Kiper's Big Board

[Milians]

Here is Mel Kiper's top 25 as of Jan 6th. I will update it when he does.


http://insider.espn.go.com/ncf/insid...mel&id=2282772

[MordorIV]

thanks for the link

[pakowitz]

u can post what is inside the link for the non insider members.....

[MordorIV]

so

[pakowitz]

so if ur an insider... post the big board on here so everyone can see it...

[BlackandBlue]

You do know Pak is a moderator, right?

He is deserving of your respect, not one word sarcastic replies.

[pakowitz]

saintswhodi... whenever u get on can u post it since no one else seems to want to....

[Milians]

Here:

There have been some major changes and additions to the Big Board now that underclassmen are declaring for the 2006 NFL draft. Until a junior officially declares for April's draft, that player will not appear on the Big Board but will remain with the junior rankings.

Of the underclassmen who have declared, NC State defensive end Mario Williams has the highest grade according to my ratings, followed by Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes, Georgia tight end Leonard Pope, Minnesota RB Laurence Maroney and Florida wide receiver Chad Jackson.

Williams has a chance to be the first defensive player selected, and Davis figures to wow the NFL brass during the combine and individual workouts. Holmes easily could be the first receiver selected, and Pope is right behind Davis at the tight end position.

Maroney has the potential to become a middle to late first-round pick. Jackson, Florida's leading receiver, also could figure into the first-round mix.

The status of all the underclassmen won't really be defined clearly until their measurables are verified at the combine workout and individual testing.

As for the seniors, LSU defensive tackle Claude Wroten remains in the top 25, although an off-the-field issue will have to be monitored.

We are all anxiously awaiting the decisions of Texas quarterback Vince Young and USC running back Reggie Bush. Both would catapult to the top of the draft board, right up there with USC QB Matt Leinart.


After Young's incredible performance in the Rose Bowl, he certainly has to be in the thought process of teams selecting in the top three spots. Put it this way, if Young and Bush are part of the 2006 NFL draft, it would be a three-horse race between those two and Leinart to see who will be the No. 1 overall pick on April 29.


My entire Big Board:





Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Matt Leinart remains at the top of the Big Board, at least for the time being.1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: same
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball even better. Leinart might not have repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.

2. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
A dominant physical presence and had some great individual performances at the end of year. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all skills NFL coaches are looking for.

3. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: 5
Came back from a knee injury and still remains the top offensive lineman on the board. Ideal left tackle in the NFL.

4. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: 2
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, he knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.

5. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: 4
Leader of the Crimson Tide defense. Has impressed in the Tide's biggest games this season. Alabama's defense did all it could to try to keep undefeated season alive.

6. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 3
Has been at the top of his game all year. Hali is the best player on one of the best defenses in the country. A natural pass-rusher who has been fun to watch all season.



Kevin C. Cox/WireImage.com
Maryland tight end Vernon Davis may very well be a top-10 pick in the 2006 draft.7. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Physically gifted athlete who plays the tight end like a wide receiver. Davis is a phenomenal pass catcher and is a better prospect than when Kellen Winslow came out of Miami.

8. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 6
Third in the nation in rushing yards per game, despite not playing behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick.

9. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 8
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.

10. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3¼, 227) | previous rank: 9
Second-best senior QB on the board behind Matt Leinart. Has the potential to be a first-round pick, depending on how he performs in the Senior Bowl and individual workouts.

11. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
He is very tough and is willing to make catches in traffic. Holmes is a very good route runner and has a good burst out of his break. Holmes doesn't have the greatest size, but is very tough.

12. Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
He's an absolutely huge target and is a mismatch every time he's on the field. Georgia relied heavily on Pope in the passing game because he is a rare talent for a player of his size.



AP Photo
Laurence Maroney rushed for 3,933 in three years at Minnesota.13. Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
A very good natural runner who is very smooth and patient. At Minnesota, Maroney allowed his blocks to get set up and develop. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly.

14. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 7
Gives the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who can lock up the opposing team's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.

15. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 11
Has become one of the nation's topflight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway knows how to find the ball and can go all over the field to get to it.
16. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: 13
Came back from an injury against Virginia during season. A tremendous talent who needs to polish his pass-rushing skills.

17. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1½, 203) | previous rank: 12
A precise route runner who will come into the NFL in 2006 with a great understanding of what is expected to be an immediate contributor.

18. Orien Harris, DT, Miami (6-3, 307) | previous rank: 10
Blessed with a ton of talent, Harris has bounced back from a subpar junior campaign. He has maximized his ability on a consistent basis in 2005.

19. Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2½, 233) | previous rank: 15
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. UTEP's best defensive player, Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed who covers the field from sideline to sideline.

20. Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (5-8½ 183) | previous rank: 16
Can turn a short completion into a coast-to-coast TD. Not great size, but Moss has great speed and should excel at the next level.

21. Chad Jackson, WR, Florida (6-1, 205) | previous rank: unranked (Junior)
Has the ability to make a play after the catch. Jackson averaged 22.3 yards per catch as a sophomore and had 81 receptions in 2005. Worked the underneath routes for Chris Leak very well and kept chains moving in 2005.

22. Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6½, 340) | previous rank: 21
Depending on who comes out early, O'Callaghan could end up being the highest-rated right tackle prospect in the draft. Prototype right tackle at the next level. Very tough; he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004 and battled through a concussion in '05.

23. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: 14
Solid and reliable, Wroten has given LSU consistent play throughout the season.

24. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (6-2½ 305) | previous rank: 17
Combines strength with quickness and a relentless approach. A very effective pass-rusher for an interior lineman.

25. Kyle Williams, DT, LSU (6-1½, 294) | previous rank: same
Consistent and productive, he gets overshadowed at times by teammate Claude Wroten, who lines up next to him on the defensive line. Williams never disappears from the action.

DROPPED

Jason Spitz, G/C, Louisville (6-3½ 307) | previous rank: 18
Versatile player who will have a long career at the next level. Strongest player on Louisville's roster.

Anthony Smith, DB, Syracuse (6-1, 194) | previous rank: 19
Real playmaker on a team that struggled in 2005. Combines excellent cover skills with a rugged, hard-nosed approach. Smith is not only a quality free safety but also has made a dramatic impact on special teams throughout his impressive stay in the Big East.

Dwayne Slay, FS, Texas Tech (6-3½, 210) | previous rank: 20
A very physical and hard-hitting safety, Slay led the Red Raiders in tackles and set a Big 12 record with eight forced fumbles.

Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville (6-0, 256) | previous rank: 22
Feared and disruptive sack artist. Has at least two sacks in five games this season and leads the nation with 20 sacks. Reminds me of Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia (6-4, 350) | previous rank: 23
One of the best guards in the country, Jean-Gilles had a solid outing against a great LSU defensive line in the SEC title game.

Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA (6-6, 258) | previous rank: 24
Has legit 4.5 speed and a perfect frame for the position. Leads the Bruins in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

Mel's Top 5 Juniors
Quarterback
1. Vince Young, Texas
2. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
3. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
4. Troy Smith, Ohio State
5. Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
5a. Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech

Running back
1. Reggie Bush, USC
2. LenDale White, USC
3. Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
4. Maurice Drew, UCLA
5. Michael Bush, Louisville
5a. Kenny Irons, Auburn
5b. Tony Hunt, Penn State

Wide receiver
1. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
2. Cory Rodgers, TCU
3. Jason Hill, Washington State
4. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
5. Steve Smith, USC
5a. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
5b. Courtney Taylor, Auburn

Tight end
1. Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
2. Clark Harris, Rutgers
3. Martrez Milner, Georgia
4. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
5. Ben Patrick, Duke

Offensive line
1. Winston Justice (RT), USC
2. Joe Thomas (LT), Wisconsin
3. Levi Brown (LT), Penn State
4. Justin Blalock (RT), Texas
5. Kyle Young, Fresno St. (C)
5a. Doug Free (LT), Northern Illinois

Defensive line
1. Gaines Adams, (DE), Clemson
2. Haloti Ngata (DT), Oregon
3. Adam Carriker (DE), Nebraska
4. Kareem Brown (DT), Miami
5. Quentin Moses (DE), Georgia
5a. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5b. Mkristo Bruce (DE), Washington St

Linebackers
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn St.
2. Ernie Sims, Florida State
3. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
4. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
5. Oscar Lua, USC
5a. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5b. Prescott Burgess, Michigan
5c. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
5d. Kai Parham, Virginia
5e. Anthony Waters, Clemson

Defensive backs


1. Ashton Youboty, Ohio St.
2. LaRon Landry, LSU
3. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
4. Michael Griffin, Texas
5. Donte Whitner, Ohio St.
5a. Darnell Bing, USC
5b. Johnathan Joseph, South Carolina
5c. Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian
5d. Eric Weddle, Utah

Place-Kickers
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Mike Barrow, Idaho
4. Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech
5. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan
5a. Kyle Schlicher, Iowa
5b. John Deraney, NC State

Punters
1. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
2. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
3. Brandon Fields, Michigan St.
4. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis

[Milians]

Here's Kiper's top 5 by position list:

Jan. 6, 2006 | Now that underclassmen are declaring for the NFL draft, the Top 5 list will take on a different look in the coming weeks. Instead of Top 5 Seniors by Position, it is now Top 5 Players by Position, based on seniors and underclassmen who are involved in the draft process. Expect many more changes in the next few weeks, since underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for April's draft.


Quarterbacks
1. Matt Leinart, USC
2. Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
3. Brodie Croyle, Alabama
4. Darrell Hackney, UAB
5. Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson
5a. Barrick Nealy, Texas State
5b. Kellen Clemens, Oregon
5c. Bruce Eugene, Grambling


Running Backs
1. DeAngelo Williams, Memphis
2. Laurence Maroney, Minnesota (Junior)
3. Joseph Addai, LSU
4. Jerome Harrison, Washington State
5. Leon Washington, Florida State
5a. Andre Hall, South Florida
5b. P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech


Fullbacks
1. Lawrence Vickers, Colorado
2. J.D. Runnels, Oklahoma
3. Matt Bernstein, Wisconsin
4. Daccus Turman, South Carolina
5. David Kirtman, USC


Wide Receivers
1. Santonio Holmes, Ohio State (Junior)
2. Derek Hagan, Arizona State
3. Sinorice Moss, Miami
4. Chad Jackson, Florida (Junior)
5. Hank Baskett, New Mexico
5a. Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame
5b. Brandon Williams, Wisconsin
5c. Greg Lee, Pittsburgh (Junior)
5d. Travis Wilson, Oklahoma
5e. Jonathan Orr, Wisconsin


Tight Ends
1. Vernon Davis, Maryland (Junior)
2. Leonard Pope, Georgia (Junior)
3. Owen Daniels, Wisconsin
4. Dominique Byrd, USC
5. David Thomas, Texas
5a. Marcedes Lewis, UCLA
5b. Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado
5c. Tim Day, Oregon


Tackles
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia
2. Ryan O'Callaghan, California
3. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College
4. Marcus McNeill, Auburn
5. Andrew Whitworth, LSU
5a. Eric Winston, Miami


Guards
1. Jason Spitz, Louisville
2. Taitusi Lutui, USC
3. Max Jean-Gilles, Georgia
4. Kevin Boothe, Cornell
5. Rob Sims, Ohio State
5a. Davin Joseph, Oklahoma
5b. E.J. Whitley, Texas Tech


Centers
1. Nick Mangold, Ohio State
2. Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
3. Ryan Cook, New Mexico
4. Mike Degory, Florida
5. Marvin Philip, California


Place-Kickers
1. Stephen Gostkowski, Memphis
2. Josh Huston, Ohio State
3. Connor Hughes, Virginia
4. Deric Yaussi, Wyoming
5. Kurt Smith, Virginia


Defensive Ends
1. Mario Williams, NC State (Junior)
2. Tamba Hali, Penn State
3. Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College
4. Kamerion Wimbley, Florida State
5. Manny Lawson, NC State
5a. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
5b. Ray Edwards, Purdue (Junior)
5c. Jason Hatcher, Grambling
5d. Charlton Keith, Kansas


Defensive Tackles
1. Orien Harris, Miami
2. Claude Wroten, LSU
3. Brodrick Bunkley, Florida State
4. Kyle Williams, LSU
5. Titus Adams, Nebraska


Inside Linebackers
1. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland
2. Abdul Hodge, Iowa
3. Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech
4. Oliver Hoyte, NC State
5. Leon Williams, Miami


Outside Linebackers
1. A.J. Hawk, Ohio State
2. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
3. Chad Greenway, Iowa
4. Thomas Howard, UTEP
5. Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State
5a. Cameron Vaughn, LSU
5b. Rocky McIntosh, Miami


Cornerbacks
1. Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
2. Antonio Cromartie, Florida State (Junior)
3. Kelly Jennings, Miami
4. DeMario Minter, Georgia
5. Anwar Phillips, Penn State
5a. Marcus Hudson, NC State
5b. Jason Allen, Tennessee
5c. Tye Hill, Clemson
5d. Marcus Maxey, Miami
5e. Alan Zemaitis, Penn State
5f. Cedric Griffin, Texas


Safeties
1. Michael Huff, Texas
2. Anthony Smith, Syracuse
3. Bernard Pollard, Purdue (Junior)
4. Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech
5. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska


Punters
1. John Torp, Colorado
2. Steve Weatherford, Illinois
3. Tom Malone, USC
4. Jeff Williams, Adams State (Colo.)
5. Sam Paulescu, Oregon State

[papz]

Thanks for the info.

This draft is as deep as last years. Assuming we get Leinart in the first, I'd love to have D'Qwell in the second if he's still there. That's a tough mother h'fer. I would love to have Greenway, who is my favorite linebacker in the draft, but he's going to be gone in the first so it's just wishful thinking having him there in the second. I'd go with a James Harrison or PJ Daniels in the third... or some young corner. Fred and Mike aren't getting any younger, definately a position that we need address in this draft. 4th - 7th we need a kicker and a some depth on the offensive line. Plenty of good place kickers this year, hopefully we'll draft one. I've seen a couple of them nail 60 yarders pre-game... I think it was Virginia's and UCLA's kicker. Pace from V. Tech isn't bad either.