NFL draft prospect rankings

Big Board sees Matt Barkley fall from top 5, plus several new names

Originally Published: October 31, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

Another week with a number of moves on the Big Board. The top 5 have been completely reshuffled, though Jarvis Jones remains at No. 1 overall. I also dropped Matt Barkley out of that top handful for the first time all season. He's still my top-rated QB in the class, but it's fair to say the class as a group has been pretty disappointing this year, even with Geno Smith's great season. After all, that wasn't totally unexpected.

As you read below, the scouting perspective will remain similar week to week, but I'll note performance and matchup highlights. Plus, here are my junior prospect rankings and my senior prospect rankings. 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 49
Sack 8.5
Int 1

America got to see what a healthy Jones looks like against Florida. In a word & yikes. This is an explosive, disciplined, relentless edge rusher who profiles as a 3-4 OLB. He has a quick first step and violent hands; he tackles well and closes fast. Solid against the run and can really cover.

LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD

2
Manti Te'o
AGE: 21
DOB: 1/26/91
HT: 6-2
WT: 255
POS: LB
Tkl 80
Sack 1.0
Int 5

As good of a season by an interior linebacker that I can remember. Really. The top interior linebacker in the 2013 draft class, his instincts are exceptional and he can attack the backfield. Te'o is a big, strong, prepared tackling presence in the middle of the field. Reads plays well and gets through traffic.

LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD

3
Star Lotulelei
AGE: 22
DOB: 12/20/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 325
POS: DT
Tkl 28
Sack 2.0
Int 0

Makes a clear impact every week, and he absorbs so much blocking help. He brings consistent, relentless effort. Demands double-teams and clogs the middle of the field. A great sense for disrupting the run game, with power to bull rush. Quick off the ball, with great upper-body strength. Coaches rave about him.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Damontre Moore *
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/11/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 248
POS: DE
Tkl 65
Sack 10.5
Int 0

Moore has been impossible to block so far, and it goes back to 2011. There's not a single recent game in which he has struggled. Versatile, Moore has 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 bother tackles.

LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD

5
Luke Joeckel *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/6/91
HT: 6-6
WT: 310
POS: OT
GP 8
GS 8

Playing great when the competition is at NFL-level; the tape shines. Has a lot of experience -- he's started on the left since his freshman season. Joeckel is best in pass protection and won't get rattled by speed or secondary moves at this level. Not an elite athlete, but he's a good technician and can move better than most guys his size.

LAST WEEK: 6 | 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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