Mel's most intriguing prospects

[hogred]

By Mel Kiper Jr.

Mel Kiper's Most Intriguing Prospects | Feb. 3

We know who's on the Big Board of the top 25 NFL prospects and which players rank among the top five prospects at each position, but what about the rest of the guys?

Well, what better place to start examining the rest of the draft pool than with 10 intriguing prospects who are flying under the radar a bit, maybe ranking among the top at their position but not getting a lot of publicity?

The guy at the top of that list is wide receiver Jerome Mathis of Hampton. Mathis plays very fast at 6-foot-0½, 185 pounds and dominated the Division I-AA ranks with his tremendous open-field running, kick return skills and ability to step up in his team's biggest games.

He entered the 2004 season as a fifth- or sixth-round pick but has now moved into the second-round area after catching 29 passes last season for a whopping 29.8-yard average and scoring nine touchdowns. Mathis is also very good running reverses, averaging 12.4 yards per carry on 14 rushes and scoring two TDs on the ground. He could end up being the best small-college receiver to come out since Andre Reed was a fourth-round selection by the Buffalo Bills out of Kutztown State in 1985.

Now, the rest of the best among this year's most intriguing NFL prospects:

Offense

Mark Bradley, WR, Oklahoma
Bradley has been a great special teams player for the Sooners after transferring from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and while he began his career in Norman as a defensive back, Bradley came on strong as a wideout in 2004, catching 23 balls for 491 yards and seven touchdowns. He goes 6-1, 190, and has outstanding speed to go with incredible athletic skills – Bradley was a state high jump and decathlon champion in high school – which allow him to be a great open-field runner.

He is still learning the finer points of playing wideout and was criticized for a special teams blunder in the Orange Bowl against USC, but if a team is willing to invest a year to allow him to mature as a pass catcher Bradley will pay dividends. Getting him in the second round would be a great bargain.

Charles Frederick, WR, Washington
Frederick was limited for most of 2004 with a nagging hamstring injury, but his 59-catch, 831-yard performance as a junior had him rated as a potential first-rounder after 2003. His injury problems and limited playing time this past season will have him in the second round, perhaps even the third, where Frederick would be a heck of a steal. He has speed and at 5-10½, 189, has enough size to be effective at the next level.

Chris Kemoeatu, OG, Utah
One of the best pure guards out there, he jumps out in film evaluations because of the great footwork and athleticism he displays for a guy who checks in at 6-4, 338. Kemoeatu can pull effectively and gets to the second level very well, sustaining his blocks and playing with a mean streak. He also stands up very well in pass protection and should come off the board by the end of the second round.

Pete McMahon, OT, Iowa
Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz is an offensive line guru with a history of turning out quality linemen, and the 6-7, 325-pound McMahon could be next in line. He redshirted and has been in the Iowa program for five years, turning himself into a very good player by 2003 and continuing to improve throughout last season. He has explosiveness and gets good push in the running game from his right tackle spot thanks to a technically-sound game and great smarts, and McMahon could become a very dependable right tackle at the next level. He could turn into a quality player and makes a lot of sense as a third- or fourth-round choice.

Eric Shelton, RB, Louisville
At 6-2, 250, Shelton would be a nice change of pace and complement for a team that already has a speedy outside running threat. He can pound the ball inside but has plenty of natural running ability and impressive quickness for a player his size. Shelton averaged 6.7 yards per carry and scored 19 touchdowns in 2004, so he has big-play ability, and teams would be wise not to overlook him in the second- or third round.

[Smithian]

I love Mark Bradley. First time in a while that an Arkansas native is the main guy in the game changing play of the game when Oklahoma loses.

Espionage from within.

[jdmills23]

What about Eric Shelton from Louisville? At 6'2 250 I dont think you can overlook him. We need a goalline threat!

[fredp45]

When is shelton expected to go in the draft? 3ed round? Also, is he athletic enough to play STeams? He needs to be. I'd like a big big back with our 3rd round pick for short yardage plays.

[jdmills23]

Im not sure when he's supposed to be picked, But I would like to point out the success of the Steelers running game. They never have less than 4 backs on the game day roster for situational purposes.

[Redskins4Life]

Shelton will be a mid 2nd or early third round pick. We have too many holes to fill to draft Shelton in the 3rd round even if hes available.