Junior left-footed placekicker Sebastian Janikowski of Florida State has declared for the upcoming NFL Draft 2000 after back-to-back seasons that earned him the Lou Groza award as college football's best kicker. Janikowski possesses the strongest leg of any kicker over the past two decades.

His powerful kickoffs set him apart from most placekickers who usually sacrifice distance for accuracy in the dual role. His kickoffs have not been returned over 67% of the time, an amazing statistic when one considers his accuracy beyond 40 yards.

His back-to-back Groza awards convinced him to turn pro as an underclassman. The pro scouts are excited about his future in the NFL where his combination of power and accuracy will warrant a top pick in April's NFL Draft.

He could be the first placekicker chosen in the first round since the Cardinals selected Steve Little in the opening round in '78. At 255 pounds, he also is not afraid to put a hit on a returner, something that most placekickers shy away from or attempt only half-heartedly in the openfield.

The return game features several outstanding prospects who double as skilled position players. Their ability to return kickoffs and punts will enhance their draft status significantly. It will also go a long ways to earning them a roster spot in the NFL where versatility is a huge factor especially for rookies who may not be able to start immediately.

Peter Warrick's ability to return punts will allow him to be an early impact performer at the next level. This will be another key factor in the selection process that could earn Warrick the top overall selection in April.

Deltha O'Neal had a huge senior season where he displayed big play ability on a weekly basis despite being a starting cornerback. His return skills have pushed him up the draft charts quickly as we enter the critical postseason action with all-star games and NFL combine workouts the final key part of the evaluation process.

More Draft analysis

Placekickers

Florida State's Sebastian Janikowski earned back-to-back Lou Groza awards.(Allsport)

1. Sebastian Janikowski, Florida State
Junior, 6-2, 255
Powerful junior kicker has been the most complete placekicker and kickoff man in recent memory the past two seasons. He hit a 54 yard tying FG vs. Florida this season on his way to leading the nation in scoring with 116 points.

2. Paul Edinger, Michigan State
Senior, 5-9, 175
Consistent senior placekicker has been one of premier kickers over the past two seasons combining a strong leg with accuracy. He is also a solid kickoff man.

3. Shayne Graham, Virginia Tech
Senior, 5-11, 195
Clutch senior placekicker has hit several big field goals over his career that have won games for the Hokies. He squares up with Janikowski in the national championship game next week where they could be the difference in the contest.

Punters

1. Shane Lechler, Texas A&M
Senior, 6-1, 220
Strong legged senior punter has been the most consistent kicker in the nation over the past four seasons. He has developed the ability for directional kicks in addition to fine hang time. He also doubles as a fine kickoff man.

2. Andrew Bayes, East Carolina
Senior, 6-1, 190
Quality senior punter led the nation with a fine 48-yard average this season. He has improved his directional kicking as well as his hang time. He also doubles as a placekicker.

3. Brian Schmitz, North Carolina
Senior, 6-1, 165
Steady senior punter came on strong this past season with an impressive effort. He averaged over 47 yards per kick as one of the busiest punters in the nation.

Kickoff Returners

Stanford's Troy Walters is a dangerous return man.(Allsport)

1.Troy Walters, Stanford
Senior, 5-6, 170
Big play smurf has been one of the best all-purpose performers in the nation over his career. He can beat you as a kickoff or punt returner as well as being a dangerous receiver and runner after the catch.

2. R. Jay Soward, USC
Senior, 5-10, 175
Elusive senior receiver/return specialist struggled through an injury-marred final season, but is still one of the premier playmakers in the country after he gets his hands on the ball.

3. Deltha O'Neal, California
Senior, 5-10, 185
Big play cornerback/return specialist has scored every way possible as a collegian. His versatility has made him one of the nation's best all-purpose performers with the talent to change games quickly.

Punt Returners

1. Peter Warrick, Florida State
Senior, 5-11, 190
Gifted open-field runner has given the Seminoles a gamebreaker as both a receiver and returner with natural running skills and the quickness and speed to break a play every time he touches the ball.

2. David Allen, Kansas State
Junior, 5-9, 185
Dangerous return specialist has established new TD marks as a punt returner showing the explosiveness and open-field running skills to break any kick. He faces a big decision in a few weeks concerning turning pro.

3. Dennis Northcutt, Arizona
Senior, 5-9, 180
Elusiveness all-purpose performer led the nation in punt return average while displaying the uncanny ability to make the first defender miss and find the opening on the return.

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.