Kiper's Latest Big Board

[Alo]

Enjoy.

1. Andrew Luck QB Stanford

Analysis: With a comp. percentage up a full 10 points, he balances improvement and refinement. Question is whether the top pick-holder needs a QB.

2. Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson

Analysis: His 23 TFL have created astounding -150 yards. A tremendous physical talent who has shown a steady relentlessness this year. Biggest riser all year.

3. AJ Greens WR Georgia

Analysis: Green has been mostly unstoppable even with a young QB; was totally dominant on big stage Saturday, which I discuss here.

4. Patrick Peterson CB LSU

Analysis: More than a mere freak athlete, Peterson has continued to improve his technical cover skills. Mixed reports on exact size, but safety size, corner speed.

5. Prince Amukamara CB Nebraska

Analysis: I'd be more concerned about Amukamara's zero interceptions in 2010 if any quarterback were willing to challenge him. A gifted technician.

6. Nick Fairley DT Auburn

Analysis: No TFL in his last two games, an almost unthinkable stretch given his dominant season. Fairley epitomizes an ideal penetrating 4-3 DT.

7. Robert Quinn DE North Carolina

Analysis: A freakish athlete with decent size, great quickness and pass-rush skills. Ineligible all year, but scouts captivated by his talent.

8. Marcell Dareus DE Alabama

Analysis: Dareus could be a 3-4 DE, but he's better suited as a 4-3 DT. This week offers a true showcase game as he gets to go after Cam Newton.

9. Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas

Analysis: Mallett has progressed this year. For a "big arm" guy, his 67.2 completion rate, 3-to-1 TD/INT ratio stand out.

10. Julio Jones WR Alabama

Analysis: Jones has been one of the most pleasant surprises all year. Consistent, improved hands, great size, speed and blocking. And productive.

11. Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue

Analysis: Now at 25 TFL, he leads the nation and has become simply impossible to block, even against double-teams. Ideal for 3-4 OLB, possible 4-3 DE.

12. Akeem Ayers OLB UCLA

Analysis: His exceptional athleticism makes him so versatile. Ideal every-down 3-4 OLB who can rush and cover. Ayers can play all over the field.

13. Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Analysis: In the midst of a breakout season, has been impossible to keep covered. Good size and speed combo with ability to set-up DBs.

14. Mark Ingram RB Alabama

Analysis: Average per rush now a tick below last year, but explosive and physical after being dinged early. Splitting reps doesn't hurt his stock. A finisher.

15. Cameron Newton QB Auburn

Analysis: Gifted physical talent with an underrated set of skills as a QB. High completion percentage, great competitor, great size and proven winner.

16. Adrian Clayborn DE Iowa

Analysis: Sacks are down, but increased attention a part of that. My concern is general lack of big plays. Great motor, however.

17. Drake Nevis DT LSU

Analysis: Explosive, up-the-field tackle, ideal three-technique who plays with great leverage and passion. Solid against the run and the pass.

18. Von Miller OLB Texas A&M

Analysis: Just 7.5 sacks after leading country last year, but health was an issue. Good 3-4 pass-rusher, with great edge quickness. Size is a question.

19. Nate Solder OT Colorado

Analysis: Physical freak with improving skills, solid rise given inexperience. Should dominate in workout phase and could get a bump in a draft short on elite OTs.

20. Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College

Analysis: Smart, reliable; solid footwork, but could add lower-body strength to become a better leverage player. Solid vs. Bowers in recent matchup.

21. Jake Locker QB Washington

Analysis: No player should benefit more from the workout/interview process; the issue is, Locker now needs to do well.

22. Derek Sherrod OT Mississippi State

Analysis: A later entry to the Big Board this year. An athlete at OT, moves his feet well, and has been steady against good players; continues to improve.

23. Gabe Carimi OT Wisconsin

Analysis: Has had a fantastic Fall, battling a number of likely high draft picks to a standstill. Once beaten by speed too often, his footwork has improved.

24. Rahim Moore FS UCLA

Analysis: Production down this year after breakout 2009 season, but QBs also staying away. Good instincts, and he gets solid marks as a cover safety.

25. Jon Baldwin WR Pittsburgh

Analysis: Great physical skills and size. Baldwin has had a rocky season -- games with 1, 3, 2, 3 catches -- but QB issues are part of that.

[Sez.EJ]

This is a very DE heavy, top of the draft board... I'll take a dozen...
Couple wr's in there too.. 2nd round slide for one of these guys to us?

[DaBrowns41]

There are a ton of DE's and OLB prospects that could be first rounders.

The WR's are top heavy, and get a bit weaker around the late 2nd-3rd round, IMO.

[jason j]

I'm with you on the WRs. There seems to be quite a drop off after Michael Floyd. And I can't imagine, at this point anyway, that he gets too far into round two if at all.

-jj

[Greythan]

I'd be absolutely ecstatic if we drafted a OLB, DL, or WR with our first pick. I see a lot of play for DL and WR, but not as much for LB. I'm convinced we need a playmaker at OLB to really maximize Ryan's defense. If we could get an elite edge rusher it opens up so much for the DC's playcalling.

Those are my top 3 and it looks like we're in pretty good shape to get a top talent where we'll be picking.

On the WR topic, I'm also convinced that while drafting a good one would be nice I think Heckert will address the need through FA. After all, we can't really wait for the freshman year growing pains if we're drafting a guy to be our number 1. So, since we don't have anything close to a legit number 1 WR on our current roster, I'm counting on Heckert to address this via FA.

So, I'm more OLB/DL oriented for our number 1 pick as those positions traditionally provide better first year impact than WR.

[Sez.EJ]

I will be VERY dissapointed if we do not bring in several free agents WR's to bring a veteran presence to our recieving corps.. I can see a couple rookies being drafted, and I'm all for it. ..but we need REAL experience on the field... There are some rookie prospects..but it's naive to think they are going to change the culture of our passing game like a couple veterans will... I want to see 2-3 free agents, 2 rookie draft picks and let everyone duke it out. Robo and Momass are in year 3..no more free passes.. put up or shut up..

DE's on the other hand.. rookies CAN come in and make a huge difference out of the gate.

[PlaygroundLegend]

If we could snag both Robert Quinn, AND Jon Baldwin I'd flip my shit

[hammertime]

#19 is the first o lineman?

really? a real beast will emerge after combines.

[Jax Dawg]

Don't worry, Kiper's top 25 will change at least 50 times between now and the draft in April. Kiper makes a lot of changes once he starts seeing measureables at the combine instead of doing a lot of real scouting during the college season. I guarantee there will be a OL taken in the top 10 even though this year's class isn't as strong in that area as others in recent years.

[DaBrowns41]

You know, everybody keeps saying that this years OT class is weak, but honestly, I think they are just comparing it to last years class.

Last year's OT class was ridiculously top heavy. This years has quite a bit of talent in itself, it's just spread out over a few rounds.

And if Riley Reiff comes out, this could be a much better year than predicted also.

[DaBrowns41]

Originally Posted by Sez.EJ

I will be VERY dissapointed if we do not bring in several free agents WR's to bring a veteran presence to our recieving corps.. I can see a couple rookies being drafted, and I'm all for it. ..but we need REAL experience on the field... There are some rookie prospects..but it's naive to think they are going to change the culture of our passing game like a couple veterans will... I want to see 2-3 free agents, 2 rookie draft picks and let everyone duke it out. Robo and Momass are in year 3..no more free passes.. put up or shut up..

DE's on the other hand.. rookies CAN come in and make a huge difference out of the gate.

The problem is, there aren't many veteran WR's to be had in FA for 2011.

Most of the big name guys will most likely be re-signed.

The Giants won't let Steve Smith go, most likely, and I doubt the Vikings let Sidney Rice test the market unless he gets injured again.

We could go after T.O. but what does that really do for us?

And we can forget about going after Miles Austin, as Dallas will sign him to a big deal, and he'll want an arm and a leg anyway.

[Sez.EJ]

Originally Posted by DaBrowns41

The problem is, there aren't many veteran WR's to be had in FA for 2011.

Most of the big name guys will most likely be re-signed.

The Giants won't let Steve Smith go, most likely, and I doubt the Vikings let Sidney Rice test the market unless he gets injured again.

We could go after T.O. but what does that really do for us?

And we can forget about going after Miles Austin, as Dallas will sign him to a big deal, and he'll want an arm and a leg anyway.

You are right, there are guys that will get resigned.. now I am not saying we can come out and have a TOP FLIGHT recieving corps via free agency..but this years group is WAYYYYY better than last years.. Guys who could truly improve what we have with some experience and are still young enough to be around a while ...leaving out the VERY top guys who will likely be resigned.. I see.. in no particular order:

... Mike Simms Walker, Santonio holmes, early doucet, James Jones, Laurent robinson, Eric weems, legadu naanee, sidney rice, jacoby jones, mark clayton... I am not saying these guys are the answer to our prayers..but bring in 2 of the better ones,, and draft 2 more, let the guys we have duke it out.. we will be much better.. We must get some veteran presence in our recieving corps...even if our #1 is a rookie.. our 2 and 3 need more experience.. or somewhere we need a blend.... but what we have just is not getting it done.

Hey maybe 3rd year willl be the magic number for Momass and Robo..it won't be the first time that's happened.. I am just unwilling to believe that H3 will roll into the season with that again.