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By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN.com
Archive
There are four new players on this week's Top 25 Big Board, and all four of them are defensive backs: Ohio State's Donte Whitner, South Carolina's Johnathan Joseph, Tennessee's Jason Allen and Fresno State's Richard Marshall.
Allen could very well have been a top-10 pick before suffering a season-ending hip injury as a senior. Despite missing the last six games of 2005, Allen has made a strong comeback during his rehabilitation, and right now I am projecting him to go 18th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
While Allen played in 2005, Cromartie has not played since 2004. He missed all of last season with a knee injury, but that hasn't hurt his draft stock. Cromartie had tremendous individual workouts and has incredible size for a cornerback at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. I have Cromartie going to Tampa Bay with the 23rd pick.
My entire Big Board:
1. Reggie Bush, USC (6-0, 200, Junior) | previous rank: same
Bush will give the team that drafts him a multifaceted offensive attack. He's dangerous from the backfield, as a slot receiver and in the return game.
2. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285, Junior) | previous rank: 3
A dominant physical presence who had some great individual performances at the end of last season. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all the skills NFL coaches are looking for as an every-down player.
3. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225) | previous rank: 2
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he threw the ball even better in 2005. Leinart didn't repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain near the very top of the draft board.
4. Vince Young, QB, Texas (6-5, 233, Junior) | previous rank: 5
Young's stock has risen considerably since an amazing performance in the Rose Bowl. He's big, strong and exceptionally fast. The New Orleans Saints will have to consider taking him as the No. 2 pick in the draft.
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: 4
The top offensive lineman in this draft, Ferguson will be an ideal left tackle in the NFL.
6. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: 7
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. Hawk should be able to help out a team right away.
7. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250, Junior) | previous rank: 8
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. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 6
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.
9. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State, (6-3, 306) | previous rank: 17
He was the story of the combine on the defensive side of the ball. He ran 4.99 in the 40-yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 44 times. He has a wide upper body and is quick on his feet. He also has a great attitude, and based on his workouts, he's guaranteed to be a first-round pick.
10. Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon (6-5, 338, Junior) | previous rank: same
Ngata will be more than a defensive tackle who just clogs the interior because his strength and athleticism will allow him to penetrate and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
11. Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State (6-4, 248) | previous rank: 23
He might be an outside linebacker in the right scheme. Wimbley ran a 4.63, which was a very good time, and had a vertical leap of 38½ inches.
12. Chad Jackson, Florida, WR (6-1, 213, Junior) | previous rank: 24
His times in the 40-yard dash were 4.32 and 4.37. Jackson caught the ball well and stood out among the receivers in Indianapolis. He's done everything the right way since the season ended and has moved himself into that first-round mix.
13. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185, Junior) | previous rank: 16
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. He doesn't have the greatest size, but toughness counts. He should be the first wide receiver taken off the board.
14. Winston Justice, T, USC (6-6, 311, Junior) | previous rank: 22
A great athlete and very gifted, Justice is as good as any right tackle in the country at getting down field beyond the defensive line. He'll be able to play either tackle positions in the NFL.
15. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 9
An exceptional running back, especially since he did not play behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick for a team that needs a running back who can do it all.
16. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 20
He was one of the nation's top-flight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway has a nose for the ball. He'll help out a team right away.
17. Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St. (5-11, 205, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
He has moved up the draft board fast since the season ended. Whitner is versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety.
18. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-9½, 181) | previous rank: same
Hill is not especially big, but he has long arms, phenomenal speed and great confidence. He had one of the better weeks at the Senior Bowl, which should propel him into the first round.
19. Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State (6-0, 200, Junior) | previous rank: 14
Sims finished fourth on FSU with 70 tackles this season. He's an extremely fast 'backer who's used to being the focus of opposing offenses' game plans.
20. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3¼, 227) | previous rank: 15
He's the next best QB in the senior class behind Leinart. Cutler has gone from being a potential first-round pick to possibly going in the top 10.
21. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 12
Williams gave the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who could lock up the opposition's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.
22. Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 187, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
He is a true cornerback and one of the fastest players in the draft. A team like San Diego would be an ideal fit for Joseph.
23. Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205, Junior) | previous rank: 13
A very good, natural runner who is smooth and patient. Maroney allowed his blocks to develop and then showed a good burst of speed through openings. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly.
24. Jason Allen, S, Tennessee (6-2, 202) | previous rank: unranked
Allen was one of the top seniors in 2005 before his season ended with a hip injury. However, he has battled back from injury and his versatility (he can also play cornerback) has propelled him into the first-round mix.
25. Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State (5-11, 190, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
Also a true cover corner, Marshall projects as a first-round pick. He led the Bulldogs in solo tackles (57), interceptions (three) and pass break-ups (11).
Dropped
LenDale White, RB, USC (6-2, 235, Junior) | previous rank: 11
He's big, strong and deceptively fast with a nose for the end zone. White will be a running back at the next level who can carry the ball 20-25 times a game.
Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 19
He's the best senior defensive end in this draft. Hali's a natural pass-rusher who play with a lot of intensity and never takes a play off.
Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 188, Junior) | previous rank: 21
The first-team All-Big Ten selection has very good cover skills and excellent on-field intelligence.
Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250, Junior) | previous rank: 25
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.
Mel's Top 5 Juniors
Quarterbacks
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
3. Troy Smith, Ohio State
4. Jordan Palmer, UTEP
5. John Beck, BYU
Running Backs
1. Michael Bush, Louisville
2. Kenny Irons, Auburn
3. Tony Hunt, Penn State
4. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
5. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M
5a. Kenneth Darby, Alabama
Wide Receivers
1. Jason Hill, Washington State
2. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
3. Courtney Taylor, Auburn
4. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
5. Steve Smith, USC
5a. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
Tight Ends
1. Clark Harris, Rutgers
2. Martrez Milner, Georgia
3. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
4. Ben Patrick, Delaware
5. Joe Newton, Oregon State
Offensive Linemen
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn State
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Kyle Young, Fresno State
5. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
Place-Kickers
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Mike Barrow, Idaho
4. Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech
5a. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan
5b. Kyle Schlicher, Iowa
5c. John Deraney, NC State
Defensive Linemen
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Kareem Brown, Miami
4. Quentin Moses, Georgia
5a. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5b. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
5c. Mkristo Bruce, Washington State
Linebackers
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
3. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
4. Oscar Lua, USC
5. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5a. Prescott Burgess, Michigan
5b. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
5c. Anthony Waters, Clemson
Defensive Backs
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
3. Michael Griffin, Texas
4. Eric Weddle, Utah
5. John Talley, Duke
Punters
1. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
2. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
3. Brandon Fields, Michigan State
4. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis
Click here to send a question to Mel Kiper for possible use on ESPNEWS.
Special to ESPN.com
Archive
There are four new players on this week's Top 25 Big Board, and all four of them are defensive backs: Ohio State's Donte Whitner, South Carolina's Johnathan Joseph, Tennessee's Jason Allen and Fresno State's Richard Marshall.
Allen could very well have been a top-10 pick before suffering a season-ending hip injury as a senior. Despite missing the last six games of 2005, Allen has made a strong comeback during his rehabilitation, and right now I am projecting him to go 18th overall to the Dallas Cowboys.
While Allen played in 2005, Cromartie has not played since 2004. He missed all of last season with a knee injury, but that hasn't hurt his draft stock. Cromartie had tremendous individual workouts and has incredible size for a cornerback at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. I have Cromartie going to Tampa Bay with the 23rd pick.
My entire Big Board:
1. Reggie Bush, USC (6-0, 200, Junior) | previous rank: same
Bush will give the team that drafts him a multifaceted offensive attack. He's dangerous from the backfield, as a slot receiver and in the return game.
2. Mario Williams, DE, NC State (6-7, 285, Junior) | previous rank: 3
A dominant physical presence who had some great individual performances at the end of last season. Williams is a big, strong pro-type defensive end and has all the skills NFL coaches are looking for as an every-down player.
3. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-4, 225) | previous rank: 2
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he threw the ball even better in 2005. Leinart didn't repeated as the Heisman Trophy winner, but he makes plays when he has to. He should remain near the very top of the draft board.
4. Vince Young, QB, Texas (6-5, 233, Junior) | previous rank: 5
Young's stock has risen considerably since an amazing performance in the Rose Bowl. He's big, strong and exceptionally fast. The New Orleans Saints will have to consider taking him as the No. 2 pick in the draft.
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: 4
The top offensive lineman in this draft, Ferguson will be an ideal left tackle in the NFL.
6. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: 7
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. Hawk should be able to help out a team right away.
7. Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland (6-3, 250, Junior) | previous rank: 8
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. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 6
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level.
9. Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State, (6-3, 306) | previous rank: 17
He was the story of the combine on the defensive side of the ball. He ran 4.99 in the 40-yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 44 times. He has a wide upper body and is quick on his feet. He also has a great attitude, and based on his workouts, he's guaranteed to be a first-round pick.
10. Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon (6-5, 338, Junior) | previous rank: same
Ngata will be more than a defensive tackle who just clogs the interior because his strength and athleticism will allow him to penetrate and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.
11. Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State (6-4, 248) | previous rank: 23
He might be an outside linebacker in the right scheme. Wimbley ran a 4.63, which was a very good time, and had a vertical leap of 38½ inches.
12. Chad Jackson, Florida, WR (6-1, 213, Junior) | previous rank: 24
His times in the 40-yard dash were 4.32 and 4.37. Jackson caught the ball well and stood out among the receivers in Indianapolis. He's done everything the right way since the season ended and has moved himself into that first-round mix.
13. Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State (5-10, 185, Junior) | previous rank: 16
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. He doesn't have the greatest size, but toughness counts. He should be the first wide receiver taken off the board.
14. Winston Justice, T, USC (6-6, 311, Junior) | previous rank: 22
A great athlete and very gifted, Justice is as good as any right tackle in the country at getting down field beyond the defensive line. He'll be able to play either tackle positions in the NFL.
15. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: 9
An exceptional running back, especially since he did not play behind one of the best offensive lines. Could very well be a top-10 pick for a team that needs a running back who can do it all.
16. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 20
He was one of the nation's top-flight linebackers the past two years. A smart player with great physical skills, Greenway has a nose for the ball. He'll help out a team right away.
17. Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St. (5-11, 205, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
He has moved up the draft board fast since the season ended. Whitner is versatile enough to play either cornerback or safety.
18. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-9½, 181) | previous rank: same
Hill is not especially big, but he has long arms, phenomenal speed and great confidence. He had one of the better weeks at the Senior Bowl, which should propel him into the first round.
19. Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State (6-0, 200, Junior) | previous rank: 14
Sims finished fourth on FSU with 70 tackles this season. He's an extremely fast 'backer who's used to being the focus of opposing offenses' game plans.
20. Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (6-3¼, 227) | previous rank: 15
He's the next best QB in the senior class behind Leinart. Cutler has gone from being a potential first-round pick to possibly going in the top 10.
21. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 12
Williams gave the Hokies a shutdown cornerback who could lock up the opposition's top receiver. He eliminates one side of the field. A former safety who moved to corner before the 2004 season.
22. Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina (5-11, 187, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
He is a true cornerback and one of the fastest players in the draft. A team like San Diego would be an ideal fit for Joseph.
23. Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota (5-11, 205, Junior) | previous rank: 13
A very good, natural runner who is smooth and patient. Maroney allowed his blocks to develop and then showed a good burst of speed through openings. He has good vision and the ability to shift gears quickly.
24. Jason Allen, S, Tennessee (6-2, 202) | previous rank: unranked
Allen was one of the top seniors in 2005 before his season ended with a hip injury. However, he has battled back from injury and his versatility (he can also play cornerback) has propelled him into the first-round mix.
25. Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State (5-11, 190, Junior) | previous rank: unranked
Also a true cover corner, Marshall projects as a first-round pick. He led the Bulldogs in solo tackles (57), interceptions (three) and pass break-ups (11).
Dropped
LenDale White, RB, USC (6-2, 235, Junior) | previous rank: 11
He's big, strong and deceptively fast with a nose for the end zone. White will be a running back at the next level who can carry the ball 20-25 times a game.
Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 19
He's the best senior defensive end in this draft. Hali's a natural pass-rusher who play with a lot of intensity and never takes a play off.
Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State (6-1, 188, Junior) | previous rank: 21
The first-team All-Big Ten selection has very good cover skills and excellent on-field intelligence.
Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (6-7, 250, Junior) | previous rank: 25
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.
Mel's Top 5 Juniors
Quarterbacks
1. Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
2. Drew Stanton, Michigan State
3. Troy Smith, Ohio State
4. Jordan Palmer, UTEP
5. John Beck, BYU
Running Backs
1. Michael Bush, Louisville
2. Kenny Irons, Auburn
3. Tony Hunt, Penn State
4. Brian Leonard, Rutgers
5. Courtney Lewis, Texas A&M
5a. Kenneth Darby, Alabama
Wide Receivers
1. Jason Hill, Washington State
2. Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
3. Courtney Taylor, Auburn
4. Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
5. Steve Smith, USC
5a. Joel Filani, Texas Tech
Tight Ends
1. Clark Harris, Rutgers
2. Martrez Milner, Georgia
3. Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
4. Ben Patrick, Delaware
5. Joe Newton, Oregon State
Offensive Linemen
1. Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
2. Levi Brown, Penn State
3. Justin Blalock, Texas
4. Kyle Young, Fresno State
5. Doug Free, Northern Illinois
Place-Kickers
1. Mason Crosby, Colorado
2. Justin Medlock, UCLA
3. Mike Barrow, Idaho
4. Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech
5a. Andrew Wellock, Eastern Michigan
5b. Kyle Schlicher, Iowa
5c. John Deraney, NC State
Defensive Linemen
1. Gaines Adams, Clemson
2. Adam Carriker, Nebraska
3. Kareem Brown, Miami
4. Quentin Moses, Georgia
5a. LaMarr Woodley, Michigan
5b. Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame
5c. Mkristo Bruce, Washington State
Linebackers
1. Paul Posluszny, Penn State
2. Patrick Willis, Mississippi
3. Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
4. Oscar Lua, USC
5. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
5a. Prescott Burgess, Michigan
5b. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh
5c. Anthony Waters, Clemson
Defensive Backs
1. LaRon Landry, LSU
2. Brandon Meriweather, Miami
3. Michael Griffin, Texas
4. Eric Weddle, Utah
5. John Talley, Duke
Punters
1. Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
2. Adam Graessle, Pittsburgh
3. Brandon Fields, Michigan State
4. Adam Podlesh, Maryland
5. Michael Gibson, Memphis
Click here to send a question to Mel Kiper for possible use on ESPNEWS.
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