Commentary

Janoris Jenkins joins the Big Board

Updated: December 22, 2010, 5:36 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

One position group that hasn't seen much NFL draft-related change all season is in the secondary, where the safety class isn't top-heavy, and the cornerback class is. For essentially the whole season, Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson have been sitting near the top of the Big Board as potential top-five picks. And although Ras-I Dowling was the third-ranked corner for much of the season, injuries have hurt his stock some.

But after some video reviews during the break between the regular season and bowls, it's time to add that third corner back to the Board, a guy who could become a mid-first-round pick if he decides to enter the draft. Florida's Janoris Jenkins is that player. Jenkins may have set extremely high standards for himself too early in his career, but that can't take away from an overall assessment that makes him one of the top cover corners in the class. For the other moves, see below. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.


Big Board Bar

1
Andrew Luck *
QB
6-4
235

Analysis: He completed more than 70 percent of his passes in a pro-style offense with poise, a big arm and smarts. A likely No. 1. Last week: No. 1

2
Da'Quan Bowers *
DE
6-4
277

Analysis: Has ideal size for a defensive end in the 4-3 scheme at the NFL level, but I'm not yet convinced that as an edge force, he can't stand up in a 3-4. Has exceptional talent. Last week: No. 2

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

Analysis: Green was mostly unstoppable even with a young passer. Not sure people realize what kind of route-runner he's become. Last week: No. 3

4
Patrick Peterson *
CB
6-1
211

Analysis: More than a freak athlete, Peterson continued to improve his technical cover skills. Also quietly became among nation's top return threats. Last week: No. 4

5
Prince Amukamara
CB
6-1
202

Analysis: I'd be more concerned about Amukamara's zero interceptions in 2010 if any quarterback was willing to challenge him. A gifted technician. Last week: No. 5



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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