Wholly inspired: Larry Fitzgerald is the product of special forces—physical and emotional, collegial and professional, individual and familial—that have shaped him into an NFL-ready receiver and polished person at age 20

Sporting News, The, March 8, 2004 by Chuck Finder

* Blocking: A big strength. Has terrific size and works hard. Gets downfield, finds his assignment and works to sustain blocks. Has long, strong arms. Grade: 9.0

* Bottom line: Fitzgerald lacks only elite speed. Otherwise, he is the perfect NFL receiver. He is a big target on short and intermediate routes and is a downfield threat because of his initial quickness, long stride, deceptive acceleration and ability to outjump most defensive backs. FINAL GRADE: 8.9

Mike Williams, USC (6-5, 230) Though Williams doesn't have elite speed, he's faster than Fitzgerald and is a more explosive vertical threat because of a better combination of size and speed. Williams is the best overall prospect in the draft. He should be a top five pick, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he were taken No. 1 overall. FINAL GRADE: 8.9

Roy Williams, Texas (6-2 3/4, 208) After working hard in the weight room for the first time in his career last offseason, Williams avoided the hamstring injuries that bothered him in the past, and he looked sharper than ever. He's a complete wide receiver, with excellent size, speed, hands and run-after-catch skills. FINAL GRADE: 8.7

Reggie Williams, Washington (6-4, 220) Williams reaches top speed faster than most big receivers and shows excellent body control. He has the size and playmaking skills to develop into a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. FINAL GRADE: 8.4

Michael Clayton, LSU (6-3 5/8, 185) Unlike elite receivers such as Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, Clayton lacks the physical skills to dominate. However, he maximizes his potential and has a great natural feel for the game. FINAL GRADE: 8.4

Michael Jenkins, Ohio State (6-4, 213) Jenkins is a durable, playmaking outside receiver who is at his best when working the sidelines. He should quickly develop into a solid No. 2 wideout in the NFL FINAL GRADE: 7.9

Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma State (6-1 7/8, 194) His only real weakness is a lack of ideal speed. He is polished, tough and competitive but might never be more than a possession No. 2 receiver. FINAL GRADE: 7.7

For scouting reports on hundreds of draft prospects, subscribe to Draft Central at http://ultimate.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft.> Instant impact? Sometimes

Though it's unlikely Larry Fitzgerald will join Irving Fryar (1984) and Keyshawn Johnson (1996) as the only wide receivers to be picked first overall in the draft, it's a cinch he will be among the first 10 players selected.

What kind of immediate impact can the team that drafts Fitzgerald expect? Since 1990, 18 receivers have been among the first 10 players taken, and the first-year success rate of those players varied widely. While some receivers stormed into the league--Terry Glenn caught a then-rookie record 90 passes for the Patriots in 1996--others stumbled, including Washington's Desmond Howard (3 receptions, 1992), Detroit's Herman Moore (11, 1991), Chicago's Curtis Conway (19, '93) and Pittsburgh's Plaxico Burress (22, 2000). Of those 18 top 10 receivers, only three started all 16 games as rookies: Joey Galloway (1995, Seahawks), Peter Warrick (2000, Bengals) and Andre Johnson (2003, Texans).