Ask the Experts

Who will be the first wide receiver and first defensive tackle to be drafted?

By the editors of Pro Football Weekly
April 16, 2002

Which player will be the first defensive tackle selected?

Holbrook: If the Bills don’t take North Carolina run-stuffer Ryan Sims with the No. 4 pick, it sure looks like Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth is going to be the first defensive tackle taken when the Cowboys select him at No. 6. When I heard that Dallas owner Jerry Jones loves Haynesworth, that was enough for me — what Jones wants, he usually gets. Haynesworth has soared up the draft boards of teams across the league since declaring his intention to enter the draft after a fine junior season. He’s a huge man at 6-5 5/8, 320 pounds and is quick off the ball and can be overpowering. The biggest question is his desire. He didn’t show much as a freshman and sophomore at Tennessee, then exploded onto the scene as a junior. He could be a heartbreaker or he could be a difference-maker for whichever team selects him.

Reynolds: I think the run on defensive tackles starts at No. 7 barring any movement by teams picking lower than the Vikings at the seventh spot. Though I feel the Vikings will look to Texas SS Roy Williams, they could easily go with another safe pick and land North Carolina DT Ryan Sims. If it is the Chiefs at No. 8 to take the first run-stuffer, it is likely Albert Haynesworth. But Sims has been consistent in workouts, as strong as he is quick, and would add a playmaker on the line. While Tennessee’s DT tandem of John Henderson and Haynesworth will get looks early, Henderson has had back problems and Haynesworth is green in terms of game experience. His size (6-6, 320) and athleticism make many feel his potential is too tough to pass up, but Haynesworth lends the impression that he will either be very good, or very bad. The safe bet is with Sims.

Nawrocki: Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth has excellent quickness and a huge upside, but Wisconsin’s Wendell Bryant and North Carolina’s Ryan Sims are proven products with tremendous character. Both arrived on their campuses four years ago, made an immediate impact in big games and can be expected to contribute immediately at the next level. Both are extremely driven and intelligent. Bryant was known for staying after practice and hitting the sleds in the sweltering heat during two-a-days. Sims has been trying to escape the shadow of Julius Peppers for years. Bryant has great speed for a defensive lineman, but will need a few years to develop physically. Sims is a step slower, but can manhandle blockers with his brute strength. While Haynesworth is projected the highest on many boards around the league for his football IQ, I am a firm believer that character will take you much further than raw ability. My draft board reads: Sims, Bryant, Haynesworth.

Which player will be the first wide receiver selected?

Holbrook: The word around the league is that Tennessee’s Donté Stallworth is rising into the top 10 and possibly even the top five. Stallworth stunned personnel people throughout the NFL when he ran in the 4.2’s at his workout day in March. He’s a big, physical receiver at 6-0 1/8, 197 pounds. Add in world-class speed and you have a special talent. Stallworth is also coming out early after a standout junior season with the Vols. He will make some NFL team very, very happy if he can stay healthy and works hard to refine his talents. If Dallas doesn’t take Haynesworth, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys take Stallworth.

Reynolds: Tennessee’s Donté Stallworth is said to be the apple of Jerry Jones’ eye in Dallas. Kansas City likes Ashley Lelie from Hawaii. Washington, which picks 18^th, wouldn’t mind Florida’s Reche Caldwell or Jabar Gaffney. But the consensus, albeit a minor majority, is with Stallworth based on potential and tangible physical skills. A big receiver with great hands, Stallworth is a step ahead of Lelie, who has yet to atone for a series of disappointing workouts. As recently as last week, Lelie maddened a group of NFL types by working out at less than 100 percent. While the junior could be special and has the skills to be an impact player, his shot might come a little further down the road than originally thought.

Nawrocki: According to an NFL scout in attendance for Tennessee’s pro timing day, WR Donté Stallworth absolutely blew the doors off at his workout. He runs crisp routes with excellent body control and is as explosive and difficult to tackle as a running back. He sits atop the draft boards of most NFL teams around the league as the top receiver. What really solidifies his status is his ability to double as a return man, where he can be expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL next season. While Stallworth must improve his concentration and pass-catching ability, he has tremendous potential and without question will be the first receiver off the board.

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