Commentary

A.J. Green belongs on Big Board

The receiver has taken his share of flak but has proved again why he's a sure thing

Updated: October 6, 2010, 1:07 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

A.J. Green certainly served his time. After serving a four-game suspension for cashing in on the (vast) college uniform sales business, Green proved why there was no reason a little time off should derail his stock. And it's a reminder: Again, the Big Board is about how these guys are viewed as NFL prospects, not merely about current performance or time spent on the sidelines. I won't shift my valuation on a guy unless I'm certain that time he's serving for disciplinary reasons is affecting what NFL scouts think of him as a prospect.

Like SEC defenses since Green stepped on the field as a true freshman at Georgia, Colorado was helpless against him. Any rust acquired during the time off didn't show, as Green caught seven passes for 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns. While he's developed his route running and underneath game, Green continues to be the best downfield threat in the college game. Georgia may struggle, but it'll be hard to take Green's stock down with the team's fortunes.

Other storylines: Andrew Luck remains No. 1 after a solid if not remarkable performance up in Eugene, and Da'Quan Bowers continues to rise toward a possible spot in the top 10. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomore noted with an asterisk.


Big Board Bar

1
Andrew Luck *
QB
6-4
235

Analysis: Great arm, NFL smarts, solid footwork. Prototypical size and intangibles. Checks down with veteran's savvy. Threw for 341 yards in Oregon loss. Last week: No. 1

2
Robert Quinn *
DE
6-4
267

Analysis: A freakish athlete. Key is developing consistency for a player young for his class. Eligibility issues may soon creep into this equation. Last week: No. 2

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. Was dominant in first game of year. Last week: No. 3

4
Jake Locker
QB
6-3
228

Analysis: Has all the physical tools -- size, arm, even speed and improving footwork. Accuracy, footwork have been issues; great comeback performance. Last week: No. 4

5
Prince Amukamara
CB
6-1
202

Analysis: A big corner with a ton of talent. Amukamara has the necessary speed and leads a deep CB class. QBs totally avoiding him now. Last week: No. 5



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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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