Big Board sees QBs plunge

With the QB class a mess, but a Vol and a Bruin crack the rankings

Originally Published: November 21, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

If the NFL team you root for is in desperate need of a quarterback, you may not have to hope it is willing to trade up. That's because the current QB class is as in flux as I've seen it in years. Right now, I have two quarterbacks on the Big Board, but Matt Barkley and Geno Smith are barely holding that status, as they are listed at Nos. 24 and 25 this week, respectively. As we get a better sense of demand, I expect one or both to move up during the draft process, but someone else could jump over them as well.

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 62
Sack 10.5
Int 1

A two-week stretch arrives that will make or break Jones and the Dawgs' season. An explosive, disciplined, relentless edge rusher who profiles as a 3-4 OLB but doesn't need to come off the field. 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 98
Sack 1.5
Int 6

Te'o's coverage skills will be under the microscope at Southern Cal. The top interior linebacker in the 2013 draft class, he has exceptional instincts and 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: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Star Lotulelei
AGE: 22
DOB: 12/20/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 325
POS: DT
Tkl 36
Sack 4.0
Int 0

No change. He's consistently at the center of what opposing offenses must work around, he absorbs so much blocking help. 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.

LAST WEEK: 3 | PLAYER CARD

4
Damontre Moore *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/11/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 248
POS: DE
Tkl 78
Sack 12.5
Int 0

Has a TFL in every game that's matters, and brings it against good competition. Consistent performer. The 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: 4 | PLAYER CARD

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

I don't have Joeckel quite as high as some others, but he's extremely good. He has a lot of experience, starting on the left since his freshman season. Best in pass protection and won't get rattled by speed or secondary moves at this level. Not an elite athlete, but a good technician who can move really well.

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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