After being shunned by the Heisman Trophy committee and not even invited to the ceremony this past weekend as one of the five finalists, Peter Warrick looks to the NFL Draft on April 15 to receive his award for the '99 gridiron season as college football's best player.

Warrick was probably the leading Heisman candidate until midseason when an off the field arrest for shoplifting led to a two-game suspension. That was enough to end his chances with nationwide writers, coaches and players for the coveted postseason award as college football's premier player. His effort this season and over his career, though, will earn him high acclaim in April when he has a strong chance to be the first overall selection at the NFL Draft.

He is one of the best all-purpose performers of recent seasons with game-breaking skills as either a receiver or return specialist. He is a terrific open-field runner with the ability to make tacklers miss with his cutting skills and the breakaway speed to outrun defenders. He was the best player in college football in '99 and a player who was instrumental in Florida States top ranking and quest for the national title.

Warrick gets one final chance as a collegian when Florida State squares off with Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl in a classic No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown. He looks to make a statement against the tough Hokie defense that features several quality defensive backs who most likely will give him special attention Jan. 4.

More Draft analysis

Despite his off-field problems, Peter Warrick is still the top receiver prospect. (Allsport)

1. Peter Warrick , Florida State
Senior, 5-11, 190
Explosive playmaker has been the difference maker in the Seminoles offense over the past three seasons, displaying outstanding open-field running skills after the catch to break any play. He has the tools to be an instant impact performer as a pro.

2. Plaxico Burress, Michigan State
Junior, 6-6, 225
Huge junior receiver has been unstoppable at times this season. He has unique athletic and physical skills that allow him to create glaring mismatches in coverage, especially in the red zone.

3. Kwame Cavil, Texas
Junior, 6-2, 200
Sturdy athletic junior has been the go to receiver in the Longhorns' pro-style attack. He has sure hands and is tough over the middle with the ability to make things happen after the catch.

4. Jerry Porter, West Virginia
Senior , 6-2, 210
Big athletic senior has performed on both sides of the ball as a receiver and safety. He moved to wideout at midseason this season and displayed big play ability that makes him one of the wild card players in this upcoming draft.

5. R. Jay Soward, Southern California
Senior, 5-10, 175
Speedy small all-purpose performer struggled through an injury-riddled senior season, but pro scouts are well aware of his game-breaking talent. He is an explosive return specialist with the quickness and speed to strike from anywhere on the field.

6. Santana Moss, Miami (Fla.)
Junior, 5-10, 175
Quick junior receiver/return specialist took his game up a notch this season displaying consistent big play ability. He is an excellent openfield runner with the elusiveness to make tacklers miss and the speed to outrun defenders.

Georgia Tech's Dez White has the complete package. (Allsport)

7. Dez White, Georgia Tech
Junior, 6-2, 210
Strong junior receiver has coupled with QB Joe Hamilton to form one of the most dangerous passing duos in college football. He has the speed to get behind corners in the deep game and the size and toughness to go over the middle.

8. Laveranues Coles, Florida State
Senior, 6-1, 190
Speedy receiver completed a checkered college career with another suspension at midseason. He is a burner with the speed to strike from anywhere on the field, but is still a raw prospect in many areas of the passing game.

9. Anthony Lucas, Arkansas
Senior, 6-2, 210
Big tough receiver completed a fine career in the SEC that saw him set several pass-catching marks. He displays sure hands, precise route running and deceptive speed.

10. Troy Walters, Stanford
Senior, 5-6, 170
Quick smurf receiver/return specialist set several Pac-10 receiving records over his career. Despite his diminutive size, he was a consistent playmaker who made a huge difference in the Stanford attack.

11. Sylvester Morris, Jackson State
Senior, 6-2, 195
Big athletic receiver has been one of the most feared small college players over the past few seasons. He has the speed to beat defenders deep and the size and athleticism to cause mismatches in coverage.

12. Dennis Northcutt, Arizona
Senior, 5-8, 190
Elusive all-purpose performer completed a fine career as one of the most clutch players in the Pac-10. He can beat a club in several ways with the ability to take a short pass the distance with his outstanding running skills.

Coyle, a full-time NFL scout, has published Draft Insiders' Digest, an NFL Draft and free agency publication for the last 9 years.

He attends practices, games and individual workouts across the country as well as breaking down game films to study the nation's top players. He writes for numerous pro weeklies on the NFL Draft and free agency in addition to game matchups and player profiles.

Coyle attends NFL mini-camps in May and June and numerous training camps throughout the summer. He is a frequent guest on sports talk shows from coast-to-coast, and has also been a personnel consultant to several NFL teams in recent years.