NFL DRAFT PREVIEW
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The Times takes a position-by-position look at the top college prospects and veteran free agents still available:
TOP PROSPECTS
Leonard Davis, Texas, tackle, 6-6, 370--Massive athlete with outstanding footwork, locks onto opposing linemen and tries to punch holes in their chest. Can pass and run block, has complete package of power, agility. Top-10 pick.
Kenyatta Walker, Florida, tackle, 6-5, 310--Intelligent player with excellent pass-blocking skills. Has the lower-body strength needed to develop into a fine run blocker.
Steve Hutchinson, Michigan, guard, 6-4, 305--Offensive lineman with defensive player’s mentality, he is known for battling well after the whistle has blown. Middle first round.
Jeff Backus, Michigan, tackle, 6-5, 303--Nasty run blocker drives defenders off the ball. Questions regarding his footwork may land him at guard in the NFL. Late first round.
Dominic Raiola, Nebraska, center, 6-2, 301--A grappler, loves to maul opponents at the point of attack. Has great hand and foot control for a player his size. Early second-rounder.
BEST OF REST
Brandon Whiney, Louisiana State, tackle, 6-6, 300--Great footwork. Maurice Williams, Michigan, tackle, 6-5, 300--Huge upside. Casey Rabach, Wisconsin, center, 6-4, 296--A throwback. Chad Ward, Washington, guard, 6-4, 339--Carries a big load. Ben Hamilton, Minnesota, center, 6-5, 303--An intense leader.
SLEEPERS
Floyd “Pork Chop” Womack, Mississippi State, tackle, 6-3, 332--Credits mobility to jumping rope. Paul Zukauskas, Boston College, guard, 6-5, 308--A human bulldozer.
VETERAN FREE AGENTS
This cupboard is just about bare: C Tim Grunhard (KC), T Richmond Webb (MIA), G Corbin Lacina (MIN), C Dermontti Dawson (PIT).
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