Commentary

Updated 2012 Big Board

It's become clearer that Robert Griffin III is a potential Round 1 pick

Originally Published: November 30, 2011
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

Last week I moved USC's Matt Barkley up and nearly had him overtaking Oklahoma's Landry Jones as the second-highest-rated quarterback on the Board. After another stellar performance on Saturday, I was asked whether I'd make that move this week. But I'm going to wait, watch Jones in another big game on Saturday and go back to the tape before I make that move. Jones hasn't had quite the season I predicted, but it says a lot for him that he's still putting together what would be a pretty remarkable statistical season for anyone else. The tools are there, as are the accuracy and the arm strength. The loss of Ryan Broyles hasn't helped, and in general, Jones has had some spotty games. But he's still a big-time prospect.

This is a big week for him, and we'll see whether he can hold off Barkley -- who may have played his last college game -- for another week. Read on and let me know who you think should be higher or who's been passed over. As always, juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

1
Andrew Luck *
AGE: 22
DOB: 9/12/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 235
POS: QB
Comp 261
Att 373
Pct 70.0
Yds 3,170
TD 35
Int 9

Another solid week, this time against Notre Dame. Luck unable to show off all he can do given the talent around him, but he is the total package. Arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. Still a safe bet to be No. 1 overall.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Matt Kalil *
AGE: 22
DOB: 7/6/89
HT: 6-7
WT: 295
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

Kalil just remains steady, and the offense has really come on. He'll remind you of former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long, an athletic left tackle who has the full set of skills as a pass-blocker and as a strong, capable run-blocker.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Trent Richardson *
AGE: 20
DOB: 7/10/91
HT: 5-11
WT: 224
POS: RB
Car 263
Yds 1,583
Avg. 6.0
TD 20

I maintain that Richardson's splitting carries in his first two seasons will benefit him. Powerful, fast, with improved vision, he runs with good pad level and breaks tackles with ease. Had dominating game at Auburn.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Justin Blackmon *
AGE: 21
DOB: 1/9/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 208
POS: WR
Rec 103
Yds 1,241
Avg 12.0
TD 15

He should surpass last year's 111 catches, which is remarkable. 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: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Morris Claiborne *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/7/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 185
POS: CB
Tkl 43
Sack 0
Int 5

Quietly dominant among bigger names. Big rise so far in 2011; now the top corner here. Exceptional pure cover corner with impeccable instincts at the position. Has solid ball skills for the position. Not a burner; plenty quick.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD


To see the rest of 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