Commentary

Big Board has a new No. 1

Combine results play a part this week, as the Big Board shifts at No. 1

Updated: March 2, 2011, 2:29 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

The big shift this week is at the top, where Patrick Peterson now claims the No. 1 spot. After a fantastic week at the NFL combine, he has become the rare corner who could be considered a potential No. 1 pick. Given that he is a full 219 pounds, can be a weapon as a returner, and could conceivably become a star at safety if a coach ever pushed him there, he epitomizes a guy who can produce early.

One other thing you'll notice are changes at height and weight. After the official measurements came in, there were a few surprises. Several guys lost an inch and others gained a few pounds, all things that factor in to where they fit. You'll also see a change among the quarterbacks. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.


Big Board Bar

1
Patrick Peterson *
CB
6-0
219

Analysis: An extraordinary athlete, Peterson showed off 4.34 speed in the 4 and carries safety size. Tape is superb; helps in return game. A potential star. Last week: No. 4

2
Nick Fairley *
DT
6-4
291

Analysis: Raised eyebrows with smaller size than listed, but had great workouts. Excellent athleticism, scheme versatility and tape all imply stardom. Last week: No. 1

3
Da'Quan Bowers *
DE
6-4
277

Analysis: The draft's most gifted pass-rusher, Bowers didn't work out in Indy, but injury concerns are still minor. Potential to go 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Last week: No. 2

4
Marcell Dareus *
DE
6-3
319

Analysis: Bigger than listed, Dareus is a solid penetrator with pass-rush skills to burn and a good motor; a high-character kid. Also scheme-versatile. Last week: No. 8

5
Von Miller
LB
6-3
246

Analysis: He's more than a sack artist. Has shown coverage skills that complement known pass-rush production. Fits a 3-4. Great Indy workouts. 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

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM