RB Shelton is Louisville's best prospect

Mel Kiper's latest mailbag takes a look at top prospects from Louisville, West Virginia and Troy as well as the needs of a pair of NFL teams.

Originally Published: November 9, 2004

By Mel Kiper Jr. | Special to ESPN Insider

YOU'VE GOT MEL | Mel Kiper Jr.'s Mailbag

Where do you see Louisville seniors quarterback Stefan LeFors, running back Lionel Gates and linebacker Robert McCune going in the draft?
Brian, Louisville, Ky.
KIPER -- Lefors is a great college quarterback who is both accurate and mobile, but the knock on him is height as he is right around 6-0. He could play in the NFL as a backup and may have to battle his way onto a roster as a free agent, but Lefors definitely has a chance to make it. Gates is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has caught the ball well out of the backfield, moving himself into the fourth of fifth round area. And receiver J.R. Russell looks like a fifth-rounder right now. McCune has been on my list of the top five inside linebacker prospects at times this year and should come off the board on the second day of the draft, while free safety Kerry Rhodes will also get some consideration from the NFL.

Junior running back Eric Shelton could ultimately be the best prospect the Cardinals have, though. He is a big back who can move the pile and could be a nice complementary back when paired with a cat-quick slasher in the NFL. He has had a good showing this year and could make it into the third or fourth round if he chooses to come out, even higher if he comes back for his senior year.

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