2013 NFL draft Big Board

Has all the hoax drama shifted the way evaluators see Manti Te'o?

Originally Published: January 23, 2013
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

It's a relatively quiet week on the Big Board, as I watch Senior Bowl practice tape, talk to folks whose opinions I trust, and further deepen the profiles of players as the draft process enters a new stage. My opinion on how an Internet dating hoax might affect draft stock? Well, you can read below.

As you do, remember the scouting perspective will remain similar week to week unless my evaluation of a player really shifts, but I'll note recent observations and opinions as they now enter another stage of the evaluation phase. Please also see my rankings of the top 5 draft prospects at every position. Juniors and draft-eligible sophomores are noted with an asterisk.

1
Jarvis Jones *
AGE: 23
DOB: 10/13/89
HT: 6-3
WT: 241
POS: OLB
Tkl 85
Sack 14.5
Int 1

Jones should do well during this evaluation process because he has a wide range of skills. His performance and positional value reflect this ranking, because he combines explosiveness, discipline, relentless pass-rushing ability and great intangibles and effort. He profiles as a 3-4 OLB, but doesn't need to come off the field because he's also strong against the run and can really cover.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Damontre Moore *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/11/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 248
POS: DE
Tkl 80
Sack 12.5
Int 0

NFL teams need players who can get to quarterbacks quickly, and Moore fits the bill. He's an athlete, but the production really jumps out. Consistent performer. Adjusted well to playing as a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Excels as a pass-rusher, able to dip hips, turn the corner and use quickness and length to beat tackles.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Luke Joeckel *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/6/91
HT: 6-6
WT: 310
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

Joeckel consistently neutralizes good pass-rushers. There's very little to not like. He has a ton of experience, starting on the left since his freshman season. He can really drive people in the run game, even if he gets questions on how nasty he is as a finisher. The feeling now is he's a safe bet to be the first OT taken.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Star Lotulelei
AGE: 23
DOB: 12/20/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 325
POS: DT
Tkl 42
Sack 5.0
Int 0

The simple fact with Lotulelei is you can't block him with one guy. He's ready to be an impact NFL DT. He absorbs so much blocking help and frees up others, but he's not just a clogger, because he can show off a great burst and the ability to destroy plays. Has a great sense for disrupting the run game. Quick off the ball with great upper- and lower-body strength. Coaches rave about him.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

5
Chance Warmack
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/14/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 320
POS: OG
GP 14
GS 14

Warmack was the best O-lineman on his team, which says a lot considering how stacked the Bama O-line was. He simply takes defenders where he wants them to go, utilizing great power and quickness at his size. A dominant run-blocker, Warmack isn't just massive, but also moves well, with initial power in tight spaces and the ability to seek out LBs on the second level.

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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