Commentary

Big Board has new top corner

A class without an elite corner prospect thus far finally has a new name to watch

Originally Published: October 19, 2011
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

Last season, LSU corner Patrick Peterson was a player who, for a time, could have been considered for the No. 1 overall pick. He landed at No. 4 and has a chance to be a special player as he continues to develop in Arizona. Thus far in 2011, the cornerback class doesn't lack for depth, but it has lacked a player I think could be a safe bet to land among the top 10 picks if the draft were held today. But Morris Claiborne might be in that conversation now as he continues a brilliant season for the Tigers. He isn't big, but he's a better pure cover corner than Peterson was at this time last year. Claiborne ends up the biggest riser on this week's board.

Elsewhere, Robert Griffin III landed on the Big Board for the first time last week, and while the Baylor defense didn't hold up against Texas A&M, Griffin responded pretty well, with 430 yards and three TD passes. 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 129
Att 181
Pct 71.3
Yds 1,719
TD 18
Int 3

A great year so far, but Luck really could use some competition. Washington might offer the first real challenge. He's the total package. Arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. A safe bet to be No. 1 overall.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Quinton Coples
AGE: 21
DOB: 6/22/90
HT: 6-6
WT: 285
POS: DE
Tkl 28
Sack 3.5
Int 0

The numbers aren't remarkable, but Coples draws plenty of blocking attention, and the team has done well. 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 6
GS 6

Kalil has the size, athleticism, footwork and bloodlines. He projects as a blindside tackle. The USC offensive line is a very inexperienced group this season, but Kalil still plays well. No drop-off at all this year.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Landry Jones *
AGE: 22
DOB: 4/22/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 229
POS: QB
Comp 171
Att 253
Pct 67.6
Yds 2,177
TD 16
Int 6

Jones has been a big numbers producer, and I like the way he's battled in some tough games so far in 2011. He has some INTs, but you really need to watch the tape. Good size, a strong arm and fantastic accuracy.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Justin Blackmon *
AGE: 21
DOB: 1/9/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 208
POS: WR
Rec 53
Yds 608
Avg 11.5
TD 7

Dominating week after week. He is a better prospect than recent OSU star Dez Bryant. Versatile and explosive and really works to get open. Great ball skills; breaks tackles. Exceptional work ethic.

LAST WEEK: 5 | 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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