DRAFT PREVIEW

Beginning today, The Times takes a position-by-position look at the top college prospects and veteran free agents available:

TOP PROSPECTS

Vitaly Pisetsky, Wisconsin, kicker, 5-10, 220--Consistently accurate from 50 yards in. Also experienced in kicking in inclement weather. Strong on kickoffs, could go in the fourth round.

Billy Gramatica, South Florida, kicker, 5-10, 180--Set school record with a 63-yard field goal. Forty-five of 56 kickoffs reached end zone with 35 (62%) of them touchbacks. Brother of Tampa Bay kicker Martin Gramatica.

Nick Harris, California, punter, 6-3, 220--Set NCAA records for career punt yardage and nt aim, placing 36 of his 73 punts (49%) inside the opponents’ 20. Must work on getting the ball away quicker in the pros.

David Leaverton, Tennessee, punter, 6-3, 210--Noted for booming kicks, but also has shown an ability for placement. Leaverton could be the best of this class.

Kevin Stemke, Wisconsin, punter, 6-2, 190--Won the Ray Guy award given to top punter and was NCAA leader in net average at 38.7 yards a kick. His secret? Good hang time.

BEST OF REST

Jamie Rheem, Kansas State, kicker, 6-2, 190--Converted 85% of his field goals. Dan Hadenfeldt, Nebraska, punter, 5-10, 190--Can also kick. Jason Baker, Iowa, punter, 6-0, 199--Versatile athlete has yet to achieve potential.

SLEEPERS

Nick Gatto, Arkansas State, kicker, 5-11, 188--Incredible athlete despite being born with a physical handicap. Has been clocked at 4.45 in the 40. Accurate but not very strong.

VETERAN FREE AGENTS

K Morten Andersen (Atlanta), K Steve Christie (Buffalo), P Bryan Barker (Jacksonville), K John Carney, (San Diego), K Al Del Greco (Tennessee).

* NEXT: OFFENSIVE LINEMEN