Commentary

Landry Jones jumps on Big Board

An OU quarterback climbs, a USC quarterback drops; Cordy Glenn appears at No. 19

Originally Published: September 28, 2011
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

We have our first big move at the quarterback position -- but no, it doesn't involve Andrew Luck. Instead, the play of Landry Jones has pushed him up the board, and he's now the No. 2 overall quarterback. Before the season started I had Jones as a likely future top-10 pick, and he's continued to live up to that billing. I think people were interested to see how he'd adjust with a new offensive coordinator in Norman following the departure of Kevin Wilson, but in his third year as a starter, Jones is proving the coaching change doesn't make much of a difference.

There aren't a lot of dramatic shifts this week, but there are some moves. Read on and let me know who you think should be higher. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

1
Andrew Luck *
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/12/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 235
POS: QB
Comp 57
Att 85
Pct 67.1
Yds 786
TD 8
Int 1

Only knock on Luck is Stanford has overwhelmed competition so far. Should do the same this week. He's the total package. Arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. Solid showing against Arizona last week.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Quinton Coples
AGE: 21
DOB: 6/22/90
HT: 6-6
WT: 285
POS: DE
Tkl 11
Sack 2.0
Int 0

Stuck on just two sacks, but I'm not sounding alarm bells yet. He's on a good pace if you combine this year and last. He's a gifted pass-rusher suited to be a pure 4-3 defensive end at the next level.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Matt Kalil *
AGE: 22
DOB: 7/6/89
HT: 6-7
WT: 295
POS: OT
GP 4
GS 4

Kalil has the size, athleticism, footwork and bloodlines. He projects as a blindside tackle. Unfortunately, beyond him, the USC offensive line has looked really inexperienced so far this season.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

4
Landry Jones *
AGE: 22
DOB: 4/22/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 229
POS: QB
Comp 88
Att 122
Pct 72.1
Yds 1,022
TD 5
Int 4

Jones has been a big numbers producer, and I like the way he's battled in two tough games so far in 2011. He has good size and a strong arm and has improved his accuracy. Could still lead an undefeated team.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD

5
Justin Blackmon *
AGE: 21
DOB: 1/9/90
HT: 6-4
WT: 229
POS: WR
Rec 38
Yds 450
Avg 11.8
TD 4

His yards-per-catch average is down, but the coverage is way up. Versatile and explosive and really works to get open. Great ball skills; breaks tackles.

LAST WEEK: 7 | PLAYER CARD


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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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