Commentary

Mel Kiper: Latest Big Board

Not a lot of movement at the top, but the better matchups will create a shake-up

Updated: September 8, 2010, 1:12 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

There isn't a lot of movement on the Big Board this week, as so few of the top NFL prospects faced solid competition. A remarkable stat line versus dramatically inferior competition just doesn't merit a move up the board. That said, players such as Washington's Jake Locker will need to step up their games. Locker is under a lot of pressure not just to live up to his billing as a top prospect, but to get his team into the bowl picture.

Beyond Locker, the other big story thus far is the number of players among this group facing suspensions from the NCAA. While a player like Dez Bryant didn't see his stock fall off completely after missing 10 games last season due to suspension, it certainly knocked him out of consideration for the top 10. That'll be a theme to watch.

As always, an asterisk denotes either a junior or draft-eligible sophomore, typically a redshirt.


Big Board Bar

1
Jake Locker
QB
6-3
226

Analysis: Has all the physical tools -- size, arm, even speed and improving footwork. Accuracy must improve. Last week: No. 1

2
Andrew Luck *
QB
6-4
235

Analysis: Great arm, NFL smarts, solid footwork. Prototypical size and intangibles. Luck checks down with a veteran's savvy. Last week: No. 2

3
Robert Quinn *
DE
6-4
267

Analysis: Still just 19, Quinn is a freakish athlete. He's still developing consistency. Currently facing NCAA eligibility issues. Last week: No. 3

4
A.J. Green *
WR
6-4
207

Analysis: The profile of a No. 1 receiver at the NFL level. Great size-speed combination; instinctive, with great hands. Facing his own possible NCAA hiccups. Last week: No. 4

5
Adrian Clayborn
DE
6-3
282

Analysis: Most consistent, complete defensive end on the board. Solid pass-rusher, steady against run. Fits as a 3-4 or 4-3 end and simply batters linemen. Last week: No. 5



To see who stands where on the latest Big Board of the season, you must be an ESPN Insider.

Mel Kiper Jr.

Football analyst
  • ESPN NFL Draft analyst since 1984
  • Contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio
  • Writes weekly for ESPN Insider

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