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2002 NFL Draft Day coverage

Pulse of the draft, pick by pick

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Impressions of the fifth round

Carolina drafted a possible challenger for Chris Weinke’s QB job when they took Stanford’s Randy Fasani early in the fifth round. Although Weinke is the starter, he will need to develop more consistency under new offensive coordinator Dan Henning if he is to hold on to the job for long. This choice of Fasani is somewhat reminiscent of Weinke’s selection in the fourth round a year ago. Weinke was taken just in case new starter Jeff Lewis didn’t cut the mustard, which he didn’t, and now Fasani may be in a similar postion, although fading veteran Rodney Peete is on the Panthers’ roster in case he’s needed. At 6-3¼, 235 pounds, with 4.7 speed, Fasani played tight end, outside linebacker and on special teams at Stanford before finally getting a chance to start as a junior, so he lacks experience at quarterback. Fasani has had injury problems and has been very inconsistent, much like Weinke. Perhaps if Henning can’t develop Weinke into a starting-caliber QB, he can work his magic with Fasani.

In TE John Owens, the Lions drafted an interesting developmental prospect who, if he pans out, could eventually become a starter. Having lost TE David Sloan to New Orleans in free agency, the Lions signed ex-Chief Mikhael Ricks to take over the job. But Owens appears to have the potential to be better than Ricks.

Louisiana Tech SS Bobby Gray is the type of defensive back the Bears gravitate toward. He’s a first-competitor and leader, qualities similar to Bears FS Mike Brown, although he’s not as gifted athletically. He could be used as a nickel back and if he improves his coverage skills, he might eventually challenge SS Tony Parrish.

Western Kentucky S Mel Mitchell has the ability to make a big contribution to the Saints if he can improve his concentration and eliminate mistakes. With 4.58 speed and 6-1 1/8, 220-pound size, Mitchell could make an effective free safety.

Having lost Jessie Armstead in free agency, the Giants aren’t as strong at linebacker as they used to be. The selection of Wisconsin LB Nick Greisen is based more on intangibles and character, because he appears limited in terms of size, speed and athletic ability.

The Falcons’ choice of QB Kurt Kittner from Illinois was certainly good value, as he had figured to be drafted higher, but still it was a curious pick. With Michael Vick now the starter in Atlanta, he brings a mobile, roll-out approach to the Falcons’ QB position. Kittner, meanwhile, is a pocket passer with below-average mobility. With Chris Chandler having gone to Chicago, the Falcons now have three inexperienced quarterbacks (Doug Johnson is the other). Kittner appears to have the talent and intangibles to become a solid NFL backup, if not a starter someday. If he becomes the backup to Vick, he will provide a change-of-pace style when he comes into the game.

The Cowboys’ selection of Virginia Union DB Ralph "Pete" Hunter near the end of the round is an interesting one. Hunter is considered a developmental prospect, but he has excellent size (6-2 1/8, 200) and speed (4.45). Although he played against lesser competition, he would appear to have potential down the road.

Although Brigham Young QB Brandon Doman doesn’t have particularly good size or arm strength, the 49ers’ system is one in which he might have a chance to succeed. He’s a super competitor and very tough, which in the past has compensated for his shortcomings.

There was a run on quarterbacks, with four being taken in the fifth round. Only four had been drafted in the entire first day (three rounds), with two more going in the fourth round.

Terms of fifth-round trades

Shortly before the start of the draft, Indianapolis traded the 146^th pick to Seattle in exchange for QB Brock Huard.

New England traded the 168^th pick to Dallas in exchange for the 237^th pick (seventh round) and a fifth-round pick in 2003.

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