Top 25 NFL draft prospects

Sharrif Floyd hangs onto the No. 1 spot for the second week in a row

Originally Published: March 11, 2013
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

The big news this week is I've released my third mock draft of the season. But please see the rankings below so you can get a better sense of where teams are doing well in terms of matching need with great value. For the second consecutive week, Sharrif Floyd is 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

Potential to go No. 1, although a handful of names are in play. Matches exceptional power and leverage with strong hands and enough athleticism to be tough on even good tackles. 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 can simply drive linemen into the backfield.

LAST WEEK: 1 | 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

Has answered speed questions, now just a matter of how high he goes. 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: 2 | 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: 4 | 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 has a key pro day after skipping workouts in Indy. This slot 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 also can cover.) He profiles as a 3-4 outside linebacker but fits any system.

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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