MORE DRAFT CONTENT FROM MEL KIPER
Top 100 | Positional ranks | Final mock | Three-round mock with McShay
Team needs | Sleepers | Biggest 'freaks'
Below you'll find my final rankings of the top 100 prospects for the 2014 NFL draft. As always, please remember this isn't a prediction of draft order, it's just a ranking of how I value the players. For my final ranking of players by position, go here.
While there have been many changes over the months, in the end, the player who started at the top of my Big Board will finish there. Whether he's the No. 1 overall pick is something we'll find out soon.
And in a couple weeks, I'll release my first rankings for 2015.
Asterisks denote juniors, and two asterisks denote redshirt sophomores. The early-entry deadline has passed, so all players are now either officially in or out of the 2014 NFL draft.
1Jadeveon Clowney *
AGE: 21DOB: 2/14/93HT: 6-5WT: 266POS: DE
Tkl 41Sack 3.0Int 0
In the end, it's not a debate about whether you trust his stats or his athletic abilities. He was disruptive, and was so with offenses determined to limit him. He's a special talent worthy of the No. 1 pick. He isn't just a speed rusher looking to beat a tackle upfield and quickly turn the corner. He has strength as well, and as a speed-to-power rusher who can drive a tackle back, Clowney can be great. He'll go through you or around you, and can succeed in any scheme.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 1 | PLAYER CARD
2
Sammy Watkins *
AGE: 20
DOB: 6/14/93
HT: 6-1
WT: 211
POS: WR
Rec 101
Yds 1,464
Avg 14.5
TD 12
He may not go this high, but this is a ranking of talent and potential, not a mock. Watkins plays taller than he measures, runs bigger than his listed size, and has always had explosive speed. He fights through contact to make plays for the ball, and once he has it, he's devastating after the catch. Watkins blends polish with a high level of explosiveness and can turn catches on the edges or between the hashes into big plays.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 2 | PLAYER CARD
3
Khalil Mack
AGE: 23
DOB: 2/22/91
HT: 6-3
WT: 251
POS: OLB
Tkl 100
Sack 11.0
Int 3
Mack is defined by his versatility, but retains such high value because he can get it done as a pass-rusher. You see Mack lining up both at the line and on the perimeter. He's capable of rushing the passer with quickness and power, or dropping into coverage with an ability to make plays in the open field. He uses good leverage to take on blocks and drive people back, and quickness and strong hands to disengage.
PREVIOUS RANK: No. 3 | PLAYER CARD