ESPN NFL

Here's a look at the top five junior prospects at each position:

Quarterbacks

1. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

2. Jevan Snead, Mississippi

3. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

4. Jake Locker, Washington

5. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

Analysis: Bradford is still the No. 1 player on the Big Board, even as he recovers from a shoulder sprain. Assuming he doesn't lose his brilliant sense of timing and accuracy, he could very well stay there. Locker looks vastly improved in the new system Steve Sarkisian brought with him from USC, where a few other quarterbacks have managed to succeed.

---

Running backs

1. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

2. Jahvid Best, California

3. Evan Royster, Penn St.

4. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma St.

5. Joe McKnight, USC

Analysis: Dwyer is a great combination of power and speed, and Best won't suffer in the draft due to comparisons to Reggie Bush. He's a better blocker than people realize. McKnight has also shown a very physical side to his game this season. Just being No. 1 on the depth chart for USC, where up to five backs could play on Sunday, is significant.

---

To see Mel's full list of positional rankings, become an ESPN Insider.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Already an Insider? Sign in below:

• Username
• Password

• ESPN The Magazine subscribers

  Activate your Insider account »

• Need more information?

  View Insider Benefits »

... or become an today

• 1 Year Membership - $3.33 a month

  Includes a 1 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine. 26 issues overall - Over 50% off the regular monthly price!

• 2 Year Membership - $2.50 a month (Best Value)

  Includes a 2 YEAR subscription to ESPN The Magazine. 52 issues overall - Over 63% off the regular monthly price!

• Monthly Membership - $6.95 a month