2003 Rookie Prospects
November 23rd, 2002

It�s hard to believe, but the college Bowl season is just around the corner � starting December 17^th with the New Orleans Bowl � the Sun Belt Conference champion vs. a Conference USA team � and running through the BCS National Championship in the Fiesta Bowl on January 3^rd. The NFL scouts will be watching the action, and so should fantasy owners preparing for the 2003 draft (especially owners playing in dynasty leagues, where strong rookie drafts are key to long-term success).

Below is my (very) early list of top prospects for the 2003 NFL draft, on both sides of the ball. All of the guys that appear should have a shot at being selected in round one or two (a few are not seniors, and may elect to return for next season with their college teams), depending on their play in the Bowls and for the scouting combine later on. I encourage everyone to research the vast number of college prospects and to compile your own list as a fun way to prepare yourself for viewing the Bowl games over the Holidays. It certainly was an educational and fun challenge for me. Enjoy!

(Note: All statistics are as of 11/22/02)

Quarterbacks

1. Byron Leftwich, Marshall: 223/334 for 2995 yards, a 66.8 completion percentage, 19 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

2. Dave Ragone, Louisville: 181/335 for 2296 yards, a 54.0 completion percentage, 19 touchdowns and 6 interceptions.

3. Ken Dorsey, Miami, Fla.: 166/305 for 2428 yards, a 54.4 completion percentage, 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

4. Chris Simms, Texas: 204/344 for 2660 yards, a 59.3 completion percentage, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

5. Carson Palmer, USC: 237/380 for 2960 yards, a 62.4 completion percentage, 24 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

Running Backs

1. Lee Suggs, Virginia Tech: 204 rushes for 1092 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns.

2. Onterrio Smith, Oregon: 226 rushes for 1079 (4.8 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns.

3. Greg Jones, Florida State: 161 rushes for 938 (5.8 yards per carry) and 8 touchdowns.

4. Cecil Sapp, Colorado State: 283 rushes for 1302 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 17 touchdowns.

5. Larry Johnson, Penn State: 232 rushes for 1736 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns.

Wide Receivers

1. Charles Rogers, Michigan State: 63 receptions for 1287 yards (20.4 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns.

2. Taylor Jacobs, Florida: 57 receptions for 905 yards (15.9 yards per catch) and 8 touchdowns.

3. Billy McMullen, Virginia: 57 receptions for 780 yards (13.7 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns.

4. Sam Aiken, UNC: 60 receptions for 902 yards (15.0 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns.

5. Roy Williams, Texas: 54 receptions for 851 yards (15.8 yards per catch) and 9 touchdowns.

Tight Ends

1. Aaron Walker, Florida: 22 receptions for 331 yards (15.0 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns.

2. Mike Pinkard, Arizona State: 23 receptions for 408 yards (17.7 yards per catch) and 5 touchdowns.

3. Trent Smith, Oklahoma: 28 receptions for 259 yards (9.25 yards per catch) and 1 touchdown.

4. Donald Lee, Mississippi State: 17 receptions for 109 yards (6.4 yards per catch) and 1 touchdown (a decent receiver but an excellent blocker, something NFL scouts look for in a TE � the ability to pick up the blitz � MW)

Defensive Linemen

Note on Defensive Statistics: The NCAA only offers an incomplete listing of individual defensive statistics (a leader-board) on-line at their official site, and none of the major sporting sites offer them at all. Therefore, I have omitted statistics from my defensive lists, due to lack of availability. Also, I have combined DE�s and DT�s together on the list, as it is not unusual for them to be switched once they become pros (and they may even switch around during their careers, as well).

1. William Joseph, Miami, Fla.

2. Jimmy Kennedy, Penn State.

3. Jerome McDougle, Miami, Fla.

4. Jarret Johnson, Alabama

5. Chris Kelsay, Nebraska

Linebackers

Note: I have combined inside linebackers and outside linebackers together, without regard for their college position, as NFL teams often switch prospects from one to the other (and switch them during their careers, as well).

1. E.J. Henderson, Maryland

2. Boss Bailey, Georgia

3. Mario Haggan, Mississippi State

4. Lance Briggs, Arizona

5. Bradie James, LSU

Defensive Backs

Note: I combined cornerbacks and safeties in this list, as it is not uncommon for NFL teams to switch defensive backs about once they are pros.

1. Terence Newman, Kansas State

2. Andre Woolfolk, Oklahoma

3. Troy Polamalu, USC

4. Mike Doss, Ohio State

5. Marcus Trufant, Washington State