Commentary

Postseason shuffling has begun

New faces and more film study have NFL prospects rising, falling

Originally Published: January 30, 2013
By Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.

Bowl season is over, the deadline for eligible non-seniors to declare for the 2013 NFL draft has passed, and three college all-star games have come and gone. All of this has led to plenty of shuffling in my latest ranking of the top 32 overall prospects.

Four players debut this week, and other big names are rising and falling quickly.

A pair of offensive tackles are on the rise -- one all the way into the top five -- after strong showings at the Senior Bowl, where an under-the-radar cornerback also flashed and helped get himself into the top 32. Finally, a raw but gifted offensive lineman also makes the list for the first time.

Notre Dame ILB Manti Te'o has taken a tumble, although not for the reasons you might expect, while another inside linebacker is creating buzz and is now inside the top 32.

Finally, USC QB Matt Barkley has finally fallen off the list after he had an up-and-down senior season and his college career ended prematurely because of a shoulder injury.

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 discard blockers quickly, and he has impressive lateral range. Lotulelei needs some polish as a pass-rusher, but his natural gifts are clearly a cut above. Previously: 1

2
Luke Joeckel*
OT
6-5¾
306

Analysis: Joeckel fared well against the likes of Alabama and LSU this season. His balance and ability to recover in pass protection stand out, and he takes good angles and is able to get to the second level in the run game. Previously: 4

3
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

4
Jarvis Jones*
OLB
6-2
242

Analysis: Jones has been 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. He's also a playmaker who closes on quarterbacks and ball carriers and looks to separate them from the ball. Durability concerns will remain a concern, but Jones is still a great player. Previously: 6

5
Eric Fisher
OT
6-7[
297

Analysis: Fisher stood out at the Senior Bowl with has impressive length, nimble feet and balance in pass protection. He shows good footwork and the ability to hit moving targets when pulling, and appears to have the power to create movement at the point of attack. He could anchor more effectively at times, but he clearly has the skill set to thrive at left tackle in the NFL. Previously: 20



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