Top draft analyst Mike Mayock is at it again. The NFL Network’s draft guru has released his Pre-Scouting Combine top five positional rankings. Mayock is one of the most respectable guys in the game, so his rankings always hold a lot of weight. Who does Mayock think are the top five players at each position? Have a look.
Quarterback
1. Andrew Luck, Stanford
2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor
3. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
4. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
5. Nick Foles, Arizona
New entries: Weeden, Foles
Mayock had initially had spots 4 and 5 up for competition. After strong performances at this year’s Senior Bowl, Weeden and Foles have taken over the two slots. They were two of the most impressive performers at the game and should hear their names called in the first 50 picks.
Running Back
1. Trent Richardson, Alabama
2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech
3. Lamar Miller, Miami (Fla.)
4. Doug Martin, Boise State
5. LaMichael James, Oregon
No big surprises here. His opinion on the running backs has stayed pat over the past month.
Wide Receiver
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Kendall Wright, Baylor
3. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
4. Rueben Randle, LSU
5. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
Rise: Wright
Fall: Floyd, Jeffery
New entry: Randle
Out: Wake Forest’s Chris Givens
Alshon Jeffery’s stock has taken a big hit according to Mayock. Jeffery has been gaining a lot of weight and his condition appears to be a big issue.
Tight End
1. Orson Charles, Georgia
2. Coby Fleener, Stanford
3. Dwayne Allen, Clemson
4. Deangelo Peterson, LSU
5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette
Rise: Charles
Fall: Allen, Green
New entry: Peterson
Out: Missouri’s Michael Egnew
Tackle
1. Matt Kalil, USC
2. Riley Reiff, Iowa
3. Mike Adams, Ohio State
4. Cordy Glenn, Georgia
5. Jonathan Martin, Stanford
Rise: Kalil, Adams
Fall: Reiff, Martin
New entry: Glenn (switched groups from interior offensive lineman to tackle)
Out: Troy’s James Brown, Florida State’s Zebrie Sanders
Justice has been restored. Mayock originally had Iowa’s Riley Reiff as the top tackle, despite the common belief that Matt Kalil was far and away the best tackle in the draft. Mayock has finally elevated Kalil back into the top spot and moved Cordy Glenn over from the interior lineman category.
Interior Offensive Lineman
1. David DeCastro, Stanford
2. Peter Konz, Wisconsin
3. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin
4. Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State
5. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
Fall: Osemele
New entry: Silatolu
Out: Glenn (switched groups from interior offensive lineman to tackle)
No major changes here. Cordy Glenn’s ability to play tackle moved him from this category and opened things up for Amini Silatolu.
Defensive rankings continue on page 2.