As NFL teams put their finishing touches on their draft boards, preparing to make selections that will affect the fate of their franchises, we are releasing our rankings of the top 100 prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft Class. Below is a run down of players 51-100, and the top 50 will be released Wednesday.
Some may be surprised to find players like Matt Barkley and Manti Te’o in the 51-100 rankings, however, this is our best projection of their value at the next level. In fact, they will be several spots down on the list, and it is standout Stanford tight end Zach Ertz (pictured) that headlines the list as #51. We will update the Big Board one more time before the draft.
- 51. TE Zach Ertz, Stanford: 6’5″, 249 lbs.- He has all the tools to be among the best tight ends in the NFL.
- 52. LB Cornelius Washington, Georgia: 6’4″, 265 lbs.- has all the tools and was among the top performers at the Combine, however, he has never been able to translate that talent into on the field production.
- 53. DT Kawann Short, Purdue: 6’3″, 299 lbs.- athletic but developmental DT prospect
- 54. CB Jordan Poyer, Oregon State: 5’11”, 197 lbs.- some see him sneaking into the first round. He is solid in all phases of the game, but not spectacular in one.
- 55. OT Kyle Long, Oregon: 6’6″, 313 lbs.- The son of Howie Long, Kyle is still learning to be an OL, but he very well could develop into the best tackle of the bunch.
- 56. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: 6’1″, 214 lbs.- Hopkins does not have elite level measurables, but he made big plays at the right times for Clemson despite being overshadowed by the more explosive Sammy Watkins.
- 57. S D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina: 5’10”, 208 lbs.- lacks ideal height, but he plays the game with an attitude that made him feared as a 4-year starter at South Carolina.
- 58. CB Jamar Taylor, Boise State: 5’10”, 192 lbs.- A lot of scouts are high on him, and he has the tools to be a successful corner at the next level if teams are willing to be patient as he will give up big plays early in his career.
- 59. WR Terrance Williams, Baylor: 6’2″, 208 lbs.- put up major numbers in his senior season and has all the tools to be a #1 NFL receiver.
- 60. S Baccari Rambo, Georgia: 6’0″, 211 lbs.- off the field issues haunt this otherwise standout safety prospect.
- 61. WR Da’Rick Rodgers, Tennessee Tech: 6’2″, 217 lbs.- very immature and plagued by off the field issues, but too talented to ride off.
- 62. QB Matt Scott, Arizona: 6’2″, 213 lbs.- an athletic quarterback that can throw the ball better than people are giving him credit for is, in my opinion, the #3 QB in the draft.
- 63. S Phillip Thomas, Fresno State: 6’0″, 208 lbs.- great size, athleticism, physicality, and play making ability.
- 64. WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M: 6’0″, 205 lbs.- surprised many at the Combine with 4.34 speed.
- 65. CB David Amerson, North Carolina State: 6’1″, 205 lbs.- outstanding athlete with playmaking ability but struggles with nuances and gets over-confident in his skill set.
- 66. TE Gavin Escobar, San Diego State: 6’6″, 254 lbs.- a stellar pass catching option, but not as well rounded as Eifert or Ertz.
- 67. S T.J. McDonald, USC: 6’2″, 219 lbs.- physical Trojan was productive in college but may be a coverage liability.
- 68. RB Knile Davis, Arkansas: 5’10”, 227 lbs.- a first round talent who has struggled to consistently match his ability with on the field production.
- 69. LB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers: 6’0″, 241 lbs.- former safety is quick, productive, and disruptive.
- 70. OT Brennan Williams, North Carolina: 6’6″, 318 lbs.- great size and solid athleticism but needs work on refining his skills at the position.
- 71. C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin: 6’4″, 312 lbs.- very slow forty time should not deter teams from the fact that he comes from a reliable OL development program or that he is a sure starter at the center position for years to come.
- 72. LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame: 6’1″, 241 lbs.- I have gone on record many times on Te’o. He got abused by Alabama, and I have little confidence in his ability to be a steady NFL starter.
- 73. QB Ryan Nassib, Syracuse: 6’2″, 227 lbs.- Like Dysert, he possesses the skills, mobility, and arm to develop nicely. even though many may be less familiar with him than others.
- 74. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson: 5’9″, 199 lbs.- a tough, balanced runner despite lacking ideal size.
- 75. CB Logan Ryan, Rutgers: 5’11”, 191 lbs.- a very physical corner prospect.
- 76. QB Matt Barkley, USC: 6’2″, 227 lbs.- lacking elite arm strength and coming of an underwhelming senior campaign, Barkley may struggle to live up to expectations in the NFL.
- 77. OLB Corey Lemonier, Auburn: 6’3″, 255 lbs.- on the surface, he is an elite level prospect, but he disappeared for lengthy periods for the Tigers during his career.
- 78. WR Aaron Dobson, Marshall: 6’3″, 210 lbs.- Although, he has not been super productive at a lower level, Dobson has the potential to develop into a #1 target.
- 79. OT Terron Armstead, Arkansas Pine Bluff: 6’5″, 306 lbs.- a phenomenal athlete but is a developmental prospect.
- 80. OLB Sio Moore, Connecticut: 6’0″, 245 lbs.- possessing good size and plenty of athleticism, Moore plays relatively mistake-free football.
- 81. MLB Jonathan Bostic, Florida: 6’0″, 245 lbs.- Bostic lacks top end measurables, but he plays with a nasty streak. Moreover, he is a leader, and I have little doubt he can be a solid starter in the NFL.
- 82. QB Mike Glennon, North Carolina State: 6’7″, 225 lbs.- Many admire the tall QB’s arm, but his lack of mobility and consistency may make it hard for him to make it as a starter. See “poor man’s Ryan Mallett.”
- 83. WR Tavarres King, Georgia: 6’0″, 189 lbs.- King struggled to bear the burden as a #1 at UGA, but he has all the tools needed to thrive as a #2 option in the NFL.
- 84. OLB Michael Buchanan, Illinois: 6’5″, 255 lbs.- Buchanan could be a steal, and he will likely not be taken in the first three rounds. However, if he adds strength and much needed bulk, he could develop into an elite pass rusher.
- 85. RB Giovani Bernard, North Carolina: 5’8″, 202 lbs.-possesses a solid base and runs well although there are significant durability concerns.
- 86. QB Zac Dysert, Miami (Ohio): 6’3″, 231 lbs.- This is one quarterback that may be on the rise. He has all the tools to develop into a starting NFL QB, and he is as tough as any other quarterback in the class. Dysert will be a great selection in Round 2 or 3.
- 87. S Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse: 5’8″, 218 lbs.- I REALLY like this prospect who makes up for lack of height with aggression and speed. He does not excel in pass coverage, but he is a cruise missile from the safety spot and will be a force on special teams. He is now leading a family of six siblings after his parents have passed away
- 88. OT Emmett Cleary, Boston College: 6’7″, 316 lbs.- The BC offensive tackle has the size and skills to make him worthy of a Round 3 selection.
- 89. DE William Gholston, Michigan State: 6’6″, 281 lbs.- Everyone touts the cousin of major bust Vernon Gholston and his “upside.” Unfortunately for William, there is very little evidence to suggest his career will fare better than Vernon’s.
- 90. QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee: 6’6″, 232 lbs.- Bray has the arm, but not the head. Even if taken in the third or fourth round, he has “bust” written all over him. Still, his raw tools alone demand his inclusion in the Big Board.
- 91. CB Robert Alford, SE Louisiana: 5’10”, 188 lbs.- possesses stand out speed and is an overall athlete, but may be a little undersized and has not seen top notch competition.
- 92. TE Jordan Reed, Florida: 6’2″, 236 lbs.- lacks ideal measurables, but his intangibles stand out and he is a playmaker come game-time.
- 93. LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M: 6’1″, 229 lbs.- possesses great athleticism and pass rushing ability as a middle linebacker at the next level.
- 94. RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA: 5’10”, 205 lbs.- has solid size, ran well at the Combine, and is explosive in space.
- 95. DT Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern: 6’1″, 335 lbs.- Sleeper prospect had 38 bench press reps at the Combine.
- 96. RB Mike Gillislee, Florida: 5’11”, 208 lbs.- solid all-around back who was never in a starring role at UF.
- 97. LB Zaviar Gooden, Missouri: 6’1″, 234 lbs.- 4.46 forty is fastest among linebackers, and he also has a 38″ vertical. He has the size and athleticism to be successful, but he has not yet learned how to excel in game action.
- 98. CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut: 6’0″, 195 lbs.- His length and physicality will get him a starting spot in the NFL.
- 99. DT Akeem Spence, Illinois: 6’1″, 307 lbs.- highly productive (72 tackles) as a run-stuffing defensive tackle for a poor Illinois team.
- 100. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin: 5’10”, 214 lbs.- has the tools and character to succeed