ton of bricks from SS spot. Lewis is the Buffaloes' all-time sack leader for DBs.

21. Cliff Russell, WR, Utah -- Has 4.27 speed and outstanding hands. Had an outstanding game vs. Oregon and Rashad Bauman.

22. Bradley Jennings, MLB, Florida St. -- Recorded 15 tackles against Miami (Fla.); against Wake Forest, had five solo tackles. Has nearly 200 tackles in the past two seasons.

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. Ron Johnson, WR, Minnesota -- Uses size (6-2½, 212) well and has physical approach.

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