Michael Vick's running ability is part of what makes him the top prospect in the draft.

Without so many non-seniors, this would have been one of the all-time bad first rounds. However, while the juniors and third-year sophomores add a great deal of athleticism and luster to the pool, the sad thing is, so many could have increased their chances of being great pros by staying in school at least one more year. Michael Vick is the classic example of that.

If Vick had stayed in school at least one more year (ideally two) to develop his drop-back passing skills and passing mechanics and learn how to read defenses, he could have been a John Elway-type prospect in 2003. However, now he may go first overall because of the need at his position and his long-range potential, but nobody rates him as a sure-fire superstar.

People can argue that Vick could have gotten injured if he had decided to stay in college, but with the help of his school and the NCAA, he could have gotten a $10 million or $11 million insurance policy.

FIRST-ROUND PROJECTIONS
The Pick	The Skinny
1. San Diego Chargers QB Michael Vick Virginia Tech	Potentially, he could become a faster Steve Young with a stronger arm, but he also could be another Andre Ware. Most scouts feel he probably will be a faster, left-handed version of Steve McNair.
2. Arizona Cardinals DT Marcus Stroud Georgia	This is a need pick and a reach, but he did some awesome things at the Senior Bowl. Stroud could go as high as No. 2 or as low as No. 20 because of his workout and how much stock people put in what he can do, as opposed to his consistent production.
3. Cleveland Browns WR David Terrell Michigan	He is the best athlete available and a selection that makes Tim Couch a very happy young man.
4. Cincinnati Bengals OT Leonard Davis Texas	Awesome size and ability. If only he had Anthony Munoz's focus and work ethic to go with it.
5 Atlanta Falcons WR Koren Robinson N.C. State	If he had spent one more year in college polishing his skills and learning how to act like a mature, responsible adult, he could have been a real blue-chipper instead of a gamble-on-greatness selection.
6. New England Patriots OT Kenyatta Walker Florida	If Drew Bledsoe is your quarterback, you better have two good tackles who can pass block.
7. Seattle Seahawks (from Dallas) DT Gerard Warren Florida	The Seahawks really missed Sam Adams last year and might not have Cortez Kennedy this year. Warren could go as high as No. 2 or as low as No. 20 because of his workout, but if he stays in shape he will be a force in the league, regardless of what 40-time he runs.
8. Chicago Bears DE Andre Carter California	Rubin's son could be the missing link on defense.
9. San Francisco 49ers RB LaDainian Tomlinson Texas Christian	Best back in the draft, and Charlie Garner will be tough to re-sign.
10. Seattle Seahawks QB Drew Brees Purdue	His intangibles and accomplishments make him special, and he has excellent movement in the pocket.
11. Carolina Panthers DE Justin Smith Missouri	The Panthers still are trying to fix the defensive line.
12. Kansas City Chiefs RB Deuce McAllister Mississippi	With his speed, receiving ability and great talent, the sky could be the limit. But he also could be a high-maintenance guy who teams can't keep on the field for an entire season.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars LB Dan Morgan Miami (Fla.)	The Jaguars are built around great work-ethic guys and leaders like Tony Boselli and Kevin Hardy, not around people like R. Jay Soward. While Morgan may not be a super athlete, he has the work ethic and leadership of which the Jags need more of.
14. Buffalo Bills RB Michael Bennett Wisconsin	The Bills want a No. 1 back they can feature.
15. Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss Miami (Fla.)	Has the big-play speed and ability the Redskins are looking for on offense and special teams.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers DL Richard Seymour Georgia	Not playing in the Senior Bowl and not slaving in the weightroom cost Seymour a slot in the top 10.
17. Green Bay Packers DT Damione Lewis Miami (Fla.)	Want a dominating defensive lineman and a blue-chip receiver out of this draft.
18. Detroit Lions DE Jamal Reynolds Florida State	Can rush the passer.
19. New York Jets WR Chad Johnson Oregon State	The Jets take Samari Rolle's cousin and get a player with Wesley Walker-type speed in the process.
20. St. Louis Rams DT Casey Hampton Texas	The Rams need an inside run stuffer who always comes to play, and that's just what Hampton is.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Nate Clements Ohio State	Ronde Barber is slated to become a free agent, and no left tackles of comparable value are left on the board.
22. Indianapolis Colts OG Steve Hutchinson Michigan	Peyton Manning deserves the best protection.
23. New Orleans Saints CB Fred Smoot Mississippi State	Best cover corner in the draft and, despite all the trash he talks, his teammates like him.
24. Denver Broncos DT Shaun Rogers Texas	The Broncos are trying to put the "D" back in Denver.
25. Philadelphia Eagles WR Rod Gardner Clemson	Not a burner but has great size and pass-catching ability.
26. Miami Dolphins WR Reggie Wayne Miami (Fla.)	He is local, he is good and he fills a need.
27. Minnesota Vikings CB Jamar Fletcher Wisconsin	Dennis Green throws out the size-to-speed ratio and goes with what he sees on game tapes, not the Scouting Combine tapes.
28. Oakland Raiders TE Todd Heap Arizona State	Rickey Dudley is a free agent who can't be counted on to catch the ball. Heap is no Tony Gonzalez, but he will get open and make big catches to keep the chains moving.
29. Tennessee Titans WR Quincy Morgan Kansas State	The Titans are looking for speed and big-play ability at wideout.
30. New York Giants CB Will Allen Syracuse	The Giants need a true cover corner who can run with the flyboys.
31. Baltimore Ravens OT Jeff Backus Michigan	Can replace Harry Swayne at right tackle or help inside.