Just eight days from now, we can put away the 2013 Big Board and actually begin to talk not about what these guys are going to be, but how they fit in with the NFL teams they've been drafted by. Phew. With all due respect to the members of the 2013 draft class, the group makes up what I've told people is probably the most unpredictable class in my 35 years of doing this. I'm looking forward to the next group.
Below, you'll see the scouting report on players remains the same week to week unless I have shifted my evaluation of a player. As always, players who were juniors or draft-eligible sophomores entering the draft have been noted with an asterisk.
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'Grade A' draft | Big Board | Top 5s | All-time grades
1
Luke Joeckel *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/6/91
HT: 6-6
WT: 306
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13
Remains No. 1 for another week. Has the ability to just swallow up all kinds of pass-rushers, particularly those who try to beat him off the edge. Good blitz pickup and reactions to added rushers. Occasionally susceptible to the inside rush. Has a ton of experience, starting on the left since his freshman season. He can really drive people in the run game, even if he gets questions on whether he's a big finisher there.
LAST WEEK: 1 | PLAYER CARD
2
Eric Fisher
AGE: 22
DOB: 1/5/91
HT: 6-8
WT: 305
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12
Now hard to see him falling past No. 5. Uses his length really well. Gets in a wide base, uses his arms to absorb pass-rushers and simply doesn't allow guys to get the edge on him. He often made it look easy in the MAC but also looked great when Central Michigan faced top competition. Shined during the Senior Bowl and ever since.
LAST WEEK: 2 | PLAYER CARD
3
Lane Johnson
AGE: 22
DOB: 5/8/90
HT: 6-6
WT: 303
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 11
His ranking reflects how teams are more convinced of his high ceiling. Was a junior college quarterback before converting to tackle. Has the long arms you look for, can absorb rushers and gets a decent push in the run game but can get out and use his athleticism downfield and on the edges. Good feet given a relative lack of experience on the O-line. Plays relaxed.
LAST WEEK: 5 | PLAYER CARD
4
Dee Milliner *
AGE: 21
DOB: 9/14/91
HT: 6-0
WT: 201
POS: CB
Tkl 54
Sack 1.5
Int 2
Easily the top cornerback in this class. Has great burst and plenty of speed, so even if his backpedal needs work, he can turn and run with anybody, and he has time to fix minor technique flaws. A smart player, has a sharp learning curve, and his raw football skills are exceptional. His physical prowess is a step above that of other corners. Big question is how good his hands are.
LAST WEEK: 4 | PLAYER CARD
5
Dion Jordan
AGE: 23
DOB: 3/5/90
HT: 6-6
WT: 246
POS: OLB
Tkl 44
Sack 5.0
Int 0
Will be a dynamic 3-4 outside linebacker if he stays healthy. Elite speed and range for his size and he's alleviated some questions about whether he can cover, even as he profiles as a very good pass-rusher. He went to Oregon with the possibility of playing offense (tight end) or defense but has emerged as an athletic, long-armed pass-rusher ready to make a difference.
LAST WEEK: 6 | PLAYER CARD