Grading System

LARRY FITZGERALD

Position: WR Class: Underclassman School: Pittsburgh Conference: Big East Ht., Wt.: 6'3, 225 40 Time: 4.53 Grade: 5.1 Selected by Arizona Cardinals Round 1, pick 3 (3 overall)

BIO: 2003 Big East Offensive Player of the Year, All-American and awarded the Walter Camp Player of the Year and Biletnikoff Trophy last season after catching 92/1,672/22. Started 11 games the prior year and finishing with 69/1,005/12. Set a pair of NCAA receiving records last season, including consecutive games with a touchdown catch (18) and total touchdown receptions as a freshman and sophomore (34). Also added single-season conference records for receiving yards, receptions and touchdown catches. Only player in Big East history to have two 1,000-yard receiving seasons while also setting a record with 10 100-yard receiving games. Given special exception by the NFL to enter the draft after being just two years removed from getting his high school diploma. POSITIVES: Naturally gifted receiver with a tremendous feel for the position and outstanding skill in every area. Fluid releasing off the line, reads the defense and finds the open spot on the field. Sells pass routes, shields opponents from the action or physically beats defenders to make the reception. Comes back to the ball, consistently gets open and extends to catch the pass away from his frame. Displays tremendous concentration in all areas. Makes the acrobatic or difficult reception with regularity. Runs well laterally, adjusts for the errant pass and quick transitioning from catching the ball to running after the reception. Strong enough to beat jams at the line of scrimmage or help out as a blocker. Exposes himself to make the reception and takes a pounding yet holds on to the ball. Tracks the deep or intermediate pass and displays a tremendous sense of timing. Always on the same page as his quarterback. High character prospect well liked by coaches and teammates. NEGATIVES: Does not get deep separation or a receiver that wins out in foot races. Lacks the quick explosive route running skills. ANALYSIS: Considered the most "NFL-ready" of just about any player in this draft, Fitzgerald is poised to be an early selection and a productive rookie from the start of his NFL career. Should quickly make the transition to the pro game and become a No. 1 receiver for whichever franchise selects him. PROJECTION: Early First Round Photo: Craig Jones/Getty Images

2003 Receiving Statistics
Receptions	Receiving Yards	Yards Per Reception	Touchdowns
92	1672	18.2	22

2003 Rushing Statistics
Rushing Yards	Attempts	Average per Rush	Touchdowns
7	1	7	0