Kiper's top five on the big board pre combine

[Seraph24]

Between now and the NFL combine (Feb. 21-27 in Indianapolis), there will be only slight changes to my Top 25 Big Board. The movement you see on the board is based on film evaluation from a player's career. Expect more movement and changes on the Big Board after the combine and individual workouts take place.

1. Calvin Johnson*, WR, Georgia Tech (6-4, 225) | previous: Same
He's not only a tremendous athlete, but he's a hard worker and very team oriented. Based on the needs of the Raiders and Lions, Johnson might not be the No. 1 overall pick, but he won't fall out of the top five.

2. Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin (6-6½, 313) | previous: Same
Huge, quick and athletic with a long wingspan.

3. Adrian Peterson*, RB, Oklahoma (6-1½, 218) | previous: 5
The most talented running back in the draft with an excellent burst to the outside for his size. The concern with Peterson is his durability.

4. Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (6-3½, 225) | previous: 3
Poised, smart and at his best in pressure situations. Quinn did throw two interceptions in the Sugar Bowl after throwing just one INT in his previous eight games.

5. JaMarcus Russell*, QB, LSU (6-6, 260) | previous: 4
Big, strong signal caller with a powerful arm, and his decision-making improved significantly in 2006.

........................

[007]

In some form or another those will be the top five on almost everyone's board.

I bet Branch was sixth?

This draft has an 'elite six' and then about 30-40 prospects in the next tier who will be ranked differently depending on team needs, scouting etc ...Very deep overall, IMO.

[Whistle]

Man I wish we already had a QB, 'cause Johnson is one of those badass receivers you always wish you had a shot at. We do have the shot and we can't (shouldn't) draft him.

[CrossBones]

Big Hair is so predictable. Betcha pretty soon he'll be falling all over himself telling the world how great Ja is going to be and how any team would be a fool to pass on him.

Kiper works hard at his job but man what a job. Wrong 60-70% of the time and still keeps his job. I thought only weather men got that kind love.

[Langlier]

id be happy with any of the above honestly... how happy wont be for a while.

[TheNextStep]

I'll say this for Kiper... when we drafted that receiver with the last overall pick a couple of years ago, I remember Berman holding up Kiper's draft guide and, sure as shit, there's Ryan Hoag listed as Kiper's choice for "Mister Irrelevant."

Gotta give him some props on that one, whether you like the dude or not.

[BigTron]

I have to admit the guy earns his spot. Its not worth getting all worked up over his predictions, but I think he works hard at the very least.

[Jack's sore libido]

I was unpacking some stuff the other day and came across Kiper's 2001 draft guide ... yeah, you can cherry-pick it like anything else, but for the most part he did a really good job with his rankings. He even had Steve Smith in the top 20.