Jarrett drops off Kiper's big board

Mel Kiper's big board lists his top 25 prospects in the 2007 NFL draft. In his latest update Dwayne Jarrett is no longer listed. At one time Jarrett was listed 13th overall by Kiper.

Jarrett has seen his stock fall after skipping the combine and posting a 40 time over 4.6 during his Pro Day. It's possible that Jarrett could slip to the second round.

Kiper thinks Brady Quinn could fall to the Dolphins

Mel Kiper recently reported that "Brady Quinn could slide to the Dolphins with the ninth pick."

His reasoning... if the Lions draft Thomas and Browns select Peterson, the teams drafting fourth though eighth are all likely to pass on Quinn.

While a slide could happen, think Aaron Rodgers in 2005, it's more likely that another team would trade up to grab Quinn before the Dolphins pick. The Texans, with rumors swirling of Carr's departure, would also have a hard time passing on Quinn with the eighth pick.

Six receivers in Kiper's updated top 20

It looks like there will be a lot of talent at wide receiver in the 2007 NFL draft. Mel Kiper lists six wide outs in the top 20 on his latest big board.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech (1)
Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio St. (8)
Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC (13)
Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU (18)
Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee (19)
Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina (20)

Bowe impressed everyone at the Senior Bowl. He has size and speed and made some circus catches during the week. He did drop a few easy throws and will need to work on his consistency. Ginn, Meachem, and Rice are quick and athletic and are expected to put up big numbers at the combine. Johnson has a shot at being the number one pick in the draft if the Raiders pass on a QB. Jarrett doesn't have the speed of the other receivers, but has great size, good hands, and should make a good pro wide out.

Reggie Nelson in Kiper's top ten

Florida safety Reggie Nelson sits at number 7 on Mel Kiper's latest big board. Nelson has been one of the hottest prospects over the last few months and it shouldn't surprise anyone if he's the top safety selected in the 2007 NFL draft.

Nelson is an attacking safety with big time playmaking ability. He delivers big hits and isn’t afraid to lend help in support. Nelson’s biggest impact comes with his ability to make plays on the football. He has a nose for the ball, and really goes after the ball when it is in the air.

Eleven defensive linemen now in Kiper's top 25

Mel Kiper now lists eleven defensive lineman in his top 25 seniors. Gaines Adams, Amobi Okoye, Quinn Pitcock, Adam Carriker, DeMarcus Tyler, Turk McBride, LaMarr Woodley, Tim Crowder, Anthony Spencer, Quentin Moses, and Ikaika Alama-Francis are all highly ranked by Kiper. The list doesn't include juniors Alan Branch and Frank Okam who could be up with the best of the lineman if they declared. Should be a deep draft for defensive lineman.

Carriker enters Kiper's top ten

Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker is now rated #8 on Mel Kiper's latest big board. Carriker is an interesting blend of talent. He has excellent size (6-6 295) and strength, but also has speed and athleticism you normally don't see in someone his size. Carriker has been a productive pass rusher in college, and knows how to get to the quarterback. He had 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

Troy Smith now in Kiper's top 20

Troy Smith made his first appearance on Kiper's big board this week at number 20. Smith has seen his stock skyrocket this season and could be selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft. A big performance during the national championship game could give his stock another boost, as it did for Vince Young last year. Before Young's performance, few considered him a first round talent, let alone a top five pick.

Amobi Okoye Moves into Kiper's Top 10

Mel Kiper's latest big board of the top 25 seniors has Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye listed at number eight. Okoye may be the ideal nose tackle. He is built low to the ground, and stays low, making it hard for defenders to get under his pads. Combined with his bulk and his strength, he is immovable on the interior. He is powerful at the point of attack and can push lineman around clogging running lanes on the inside.

Hawaii Quarterback Colt Brennan Intends to Stay

Colt Brennan intends to stay at Hawaii and said it would take an "extraordinary situation" to make him forgo his senior season. However, he left the door open if he were to project as a first-round selection in April, saying, "you'd have to consider (applying for the draft). That doesn't mean I'd go, but you'd have to consider it."

Brennan has received a lot of buzz from draft watchers after Kiper named him his top junior QB. Supporters point to his production at Hawaii, quick release, and intelligence for his high rankings. Critics argue that his unorthodox throwing motion and Hawaii's schedule and offense distort his true potential. Decide for yourself... here is a 4 min highlight video from youtube.

Jeff Samardzija in Kiper's Top 5

Kiper just updated his big board and Notre Dame's Jeff Samardzija moved into the top 5. While this is surprising, one has to remember that Kiper's board only includes seniors and Samardzija will fall once the top juniors declare. If they declare, expect the following junior receivers to be rated higher then Samardzija: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, Dwayne Jarrett, USC, Ted Ginn Jr, Ohio St.