Strength in numbers; David Carr is one of the few marquee names on this side of the ball, but there is still plenty of depth - Offensive Analysis

Football Digest, June, 2002 by Barry Wilner

MOST SCOUTS AGREE THAT the strength of this draft is defense. Still, there are a lot of options for teams in need of offensive playmakers.

Offensive tackle appears to be the strongest position, led by Miami's Bryant McKinnie, a super prospect who some scouts believe is talented enough to be the No. 1 pick overall. A dozen or so other offensive tackles figure to be chosen, many on the first day.

The tight end position, usually a weak spot, should produce at least two first-rounders. And while quarterbacks won't dominate this draft, several have enough talent to stick on NFL rosters, and two--David Carr of Fresno State and Joey Harrington of Oregon--could wind up as starters.

Here are our position-by-position rankings of the premier offensive prospects:

QUARTERBACKS

1. DAVID CARR, Fresno State, 6'2", 230 pounds

Carr has everything personnel directors look for in a quarterback: arm strength, leadership ability, intelligence, and experience. He proved himself by engineering some big-time upsets as a senior, and he seems to have been groomed to be an NFL starter. Because Fresno State played a difficult schedule last season, he doesn't have the question marks that often surround quarterbacks from mid-level schools. Look for Carr to be the first player selected in this year's draft.

2. JOEY HARRINGTON, Oregon, 6'3", 220

This guy is a winner. Maybe it was a bit much to put that Joey Heisman poster up in New York City, but Harrington can do without that award. He'll get a lot more recognition and glory once he hits the pros than he ever would have by winning the Heisman. He has size, the ability to elude pass-rushers, and the guts to stick in the pocket and take a hit. Mostly, he is a leader.

3 PATRICK RAMSEY, Tulane, 6'2", 230

Playing for a weak team did not diminish what Ramsey accomplished. A strong arm and good accuracy are his calling cards, but he doesn't move real well outside the pocket. Ramsey usually makes good decisions and is very coachable. He'll outstudy opponents in the film room.

4. KURT KITTNER, Illinois, 6'2", 222

By leading Illinois to the Big Ten championship last season, Kittner stamped himself as a nice prospect. He didn't have a very good junior year after a sensational sophomore season, but he came on well in 2001. The best of the second-level quarterbacks, Kittner is coachable and diligent. He also throws accurately and has a quick release.

5. ANTWAAN RANDLE EL, Indiana, 5'9", 191

Probably the best athlete in the draft, Randle El should be given a shot by somebody to run an NFL offense. He could develop into another Kordell Stewart-type QB, but he is more likely to get placed at wide receiver. Perhaps he'll become the next "Slash."

OTHERS TO WATCH: Josh McCown, Sam Houston State; J.T. O'Sullivan, California-Davis; Rohan Davey, LSU; David Gerrard, East Carolina; Brandon Doman, BYU.

RUNNING BACKS

1. WILLIAM GREEN, Boston College, 6'0", 212

Most scouts aren't turned off by the selfish attitude Green seemed to display in college. Why? Because he has the burst and the power to be a very effective NFL runner. If he interviews well with prospective teams and shows a penchant for receiving out of the backfield, he'll go high in the draft.

2. DESHAUN FOSTER, UCLA, 6'0", 217

Foster entered last season as the top back in the country but then slumped, as did his team. Still, there is plenty of talent here.

3. CLINTON PORTIS, Miami, 5'10", 194

Somewhat overshadowed by the bigger names around him in his early seasons at Miami, Portis blossomed last year and intrigues many scouts with his burst and breakaway ability. However, his size is a concern.

4 T.J. DUCKETT, Michigan State, 6'0", 246

Like Foster, Duckett was more highly regarded before the 2001 season than after it. But his power and burst inside remind some scouts of Jerome Bettis, although his feet aren't as quick as those of the Pittsburgh Steelers back. A former linebacker, Duckett produced in some of the Spartans' biggest games.

5. LADELL BETTS, Iowa, 5'10", 212

Betts is a versatile back, but he has a penchant for moving sideways, which means he misses some holes. But he is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and is dependable and durable. While he isn't in the same class as the runners listed above him, he still can be a steady producer, particularly as a third-down back.

OTHERS TO WATCH: Maurice Morris, Oregon; Luke Staley, BYU; Lamar Gordon, North Dakota State; Brian Westbrook, Villanova; Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern.

TIGHT ENDS

1. DANIEL GRAHAM, Colorado, 6'2", 242

One of the better tight end prospects in years, Graham can do it all. He should be a prime receiver right away in the NFL, and his blocking improved throughout his stay in Boulder. His dad, Tom, played linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

2. JEREMY SHOCKEY, Miami, 6'4", 243

A great fit for the West Coast offense, Shockey was extremely productive for the Hurricanes; he was even better than his predecessor, Bubba Franks. Shockey can run all kinds of routes and even can get open deep. However, he won't shake up anyone as a blocker.