Dave- Te Thomas' Draft Analysis
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THE 2001
NFL DRAFT REPORT's LOOK AT THE HALFBACK CROP Maybe we have been spoiled. It seems like every year, a stud running back burst onto the NFL scene, showing us that all is well in the world among the talent available at the halfback spot. Well, if your favorite team has ground attack problems that they are looking to find answers for in the 2001 draft, they will be very disappointed at not only the mediocrity offered here, but the lack of a "true stud" to emerge from the rest of the pile. Don't get me wrong, some of these guys could eventually become stars, but none carry that "can't miss" tag that we have become accustomed to seeing on a yearly basis. Take Texas Christian's LaDainian Tomlinson, for instance. While he has piled up great yardage figures, he operates out of a veer offense, taking the ball on a pitch-out, getting a nice head of steam before he gets to the holes. The only pitch-out tailback that has had recent success in the NFL is Green Bay's Ahman Green, who went through growing pains at Seattle while learning to run from a pro stance that was not used during his days at Nebraska. Let's look at mostly everyone's favorite, Mississippi's Deuce Mcallister. I am sorry folks, but if I am a general manager, before I toss hefty bucks this guy's way, I needed to see more consistency in his game. To me, he's a cross between fellow Ole Miss bust John Avery and Carolina's Tim Biakabatuka, in that he's NEVER been a featured back and he is forever dinged up for a long time by minor injuries. Wisconsin's Michael Bennett is the fastest player in the draft, but this kid needs to carry a load of Viagra in his pocket, as he usually is "spent" halfway through the game. Sure, he had some pretty gaudy figures in games this year, but most of those yards came on big runs and late in blow-out games. Besides, there is something "very different" about his character off the field that would certainly scare me away from him, if I was an NFL GM. LaMont Jordan has been slipping on most draft boards lately and appears to have fallen out of the first round. The knock on him is his lack of intelligence, but if the Vikings are smart little guys, Jordan could be a nice answer to fill the huge void created by Robert Smith's retirement, if he's still around when Minnesota picks in the second. Anthony Thomas is called "the Train" in Michigan circles, but while he certainly can punch the rush lanes like a locomotive, he tends to leave the ball on the ground (fumbles) too much to suit me. Kevan Barlow seems to have become a darling for a few teams, but then I guess, a strong background check into his character was not conducted by those teams. Travis Henry is nowhere near as good as he thinks he is and his decision to walk out of the Combines after arriving has got to hurt his draft chances, as teams question his character. Outdoing Henry was Miami's James Jackson, who didn't even bother to call or attend the Combines after being invited. Can you spell career suicide? Nebraska's tandem of Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter are in the same boat that Ahman Green was in a few years ago, as teams tend to shy away from runners that live and die on the pitchout. Alexander is likely to be drafted as a fullback and both have a nasty penchant for coughing up the ball. Auburn's Rudi Johnson is a talented back, but oh-so raw. He needed that extra year in college and lacks any receiving skills whatsoever. Look for him to be greatly disappointed about his decision to leave school early. Another underclassman that will be sitting near the phone for a few days on draft day is Tony Taylor of Northwestern State (La.), a nice scatback in the Napoleon Kaufman mold, but no more than a third-down type at the pro level. Reggie White of Oklahoma State is another underclassman that needed to stay in school, but I guess he wants to battle for a spot at the end of an NFL bench, rather than battle for All-American honors in college. Travis Minor of Florida State did not have the breakout year everyone expected him to have in 2000, but there is no better receiver in this crop than Minor. Derek Combs of Ohio State is rapidly moving up the charts. He reminds me a lot of Green Bay's Ahman Green for his low pad level and sudden moves through the rush lanes. Those looking at the smaller colleges could find a few diamonds in the rough, like Midwestern State's Dominic Rhodes and Stephen F. Austin's Derrick Blaylock, a mighty mite with an incredible outside burst that reminds me of a Dolphin runner from the 1970s, Mercury Morris. Yale's Rashard Bartholomew and Emporia State's DeAngelo Evans, a former Nebraska product, are other smaller college types that should get late round consideration. Massachusetts' Marcel Shipp may have carried the ball too much during his college career and scouts wonder if he has anything left, especially after a less-than-spectacular and injury-plagued 2000 campaign. Kentucky's Derek Homer was regarded as the finest runner in Kentucky prep annals, but never accomplished anything at the college level. Robert Sanford of Western Michigan will get a late round look, but he's been hampered in workouts by injury problems. Dee Brown of Syracuse and Cedric Washington of Boston College are potential late round backup types, but their inability to hold on to the ball could make teams bypass them on draft day. Kansas State's David Allen could be a nice third down back, but his true hope of sticking in the pros lies strictly in his return skills. Major injuries will probably keep Texas' Hodges Mitchell and Florida State's Jeff Chaney from being drafted. A combination of a lack of size and questionable durability will also kill Deone Whitaker's draft hopes. A little runner who could be a free agent find is Corey Holmes of Mississippi Valley, a 5:07, 190-pounder who set SWAC rushing records, despite playing only two years at the school. THE POSITION REPORT
CARD… THE CREAM OF THE CROP Negatives…Works better when taking the pitch-out, lacking the sudden moves to get off the snap from the proper stance...For all of his power, he seems to prefer to run out of bounds rather than turn upfield to gain extra yardage...not that productive when called upon to take the ball up the middle...Looks to make the "home run" plays too often, developing a reliance on that factor... Better when he gets a rolling start (best with a few yards to build up), but still lacks that explosive burst you'd want in a player with his quickness...Little tight in the hips, preventing him from developing any "shake-&-bake" moves...Willing blocker, but not one who can rock the defender back...Shows strength breaking low tackles, but does not have that quick first step to avoid nor does he use his power to move the pile. CAREER NOTES…The most decorated player in the history of the school...Became the first TCU player to finish in the top five in the Heisman Trophy voting (2000) since tailback Kenneth Davis finished fifth in 1984, and only the fifth player ever to accomplish that feat, joining Sammy Baugh (fourth in 1936), Davey O'Brien (won in 1938), Davis and Jim Swink (second in 1955)...His 5263 rushing yards rank eighth in NCAA Division 1-A history and he is only the ninth player in NCAA annals to surpass the 5000-yard barrier...His total is also a Western Athletic Conference career record...Has scored 324 points in his career, a school record and 13th on the NCAA Division 1-A all-time list...Holds the school's career-record, ranks second in WAC history and eighth in NCAA annals with 54 touchdowns on the ground...Holds the Horned Frogs record with 21 100-yard games rushing, including in his last thirteen contests (rushed for 2689 yards in those thirteen games)...Holds TCU's all-time records with 6337 all-purpose yards, the 11th-best total in college football history... Earned Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors eleven times during his career...Only the third player in Division 1-A history to lead the nation in rushing in consecutive years (1999-2000), joining Iowa State's Troy Davis (1995-96) and Ricky Williams of Texas (1997-98)...Became the first player in school annals to ever lead the nation in rushing (1850 yards in 1999)...Joined Ricky Williams as the only players in college football to ever rush for over 2000 yards in a season and over 5000 yards in a career...First TCU player since Kenneth Davis (1984) to earn All-American honors...Since arriving on campus in 1997, he has averaged 109.5 yards per game rushing against ranked opponents...Owns four of the school's top fifteen runs from scrimmage, including a pair of 89-yarders that set the Horned Frog mark. REMINDS ME OF…Philadelphia's Duce Staley. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Once he adjusts to running from a pro-set instead of a veer offense, watch him grow into a very effective back. Definitely starting material, but he has enough to only garner All-Pro consideration eventually, but this is no franchise back (or anyone else) here, folks. His numbers are very impressive, but he's a product of the team's system. Too bad too many general managers are desperate for a running back, as he'll go higher than his stock dictates. THE BEST OF THE REST Negatives…Will hit the line and stop, at times, resulting in lost yardage...Hands are very suspect, thus the reason that he was never involved in the team's passing game...Also needs to be more crisp in his route-running (almost seems as if he's too reluctant to be any way involved in the passing game)...Makes passive attempts as a blocker and overextends when trying to seal off the blitz...Seems to run out of gas late in games, making his stamina questionable...Needs to protect the ball better when running to prevent costly fumbles. CAREER NOTES…Even though his Wisconsin career was relatively short (two years), he will long be remembered as one of the fastest players to ever wear a Badgers uniform... This world class track man displayed electrifying moves on the field in 2000, making Wisconsin fans marvel at his blazing speed and tackle-breaking power...Even though he has only ten games as a starter under his belt, he ranks tenth on the school's all-time rushing list with 1979 yards…Carried 367 times (5.4 avg) with 15 touchdowns…Only caught five passes during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Former Miami Dolphin great Mercury Morris. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…If I am looking for a big-play artist, Bennett's my man, but I have serious reservations about his overall ability. He only comes to play for 30 minutes per game (thus being dubbed Mr. Viagra by yours truly for his tank running out of gas quickly) and has suspect hands, but oh, that sudden speed of his! I would've gone for the Deuce over Bennett, but I am judging this position on my long-range outlook and feel that Bennett is a boom or bust type worthy of seeing if he can explode upfield rather than explode on the sidelines. THE MOST UNDERRATED Negatives…Needs to drastically upgrade his work ethic...Not a student of the game and has very poor off-season conditioning habits...Indifferent player who needs to be prodded often by the coaching staff...Lacks classroom intelligence, basically because he does not apply himself... Needs to develop maturity in order to succeed at the next level...Lacks aggression when playing without the ball, tending to only get motivated when he's the focal part of the offense (poor supporting cast member). CAREER NOTES…The anchor of the Terrapins' offense since the late stages of his freshman year, LaMont started 33 of 43 games he played in at Maryland...Shattered school game, season and career rushing records, gaining 4147 yards with 36 touchdowns on 807 carries (5.2 avg), surpassing the previous Terp marks of 769 attempts for 3317 yards by Charles Wysocki (1978-81)...Only Rick Badanjek (44, 1982-85) scored more touchdowns rushing in school annals...His 18 100-yard games rushing broke Wysocki's old Terrapins record of 17...Became only the fourth player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to gain over 4000 yards rushing in a career...Also gained 737 yards with a score on 76 receptions during his career...Holds the school career-records with 888 total plays from scrimmage for 4980 all-purpose yards, topping the previous marks of 788 plays by Wysocki and 3950 yards by Jermaine Lewis (1992-95). REMINDS ME OF…Washington's Stephen Davis. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This is a player that I think will benefit from a "reality check." His questionable work ethic will probably keep him out of the first round, but once he realizes the amount of money that it cost him, he will settle down and rededicate himself to his craft. I keep seeing Purple (Vikings) on this guy in the second round. Hopefully, Dennis Green will agree that purple suits Jordan just fine. THE MOST OVERRATED Negatives...Lacks ideal height...While he has the speed (4.38), he does not display explosive acceleration...More effective when used to move the chains rather than go for the big gainer... Willing blocker, but his hits pack little power and he frequently lunges at the ankles of defenders, making him of little use vs. the blitz...Does not have those sudden moves to burst around the corner and shows only adequate ability to spot the secondary holes when his main lane is clogged. CAREER NOTES…A classic blue-collar worker who has been very effective using his powerful leg drive to move the chains for the Hurricanes the last four seasons...Came to Miami after a season at Fork Union military Academy...Suffered through a rash of injuries as a redshirt freshman and was again hampered by injury woes during his junior campaign...Still managed to finish third on the school's all-time record list with 2953 yards rushing, carrying the ball 541 times while scoring 29 touchdowns on the ground...Only Edgerrin James (2960, 1996-98) and Ottis Anderson (3331, 1975-78) gained more yards rushing in Miami annals...His eleven 100-yard rushing performances rank behind Anderson (13) and James (14) on the school's career-record list...Caught 38 passes for 278 yards and three scores during his time with the Hurricanes...His 32 total touchdowns are surpassed only by James (35) and Stephen McGuire (35, 1989-92) in school history. REMINDS ME OF…Oakland's Tyrone Wheatley. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Jackson reminds me of (pardon the pun Forrest Gump) of a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get. This is a kid that never set the world on fire, yet showed flashes of brilliance every once in awhile. Teams were hoping to get into his head at the Combines, but he mysteriously was a no show, a career suicide move, I say. Like Wheatley, he can be as good as he wants to be, but just seems to lack that fire in the gut to get the task done. THE SUPER SLEEPER Negatives…While he has great open field acceleration, he tends to take his time getting in gear...Has problems quickly spotting the running lanes, resulting in his inability to consistently break it loose...While he is not known to fumble the ball, his small hands (8 1/4) could pose a problem. CAREER NOTES…After battling hamstring injuries and patiently waiting on the bench while playing behind KaRon Coleman and Isiah Stoker, he finally was given an opportunity to start as a senior and he made the most of it...Appeared in 31 games, earning 12 starts as a Lumberjack... Finished his career seventh on the school's all-time record list with 2091 yards rushing, carrying 340 times (6.2 avg) with 14 touchdowns...Joined the school's track team, performing as on the 4x100 relay team prior to his senior gridiron season. REMINDS ME OF…Oakland's Napoleon Kaufman. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Even though the team did not throw him the ball much, Blaylock proved in postseason all-star practices that he could be a very effective change-of-pace back for some team in the mid-rounds. Jacksonville thinks he could be that type of player for them, so look for the Jags to show strong consideration if Derrick is still around (should be) on the draft's second day. FIRST DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives…Has had problems overcoming minor injuries...Lacks elusive running skills, showing little hip swerve, as he prefers to run through tacklers...More comfortable in the short passing game, as he tends to look sloppy coming out of his breaks on deep routes...Needs to do a better job of being aware when the opponent is blitzing, in order to lend support as a blocker...Has never been the team's "main weapon," serving more in a complimentary role while sharing playing time at tailback. CAREER NOTES…One of the most decorated players in Ole Miss history...Despite his blue chip pedigree, he is proud of being called a consummate team player, forsaking personal success for that of the team...Only player in school annals to record three seasons with at least 1000 all-purpose yards... Holds the Mississippi career-records with 616 carries for 3060 yards and 37 touchdowns rushing, topping the previous marks of 494 attempts by Dou Innocent (1991-92, 1994-95), 2654 yards by Kayo Dottley (1947-50) and 25 scores by Archie Manning (1968-70)...His 13 100-yard rushing performances broke Innocent's previous school career-record of 10...His 4889 all-purpose yards shattered the old school record of 3186 by J.R. Ambrose (1984-87)...His 41 total touchdowns set a Mississippi all-time record, as did his 246 points scored, bettering the old record of 207 points by Brian Lee (1989-92)...Ranks fourth in school annals with 992 yards on kickoff returns. REMINDS ME OF…Arizona's Thomas Jones. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…One look at this kid's real first name and you'll understand why he likes being called Deuce. The problem that I find with this athlete is that he's NEVER been the featured back and seems to be very comfortable with that situation. Yes, he will produce, but will he do it consistently? The reason I downgraded him is because he's not one to carry the brunt of the workload. Sorry folks, but if I am a GM laying down some hefty bucks, I need more assurances that he can get the job done on a regular basis. #32-ANTHONY
THOMAS University of Michigan Wolverines 6:01.4-226 Negatives…Not that protective of the ball...His small hands have resulted in a high amount of fumbles throughout his career...Does not have the speed to burst out of his stance in an instant and also lacks the sustained acceleration to be a tackle-breaker...More of a straight-ahead runner, lacking the juking moves and quickness to consistently turn the corner. CAREER NOTES…Has been the team's main running threat since early in his sophomore year...Proved to be a very capable receiver...Plays at a high intensity level, loving the battles inside the trenches...Saw action in 48 games as a Wolverine, starting 26 contests...Carried 924 times for 4472 yards and 55 touch-downs during his career, breaking the previous school all-time records of 809 attempts for 4393 yards by Jamie Morris (1984-87) and 47 scores by Tyrone Wheatley (1991-94)...Added 810 yards and a score on 84 receptions and 720 yards on 31 kickoff returns...His career total of 6002 all-purpose yards is topped only by Morris (6201) in Michigan annals. REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Corey Dillon. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Born to play smash-mouth football, but oh, those fumbles! Still, moving the chains are the name of the game and power running is his strong suit. Use him like Tennessee uses Eddie George and you will not have to worry about your running game for a few years. #43-KEVAN
BARLOW University of Pittsburgh Panthers 6:01.1-238 Negatives…Has a lot of growing up to do off the field and needs quite a bit of prodding from coaches in practice to "stay focused"...Moody and surly, at times and lacks dedication to learn football techniques needed to match his impressive athletic ability... Shows inconsistencies coming off the snap, as he seems to lack that necessary sudden burst needed...Even though he has great speed for a player of his size, he rarely displays fluid hip swerve or the burst to run away from defenders after the initial hit...While effective as a receiver, he needs route definement and has to do a better job of being aware of where defenders are...Aligns and positions himself properly when blocking in pass protection, but has no focus on the job at hand...Even though he has the size of a fullback, he lacks the ability (or desire) and technique to be considered an effective lead blocker...His history of poor work habits and a surly attitude may out-weigh his talent, unless he matures in a hurry...Has a strong lower frame, but needs to dedicate time in the weight room to develop his upper body. CAREER NOTES…A part-time starter for most of his career, Kevan finally was given the opportunity to be the Panthers' full-time tailback in 2000 and responded with a banner season...With only fifteen starts under his belt for his career, he still managed to amass 2324 yards with 20 touchdowns on 486 carries (4.8 avg), becoming only the ninth player in school history to rush for over 2000 yards in a career (ranks seventh on Pittsburgh's all-time record list)...Ranks 11th on Pittsburgh's career scoring list with 144 points. REMINDS ME OF…Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This kid can be a load and a half, when he puts his mind to it. Prior to the Senior Bowl, most teams had him listed as a "bad character" type, but after a strong showing during the week's practices, the fickle general managers seem blind to his immaturity. Boom or bust type who will only have himself to blame if he does not take advantage of this one last opportunity. #32-RUDI
ALI JOHNSON Auburn University Tigers 5:09.5-232 Negatives…Not a potent blocker, lunging at defenders in pass protection...Lacks recognition skills to pick up the blitz...Poor route runner who seems to stumble trying to get into his routes...Has problems getting to the ball in the short area, especially when his back is to the quarterback...Needs to develop better arm extension going up for the pass...Hesitates when going towards the perimeter, preferring to gain the bulk of his yardage between the tackles. CAREER NOTES…Junior college sensation whose stay at Auburn was all-too-short, according to Tigers fans...Made a big push to re-write the school's record books in his only season with the team...Ran for 1567 yards on 324 carries (4.8 avg) with 13 touch-downs as a Tiger...His 324 attempts broke the old school season-record of 278 carries by Bo Jackson (1985) and his 1567 yards are surpassed only by Jackson's 1985 total of 1786 yards in school annals... Despite playing only one season at Auburn, he ranks fifth on the school's career-record list with ten 100-yard rushing performances while his 1567 yards rank 17th...His average of 130.58 yards per game rushing established a Tiger all-time record (minimum 300 carries), breaking the previous average of 113.2 yards by Jackson… Including his 1999 season at Butler Junior College, he's gained 3791 yards with 44 touchdowns on 630 carries (6.0 avg). REMINDS ME OF…Buffalo's Antowain Smith. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Another year in school and he could have been a first rounder. While he has great lateral agility, he still needs to refine his running skills and lacks the sure hands you need in an every day back. Will look nice wearing a New England uniform. Look for him to go sometime late in the second round or early in the third. #20-TRAVIS
HENRY University of Tennessee Volunteers 5:09.7-221 Negatives…Liability for the passing game, as he does not have the hands to be relied upon to catch the ball...Takes some false steps at times, lacking the vision when forced to move laterally... Does not show the proper wiggle and hip action to turn the corner, preferring to power his way up the middle...Needs to develop better cutting moves to avoid tacklers...While he seems willing to block, he looks awkward in that duty, tending to overextend and make only glancing blows. CAREER NOTES…Despite being overshadowed by teammate Jamal Lewis for the first three years of his career and not becoming a full-time starter until his senior year, Travis has made a name for himself in Tennessee annals, setting school career-records with 3078 yards rushing, 556 rushing attempts and 14 100-yard rushing performances, topping the previous marks of 540 attempts by Jay Graham (1993-96), 2890 yards by James Stewart (1991-94) and 13 100-yard games by Lewis (1997-99)...Only Stewart (35) has scored more touchdowns rushing in a career for the Vols than Travis' 26. REMINDS ME OF…Carolina's Tim Biakabutuka. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Now there is a lesson to be learned here. If you want to impress your future employers, do not show up for an interview and then suddenly bolt. That's what Henry did when he attended the Combines in February, but then decided to leave on his own immediately after the physical. He has good athletic ability, but Jamal Lewis (Ravens) he is not. Will go on the draft's first day, but only because of a lack of depth at tailback in this year's draft. #36-CORRELL
BUCKHALTER University of Nebraska Cornhuskers 5:11.7-228 Negatives...Seems to lack the field vision necessary to retreat and cutback when his initial rush lane becomes clogged...Runs at a very high pad level, leaving the ball exposed...Does too much bouncing around trying to get to the outside and needs to develop a little shake in his moves in order to elude...Does a nice job of picking up the blitz, but gets thrown around in tight quarters when trying to play the lead blocker...Lacks leadership skills and can be influenced badly by others (had a problem with the coaches in 1999, becoming disenchanted over playing time. He missed a few practices prior to the California contest and was almost talked into quitting by a teammate who left the program, but he worked it out with the coaching staff and agreed to return to the team)...Unknown quality working in a conventional offense, as the position he play, I-back, will generally get the ball on a pitch out. CAREER NOTES…Powerful I-back who has shared that position with others since his sophomore year...Despite starting only nine games during his career, he gained 2522 yards with 27 touch-downs on 413 carries (6.1 avg)...His 2522 yards rank eighth on the school's career-record list. REMINDS ME OF…Pittsburgh's Richard Huntley. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Will never be an every down back, much like his college career showed, but he will come in to move the chains for you and give your starter a needed rest. Could also work well if your team has a quick scatback to team with him. I just can't see wasting a first day pick on reserve material, but that's the route some team will take here. SECOND DAY DRAFT POSSIBILITIES Negatives...Lacks that second gear to turn the corner for a long run...Has good acceleration, but not enough to sustain his speed upfield...Needs to make better body adjustments going for the catch...Lets the ball into his body, rather than extending for it as a receiver...Shows a lot of passiveness in his blocking technique, shying away from any aspect of this game, if he can. CAREER NOTES…Three-year letter-winner who moved into the starting lineup as a junior...Powerful runner who has also excelled on special teams for the Cowboys...Carried 267 times for 1396 yards (5.2 avg) and six touchdowns during his career. REMINDS ME OF…Cleveland's Travis Prentice. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…This underclassman is banking on earning some big bucks based on only one year as a starter. Returning to school would've upped his price tag, but he opted for the pros anyway. Be patient and you may get an effective back down the road, but for someone of his power, I wonder why the team took him off the field so much in goal line situations. #1-DOMINIC
RHODES Midwestern State University Indians 5:09.0-209 Negatives...Has had a penchant for fumbling the ball, carrying the pigskin too loosely... Struggles when he has to lower his pads to push the pile...Unproven blocker, who shows willingness, but lacks technique...Lack of size and that explosive second gear prevents him from making the big play into the secondary...Handles punt return duties, but will not be effective in that area at the pro level due to his possible poor vision and uncertainty on how to field the ball properly (lets too many punts hit the ground before fielding)...Needs to mature off the field, as he has had several run-ins with law enforcement in recent years (arrested in junior college for unpaid speeding and parking tickets. Spent a day in jail before being released. Arrested in the Winter of 1998/99 on a recruiting trip to Midwestern State after he tried to intervene in a fight between his girlfriend and another person. He was arrested by the police for interfering, spent a day in jail and was fined $700. He failed to pay the fine and was re-arrested in January, 2000 after neighbors called the police due to a domestic disturbance between he and his girlfriend. Spent a day in jail and was also charged with failure to pay the previous fine. Had to make restitution before he was released.) CAREER NOTES…Two-year standout for the Indians, setting school career-records with 493 carries for 2541 yards (5.2 avg) with 29 touchdowns and 174 points scored, topping the previous marks of 368 attempts for 1957 yards by Henry Anders (1991-92), 19 scores by Stephon Brockington (1994-95) and Bryan Gilmore (1996-99) and 118 points scored by Gilmore. REMINDS ME OF…Cincinnati's Curtis Keaton. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Like Keaton, he relies on sudden moves to freeze the defenses. He has good pick and slide ability, but will probably go later in the draft (if at all) than his stock dictates due to a series of off-field incidences that have teams openly questioning his character. #43-DEREK
COMBS Ohio State University Buckeyes 5:11.4-197 Negatives...Has very limited starting experience...Frame could use a little more bulk, as he does not have the leg drive to be consistent running up the middle...More of a one-arm runner who needs to do a better job of protecting the ball to erase past fumble problems...More of a body catcher in the passing department and can not be relied upon to give assistance there...Route running is poor, rounding his cuts coming out of his breaks...Lacks the ability to diagnose the plays, not spotting the clear rush lanes quickly. CAREER NOTES…Finally got his chance as a starter in his final year...Despite a solid 2000 campaign, the season was marred by a nagging ankle sprain...One of the fastest players in the Big Ten Conference, boasting a 4.46 clocking in the 40-yard dash...Finished his career with 274 carries for 1232 yards (4.5 avg) and ten touchdowns. REMINDS ME OF…St. Louis' Trung Canidate. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…I tend to not give major college kids a "sleeper" tag, but this guy may be the exception to the rule. He's just starting to come into his own and if not for injury woes in 2000, he could have moved up quite a bit on a few draft boards. Look for someone to be very surprised at what Combs will bring to the table. #23-TRAVIS
MINOR Florida State Seminoles 5:10.4-194
Negatives…Needs to work on his downfield acceleration, as he seems to run sluggish past the pile...Has had problems holding on to the ball running through traffic...Has to improve his concentration as a receiver, as he will drop a few easily catchable balls. CAREER NOTES…A tireless worker, Travis became the first player in school history to lead the team in rushing four times in a career...Moved into the starting lineup at the end of his freshman season, gaining 3218 yards with 28 touchdowns on 664 carries (4.8 avg) during his time at Florida State...Only Greg Allen (3769 yards, 1981-84) and Warrick Dunn (3959, 1993-96) gained more yards on the ground for the Seminoles...Proved to be one of the premier pass-catching tailbacks in the collegiate ranks, hauling in 106 passes for 831 yards (7.8 avg)...His 106 catches rank 13th on the school's all-time record list. REMINDS ME OF…Tampa Bay's Warrick Dunn. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Every team needs a blue-collar type and Minor may be the best receiver of any running back in this draft. He may not be one to carry the ball 20 times per game, but get him to handle the ball a dozen times or so (rushing and receiving) and watch the yardage pile up. #33-ROBERT
SANFORD Western Michigan University Broncos 5:10.3-201 Negatives...Despite his production, he is not a punishing runner...Has had weight problems in the past...Lacks that sudden burst out of his stance, gathering some before getting into gear... Has good linear quickness, but does not show that lateral agility to redirect when the rush lanes are clogged..Shows improvement protecting the ball, but tends to get a little careless upfield, swinging his arms to gain acceleration, but the result is that he leaves the ball exposed. CAREER NOTES…Highly productive runner who forced his way into the starting lineup as a freshman and proceeded to shatter school career-records with 4219 yards and 41 touch-downs rushing, topping the previous marks of 4190 yards and 39 scores by Jimmy Persell (1976-78)...His 838 carries are surpassed only by Persell's 842 on the Broncos' all-time record list...Also set a WMU career-record with 4609 all-purpose yards, breaking the old mark of 4446 yards by Jim Vackaro (1992-95)...Joined Persell as the only players in school annals to rush for over 1000 yards in a season three times in a career. REMINDS ME OF…Arizona's Michael Pittman. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…A late season hip pointer cost this kid some playing time in all-star games, but he has made steady progress throughout his career. He's the type you'd want on the bench, in case your starter needs a breather, but is certainly not starting material. #5-MARCEL
SHIPP University of Massachusetts Minutemen 5:10.6-216 Negatives…More quick than fast, lacking that explosive outside burst...Takes awhile to get in gear, as he does not have that quick first step to the holes, lacking that sudden burst...Needs to upgrade his strength and does not possess the juking moves to escape defenders trying to turn the corner. CAREER NOTES…One of the most decorated athletes in UMass annals...Finished his career as the sixth-ranked all-time leading rusher in NCAA Division 1-AA annals with 5383 yards (regular season only)...Ran for over 100 yards 33 times during his career, including seven 200-yard performances, setting a school record with a string of 19 consecutive 100-yard efforts...Holds the school's career-records with 1215 carries for 6250 yards, 58 touchdowns rushing, 378 points scored and 7759 all-purpose yards...Ranks second in UMass annals with 126 receptions and third with 6250 yards in total offense...Became only the sixth player in college football history to rush for over 6000 yards and gain over 1000 yards receiving in a career...His 6250 yards rushing broke the Atlantic Ten Conference career-record of 6193 yards by New Hampshire's Jerry Azumah (1995-98). REMINDS ME OF…Green Bay's Dorsey Levens. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL…Some teams are wondering if Marcel has carried the ball too much during his college career and has nothing left for the pros. Injuries hampered him in 2000 (ankle), but he redeemed himself during Hula Bowl practices. Too bad practically no team decision-maker attended the Hula Bowl to see it. Like Levens, he will be overlooked for awhile on draft day, but I still feel that he has enough gas left in his tank to get the job done. OTHERS TO WATCH OUT
FOR Negatives...Little self-centered in the past, resulting in him leaving Nebraska...Has to get in better shape as he's carrying a few more pounds than his frame should handle...While he shows good snatch and pluck action as a receiver, his inability to properly secure the ball as a pass catcher has resulted in limited opportunities for him to get the ball in this phase of the game...Has a good short burst, but he slows considerably past the line of scrimmage, allowing the defender to recover...Caught a bad rap due to problems with promises made by the Nebraska coaching staff. When the extra playing time did not materialize, he bolted the school early in the 1999 season. CAREER NOTES…After not being utilized to the best of his ability at the University of Nebraska, DeAngelo sat out most of the 1999 season before exploding on the scene at Emporia State in his final year...A runner with the size of a fullback, he has proven to be equally effective taking the ball up the middle or turning the corner...Gained 1068 yards with 18 touchdowns on 205 carries (5.2 avg) in 16 games at Nebraska, surpassing those totals in eleven games at Emporia State in 2000 (203 attempts for 1246 yards and 12 scores)...His collegiate career resulted in 2314 yards and 30 touchdowns on 408 rushing attempts (5.7 avg). #36-TONY
TAYLOR Northwestern State University of Louisiana Demons 5:08.3-191 Negatives...Appears more comfortable running on the edge than up the middle...Has to secure the ball better on his carries to prevent the costly fumble...Makes an effort as a blocker, but his contributions in this area are minimal...Needs to polish his route running as he tends to round his cuts and looks hesitant coming back for the underneath passes. CAREER NOTES…Three-year standout who carried the brunt of the offensive load during his career with the Demons...Moved into the starting lineup for the final three games of his freshman year...Closed out his career with 688 carries for 3818 yards (5.5 avg) and 32 touchdowns, shattering the previous school all-time records of 653 rushing attempts for 3057 yards by John Stephens (1984-87) and 29 scores by Charlie Tolar (1956-58)...Ran for over 100 yards in 20 of 33 regular season games...Also a standout long jumper on the school's track team. #5-CHRISTOPHER
"CHRIS" BARNES New Mexico State University Aggies 6:00.4-209 Negatives…Has no sudden change-of-movement skills...Tends to shy away from contact, preferring to run out of bounds rather than cut back through traffic...Needs to be prodded a lot by the coaching staff to perform at a better level in practice...Very unwilling blocker... Despite his quickness, he's hesitant to kick it into that extra gear and needs to use his blockers better running through the crease...Despite his size, he's not a power back, playing more like a scatback, as he's not effective at moving the pile. CAREER NOTES…Emerged in his senior year, adjusting to the role of I-back...In 20 games for the Aggies, he amassed 1698 yards with 11 touchdowns on 275 carries (6.0 avg)...Tied for ninth on the school's career-record chart with six 100-yard performances...Only the eighth player in Aggies annals to rush for over 1000 yards in a season…Including his time at Monterey Peninsula Junior College, he totaled 3013 yards on 497 tries (6.1 avg) with 24 scores in 29 college games. #6-DADRIAN
"DEE" BROWN Syracuse University Orangemen 5:10.4-209 Negatives…Lacks speed and strength, appearing sluggish coming off the snap...Has little body lean, displaying poor acceleration through the holes...Does not have the power to break tackles...His poor cutback ability prevents him from consistently turning the corner...His poor acceleration off the line prevents him from pulling away from the pile... Does not show good stop-&-go action...Seems to be very reluctant to block, spending a lot of time on the ground...Fails to step up and face the blitz, preferring to dive at the defender's ankles. CAREER NOTES…Originally recruited as a quarterback, this talented youngster made a smooth transition to tailback in 1997...Moved into the starting lineup as a junior...Started at both tailback and fullback in his final season...Finished his career fifth on the school's all-time rushing list with 2626 yards on 493 carries, topped only by David Walker (2643 yards, 1989-92), Floyd Little (2704, 1964-66), Larry Csonka (2934, 1965-67) and Joe Morris (4299, 1978-81)...His 28 touchdowns on the ground are surpassed only by Little's 35 in Syracuse annals. #20-COREY
HOLMES Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils 5:07.5-187 Negatives...Size is a big drawback, limiting him to third-down duties at the pro level (or a possible switch to receiver)...While showing a willingness to face up to the defenders, he lacks the overall strength to be effective as a blocker. CAREER NOTES…Two-year standout for the Delta Devils...Began his career at Mississippi Delta Community College, sitting out the 1998 season before emerging as one of the Southwestern Athletic Conference's most electrifying players over the course of the last two seasons...Even though he only spent two years at Mississippi Valley, he finished his career with 527 carries for 2897 yards (5.5 avg) and 21 touchdowns, breaking the school's all-time record of 2851 yards by Carl Bynum (1982-85)...Added 226 yards on 31 receptions (7.3 avg). #32-DAVID
ALLEN Kansas State University Wildcats 5:08.5-192 Negatives…Lacks power to break tackles...Tends to get impatient waiting for blocks to develop when carrying out of the backfield...Runs upright and ducks his head before contact taking the ball up the middle...Poor blocker who lunges at defenders and barely sustains his position...Needs to do a better job of driving with his legs as a running back...Needs to use his hands more effectively, as he sometimes leans into blockers rather than pushing off to escape press coverage…Could be limited to only return duties due to his deficiencies as a running back...Poor attitude-type who is very arrogant, wearing on a coach's nerves...Not considered to be team-oriented, preferring to do things "his way."...Small hands (8 1/4-inch length) pose a problem for the receiving game and for properly securing the ball as a runner. CAREER NOTES…Regarded as one of the best punt returners in the history of college football... Injuries kept him on the sidelines for a good portion of his senior year, but he still managed to tie the NCAA all-time record with seven punt returns for touchdowns, matching a mark first set by Jack Mitchell of Oklahoma (1946-48) and equaled by Johnny Rodgers of Nebraska (1970-72)...His 1646 yards gained on punt returns set a school and Big Twelve Conference career-record and ranks second in NCAA annals behind Lee Nalley of Vanderbilt (1695, 1947-49)...Only player in college football history to return a punt for a touchdown in three-straight games and to twice return punts for scores in back-to-back contests…In 41 games, he gained 783 yards with eight touchdowns on 168 carries (4.7 avg).
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