Commentary

Pair of big names on the rise

Injury drops fast-rising DE, while TE class gets boost

Originally Published: December 5, 2012
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

The regular season has ended for the top prospects in the 2013 NFL draft class, so it's time to take a breath and look back at what we've seen over the past few weeks.

The impact of a recent injury stands out right away, with rising Florida State DE Cornellius Carradine falling down the board after suffering a torn ACL in his team's season finale. Meanwhile, fellow DE Dion Jordan of Oregon has dealt with a nagging shoulder injury but has still inched his way into the top 15.

Further down the board, Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert gives his position group a boost by cracking the rankings for the first time.

Elsewhere, the board is still without a running back. No wide receivers or quarterbacks are inside the top 20, and the only offensive players in the top 10 are linemen.

Here is a look at the entire list, with draft-eligible non-seniors noted with an asterisk:

Big Board Bar

1
Star Lotulelei
DT
6-3
320

Analysis: Lotulelei is the most complete defensive lineman in the class in terms of physical tools. He dominates interior offensive linemen with his blend of quickness and power. He shows strong hands, nimble feet and the ability to quickly discard blockers, and he has impressive lateral range. Lotulelei needs some polish as a pass-rusher, but his natural gifts are clearly a cut above. Previously: 2

2
Jarvis Jones*
OLB
6-2
242

Analysis: Jones is a steady performer on a defense loaded with NFL prospects. He is a good overall athlete and top-notch pass-rusher, has impressive range in pass coverage and against the run, and can line up all over the defensive formation. Durability concerns are behind him, and Jones has locked down a spot in the first few picks. Previously: 1

3
Damontre Moore*
DE
6-4
248

Analysis: He is a versatile prospect who can play outside linebacker in a 3-4, right or left end in a 4-3 and even move inside to rush the passer from the interior. Moore is quick and fluid as a pass-rusher, is able to hold up against the run and plays hard. Previously: 5

4
Chance Warmack
OG
6-2\
325

Analysis: Warmack is a big, strong, nasty lineman with good smarts and athleticism. He shows awareness, is an easy mover in pass protection and has power as a run-blocker. The best guard I've evaluated in the past decade, Warmack is the rare interior lineman worthy of a top-10 overall pick. Previously: 3

5
Manti Te'o
ILB
6-1
248

Analysis: Te'o moves well in space for a player his size, displaying range and playmaking skills in underneath coverage and the ability to hold the point and deliver blows as a run-defender. He is a three-down linebacker with the kind of intangibles that teams seek in their defensive leaders. Previously: 4



To see the rest of Todd McShay's rankings, you must be an ESPN Insider.

Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM