Updated NFL draft Big Board

Several players debut this week, and all could factor into the first round

Originally Published: March 7, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

The latest mock draft will be the storyline this week, but the Big Board also has several new names for people who like to reference this next to the draft when considering overall value. You know about LaMichael James, but also new this week are Lavonte David of Nebraska and Stephon Gilmore of South Carolina. David is an interesting one, a guy who just dominates despite typically playing undersized. He may not have a locked-in position, but he'll be a very good player.

As always, read on and let me know who should be higher or who has been passed over. Juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

More Kiper NFL draft content:

Mock Draft 3.0 | Latest Big Board | Top 5 by position | Combine winners

1
Andrew Luck *
AGE: 22
DOB: 9/12/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 234
POS: QB
Comp 288
Att 404
Pct 71.3
Yds 3,517
TD 37
Int 10

Peyton Manning's departure from Indy clears the way in the draft, but Luck wasn't leaving this spot. Now Luck will be in focus based on what we can expect from him as a rookie. Status quo remains in terms of profile. The total package: arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. Ready to play.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Matt Kalil *
AGE: 22
DOB: 7/6/89
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

Kalil did well in Indy and is locked in as a high pick. The tape is great, and it's hard to see him falling outside the top five. The plus for him is he might not need time to develop at right tackle, a common break-in spot for many left tackles.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Robert Griffin III *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/12/90
HT: 6-2
WT: 223
POS: QB
Comp 291
Att 402
Pct 72.4
Yds 4,293
TD 37
Int 6

Another small bump for Griffin III, as teams battle to get in position to draft him. He's accurate, throws a good deep ball, is a proven leader, and I he think has convinced teams he is ready to play early. Expect a deal to get done so he can be the No. 2 pick.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

4
Trent Richardson *
AGE: 20
DOB: 7/10/91
HT: 5-9
WT: 228
POS: RB
Car 283
Yds 1,679
Avg. 5.9
TD 21

Richardson's pro day will be important after he couldn't run in Indy. Word is he'll be fine by that time. Powerful, fast and showed improved vision and pass-catching skills; he runs with good pad level and breaks tackles with ease.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

5
Morris Claiborne *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/7/90
HT: 5-11
WT: 188
POS: CB
Tkl 51
Sack 0
Int 6

Did no harm to his stock in Indy, as I never had him down as a total burner, more a true technician. The lesser-known but easily the better LSU corner this past season. Exceptional pure CB with impeccable instincts. Locates the ball and can catch it.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD


To see the rest of Mel Kiper's latest 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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