2012 NFL draft Big Board

With Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck's pro days here, the latest ranks

Originally Published: March 21, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

Both Robert Griffin III (Wednesday) and Andrew Luck (Thursday) will be participating in pro days this week. Last year, as you recall, Cam Newton's pro day was quite a big deal, because the top quarterbacks no longer throw at the combine, instead waiting for a more familiar setting, with targets they are used to working with. I don't mind that process. If you're considered this good, why not take advantage of the comfort level you've earned as you go through the process. These guys get nit-picked more than ever, so it's hard to blame them for taking control of something as significant as many consider these pro days.

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

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

His pro day has arrived. Last week, got good news with Reggie Wayne staying in Indy. Luck has worked hard during the draft process, confirming a lot of what evaluators felt about his mentality. Status quo remains in terms of profile. The total package: arm strength, size, smarts, demeanor. Ready to play.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Robert Griffin III *
AGE: 22
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

He'll be taken at No. 2 with the expectation that he can start in Week 1. I don't disagree. He's accurate, throws a good deep ball and is a proven leader, and I think he has convinced evaluators he's a QB first, athlete second.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Matt Kalil *
AGE: 22
DOB: 7/6/89
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

Kalil has been as steady on the board as any O-lineman in years. His tape is great, and the plus for him is he might not need time to develop at right tackle, a common break-in spot for many left tackles. Fits in Minnesota.

LAST WEEK: 3 | 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

The draft picture is really fascinating with Richardson. Could he go as high as No. 4? We'll see. He's powerful and fast; he showed improved vision and pass-catching skills; he runs with good pad level and breaks tackles with ease.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Morris Claiborne *
AGE: 22
DOB: 2/7/90
HT: 5-11
WT: 188
POS: CB
Tkl 51
Sack 0
Int 6

The question on Claiborne for me is whether it's Rams or Bucs. Not a total burner, more a true technician; he was the lesser-known but easily better LSU corner last season. Exceptional pure corner with impeccable instincts. Locates the ball and can catch it.

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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