Some analysts pour hours of time into mock drafts. Other experts take great pride in their big boards.
But Mike Mayock takes a unique route towards evaluating college prospects. NFL Network's premier talent evaluator puts together top-five rankings in a position-by-position breakdown of who stands out in his eyes.
Mayock released his second version of positional rankings on Tuesday. Here are five takeaways from Mayock's analysis ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft.
1. FAITH IN THE IRISH
Opinions vary drastically when it comes to this year's quarterback class. Many have North Carolina's Mitchell Trubisky as their top signal-caller in 2017, but not Mayock. Instead, he has Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer as his highest-ranked QB. Kizer is often touted for his prototypical size at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds.2. RECEIVER ON THE RISE
Corey Davis, not Clemson's Mike Williams, claimed the top spot on the wide receiver rankings. The 6-foot-3 wideout out from Western Michigan put up gaudy numbers as a senior in 2016 – 1,500 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns – but is yet to workout during the pre-draft process following offseason ankle surgery. Davis' reps have said that he hopes to have his own workout prior to April 27 in lieu of working out at Western Michigan's Pro Day.**
- STUDS IN THE SECONDARY**
A number of draft analysts are split between LSU's Jamal Adams and Ohio State's Malik Hooker as the best safety in this year's class. Mayock went with Option C: Jabrill Peppers out of Michigan. Peppers has been labeled by some as a tough player to evaluate. On one hand, he's a superior athlete who made an impact for the Wolverines on offense, defense and special teams. On the other, he may not be a natural safety, and his athleticism didn't result in many takeaways. Mayock clearly subscribes to the belief that Peppers' athletic ability is enough to put him above Adams and Hooker.4. EYE OF THE TIGER
It appears that Leonard Fournette is running away as the consensus choice for top running back prospect in 2017. LSU's power back is now No. 1 on Mayock's list. He ranked second on Mayock's first set of rankings behind Florida State's Dalvin Cook. Fournette surprised everyone at the NFL Scouting Combine after weighing in at 240 pounds and still running a 4.51-second 40-yard dash. Cook slipped all the way to the No. 3 spot behind Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey. The former Cardinal star also shined at the Combine with a 4.48 40-yard dash and 37.5-inch vertical jump.5. KING OF THE (PACIFIC) NORTH(WEST)
A pair of Washington cornerbacks traded places in Mayock's rankings. Previously unranked Kevin King is now No. 3 on Mayock's list. Meanwhile, Huskies corner Sidney Jones is now unranked following an unfortunate Achilles tear at Washington's Pro Day. King has a slender build at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, but he has heralded cover skills and turned heads with this athletic interception last season. His stock skyrocketed at the Combine following a 6.56-second three-cone drill and a 3.89-second 20-yard shuttle. Both times topped all prospects in Indianapolis.
