VS 
A good match-up that probably
would've been better off out west in Pasadena (for the life of us we will never
understand why Iowa is not playing in the Rose Bowl). This contest
features several seniors whose outstanding play this season moved them up draft
boards with lightning speed.
Iowa
The Hawkeye
offensive line was the strength of the team and all three seniors will be
drafted with a fourth member offering a terrific prospect for the future. Eric
Steinbach is a tough, smart guard
that run blocks and pass protects with equal effectiveness, which will move him
into the first day. Center
Bruce
Nelson may also find a home in the first day if he improves
his strength and shows the ability to open the middle of the line at the Senior
Bowl. David
Porter is a solid run blocking tackle
who may be better off inside at guard while Robert Gallery is a
player we've liked a lot and an athletic blind side tackle with great upside
potential. Keep an eye on senior
receiver Clinton
Jones who came on last season and could be a sleeper.
What about
quarterback
Brad
Banks? He's intelligent, makes good decisions and there
is no questioning his ability to lead a team but a lack of height minimizes his effectiveness
as a pocket passer and unless you plan on rolling your quarterback three out of
every four plays he might not be a good fit. Tight
end Dallas Clark is the teams best pro-prospect yet has
already stated he will return for another year of college ball. Clark is
tough, dependable and smart. He needs to develop physically and improve
his blocking but is a real nice prospect for the next level and possibly a top
60 pick in 2004. Colin
Cole is a tough defensive lineman but lacks the height for
end and size/bulk for
tackle. He could be a perfect fit in a system that rotates the players
up front.
USC
What a year for
the Trojans, Pete Carroll and especially, quarterback
Carson Palmer.
Considered an afterthought coming into the season, the big passer broke record
after record on his way to the Heisman Trophy and possibly the number one pick
in the draft. We've said it over and over again; he needs one-on-one
coaching and hand holding at the next level but has a lot of upside
potential. Justin
Fargas played well in his first season after transferring from
Michigan and looks like an solid interior
runner that dependably blocks when called upon. Kareem
Kelly seemingly grew up and played close to his potential as a
senior; he is a great athlete and a natural pass
catcher but character issues make him a risk. On defense Troy
Polamalu displayed signs of becoming a complete safety and
really improved his pass cover skills even though he was hobbled by bad ankle
all year.
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