ESPN NFL Draft Expert Mel Kiper has updated his big board for the 2016 NFL Draft. Here are his top 10 college football prospects, including a new No. 1 player.
1. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
Here's Kiper's analysis, blocked behind the ESPN Insider Paywall:
"Now up to 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds, he still moves like a guy carrying about 40-50 pounds less. You saw it against Bama, when he was getting into the backfield constantly. Nkemdiche isn't just quick, though; he also has strength at the point and doesn't get eaten up by double-teams. If he stays healthy he'll end up in the top five."
2. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Kiper:
"Lining up all over, he's going to be used in multiple ways by the Buckeyes staff this year, and while maybe the numbers will be down a little, I don't expect the stock to fall based on what I see. Bosa has size -- he's 6-6, 275 pounds, and could play bigger -- versatility that will fit any scheme and the ability to go around blockers or right through them. He has been a machine when it comes to tackles for loss, and will continue to get his share."
3. Jared Goff, QB, California
Kiper:
"Goff is putting on a show so far this year, separating himself from critiques that say the system creates the QB at Cal. Goff has a hose when he wants to really cut it loose, is able to drill the ball down the field and into tight windows with ease, and he has effective movement skills and anticipation for a player with good length who seems to see the whole field. He can also move defenders with his eyes pretty well and will continue to get better."
4. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss
Kiper:
"He was out last week, and health is really the key here, because when healthy, he's the best pass-blocker in the draft, a guy who wouldn't look out of place if he had to play on Sundays this season. He's a nimble but powerful left tackle prospect and has all the traits you look for at that spot. If he's healthy, he's an early pick. If not, Ronnie Stanley will overtake him as the top tackle prospect."
5. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State
Kiper:
"Looking good so far. A does-it-all talent who has already started 28 college games heading into this junior season, I would have rated him the top safety taken in the 2015 draft, but this year he's at cornerback. He has the length, range and exceptional instincts to make plays all over the field, and an expected smooth transition to corner is happening. He is a truly gifted athlete."
6. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Kiper:
"It's really hard to pick out flaws, aside from a missed tackle here and there, and Smith is making a case to be a versatile linebacker you can select knowing he can be plugged in right away. Smith can be moved around, has good length and can flat-out fly for a linebacker, with sub-4.5 speed. He'll be a household name with a healthy 2015."
7. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Kiper:
"I think he's shown more consistency in 2015, which was my basis for saying he should return to school. He marries prototypical length with impressive movement skills. He moves well laterally and can flash great hand use, but he just needs more consistency. He could push to become the top tackle available."
8. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Kiper:
"A deft cover man, Hargreaves lacks size, but he makes up for it with instincts and effortless fluidity in moving with receivers. Of course, he's not small, at 5-11 and about 195 pounds; he just lacks a margin for error compared to some. A starter since he arrived, he's the best pure cover corner in the draft class at this point."
9. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Kiper:
"I think he's shown more consistency in 2015, which was my basis for saying he should return to school. He marries prototypical length with impressive movement skills. He moves well laterally and can flash great hand use, but he just needs more consistency. He could push to become the top tackle available."
10. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
Kiper:
"I think he's shown more consistency in 2015, which was my basis for saying he should return to school. He marries prototypical length with impressive movement skills. He moves well laterally and can flash great hand use, but he just needs more consistency. He could push to become the top tackle available."
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