Post by Mel Kiper III (Chris) on Nov 3, 2011 15:46:38 GMT -5
This is Mel Kiper Jr. here getting everyone at the No Fun League ready for draft season. I will not post my initial 32 draft board until next week after the LSU VS Alabama game. For now, here is a look at the top 5 on my Initial Big Board for the No Fun League
1. Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford #12 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: Luck was redshirted. Stanford went 5-7 in 2008 as the highly touted 5 star recruit spent most of his time watching the team on Saturday's while studying extensively in the classroom.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: 162 Completions on 288 Attempts, 56.3 completion percentage, 2,575 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Luck threw 8.94 yards per attempt while only getting sacked 6 times as a freshman redshirt. Luck would hand the ball off to Toby Gerhart.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: 263 Completions on 372 Attempts, 70.7 completion percentage, 3,338 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Luck threw 8.97 yaards per attempt while only getting sacked 6 times as a sophomore redshirt.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS Through Week 9 of NCAA Season: 174 Completions on 242 Attempts, 71.9 completion percentage, 2,218 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 4 interceptions two of which were pick 6's against Duke and USC. Luck has thrown 9.17 yards per attempt while only geting sacked 4 times as a junior redshirt.
The 22 year old signal caller at the helm for the Stanford Cardinal is one of the best quarterback prospects coming out of college in years.
Prior to returning to school for the 2011 Andrew Luck was the clear cut #1 overall pick. After September of 2010 Luck jumped preseason favorite Jake Locker as the #1 overall NFL prospect in nearly every draft board in the country and has never looked back since. He's maintained his consistency and his momentum despite returning to Stanford. Luck provides elite intangibles that GM's look for in their quarterbacks.
The 6 foot 4 235 pound Stanford Cardinal may be the best quarterback I've seen a while. Just like John Elway of the 1983 NFL Draft or Peyton Manning of the 1998 NFL Draft this is a once in Generation quarterback that only comes along once every 15 years.
Some people believe Luck's supporting cast makes him what he is. While left tackle Jonathan Martin and right guard David DeCastro aid Luck in pass protection at times its Luck that makes the other 10 guys on the offense better.
Luck is the player who sets up opportunites for other playmakers on this offense. Wide receivers Chris Owusu and Griff Whalen have succeeded due to Luck. Andrew Luck has thrown to Stanford and their 2 tight end set led by 2012 prospect Coby Fleener. He even has Stepfan Taylor and a good cast of running backs to hand the ball off to so Stanford's offense stays balanced.
Arm strength, check, size check, intelligence check, work ethic check. Andrew Luck is the complete package at quarterback. If your team needs a quarterback you should take Luck.
2. Quinton Coples Defensive Lineman North Carolina #90 Senior
2008 Freshman STATS: Saw rarely any action his freshman year. Coples had 8 tackles, 6 solo, and 2 assisted with 1 sack as a true freshman.
2009 Sophomore STATS: After his freshman year Coples gained 30 pounds before becoming a starter. Coples was the teams starting left end next to Robert Quinn in the Tar Heels defensive scheme. North Carolina ran a 4-3.
Coples rotated with true freshman Donte Paige Moss in the Tar Heels lineup. Coples had 22 tackles, 12 solo, and 10 assisted as a sophomore. Coples was able to capitalize on plays helping opposing defensive end Robert Quinn out by playing on the left side. Quinn had 11 sacks while Coples recorded 5.
2010 Junior STATS: Coples moved to defensive tackle as a junior in North Carolina's 4-3 due to constant suspensions by Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn. Became a sack artist type of pass rusher 10 sacks and a for North Carolina. Coples had his best season at defensive tackle with 10 sacks and 59 tackles.
2011 Senior STATS: Coples moved back to defensive end playing the right end role. Right ends have to get by pass blocking left tackles who protect the quarterback. That's why Coples numbers are down with only 5 sacks this year.
The 21 year old Tar Heel started out slowly for North Carolina. As he got older he gelled into different roles illustrating his versatility.
Coples can play defensive end in a 4-3, defensive tackle, 5 technique, or 3-4 outside linebacker. Coples can be used as a pass rusher sack artist or a blue collar run stuffer. The 6 foot 6 285 pound defensive lineman is exactly what No Fun League GM's should be looking for if they need an immediate turnaround on the defensive line.
Coples stats aren't as good as last year. Coples has shown consistency to pressure the opposing quarterback.
A few weeks ago North Carolina faced Miami FL. Fans and scouts were in attendance to see Coples play right end lining up against future top 5 left tackle 2013 first round prospect Seantrel Henderson.
Coples had Henderson's number all day stopping Miami FL in pass rushing and in run support as Coples helped anchor a Tar Heel defense that kept Miami FL Sophomore redshirt rusher Lamar Miller to under 100 rushing yards.
People may be scared to take Coples because of what happened with North Carolina off the field last year along with the fact that his sacks are down in 2011. Coples reminds me more of Julius Peppers than he does of Robert Quinn.
If I had to bet on one player besides Andrew Luck to make a speech in Canton one day this is the guy I would bet on. Coples is the definition of a complete defensive lineman.
3. Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama #3 Junior
2009 Freshman STATS: Saw limited action as the teams secondary back behind Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Richardson had 145 carries for 751 rushing yards averaging 5.2 yards per carry while rushing for 8 touchdowns.
Richardson rushed for over 100 rushing yards in the 2010 BCS National Championship featuring #2 Texas and #1 Alabama
2010 Sophomore STATS: Richardson split carries with Ingram again in 2010. Richardson had 112 carries with 700 rushing yards averaging 6.3 yards per carry while rushing for 6 rushing touchdowns.
2011 Junior STATS: Has 149 carries as the Crimson Tide's feature back in 2011. Richardson has rushed for 989 rushing yards and has averaged 6.6 rushing yards per carry. Richardson has 15 rushing touchdowns on the year.
Trent Richardosn is pretty much a complete back. He has powerful explosive ability out fo the backfield. Richardson provides blazing fast speed with excellent ball carrier vision.
Former teammate Mark Ingram believes Richardson is more mentally disciplined than ever before. That makes Richardson so difficult to game plan against on a week to week basis.
Richardson can break tackles by juking defenders with elusiveness or trucking defenders with power back ability. The only remote knock on Richardson is the fact that his run blocking unit has been so good for the Crimson Tide over the last three years.
What happens if Richardson goes to a team with poor run blocking? A team with poor run blocking ability may limit his career in the NFL. I still expect Richardson to deliver at the end of the day though. The 20 year old brusier weighs 5 foot 11 225 pounds and has a big game against a #1 ranked LSU team this Saturday. It will be fun to see how Richardson fares against the Tigers.
4. Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma #12 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: People ask me which quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft will be a bust down the road. There are 3 quarterbacks who could enter the draft with Stanford's Andrew Luck, USC's Matt Barkley, and Oklahoma's Landry Jones.
Andrew Luck is a complete prospect he is a franchise player not a bust. Landry Jones plays in a spread offense and Matt Barkley struggles to put opponents away in the 4th quarter so take your pick between Oklahoma's Landry Jones or USC's Matt Barkley.
As a true freshman Jones was redshirted. A youtube video with Landry Jones discusses his transition from senior year of high school in New Mexico to his freshman year at Oklahoma.
Jones talked about how he began to become depressed and expiriment with drugs by drinking heavily in his I am Second video on youtube the year Sam Bradford won the Heisman. What happens if Bradford stays healthy the year after he returns to Oklahoma? Does Jones transfer? Does he begin to lose faith at Oklahoma? Landry got out of his funk which you have to applaud.
At the same time you have to wonder what would have happened if Sam Bradford plays that entire junior redshirt season with Landry sitting out his first two seasons at Oklahoma. Does Jones continue feeling alone making poor choices or does he stay poised hoping for an opportunity? Those are questions any GM asks when evaluating a quarterback.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: 261 Completions on 449 Attempts, 58.1 completion percentage, 3,198 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Jones averaged 7.12 yards per attempt while getting sacked 12 times as a freshman redshirt.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: 405 Completions on 617 Attempts, 65.6 completion percentage, 4,718 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Jones averaged 7.65 yards per attempt and got sacked 19 times at Oklahoma.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS: 236 Completions on 355 Attempts, 66.5 completion percentage, 3,094 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Jones has averaged 8.72 yards per pass and only got sacked 2 times this season.
The 22 year old quarterback has elite physical tools. Jones has a cannon arm and a 6 foot 4 229 pound frame.
Jones has some miises in terms of accuracy. Still, one thing you have to love about Jones is his ability to respond in the 4th quarter. He plays at his best when the game is tied in the clutch or when his team is behind in the 4th quarter.
Jones has to mature as a pocket passer while correcting some accuracy. Another area he could work on is his footwork. Jones struggles when pressured and forced to move out of the pocket. His footwork needs correction in traffic also.
Somebody may take Jones because of his elite physical tools. It really comes down to whether a team wants the clutch quarterback with the physical tools Landry Jones or the NFL ready Matt Barkley who needs to play better in the 4th quarter putting opponents away.
5. Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State #81 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: Was redshirted did not play.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: Blackmon very limited as a freshman redshirt. 20 receptions 260 receiving yards. Blackmon averaged 13 yards a catch while obtaining 2 receiving touchdowns.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: Blackmon had 111 receptions, 1782 receiving yards, 16.1 yards per catch, and 20 receiving yards.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS: Blackmon has 74 receptions for 834 receiving yards averaging 11.3 yards per catch. Blackmon has 10 receiving touchdowns so far.
Justin Blackmon won the 2010 Billetnikoff Award for the Nations best receiver last season. Blackmon would have been a top 15 pick had he declared as a sophomore redshirt.
The 21 year old blue chip receiver for Oklahoma State weighs 6 foot 1 208 pounds.
Blackmon may not be the most physically fit receiver in terms of physical tools. He still brings a lot of unique attributes to the table for a wide receiver.
Blackmon is lights out on a consistent basis. He is explosive right off the release. Blackmon can make defenders miss right off the snap with his game breaking speed. He schooled Prince Amukamara in the Nebraska VS Oklahoma State game last season.
Blackmon has an excellent work ethic along with some really high character. Blackmon may get upset when his team is losing games, but you want a guy who competes on Sunday's. That's what your getting with Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon.
Blackmon has the elite intangibles and the production that teams look for. The speed, route running, soft hands, and production is there when your looking for a primary flanker receiver who can become a quarterback's best friend.
1. Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford #12 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: Luck was redshirted. Stanford went 5-7 in 2008 as the highly touted 5 star recruit spent most of his time watching the team on Saturday's while studying extensively in the classroom.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: 162 Completions on 288 Attempts, 56.3 completion percentage, 2,575 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Luck threw 8.94 yards per attempt while only getting sacked 6 times as a freshman redshirt. Luck would hand the ball off to Toby Gerhart.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: 263 Completions on 372 Attempts, 70.7 completion percentage, 3,338 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Luck threw 8.97 yaards per attempt while only getting sacked 6 times as a sophomore redshirt.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS Through Week 9 of NCAA Season: 174 Completions on 242 Attempts, 71.9 completion percentage, 2,218 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 4 interceptions two of which were pick 6's against Duke and USC. Luck has thrown 9.17 yards per attempt while only geting sacked 4 times as a junior redshirt.
The 22 year old signal caller at the helm for the Stanford Cardinal is one of the best quarterback prospects coming out of college in years.
Prior to returning to school for the 2011 Andrew Luck was the clear cut #1 overall pick. After September of 2010 Luck jumped preseason favorite Jake Locker as the #1 overall NFL prospect in nearly every draft board in the country and has never looked back since. He's maintained his consistency and his momentum despite returning to Stanford. Luck provides elite intangibles that GM's look for in their quarterbacks.
The 6 foot 4 235 pound Stanford Cardinal may be the best quarterback I've seen a while. Just like John Elway of the 1983 NFL Draft or Peyton Manning of the 1998 NFL Draft this is a once in Generation quarterback that only comes along once every 15 years.
Some people believe Luck's supporting cast makes him what he is. While left tackle Jonathan Martin and right guard David DeCastro aid Luck in pass protection at times its Luck that makes the other 10 guys on the offense better.
Luck is the player who sets up opportunites for other playmakers on this offense. Wide receivers Chris Owusu and Griff Whalen have succeeded due to Luck. Andrew Luck has thrown to Stanford and their 2 tight end set led by 2012 prospect Coby Fleener. He even has Stepfan Taylor and a good cast of running backs to hand the ball off to so Stanford's offense stays balanced.
Arm strength, check, size check, intelligence check, work ethic check. Andrew Luck is the complete package at quarterback. If your team needs a quarterback you should take Luck.
2. Quinton Coples Defensive Lineman North Carolina #90 Senior
2008 Freshman STATS: Saw rarely any action his freshman year. Coples had 8 tackles, 6 solo, and 2 assisted with 1 sack as a true freshman.
2009 Sophomore STATS: After his freshman year Coples gained 30 pounds before becoming a starter. Coples was the teams starting left end next to Robert Quinn in the Tar Heels defensive scheme. North Carolina ran a 4-3.
Coples rotated with true freshman Donte Paige Moss in the Tar Heels lineup. Coples had 22 tackles, 12 solo, and 10 assisted as a sophomore. Coples was able to capitalize on plays helping opposing defensive end Robert Quinn out by playing on the left side. Quinn had 11 sacks while Coples recorded 5.
2010 Junior STATS: Coples moved to defensive tackle as a junior in North Carolina's 4-3 due to constant suspensions by Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn. Became a sack artist type of pass rusher 10 sacks and a for North Carolina. Coples had his best season at defensive tackle with 10 sacks and 59 tackles.
2011 Senior STATS: Coples moved back to defensive end playing the right end role. Right ends have to get by pass blocking left tackles who protect the quarterback. That's why Coples numbers are down with only 5 sacks this year.
The 21 year old Tar Heel started out slowly for North Carolina. As he got older he gelled into different roles illustrating his versatility.
Coples can play defensive end in a 4-3, defensive tackle, 5 technique, or 3-4 outside linebacker. Coples can be used as a pass rusher sack artist or a blue collar run stuffer. The 6 foot 6 285 pound defensive lineman is exactly what No Fun League GM's should be looking for if they need an immediate turnaround on the defensive line.
Coples stats aren't as good as last year. Coples has shown consistency to pressure the opposing quarterback.
A few weeks ago North Carolina faced Miami FL. Fans and scouts were in attendance to see Coples play right end lining up against future top 5 left tackle 2013 first round prospect Seantrel Henderson.
Coples had Henderson's number all day stopping Miami FL in pass rushing and in run support as Coples helped anchor a Tar Heel defense that kept Miami FL Sophomore redshirt rusher Lamar Miller to under 100 rushing yards.
People may be scared to take Coples because of what happened with North Carolina off the field last year along with the fact that his sacks are down in 2011. Coples reminds me more of Julius Peppers than he does of Robert Quinn.
If I had to bet on one player besides Andrew Luck to make a speech in Canton one day this is the guy I would bet on. Coples is the definition of a complete defensive lineman.
3. Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama #3 Junior
2009 Freshman STATS: Saw limited action as the teams secondary back behind Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Richardson had 145 carries for 751 rushing yards averaging 5.2 yards per carry while rushing for 8 touchdowns.
Richardson rushed for over 100 rushing yards in the 2010 BCS National Championship featuring #2 Texas and #1 Alabama
2010 Sophomore STATS: Richardson split carries with Ingram again in 2010. Richardson had 112 carries with 700 rushing yards averaging 6.3 yards per carry while rushing for 6 rushing touchdowns.
2011 Junior STATS: Has 149 carries as the Crimson Tide's feature back in 2011. Richardson has rushed for 989 rushing yards and has averaged 6.6 rushing yards per carry. Richardson has 15 rushing touchdowns on the year.
Trent Richardosn is pretty much a complete back. He has powerful explosive ability out fo the backfield. Richardson provides blazing fast speed with excellent ball carrier vision.
Former teammate Mark Ingram believes Richardson is more mentally disciplined than ever before. That makes Richardson so difficult to game plan against on a week to week basis.
Richardson can break tackles by juking defenders with elusiveness or trucking defenders with power back ability. The only remote knock on Richardson is the fact that his run blocking unit has been so good for the Crimson Tide over the last three years.
What happens if Richardson goes to a team with poor run blocking? A team with poor run blocking ability may limit his career in the NFL. I still expect Richardson to deliver at the end of the day though. The 20 year old brusier weighs 5 foot 11 225 pounds and has a big game against a #1 ranked LSU team this Saturday. It will be fun to see how Richardson fares against the Tigers.
4. Landry Jones Quarterback Oklahoma #12 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: People ask me which quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft will be a bust down the road. There are 3 quarterbacks who could enter the draft with Stanford's Andrew Luck, USC's Matt Barkley, and Oklahoma's Landry Jones.
Andrew Luck is a complete prospect he is a franchise player not a bust. Landry Jones plays in a spread offense and Matt Barkley struggles to put opponents away in the 4th quarter so take your pick between Oklahoma's Landry Jones or USC's Matt Barkley.
As a true freshman Jones was redshirted. A youtube video with Landry Jones discusses his transition from senior year of high school in New Mexico to his freshman year at Oklahoma.
Jones talked about how he began to become depressed and expiriment with drugs by drinking heavily in his I am Second video on youtube the year Sam Bradford won the Heisman. What happens if Bradford stays healthy the year after he returns to Oklahoma? Does Jones transfer? Does he begin to lose faith at Oklahoma? Landry got out of his funk which you have to applaud.
At the same time you have to wonder what would have happened if Sam Bradford plays that entire junior redshirt season with Landry sitting out his first two seasons at Oklahoma. Does Jones continue feeling alone making poor choices or does he stay poised hoping for an opportunity? Those are questions any GM asks when evaluating a quarterback.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: 261 Completions on 449 Attempts, 58.1 completion percentage, 3,198 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Jones averaged 7.12 yards per attempt while getting sacked 12 times as a freshman redshirt.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: 405 Completions on 617 Attempts, 65.6 completion percentage, 4,718 passing yards, 38 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Jones averaged 7.65 yards per attempt and got sacked 19 times at Oklahoma.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS: 236 Completions on 355 Attempts, 66.5 completion percentage, 3,094 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. Jones has averaged 8.72 yards per pass and only got sacked 2 times this season.
The 22 year old quarterback has elite physical tools. Jones has a cannon arm and a 6 foot 4 229 pound frame.
Jones has some miises in terms of accuracy. Still, one thing you have to love about Jones is his ability to respond in the 4th quarter. He plays at his best when the game is tied in the clutch or when his team is behind in the 4th quarter.
Jones has to mature as a pocket passer while correcting some accuracy. Another area he could work on is his footwork. Jones struggles when pressured and forced to move out of the pocket. His footwork needs correction in traffic also.
Somebody may take Jones because of his elite physical tools. It really comes down to whether a team wants the clutch quarterback with the physical tools Landry Jones or the NFL ready Matt Barkley who needs to play better in the 4th quarter putting opponents away.
5. Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State #81 Junior Redshirt
2008 Freshman INFO: Was redshirted did not play.
2009 Freshman Redshirt STATS: Blackmon very limited as a freshman redshirt. 20 receptions 260 receiving yards. Blackmon averaged 13 yards a catch while obtaining 2 receiving touchdowns.
2010 Sophomore Redshirt STATS: Blackmon had 111 receptions, 1782 receiving yards, 16.1 yards per catch, and 20 receiving yards.
2011 Junior Redshirt STATS: Blackmon has 74 receptions for 834 receiving yards averaging 11.3 yards per catch. Blackmon has 10 receiving touchdowns so far.
Justin Blackmon won the 2010 Billetnikoff Award for the Nations best receiver last season. Blackmon would have been a top 15 pick had he declared as a sophomore redshirt.
The 21 year old blue chip receiver for Oklahoma State weighs 6 foot 1 208 pounds.
Blackmon may not be the most physically fit receiver in terms of physical tools. He still brings a lot of unique attributes to the table for a wide receiver.
Blackmon is lights out on a consistent basis. He is explosive right off the release. Blackmon can make defenders miss right off the snap with his game breaking speed. He schooled Prince Amukamara in the Nebraska VS Oklahoma State game last season.
Blackmon has an excellent work ethic along with some really high character. Blackmon may get upset when his team is losing games, but you want a guy who competes on Sunday's. That's what your getting with Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon.
Blackmon has the elite intangibles and the production that teams look for. The speed, route running, soft hands, and production is there when your looking for a primary flanker receiver who can become a quarterback's best friend.
