Kiper Big Board 4/12

[Skinsinparadise]

4/12 -- ESPN

Again this is Kiper ranking of the players not where they will go in the draft

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech (6-4, 225) | previous: Same

He's not only a tremendous athlete, but he's a hard worker and very team oriented. Based on the needs of the Raiders and Lions, Johnson might not be the No. 1 overall pick, but he won't fall out of the top five.

2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6½, 313) | previous: Same

Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan.

3. Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (6-1½, 218) | previous: Same

The most talented running back in the draft with an excellent burst to the outside for his size. The concern with Peterson is his durability.

4. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (6-6, 260) | previous: Same

Big, strong signal caller with a powerful arm, and his decision-making improved significantly in 2006.

5. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3½, 225) | previous: Same

Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations. Quinn did throw two interceptions in the Sugar Bowl after throwing just one INT in his previous eight games.

6. LaRon Landry, DB, LSU (6-1½, 205) | previous: Same

Four-year starter who has proven to be Mr. Reliable throughout his career.

7. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6-1½, 298) | previous: Same

A four-year veteran, and he is only 19 years old. Okoye is quick and explosive and goes all-out on every play. He is not only good at eating up space but also gets good penetration into the backfield.

8. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6-4½, 260) | previous: Same

Flashes dominating ability with his athleticism and quickness. Adams led the Tigers with 10½ sacks and 15½ tackles for loss.

9. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5-11, 193) | previous: Same

Tough customer who also shows very good anticipation and awareness in coverage.

10. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas (6-5, 270) | previous: 16

A gifted athlete who is coming off an exceptional 2006 season. Anderson is a complete player, equally solid against the run and as a pass rusher.

11. Greg Olsen, Miami, TE (6-5, 254) | previous: Same

His performance at the combine should move Olsen up to the middle of the first round. Great hands and very athletic, Olsen reminds me of Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap.

12. Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi (6-2, 235) | previous: 15

Tackling machine with great football sense. Willis lead the Rebels with 137 tackles (87 solo).

13. Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska (6-6, 298) | previous: 17

You don't see many defensive ends carrying 300 pounds who can move as well as Carriker.

14. Jarvis Moss*, DE, Florida (6-5, 250) | previous: 24

Speed rusher who is also excellent in pursuit, using his lateral quickness to chase down running plays before they can amount to anything.

15. Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State (5-11, 175) | previous: 10

Takes a backseat to no one in the speed department, brings a big-play dimension to the wide receiver position and also the return game.

16. Marshawn Lynch, RB, California (5-11, 224) | previous: 20

Complete big back, right on the heels of Adrian Peterson when it comes to who will be the top RB in the draft.

17. Levi Brown, OT, Penn St. (6-4½, 325) | previous: 12

Steady and reliable at protecting the quarterback's blind side.

18. Lawrence Timmons*, LB, Florida St. (6-2¼, 233) | previous: Unranked

Moves right to the top of a very subpar linebacking group, particularly from the senior class. Timmons' production and consistency from game to game are what jumps out at you.

19. Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan (6-5½, 300) | previous: 13

He's a former tight end who has developed into a natural left tackle. Staley brings incredible footwork, athleticism and agility to the position.

20. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn (6-3, 300) | previous: 21

A versatile athlete who started his career at defensive tackle and then shifted to tight end. Grubbs brings a great deal of athletic ability to the interior of the offensive line.

21. Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St. (6-1½, 235) | previous: 25

A productive and consistent player who studies and prepares as thoroughly as anybody.

22. Ryan Kalil, C, USC (6-3, 285) | previous: Unranked

Game improved dramatically thanks in part to facing great competition in practice.

23. Aaron Sears, OL, Tennessee (6-4, 320) | previous: Unranked

He played both guard and tackle in college and will give a team some versatility along the offensive line.

24. Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas (6-5, 305) | previous: Unranked

Athletically gifted left tackle with a tremendous amount of upside.

25. Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU (6-2, 217) | previous: 19

Big and productive, Bowe runs excellent routes and has the toughness to catch the ball in traffic.

[Oldskool]

I'm starting to believe that Kiper is losing his edge.

[Skinsinparadise]

Alan Branch has been out of his top 25 if I recall now three times in a row

[Grimm]

Interesting he has Amobi Okoye as the top lineman over Adams and Anderson.

[skinsn24]

everyone is ridin real high on Amobi right now

[Sekhmet187]

Sounds pretty good. I think Kiper is probably the best judges of talent that works for the sports media. Plus, he doesn't always just buy into the hype of certain players like a lot of guys like to do.

[DJD2]

And Carriker is steadily moving up. By draft day he may be top 10.

[jivelikenice]

Jamaal Anderson, Adam Carriker, and Jarvis Moss all made big jumps up the board. I wouldnt mind trading back to like 9 with maimi if brady slips, pick up a 2nd and draft Anderson or fall back to greenbay if peterson slips for their second and like a 4ht or 5th and draft caiker or moss. In the second id like either a DT in Tank Tyler or a safety to groom for a year.

[bubba9497]

the funny thing is players move up and down based on everything OTHER than what really matters

how they preform on the field

there is just too much time between actual games and the draft, for people to over think and get obsessed with something or someone, who wasn't on the radar when the season was over.

one of the main reasons you have so many draft day one busts, and low round, or UDFA surprises in the NFL

[RedzoneHunter]

Look no further than right here if we can't trade down:

7. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6-1½, 298) | previous: Same

A four-year veteran, and he is only 19 years old. Okoye is quick and explosive and goes all-out on every play. He is not only good at eating up space but also gets good penetration into the backfield.

[fdarugar]

Kiper = God, GOD = KIPER

[boofMcboof]

I respect Mayock a lot more than I do Kiper.

[leo2k2ndc]

Alan Branch not getting picked first round is a joke, but landry being our pick is smart

[CBass1724]

You cannot go wrong with Amobi or Landry. There is something about 4 year starters that I like.

Umm, maybe because they have proven themselves for more than 1 year? Experience maybe?

No brainer, one of these 2 guys.

[deejaydana]

Hey, these guys have to do something to kill time between now and the big day, right? You gotta think even they must get bored at times rehashing the same storyline over and over ad naseum.

[bubba9497]

I respect Mayock a lot more than I do Kiper.

:laugh: you're kidding

right?!

[jamesbondman]

The Skins will trade down with Miami because Miami wants Quinn. If that does not happen there are several other teams that could make the offer for QUINN. But the Skins will NOT draft at number 6 and the Skins will draft a defensive lineman with that first pick, regardless of which pick that is. Write it down. The Skins will not draft at number 6.

[jivelikenice]

Alan Branch not getting picked first round is a joke, but landry being our pick is smart

I wouldn't say that. Teams are looking beyond the measurables and asking where is the production at a collegiate level. 2 Sacks and 25 tackles (only 6 for losses) from a 6'5 325 pound defensive tackle in college!!! Where's the production??? He is a huge gamble especially with the large number of busts at d-tackle in the last few years.

[nightbird]

the funny thing is players move up and down based on everything OTHER than what really matters

how they preform on the field

there is just too much time between actual games and the draft, for people to over think and get obsessed with something or someone, who wasn't on the radar when the season was over.

one of the main reasons you have so many draft day one busts, and low round, or UDFA surprises in the NFL

Exactly.

Can anyone tell me what is going on right now to make so-and-so "move up."

They're just giving interviews, right?

I'd love to do a comparison -- these "big boards" right after the college season ended, next to how they looked just before the draft. Then take a look at who rose, who fell, and who became better pros.

I'd prefer to draft players whose stock was high when they were....you know, playing football.

[ThePreciating]

20. Ben Grubbs, OG, Auburn (6-3, 300) | previous: 21

A versatile athlete who started his career at defensive tackle and then shifted to tight end. Grubbs brings a great deal of athletic ability to the interior of the offensive line.

Let's pick him up. He probably knows JC and looked up to him while Auburn groomed him. He played Tight End at 300 pounds? That's a lineman who can MOVE. Let's turn the Dirtbags into the Hogs II. Just imagine putting this guy in our offensive line. That's a scary, scary thought......CP with plenty of time to find a hole, JC with plenty of time to find open receivers.

[Om]

You know what kills me? Every year I think, "this is the year I'm going to start cutting and pasting all these 'expert' mocks and rating lists to a database, so that over time I can compile a meaningful analysis of who, if anyone, actually knows what the **** they're talking about."

And every year I don't do it.

One of these days.

[skinsfan07]

Landry! I love it. I wouldn't mind Okoye or Anderson though either.

[DCsportsfan53]

I'm starting to believe that Kiper is losing his edge.

Alan Branch has been out of his top 25 if I recall now three times in a row

Getting a little wrapped up in the Branch campaign, eh Oldskool?

[DCsportsfan53]

You know what kills me? Every year I think, "this is the year I'm going to start cutting and pasting all these 'expert' mocks and rating lists to a database, so that over time I can compile a meaningful analysis of who, if anyone, actually knows what the **** they're talking about."

And every year I don't do it.

One of these days.

Start a thread. Offer the first one to compile such a database free choice of any available avatar. I bet you have it done in hours.

[Om]

You know what kills me? Every year I think, "this is the year I'm going to start cutting and pasting all these 'expert' mocks and rating lists to a database, so that over time I can compile a meaningful analysis of who, if anyone, actually knows what the **** they're talking about."

And every year I don't do it.

One of these days.

You know what else?

Screw that. I AM going to start ... this year.

Day before the draft, I'm cutting and pasting all the mocks I can find, and all the ratings lists like Mel's I can find, and filing them away. It's a project long overdue and one I think I might find use for a year or two down the line.

Why am I writing this here? Because I want someone to hold me to it, so next year I don't have to come on here and say ...

You know what kills me? Every year I think, "this is the year I'm going to start cutting and pasting all these 'expert' mocks and rating lists to a database, so that over time I can compile a meaningful analysis of who, if anyone, actually knows what the **** they're talking about."

And every year I don't do it.

One of these days.