Big Board: NFL prospect rankings

Jarvis Jones didn't get a win Saturday, but he's still the No. 1 prospect today

Originally Published: December 5, 2012
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider

There weren't significant changes on the Big Board this week. Regardless of how you felt about the outcome of the SEC championship game, I think the prospects you see here pretty clearly showed why they belong. Like last week, I also have the top two QBs in the class just barely hanging on. At this juncture, there's no guarantee we'll see a QB taken early.

Remember, as you read below, the scouting perspective will remain similar week to week, but I'll note performance and matchup highlights. 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 77
Sack 12.5
Int 1

Drew a ton of blocking attention against Bama, and was slowed because Bama simply ran the ball all day, but still had 2.0 sacks and 3 TFL. Typical Jones. Explosive, disciplined, relentless edge rusher who profiles as a 3-4 OLB and doesn't need to come off the field. A quick first step, violent hands, 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 103
Sack 1.5
Int 7

The Bama game will be a showcase, but Te'o's reel is already full. Has exceptional instincts, a ton of experience and the ability to read the game. Can attack the backfield. Te'o is a big, strong, prepared tackling presence in the middle of the field. With off-the-charts intangibles, he is the future leader of an NFL defense.

LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD

3
Star Lotulelei
AGE: 22
DOB: 12/20/89
HT: 6-4
WT: 325
POS: DT
Tkl 42
Sack 5.0
Int 0

Ready to be an impact NFL DT now. Consistently at the center of what opposing offenses must work around, he absorbs so much blocking help and frees others up. Clogs the middle of the field but creates his own push. A great sense for disrupting the run game. Quick off the ball with great upper- and lower-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 80
Sack 12.5
Int 0

A great season in terms of growth and impact. 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 12
GS 12

The Kevin Sumlin offense will produce points and stars, but Joeckel will be tough to replace. He just eliminates good pass-rushers; there's very little to not like. 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. Not an elite athlete but moves 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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