NFL Draft 2015: Rounding Up Top Experts' Latest Big Boards

Big boards are the heart of NFL draft season. 

All 32 teams craft one in their organization's war room in preparation for the NFL draft, and in unison they help to create the so-called stock market, a collective ranking of NFL draft prospects.

Of course, these boards—scribbled in dry-erase marker, recorded on computers and elsewhere—are secret. What isn't secret are big boards crafted by media members.

Whether it's inside information or just plain in-the-trenches hard work, experts craft big boards of their own opinion throughout draft season to provide a service to fans. These boards reflect a little bit of everything—opinion, rumors and more.

Without further ado, let's examine some of the most notable excerpts from big boards around the globe just a few days out from the 2015 NFL draft.

Notable Expert Big Board Placements

Joe Klatt, FoxSports.com

No. 6:  Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Not everyone agrees when it comes to this year's top two quarterbacks, which is quite all right.

Joe Klatt of FoxSports.com is one who weighs in favor of Oregon's Marcus Mariota, ranking him second on his big board behind just defensive tackle Leonard Williams.

Florida State's Jameis Winston, however, takes a bit of scrolling to find at No. 6. Klatt brings up Winston's off-field issues, but more than anything focuses on the on-field flaws the former Heisman Trophy winner displayed last season:

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His ability to come up with critical plays is uncanny, and that should translate to the next level, but he has to clean up his feet. Jameis threw 18 interceptions last season, which is way too many, but he should be able to clean that up by creating a more stable foundation before the throw, and playing more within the system rather than forcing the issue, which was a major flaw last season for the Seminoles.

"

It's an interesting point. As Klatt notes, Winston blew away NFL personnel with his ability to talk the language and absorb and recite what they offered to him.

There seems to be a double-edged sword with Winston, though. The knowledge and upside is great, but he figures to land in a situation where he will have to force it downfield to help his team win, which could lead to ugly results.

Regardless, even Klatt admits at the end of his blurb that Tampa Bay is perhaps still the right location.

Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

No. 4: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon 

CBSSports.com's Rob Rang falls on the other end of the spectrum.

Rang touts Winston at No. 1, with Mariota taking a backseat to Williams and Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., although he's quick to admit the Oregon signal-caller continues to improve:

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As one of the few in the media who attended both Mariota's throwing session at the combine and his pro day workout, I can tell you that there were gains made in his accuracy while dropping back from center -- critical to success in a pro-style offense. Mariota is a work in progress but he offers a rare combination of physical talent and work ethic.

"

The blurb speaks to the tightrope act Mariota represents as a prospect. Rang notes better accuracy, which may confuse some considering he completed 68.3 percent of his passes last year for 4,454 yards and 42 touchdowns to four interceptions.

But concerns around Mariota's scheme and his ability to play under center are why folks such as Rang pause with concern. The upside is there, but many will agree with Rang in thinking Winston should rank higher because he's more pro-ready and less risky.

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

No. 6: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington

Even after his dismissal from Washington, Marcus Peters remained the top corner in the 2015 class in the minds of most.

Peters is a downright elite talent who can do whatever coaches ask of him on the field. He's pro-ready and touts ideal size at 6'0" and 197 pounds. So long as Peters checked out in interviews, he figures to be one of the top corners drafted Thursday.

The above, at least in part, helps to explain why Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranks Peters sixth on his final big board.

Miller has been quite transparent about his feelings on Peters throughout the process:

On Miller's board, Peters ranks above high-profile names such as Georgia running back Todd Gurley, Louisville wideout DeVante Parker and even Mariota.

It's a testament to Peters' talent. Many dismiss the former Washington star for past transgressions, but from an on-field perspective, few seem to outshine him as an overall pro prospect.

Todd McShay, ESPN.com

No. 11: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska 

It has been a wild ride for Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory.

Once considered a top-five prospect by many, Gregory weighed in at 6'5" and 235 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine and has been on a redemption tour ever since—those numbers are a tad light. To make matters worse, it was later revealed he failed a drug test in Indianapolis.

Alas, Gregory makes a surprise appearance at No. 11 on Todd McShay's board over at ESPN.com:

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Gregory is stronger than you'd expect for someone with his lean frame, and is one of the better speed to power pass-rushers in this class, but his lack of bulk at just 235 pounds is a concern when projecting him to the next level, as is his apparent difficulty to add weight. I don't think his admission that he failed a marijuana test at the combine will have much of an effect on his draft stock, but it's something teams will have to consider. He's the best edge rusher in this class with his outstanding length, first-step quickness and savvy, and shows adequate range and awareness when asked to drop in coverage.

"

They say time heals all wounds, and Gregory's admission of mistakes and perhaps strong interviews help him to remain strong from a stock standpoint in the minds of many.

It helps that Gregory is a quick-twitch athlete who can get to quarterbacks using a variety of different avenues. There's a premium on quality pass-rushers these days, and a raw, coachable talent such as Gregory in the hands of a strong coaching staff could work wonders.

Like all big boards, it will be quite interesting to see if the NFL agrees.

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and accurate as of April 28. All advanced metrics via Pro Football Focus.