Commentary

New wideout on the Big Board

Two wide receivers have been Big Board regulars, but it's time to add a third name

Originally Published: November 17, 2011
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

While Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery are very different physically, both would qualify as big wide receivers. Blackmon certainly isn't massive, but at near 210 pounds, he's the size of a lot of running backs. This week another wide receiver joins the mix of guys who would be likely first-round picks if the draft were held today.

Michael Floyd is a player who has a lot of obvious skill, but I had some concerns last year that his speed would be a question. But he's dropped about six pounds since last year and I think he's added some quickness to his game. He's maintained a high level, and I'm more bullish on his prospects now. 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 221
Att 313
Pct 70.6
Yds 2,680
TD 29
Int 7

Coming off his worst game of the season, but I still think he's really unable to show off all he can do given the talent around him. He's 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 10
GS 10

There aren't a lot of new things to say, because Kalil just remains steady. He'll remind you of former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long, an athletic left tackle who has the full set of skills, both 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 201
Yds 1,205
Avg. 5.9
TD 18

A couple of quiet weeks in a row, but this past one was a blowout. Richardson 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.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Landry Jones *
AGE: 22
DOB: 4/22/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 229
POS: QB
Comp 254
Att 393
Pct 64.6
Yds 3,349
TD 28
Int 9

Accuracy was off last week against Texas A&M. I like the way he's battled so far in 2011. He has some INTs, but his accuracy is still very good. Good size, strong arm, needs to improve footwork, particularly in traffic.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Justin Blackmon *
AGE: 21
DOB: 1/9/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 208
POS: WR
Rec 93
Yds 1,142
Avg 12.3
TD 14

Might 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: 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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