Get ready for some surprises!
By "Mel Kiper, Jr."

Playoffs 2184 (The Great Beyond) - Well folks, I'm back! Welcome to my 2185 Draft Preview, and there is certainly a lot of excitement with this year's crop! A new advance in communication with the deceased has allowed me to type up my own review without the need of an intermediary, and just like the aliens in the movie 'Independence Day', Heaven turns out to be Mac-compatible.

Before I begin, I want to reiterate that I am using the rating system developed by the game's founding fathers. While there are many systems out there that make comparisons, I like to go back to the basics and evaluate from the standpoint of how this player separates themselves from others at their position. While I doubt these will be the first ten off the board, they are, in my opinion, the best players available.

On to my Top Ten...

#1 - C Roger Hooks, University of Hawaii. With a commitment to endurance training this summer, Hooks can start in any line in the league as a rookie, and he'll only get better. He has matured all through college at an even level, and all the scouts rave about his all-around game. Even with mediocre improvement at the next level, Hooks will be an impact player. If he reaches his potential, he's a perennial All-Star.

. Drafted #1 in the first round by New Orleans.

#2 - DE David Clark, University of Miami, Florida. While leading the Hurricanes to the ACC title, Clark established himself as a big-situation player. He registered four sacks in the title game alone and was MVP of the Senior Bowl. While he'll need to bulk up a little at the next level, his all-around game should continue to improve to the level that will make him coveted by everyone.

. Drafted #4 in the first round by New York.

#3 - DE Sean Holmes, University of North Dakota. While both Holmes and Clark are top end prospects, the similarities end there. Holmes is a beast that has the strength and speed that Clark lacks; however unlike Clark, it takes Holmes a bit to get up to speed. Academics kept Holmes from gaining eligibility to a Division I school, and some are worried about his ability to absorb the game, since he was a man among boys playing at the University of North Dakota and didn't have to read plays like he will in the USAFL. Regardless, the physical tools are there, and he is projecting to be a very productive player.

. Drafted #2 in the first round by Oakland.

#4 - QB Brent Edwards, University of Texas. Brent Edwards is used to being talked about, as his recruitment from high school made national headlines. After deciding to become a Longhorn, Edwards proceeded to become a four-year starter. He has shown tremendous physical skills, lofting 60 yards passes with ease and showing the ability to move around the pocket. Perhaps his most impressive stat is that during his time in college, he never fumbled the ball. He will have to show that he can adjust to the speed of the USAFL and read defenses in a hurry. All that being said, he's one of the best quarterback prospects in years, and some lucky team will snap him up.

. Drafted #3 in the first round by Washington.

#5 - TE Webster Philcox, University of Nebraska. Coming out of high school, many recruiters wanted Philcox to play on the offensive line; however, Philcox had different plans. A four-sport athlete, Philcox was used to having the ball in his hands, so when Nebraska offered to move him to tight end, he went there. He made them look very smart, leading the Cornhuskers in receptions and touchdowns for three straight years. He'll have to work on his endurance to run the needed routes in the USAFL, but the fact that you don't have to take him out of the lineup for goal line blocking really adds to his value.

. Drafted #4 in the second round by New York.

#6 - K Merle McNeal, University of Tennessee. This is one kid I'm very excited about, as he was both the kicker and punter for the Volunteers. Unlike many kickers, he is a true athlete with great endurance. In the USAFL, he projects as a kicker, since he has a leg that will consistently land deep on kick-offs and extend the scoring range of his offense. If he exhibits the needed discipline this summer to refine his skills, he could instantly be a very effective kicker. While he obviously won't go in the first round, some team will be very happy to land him in the mid-rounds, and they'll be getting a steal.

. Drafted #3 in the second round by Washington.

#7 - HB Keith Hodge, Georgia University. What can't this guy do? Playing for a major college in a power conference, Hodge led the nation in rushing the past two seasons. He has the speed, moves, power, and hands to be a stud right out of the gate; however, there are critics who point to his tendency to wear down at the end of games. In fact, this was a rather pronounced trait, as the Bulldogs lost several close games late due to ineffective late drives. Hodge has a lot of work to do in this category, but if he lands in the right situation and develops his endurance, he could end up among the games elite players.

. Drafted #16 in the second round by Cincinnati.

#8 - S Darryl Kersey, Boise State University. This is one amazing player, who overcomes his smaller build by playing fast. He has a non-stop motor that lets him be a factor on every play. More impressively, he graduates with a 4.0 and a degree in bio-engineering, leading many to jokingly speculate that his speed comes from a test tube. He'll need some work on driving out of his cuts as he reacts and moving laterally, but his knowledge and love of the game put him in the right place more often than not. He'll be a nickel back soon, and he'll have the versatility to play corner or safety.

. Drafted #7 in the first round by Miami.

#9 - Andre Longley, University of Arkansas. This interior lineman is a beast. His massive size and strength, combined with his understanding of line schemes, have him flying up the ratings. Of course, one look at him reveals that he won't be guarding the ends of the line, as he's not mobile at all and tires quickly. There is some upside here, as Longley has shown bursts of quickness, but all scouts project him as a fixture at guard for some team for many years to come.

. Drafted #12 in the second round by Philadelphia.

#10 - G George Rodgers, University of Washington. Every description of Rodgers sounds remarkably similar to those of Andre Longley. A beast of a man that shows good discipline on the line, but who tires quickly and lacks good footwork skills. With a commitment to improvement, Rodgers could be elite, but like Longley, he likely will be an above-average middle of the line guy.

. Drafted #15 in the third round by Baltimore.

Well, there you have it! My Top Ten for 2185! I hope you've had as much fun reading it as I've had putting it together! Until next year, this is Mel Kiper, Jr.