While the Senior Bowl certainly changed some opinions on players, you won't see a lot of movement at the top of the Big Board coming out of the week in Mobile, Ala. That's because the bulk of the top prospects couldn't play in the Senior Bowl due to the fact that they entered the draft as juniors or redshirt sophomores, and some of the top seniors didn't feel the need to participate because they're not concerned about their current draft stock and can simply concentrate on preparing for the combine and pro days.
The combine is the next big event on the calendar during the evaluation process, and all the preparation focus will be on that over the next few weeks. For my calendar, I try to go back through five to 10 players a day in tape study for the next couple of months, all while making a lot of calls for background and new opinions on players I know, and others I know less about. So you can still see changes here, even as I have a pretty good handle on the class.
Remember: Scouting reports remain similar week to week unless I change my opinion on a player, which will certainly happen in spots over the next few months.
Asterisks denote players who were juniors at the time of their entry into the draft, and two asterisks denote those who were redshirt sophomores. All players are now either officially in or out of the 2014 NFL draft.
1
Jadeveon Clowney *
AGE: 20
DOB: 2/14/93
HT: 6-6
WT: 265
POS: DE
Tkl 41
Sack 3.0
Int 0
Production aside, Clowney is still the top prospect in my rankings when I consider overall talent, and his promise of a great combine is no surprise. He's built for that. Need will factor in where he lands in the draft, especially given so much need at quarterback among teams drafting early. Clowney has a special range of traits and talent, with the quickness to beat people at the point of attack, the power to run through blockers and the speed to pursue plays all over the field. He's not just an edge-rusher looking to quickly turn the corner; he doesn't even bend that well. He can win with quickness or power and succeed in any scheme.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD
2
Anthony Barr
AGE: 21
DOB: 3/18/92
HT: 6-4
WT: 244
POS: OLB
Tkl 66
Sack 10.0
Int 0
His body profile will be of interest in Indy due to how he'll fit in various schemes. Is he likely to add bulk? That's the kind of question evaluators will consider. A disruptive pass-rushing force, Barr became a more complete player in 2013. He's a very good pass-rusher with an underrated arsenal of moves, using quick feet and hands to free himself, and he's disciplined. I love how well he pursues, even when the play runs away from him. A former fullback, he has a powerful lower half and a long frame and reach.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD
3
Jake Matthews
AGE: 21
DOB: 2/11/92
HT: 6-5
WT: 305
POS: OT
GP 13
GS 13
There's been some chatter that Matthews could move off left tackle, but his ceiling is still as a very good NFL player at that position. Matthews has a ton of experience and a feisty, competitive nature. He's a very good pass protector, with good balance, feet and hand use, too, and he plays prepared, as an intense worker who carries great NFL bloodlines; his father, brother and two cousins have played in the league. I also like his ability to finish in the run game, where he shows off a nasty streak.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD