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Here is Mel Kipers latest update to his Big Board
Pac-10 is loaded with talented offensive players
By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive
Fortunately, this week there weren't any significant injuries like we saw two weeks ago with players who held spots on the big board. There aren't many changes this week, although a pair of talented Pac-10 performers on the offensive side of the ball have jumped into the top 15. Remember, this is reflective of the players' overall body of work this season, not just what transpired last week. Obviously, the previous games are important, but not always the most critical factor in the changes you see.
The players I'm referring to from the Pac-10 are Cal's huge and athletically gifted right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan and Arizona State wide receiver Derek Hagan. O'Callaghan played through a broken wrist much of the 2004 season, a clear demonstration of his toughness. He has never missed a game due to injury. Last Saturday, in the Golden Bears' second straight loss, O'Callaghan suffered a concussion that forced him to sit out the second half against Oregon State. His loss was critical, as Cal's streak of 18 consecutive games with a 100-yard rusher was snapped against the Beavers. O'Callaghan's size (6-6½, 340 pounds) will make him a prototype right tackle in the NFL. Hagan is averaging 16.6 yards per catch in the Sun Devils' first six games. Hagan is a precise and disciplined route runner, who will come into the NFL next season with an excellent understanding of what is expected to be make an immediate impact.
The entire Big Board:
1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: same
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball better than he ever has. Leinart wasn't at his sharpest last week against Notre Dame, but he made plays when he had to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.
2. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: same
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, Hawk has racked up a team-leading 68 tackles (35 solo) this season. He knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.
3. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: same
A defensive leader for the Crimson Tide. Leads Alabama with 41 tackles. Eager to watch him go up against Tennessee RB Gerald Riggs Jr.
4. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: same
Leads 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.
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: same
Returned to the field vs. Florida State after missing two games. One of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi award.
6. A.J. Nicholson, OLB, Florida State (6-2, 235) | previous rank: same
Leads the Seminoles with 51 tackles (28 solo) and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
7. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 9
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 last season.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: same
Suffered an ankle and right knee injury that forced him to miss last week's game against Wake Forest. Kiwanuka is confident he'll be back when BC visits Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
9. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 10
Has become one of the top-flight linebackers in the nation in the last 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.
10. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 11
Moved onto the board last week and now has cracked the top 10. Leads the Nittany Lions in tackles for loss (8) and sacks (6).
11. Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6½, 340) | previous rank: unranked
Very tough, he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004. Has never missed a game in four years at Berkeley, although he suffered a concussion last week against Oregon State.
12. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: 13
Solid, reliable and gives LSU consistent play every week. Will be a factor in trying to stop Auburn's offense this Saturday.
13. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 22
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level. Expect to see him all over the field against Texas Tech's passing game.
14. Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA (6-6, 258) | previous rank: 16
Has legit 4.5 speed and a perfect frame for the position. Leads the Bruins in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
15. Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2½, 233) | previous rank: 12
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed -- UTEP's best defensive player -- and he covers the field from sideline to sideline.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
A disciplined route runner, Derek Hagan is only the second wide receiver to appear on the big board this season.
16. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1½, 203) | previous week: unranked
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.
17. Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado (6-5½, 247) | previous rank: 18
Provides Colorado's offense an ideal target in the hook zones and has the speed necessary to stretch the deep middle.
18. Leon Washington, RB, Florida State (5-9, 202) | previous rank: unranked
Great leg strength and ability to shed arm tackles. If he didn't split time in the backfield with Lorenzo Booker, Washington would receive more attention nationwide.
19. Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville (6-0, 256) | previous rank: 23
Feared and disruptive sack artist. He's the only Division I-A player with double-digit sacks (15½).
20. Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State (6-4, 255) | previous rank: 21
Excellent outside pass rusher who is quick off the edge. Wimbley is having a very productive senior season.
21. DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia (6-0, 198) | previous rank: 20
Phsyically gifted with ideal size and great recovery speed. Minter has ideal computer numbers for NFL. Tied for the team-lead with four pass breakups.
22. Eric Winston, OT, Miami (6-7½, 315) | previous rank: 7
A left tackle for the Hurricanes, he could move to the right side in the NFL. Winston had a slow start this season against Florida State and Clemson but has played well in the Hurricanes' last two games.
23. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-9½, 181) | previous rank: 14
Having an excellent season. Hill is not especially big, but he has long arms, phenomenal speed and great confidence. He has few peers at the corner position. The only concern is his size.
Abdul Hodge (top) joins teammate Chad Greenway (on ground) on this week's big board.
24. Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa (6-0½, 230) | previous rank: unranked
Tremendously consistent for the Hawkeyes. He's reliable and will get you at least 10 tackles a game. In 2004, he had 116 total tackles, and through seven games this season Hodge already has 80 (including seven tackles for loss). He plays great within the framework of Iowa's defensive structure, and is always where he should be on the field.
25. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico (6-4, 220) | previous rank: 15
Big, strong receiver who creates mismatches with the cornerbacks he goes up against at the college level.
DROPPED
Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan (6-3½, 330) | previous rank: 19
One of the most difficult players to evaluate so far in 2005. He is physically gifted but inconsistent. He flashes first-round ability, but he needs to be more of a factor for the entire four quarters.
Manny Lawson, DE, NC State (6-6, 245) | previous rank: 24
His speed and versatility are intriguing. Lawson can fly off the edge, showcasing athleticism and excellent closing speed. He could be a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or operate as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He also has been a tremendous special-teams performer.
Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas (6-2, 205)</B> | previous rank: 25
Had another solid game last week vs. Colorado (seven tackles, broke up four passes and forced a fumble). Griffin has really been rising up the charts, both at the corner position and overall. Will really be tested against Texas Tech's spread offense.
[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Mel's Hot Juniors[/font]
Quarterback
Vince Young, Texas
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Drew Stanton, Michigan State
Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech
Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
Running back
Reggie Bush, USC
Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
LenDale White, USC
Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
Michael Bush, Louisville
Wide receiver
Santonio Holmes, Ohio State
Chad Jackson, Florida
Courtney Taylor, Auburn
Steve Smith, USC
Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
Tight end
Leonard Pope, Georgia
Vernon Davis, Maryland
Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
Clark Harris, Rutgers
Ben Patrick, Duke
Offensive line
Winston Justice (RT), USC
Joe Thomas (LT), Wisconsin
Justin Blalock (RT), Texas
Levi Brown (LT), Penn State
Doug Free (LT), Northern Illinois
Defensive line
Mario Williams (DE), NC State
Ray Edwards (DE), Purdue
Haloti Ngata (DT), Oregon
Quentin Moses (DE), Georgia
Adam Carriker (DE), Nebraska
Linebacker
Paul Posluszny, Penn State
Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
Ernie Sims, Florida State
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
Defensive back
Bernard Pollard (S), Purdue
Devin Hester (CB), Miami
Darnell Bing (SS), USC
Ashton Youboty (CB), Ohio State
Richard Marshall (CB), Fresno State
Pac-10 is loaded with talented offensive players
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<------- Look at that Pretty Mug!!! By Mel Kiper Jr.
Special to ESPN Insider
Archive
Fortunately, this week there weren't any significant injuries like we saw two weeks ago with players who held spots on the big board. There aren't many changes this week, although a pair of talented Pac-10 performers on the offensive side of the ball have jumped into the top 15. Remember, this is reflective of the players' overall body of work this season, not just what transpired last week. Obviously, the previous games are important, but not always the most critical factor in the changes you see.
The players I'm referring to from the Pac-10 are Cal's huge and athletically gifted right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan and Arizona State wide receiver Derek Hagan. O'Callaghan played through a broken wrist much of the 2004 season, a clear demonstration of his toughness. He has never missed a game due to injury. Last Saturday, in the Golden Bears' second straight loss, O'Callaghan suffered a concussion that forced him to sit out the second half against Oregon State. His loss was critical, as Cal's streak of 18 consecutive games with a 100-yard rusher was snapped against the Beavers. O'Callaghan's size (6-6½, 340 pounds) will make him a prototype right tackle in the NFL. Hagan is averaging 16.6 yards per catch in the Sun Devils' first six games. Hagan is a precise and disciplined route runner, who will come into the NFL next season with an excellent understanding of what is expected to be make an immediate impact.
The entire Big Board:
1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) | previous rank: same
His arm strength has improved since last season, and he is throwing the ball better than he ever has. Leinart wasn't at his sharpest last week against Notre Dame, but he made plays when he had to. He should remain at the top of the draft board.
2. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State (6-1½, 242) | previous rank: same
The top defensive player in the senior class. An instinctive player and a sure tackler, Hawk has racked up a team-leading 68 tackles (35 solo) this season. He knows which angles to take to the ball and finds his way through traffic very well.
3. DeMeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama (6-1½, 235) | previous rank: same
A defensive leader for the Crimson Tide. Leads Alabama with 41 tackles. Eager to watch him go up against Tennessee RB Gerald Riggs Jr.
4. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis (5-9, 215) | previous rank: same
Leads 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.
5. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia (6-5½, 295) | previous rank: same
Returned to the field vs. Florida State after missing two games. One of 12 semifinalists for the Lombardi award.
6. A.J. Nicholson, OLB, Florida State (6-2, 235) | previous rank: same
Leads the Seminoles with 51 tackles (28 solo) and is tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
7. Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech (6-2½, 207) | previous rank: 9
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 last season.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College (6-5½, 260) | previous rank: same
Suffered an ankle and right knee injury that forced him to miss last week's game against Wake Forest. Kiwanuka is confident he'll be back when BC visits Virginia Tech on Oct. 27.
9. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa (6-2½, 244) | previous rank: 10
Has become one of the top-flight linebackers in the nation in the last 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.
10. Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State (6-3, 267) | previous rank: 11
Moved onto the board last week and now has cracked the top 10. Leads the Nittany Lions in tackles for loss (8) and sacks (6).
11. Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California (6-6½, 340) | previous rank: unranked
Very tough, he played through a broken wrist for most of 2004. Has never missed a game in four years at Berkeley, although he suffered a concussion last week against Oregon State.
12. Claude Wroten, DT, LSU (6-2, 293) | previous rank: 13
Solid, reliable and gives LSU consistent play every week. Will be a factor in trying to stop Auburn's offense this Saturday.
13. Michael Huff, DB, Texas (6-1, 205) | previous rank: 22
Athletic and instinctive, he has shown the versatility to play cornerback or safety at the next level. Expect to see him all over the field against Texas Tech's passing game.
14. Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA (6-6, 258) | previous rank: 16
Has legit 4.5 speed and a perfect frame for the position. Leads the Bruins in receptions, yards and touchdowns.
15. Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP (6-2½, 233) | previous rank: 12
Has come a long way since his days as a walk-on defensive back. Howard is a gifted athlete with 4.4 speed -- UTEP's best defensive player -- and he covers the field from sideline to sideline.
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Jeff Gross/Getty Images
A disciplined route runner, Derek Hagan is only the second wide receiver to appear on the big board this season.
16. Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State (6-1½, 203) | previous week: unranked
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.
17. Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado (6-5½, 247) | previous rank: 18
Provides Colorado's offense an ideal target in the hook zones and has the speed necessary to stretch the deep middle.
18. Leon Washington, RB, Florida State (5-9, 202) | previous rank: unranked
Great leg strength and ability to shed arm tackles. If he didn't split time in the backfield with Lorenzo Booker, Washington would receive more attention nationwide.
19. Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville (6-0, 256) | previous rank: 23
Feared and disruptive sack artist. He's the only Division I-A player with double-digit sacks (15½).
20. Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State (6-4, 255) | previous rank: 21
Excellent outside pass rusher who is quick off the edge. Wimbley is having a very productive senior season.
21. DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia (6-0, 198) | previous rank: 20
Phsyically gifted with ideal size and great recovery speed. Minter has ideal computer numbers for NFL. Tied for the team-lead with four pass breakups.
22. Eric Winston, OT, Miami (6-7½, 315) | previous rank: 7
A left tackle for the Hurricanes, he could move to the right side in the NFL. Winston had a slow start this season against Florida State and Clemson but has played well in the Hurricanes' last two games.
23. Tye Hill, CB, Clemson (5-9½, 181) | previous rank: 14
Having an excellent season. Hill is not especially big, but he has long arms, phenomenal speed and great confidence. He has few peers at the corner position. The only concern is his size.
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Abdul Hodge (top) joins teammate Chad Greenway (on ground) on this week's big board.
24. Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa (6-0½, 230) | previous rank: unranked
Tremendously consistent for the Hawkeyes. He's reliable and will get you at least 10 tackles a game. In 2004, he had 116 total tackles, and through seven games this season Hodge already has 80 (including seven tackles for loss). He plays great within the framework of Iowa's defensive structure, and is always where he should be on the field.
25. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico (6-4, 220) | previous rank: 15
Big, strong receiver who creates mismatches with the cornerbacks he goes up against at the college level.
DROPPED
Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan (6-3½, 330) | previous rank: 19
One of the most difficult players to evaluate so far in 2005. He is physically gifted but inconsistent. He flashes first-round ability, but he needs to be more of a factor for the entire four quarters.
Manny Lawson, DE, NC State (6-6, 245) | previous rank: 24
His speed and versatility are intriguing. Lawson can fly off the edge, showcasing athleticism and excellent closing speed. He could be a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or operate as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He also has been a tremendous special-teams performer.
Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas (6-2, 205)</B> | previous rank: 25
Had another solid game last week vs. Colorado (seven tackles, broke up four passes and forced a fumble). Griffin has really been rising up the charts, both at the corner position and overall. Will really be tested against Texas Tech's spread offense.
[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Mel's Hot Juniors[/font]
Quarterback
Vince Young, Texas
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Drew Stanton, Michigan State
Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech
Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green
Running back
Reggie Bush, USC
Laurence Maroney, Minnesota
LenDale White, USC
Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin
Michael Bush, Louisville
Wide receiver
Santonio Holmes, Ohio State
Chad Jackson, Florida
Courtney Taylor, Auburn
Steve Smith, USC
Jarrett Hicks, Texas Tech
Tight end
Leonard Pope, Georgia
Vernon Davis, Maryland
Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame
Clark Harris, Rutgers
Ben Patrick, Duke
Offensive line
Winston Justice (RT), USC
Joe Thomas (LT), Wisconsin
Justin Blalock (RT), Texas
Levi Brown (LT), Penn State
Doug Free (LT), Northern Illinois
Defensive line
Mario Williams (DE), NC State
Ray Edwards (DE), Purdue
Haloti Ngata (DT), Oregon
Quentin Moses (DE), Georgia
Adam Carriker (DE), Nebraska
Linebacker
Paul Posluszny, Penn State
Ahmad Brooks, Virginia
Ernie Sims, Florida State
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
Defensive back
Bernard Pollard (S), Purdue
Devin Hester (CB), Miami
Darnell Bing (SS), USC
Ashton Youboty (CB), Ohio State
Richard Marshall (CB), Fresno State
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