As a junior, Poindexter had the choice between declaring himself for the 1998 NFL Draft or staying in college for his senior year. Draft experts projected that he would likely be drafted in the first round, but Poindexter stayed at Virginia for his senior season but watched his draft stock plummet as injuries corrupted his senior season. The Cavaliers were expected to have a very strong team and were ranked as high as the top ten.
During his time as a freshman, Poindexter faced the decision of entering the 1998 NFL Draft or continuing his senior year at Virginia. Experts believed he would be drafted in the first round, but Poindexter decided to stay for his final season and saw his draft stock fall due to injuries during that period. The Cavaliers were anticipated to have a strong team and were ranked as high as tenth.