Commentary

Small shifts on latest Big Board

One notable change in the Top 5 highlights this week's assessment of draft value

Updated: March 9, 2011, 6:17 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN.com

Traditionally a quiet week on the Big Board, the brief period between the NFL combine and the many pro days that will take place in March and into early April offers another period of both tape evaluation and quizzing of NFL personnel on what they're seeing from the top prospects for the 2011 NFL draft. Despite the big pro day in Auburn on Tuesday, there hasn't been a big shift among the guys who were the stars of that show.

This final leg in the draft process offers the last chance for some jumps, but don't expect dramatic shifts. The real question is on teams' draft boards. The lineup is getting closer to set, and positioning has become a bigger issue. 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 40 and carries safety size. Tape is superb; helps in return game. A potential star. Last week: No. 1

2
Nick Fairley *
DT
6-4
291

Analysis: Raised eyebrows with smaller size than listed but had great workouts, then weighed 297 at Auburn pro day. Versatility, skills, tape all imply stardom. Last week: No. 2

3
Marcell Dareus *
DE
6-3
319

Analysis: Bigger than listed most of the season, Dareus is a solid penetrator with pass-rush skills to burn and a good motor. Well-liked and scheme-versatile. Last week: No. 4

4
Von Miller
LB
6-3
246

Analysis: More than a sack artist, Miller has shown coverage skills that complement known pass-rush production. Fits a 3-4. Great Indy workouts; steady stock. Last week: No. 5

5
Da'Quan Bowers *
DE
6-4
277

Analysis: Perhaps the draft's most gifted pass-rusher, Bowers must wait for pro day, but injury concerns are still minor. Potential to go as 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Last week: No. 3



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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