First 2014 NFL draft Big Board
Jadeveon Clowney starts the year at No. 1 on the 2014 NFL draft Big Board
Updated: May 8, 2013, 5:30 PM ET
By Mel Kiper Jr. | ESPN Insider
Not quite two weeks removed from the 2013 NFL draft, it's time to take a peek at the prospects who could be the stars of the 2014 class. Without question, there are a number of players from the 2014 draft class that would have totally shifted the top of the 2013 draft if they'd been eligible to enter or, in some cases, chosen to enter.
As I say every year, this first look is both preliminary, but also well-supported by plenty of production and game film. It's a mix of projection based on ceiling and a pretty good knowledge of what these guys can do. Since I always get a lot of questions about other players I considered, this year I've also tacked on another 25 players who were under consideration, so go there if you see a player you feel should have been on the first Big Board. Just remember, there are many shifts to come.
Like always, juniors or draft-eligible redshirt sophomores are noted with an asterisk.
More Kiper NFL draft content:
First 2014 Big Board | The next 25 | Remixing the 2013 draft
1
Jadeveon Clowney *
AGE: 20
DOB: 2/14/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 265
POS: DE
Tkl 54
Sack 13.0
Int 0
He's been destined to lead off a Big Board since he was a senior in high school. Clowney marries extraordinary physical talent with an effective and still-growing arsenal of pass-rushing skills. Sure, he can occasionally play a little high, which allows to teams to run at him, but he's going to continue to get stronger and improve technique. Let's not call him a prospect -- he's a highly productive player.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
2
Teddy Bridgewater *
AGE: 20
DOB: 11/10/92
HT: 6-3
WT: 218
POS: QB
Comp 287
Att 419
Pct 68.5
Yds 3,718
TD 27
Int 8
He's not a finished product, but that's what should excite evaluators about Bridgewater. Bridgewater never looks overwhelmed, and comfortably works his eyes across the field. When he sees a target -- or more likely, a receiver who will come open -- he has a quick release, plenty of arm strength and good ball placement. He has a chance to have a huge year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
3
Marqise Lee *
AGE: 21
DOB: 11/25/91
HT: 6-1
WT: 195
POS: WR
Rec 118
Yds 1,721
Avg 14.6
TD 14
That USC had several good weapons in the passing game last season didn't stop defenses from paying extra attention to Lee, but it didn't matter. He has the ability to separate with speed and as an effective route-runner. He's dropped a few easy ones, but makes most routine catches and can play bigger than his size. Dangerous after the catch. He's also physical and could've been a top safety if he'd chosen that direction.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
4
Cyrus Kouandjio *
AGE: 19
DOB: 7/21/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 311
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13
A natural pass-protector with quick feet, long arms and the ability to sit down and absorb rushers, Kouandjio held down the left side of a dominant Alabama offensive line in 2012. He's only going to get stronger, which makes his future exceedingly bright. Could be drafted before he turns 21.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
5
Anthony Barr
AGE: 21
DOB: 3/18/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 244
POS: OLB
Tkl 83
Sack 13.5
Int 0
For perspective on Barr, consider that he easily outperformed Dion Jordan last season, and not only did Jordan go No. 3 overall, but Barr was playing defense for the first time in college football. A former fullback, he has a powerful lower half, but has a long frame and reach. I was surprised to see him return to UCLA coming off his 2012 season, but another year of seasoning at the position is only going to make him a more attractive talent.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
6
Jake Matthews
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/11/92
HT: 6-5
WT: 305
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13
I saw Matthews as a first-rounder in this year's draft, but assuming he stays healthy, he'll make himself some extra money by proving he can hold down the left side effectively in the absence of Luke Joeckel. Rich bloodlines and strong skills as both a pass-protector and a finisher in the run game will make him a very safe pick in 12 months.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
7
Louis Nix III *
AGE: 21
DOB: 7/31/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 326
POS: DT
Tkl 50
Sack 2.0
Int 2
One of those players with the rare size and skills to handle a zero-technique role, Nix can keep multiple blockers occupied and make life easy for linebackers cleaning up against the run. Well-liked and reliable, he should be the anchor of what will be the strength of the 2013 Irish squad.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
8
Taylor Lewan
AGE: 21
DOB: 7/22/91
HT: 6-8
WT: 308
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13
Another tackle prospect who could have factored into the top 10 in the 2013 draft class, Lewan will return for another year of seasoning. Extremely long and with above-average athleticism, he'll continue to add power as a run-blocker and refine his skills as a pass-protector. But the tools are there for him to be a very good NFL left tackle.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
9
Bradley Roby *
AGE: 21
DOB: 5/1/92
HT: 5-11
WT: 194
POS: CB
Tkl 63
Sack 1.0
Int 2
A player with very good man-to-man cover skills, Roby is developing into the kind of corner who can be left on an island with a top receiver and cause the quarterback to look for options elsewhere. He got better every week last season, and has the chance to be the top corner in the 2014 class if he continues to improve.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
10
Loucheiz Purifoy *
AGE: 20
DOB: 12/16/92
HT: 6-1
WT: 189
POS: CB
Tkl 51
Sack 0
Int 0
An exceptional athlete, Purifoy also provides value as a returner. He has the ball skills of a wide receiver and could also see time there in 2013. Can get beat because he's still finding his way in terms of technique, but more seasoning could make him a star.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
11
Antonio Richardson *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/24/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 332
POS: OT
GP 12
GS 12
At his best, Richardson can be physically overwhelming, because he moves so easily despite a massive frame. He needs to improve his balance as a pass-protector, but another year of development could have him pushing to be one of the top tackles off the board next year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
12
Adrian Hubbard *
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/27/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 252
POS: OLB
Tkl 41
Sack 7.0
Int 0
Quietly, Hubbard was the most productive pass-rusher for the Tide in 2012. He led the team in both sacks and tackles for loss. He has the perfect frame to be a 3-4 OLB at the next level, with the ability to set the edge as a strong run defender and turn the corner as a pass-rusher.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
13
Stephon Tuitt *
AGE: 19
DOB: 5/23/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 303
POS: DE
Tkl 47
Sack 12.0
Int 0
You rarely see defensive lineman who can move this well. At over 300 pounds, Tuitt occasionally shows the kind of burst more associated with good 4-3 defensive end prospects. The key for him is to dominate on a more consistent basis and not get frustrated when he gets stuffed initially. But teams looking for a penetrating 3-4 DE will fall in love with his potential.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
14
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu *
AGE: 19
DOB: 7/10/93
HT: 5-10
WT: 190
POS: CB
Tkl 63
Sack 0
Int 4
What he lacks in size, Ekpre-Olomu makes up for with his willingness to jump up and make a big hit. He has really good reaction skills and can put his foot in the ground and jump routes. He got his hands on a lot of passes last year.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
15
Timmy Jernigan *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/24/92
HT: 6-2
WT: 298
POS: DT
Tkl 45
Sack 1.5
Int 0
He arrived in Tallahassee with the frame of a 4-3 defensive end, and the athleticism to play the position, but Jernigan has added the bulk to move inside, where his burst and ability to chase down runners has made him a disruptive interior force. His future is that of a penetrating 4-3 defensive tackle.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
16
Sammy Watkins *
AGE: 20
DOB: 6/14/93
HT: 6-1
WT: 205
POS: WR
Rec 57
Yds 708
Avg 12.4
TD 3
Even as a highly-rated prospect, 2013 represents an opportunity for Watkins to bounce back and show that he's taken the developmental steps necessary to be a true No. 1 wide receiver. His production fell off in 2012, and recent Houston pick DeAndre Hopkins was the more potent threat for Clemson. But Watkins has a ton of natural ability.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
17
C.J. Mosley
AGE: 20
DOB: 6/19/92
HT: 6-2
WT: 232
POS: LB
Tkl 107
Sack 4.0
Int 2
A gifted linebacker in terms of his ability to cover, Mosley has the all-around versatility that will make him an appealing linebacker in any scheme. He flies to the ball and makes a ton of plays; now he simply needs to get a bit stronger and show the leverage against the run, along with the ability to take on blockers and hold his ground.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
18
Mike Evans *
AGE: 19
DOB: 8/21/93
HT: 6-5
WT: 225
POS: WR
Rec 82
Yds 1,105
Avg 13.5
TD 5
At 6-foot-5, Evans sometimes looks like he plays even taller. He simply overwhelms cornerbacks with size, and is a great deep threat even when he doesn't get separation. Evans is also underrated as a receiver who can make defenders miss with the ball in his hands. Even with a redshirt year, he's still learning the position as a late arrival to football, so expect him to get even better in 2013.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
19
Cameron Erving *
AGE: 20
DOB: 8/23/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 308
POS: OT
GP 14
GS 14
Evaluators I've spoken to are extremely high on Erving's potential, and the tape shows why. He moves so easily, and really solidified the left tackle position for the Seminoles last year, even as he continues to figure things out. I wouldn't be surprised if he challenges to be the top tackle in the draft class.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
20
Aaron Lynch *
AGE: 20
DOB: 3/8/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 262
POS: DE
Tkl 33
Sack 5.5
Int 0
Just imagine for a moment how scary the Notre Dame defensive line would be in 2013 if Lynch had stayed in South Bend. He's added some bulk to his frame since his breakout freshmen campaign, and that should allow him to drive blockers and not become over-reliant on his burst to create separation as a pass-rusher.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
21
Tajh Boyd
AGE: 22
DOB: 9/25/90
HT: 6-1
WT: 225
POS: QB
Comp 287
Att 427
Pct 67.2
Yds 3,896
TD 36
Int 13
Of the quarterbacks on the Big Board, Boyd has the best arm strength, and he can make the big throws both down the field and to the edges. He's got plenty of mobility and can escape the rush and throw well on the move. A hard worker who took another step forward with accuracy in 2012, Boyd needs to be smart in his decision-making -- he occasionally forces throws. He's not tall, but otherwise he has all the physical tools you want.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
22
Anthony Johnson *
AGE: 20
DOB: 1/24/93
HT: 6-3
WT: 304
POS: DT
Tkl 30
Sack 3.0
Int 0
A naturally gifted athlete at his size, Johnson can beat blockers off the snap with a great burst and initial punch. His problems arise when he doesn't gain an initial edge and must use his hands and feet to get off blocks. The spotlight will be on in 2013 after the mass draft exodus of LSU defenders, and Johnson must play with more consistent effort.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
23
Kyle Van Noy
AGE: 22
DOB: 3/26/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 236
POS: OLB
Tkl 53
Sack 13.0
Int 2
Another player who would have factored into the first-round discussion in the 2013 draft, Van Noy is an impressive pass-rusher who plays with max effort, often chasing down plays other defenders would have been out of. He moves pretty well in coverage, but could get stronger to improve his leverage at the point of attack.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
24
Austin Seferian-Jenkins *
AGE: 20
DOB: 9/29/92
HT: 6-6
WT: 266
POS: TE
Rec 69
Yds 852
Avg 12.3
TD 7
A massive player who can cause problems up the seam and on the edges, Seferian-Jenkins can be that prototype tight end who can be moved around to cause constant matchup problems. He catches the ball well away from his body and should be in line for another highly productive year in what will be a difficult offense to slow down.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
25
Johnny Manziel *
AGE: 20
DOB: 12/6/92
HT: 6-0
WT: 207
POS: QB
Comp 295
Att 434
Pct 68.0
Yds 3,706
TD 26
Int 9
It's amazing to think that at this point a year ago, there was no certainty that Manziel would be the starting QB for the Aggies in 2012. A gifted improviser in the pocket, Manziel has an ability to extend plays that makes you think of Aaron Rodgers. He utilizes great movement skills and vision to overcome a lack of height, and while he doesn't have a big arm, there's no reason to think he won't continue to build arm strength. He's going to get even better.
LAST WEEK: NR | PLAYER CARD
