Commentary

Mel Kiper: Latest Big Board

A big shift at the top of the Big Board as the results -- and tape -- start to pile up

Updated: September 22, 2010, 1:39 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

When we released last week's Big Board, I noted at the outset that people can get far too caught up in statistics as some kind of measurement device. With the variance in systems coaches run at the college level -- not to mention the massive differences in competition and surrounding talent -- you can't look at the numbers and peg prospects.

Still, it's hard to ignore the dreadful showing Jake Locker had against Nebraska. While I noted in Stock Watch that the totals were worse than the tape -- Locker was facing a loaded secondary, and was constantly harassed and forced to simply dump the ball -- he's still due for a fall. It's a developmental issue. NFL evaluators still see significant talent, but they are hesitant to take a QB as high as No. 1 overall if they think he needs significant tutoring at the NFL level. They simply can't have the patience because of the tenuous nature of their own jobs. So Locker takes a hit this week. As for the rest … read on.

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


Big Board Bar

1
Andrew Luck *
QB
6-4
235

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

2
Robert Quinn *
DE
6-4
267

Analysis: A freakish athlete. He's still developing consistency and is young for his class. Eligibility issues remain; stock still high. Last week: No. 3

3
A.J. Green *
WR
6-4
207

Analysis: The profile of a No. 1 receiver at NFL level. Great size-speed combination; instinctive, great hands. Facing NCAA hiccups, but he will be back. Last week: No. 4

4
Jake Locker
QB
6-3
226

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

5
Prince Amukamara
CB
6-1
200

Analysis: A big corner with a ton of talent. Amukamara has the necessary speed and leads a deep CB class. Outstanding in Seattle. Last week: No. 6



To see what other moves have been made on the Big Board, 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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