2003 Draft, mock (ery) haul:
ESPN has posted their prospect evaluations.� Those are typically schizoid; reading the positives, every player sounds like a lock for Canton.� Off the negatives, they�re all camp fodder.� Here are some common, if imaginary, examples as tailored to one possible Steeler-centric scenario.�
1.27:� DE/OLB Brule �Stealth� Jacks, 6-4, 265#, 4.65 40.�� Lakota State.�� A surprising pick considering that Jacks projects as a 4-3 rush DE; however, this man was very clearly the BPA at 27 overall.� A full-blooded Native American, Jacks is a direct descendant of the Paiute holy man Wovoka whose vision of a wasichus-free prairie inspired the Sioux Ghost Dancers.�� This player has the ability to make himself invisible, creating serious match-up problems everywhere along the LOS and effectively eliminating any vertical component from opponents� pass attacks.� For all we know, can play standing up or with his hand on the ground.� Jacks was a top five prospect whose stock fell considerably on character issues when his coaches alleged that he plied his powers to pass on both practice and film sessions.
2.59:� CB Raphael Shepard, 6-1, 195#, 4.46 40.� Conestoga.� Big school player who arguably was the best athlete in the class of 2003.� Combines ideal size and speed with good intelligence and character.� Has exceptional agility, quick twitch and hip flip.� On the downside, had minimal collegiate production and demonstrated inadequate functional strength in workouts when he struggled to complete (10) reps of 225#, a sum routinely exceeded by several women in professional tennis.� �
3.92:� SS Paradise Buck, 4-10, 207#, 4.35 40.� CSI.� �Swift and powerful, despite his short stature is an explosive hitter who makes plays all over the field.� Highly regarded �in the box� safety who functions as an additional LB; as such, is a curious choice for the Steelers whose 3-4 already features more LB than is common about the league.� Height figures to put this player at a disadvantage against TE; on the plus side, can be easily hidden in blitz packages. ��
4.125 RB Nathan �Hummer� Wilde, 6-2, 236, 4.49 40.� Golden State.�� A bruising power rusher who gained over 3000 yards in two seasons against top opposition after transferring from junior college; on the downside, does not contribute in the passing game either as a receiver or pass protector.� Is an avowed homosexual whose moniker derives not from his running style but from the post-game favors he bestows on O-linemen who have blocked effectively for him.� Was popular with his teammates but could not be described as a team leader.
5.162:� NT McKinley Pike, 6-2, 343#.� Narcoleptic State.� Cannot run 40 yards but is a sleeper who could pay big dividends in the right system.� As immovable as he is immobile, routinely occupying up to four O-linemen on run downs.� �On the downside, struggles to get off the field in passing situations.�
6.200:� DB Nicholas Alexander, 6-2, 207#, 3.8 40.� Parchman A&I.� A small school player who is an exceptional size/speed prospect.� Runs a legit sub-four 40; can leap tall buildings in a single bound but rarely shows this on the field.� Alexander is a big hitter and willing worker but is as dumb as a brick; was eligible for just 4 games in 5 years.� Figures more as a special teams player than as either a package defender or eventual starter.
7.242:� QB Eldrick �Tiger� Woods, 6-1, 185#.� Stanford.� Slight of frame by NFL standards but is a proven winner who competed for a school that has sent many fine QB to the NFL.� Can air it out; commonly delivers the ball over 300 yards; however, has to show that he can play football at this, or any, level.