Commentary

New names on the Big Board

Some late draft declarations and new evaluations have shifted the Board again

Updated: January 19, 2011, 11:25 AM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

A greater deal of attention this week will be paid to the first mock draft of the season, but as I always say, don't forget about the actual player rankings. The mock draft is a blend of need and value, but the Big Board, and the overall player rankings that I publish every year, are the key to knowing how well I think teams are creating value during the actual draft. This week, we also have some new players.

The biggest jump comes again from a Missouri player. Blaine Gabbert got a big bump when he opted to declare, and now Missouri OLB Aldon Smith has gotten a similar one. A raw talent, he could play either OLB or DE at the next level, and teams will fall in love with his athleticism and potential. But he's not the only new player on the Board, so check it out. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.


Big Board Bar

1
Nick Fairley *
DT
6-5
310

Analysis: Fairley simply dominated his final showcase game for scouts. A force all season, while often not 100 percent; a perfect fit for a 4-3 interior. Last week: No. 1

2
Da'Quan Bowers *
DE
6-4
277

Analysis: The most gifted pure pass-rusher on the Board, Bowers has followed through on his talent. An ideal 4-3 DE, but he has a chance as a 3-4 edge. Last week: No. 2

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

Analysis: Allays any speed fears with improved route-running, and speed is fine. Green has worked hard to become a complete WR. Last week: No. 3

4
Patrick Peterson *
CB
6-1
211

Analysis: An extraordinary athlete, Peterson doesn't just have safety size, he'd measure up to a lot of RBs. Great special-teams returner as well. Last week: No. 4

5
Marcell Dareus *
DE
6-3
306

Analysis: A solid penetrator; pass-rush skills trump run-stopping performance thus far, which is a reason I can see him becoming a solid 3-4 DE. 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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