New No. 1 on the Big Board

For the first time in months, the top prospect is not Jarvis Jones

Originally Published: March 6, 2013
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

It's been a while, but there's a shift at the top. While we wait on Jarvis Jones to officially work out for scouts at the Georgia pro day, his long-held spot atop the board goes to an SEC rival. Sharrif Floyd, who finished the season strong and has been awesome during the eval process, is your new No. 1.

Below, notes on performance traits remain similar week to week so that you have a sense of each player, and we provide updates on players each week as things shift. 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
Sharrif Floyd *
AGE: 20
DOB: 5/28/92
HT: 6-3
WT: 297
POS: DT
Tkl 41
Sack 1.0
Int 0

His stock is soaring. Has legit potential to go No. 1, although a handful of names are in play. Showed exceptional power and athleticism at the scouting combine in Indy, and he's still rounding into peak form short of his 21st birthday. Could be great in a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. Made major strides as the season progressed, the improvement in part stemming from a positional change and consistently improving technique. Floyd has quickness for his size and an immensely powerful lower half; he drives linemen into the backfield.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

2
Dee Milliner *
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/14/91
HT: 6-0
WT: 201
POS: CB
Tkl 54
Sack 1.5
Int 2

Answered the speed question in Indy with a blazing 4.37 time in the 40. Even if his backpedal needs work, he can clearly turn and run with anybody, and he has time to fix minor technique flaws. A smart player, he has a sharp learning curve, and his raw football skills are exceptional. His physical prowess is a step above that of other corners. He hits receivers and isn't shy in run support, but with that, he is fluid and reads the game well.

LAST WEEK: 6 | PLAYER CARD

3
Eric Fisher
AGE: 22
DOB: 1/5/91
HT: 6-8
WT: 305
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12

Has dispelled most concerns about competition level as his physical profile and strengths as an athlete match his performance. Uses his length really well. Gets in a wide base, uses his arms to absorb pass-rushers and simply doesn't allow guys to get the edge on him. He often made it look easy in the MAC but also looked great when Central Michigan faced top competition; not a newcomer for scouts.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Luke Joeckel *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/6/91
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13

Once a lock to be the first tackle taken. He's not overwhelming as an athlete, but the tape shows a player with the ability to just swallow up even really good pass-rushers, particularly those who try to beat him off the edge. (He's more susceptible to those who go inside.) 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 whether he's a big finisher there.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD

5
Jarvis Jones *
AGE: 23
DOB: 10/13/89
HT: 6-2
WT: 245
POS: OLB
Tkl 85
Sack 14.5
Int 1

Jones still must prove he belongs here with his pro day performance, as he didn't work out in Indy. This reflects positional value and exceptional production for a player who is a very good, if not extraordinary, athlete. He combines explosiveness, discipline, relentless pass-rushing ability and great intangibles and effort. (He can also cover.) He profiles as a 3-4 outside linebacker but fits any system.

LAST WEEK: 1 | 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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