1. Tank Carder, Texas Christian – Some people think he will be an outside linebacker in the NFL, but I think he would fit best at inside or middle linebacker which would allow to use his skills the best. He is a playmaker and is a good overall athlete who can make plays sideline to sideline. Last season he had 60 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks and 1 interception.
2. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama – Upshaw is a big physical linebacker who is a good tackler and has good pass rush ability. Last season he had 52 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. He needs to get better is pass coverage but is a playmaker when he is going downhill.
3. Jerry Franklin, Arkansas – Franklin last season had 100 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He led the team in tackles, tackles for loss and was second on the team in sacks. He had led the team in tackles the past three seasons and does have the skills to be effective in pass coverage.
4. Chris Galippo, USC – Galippo played both middle linebacker as well as weak outside linebacker last season but in better at the middle linebacker spot. Last season he had 29 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 interceptions. Expect more then 29 total tackles out of him this season as he far more talented of a player to only have 29 total tackles.
5. Korey Williams, Southern Mississippi – There were some rumors that Williams was going to come out early last season but decided to come back for his senior season and that should prove to be a good more as he could really help his draft stock with a big season this year. He has all the physical talents to be a very good player at the next level and should be able to show his skills off this season. Last year he had 80 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
6. Chris Marve, Vanderbilt – Marve is a run stuffing two down linebacker who likes to come down hill. He is a smart instinctive linebacker who can make plays in the backfield and chase down ball carriers, but doesn’t have great pass coverage skills. Last season he had 80 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
7. James Michael-Johnson, Nevada – Johnson moved to middle linebacker last season after playing before on the outside and fits better for the next level inside which allows him to make plays sideline to sideline. Last season he had
88 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He could be a player to watch this season as he could move up team’s draft boards.
8. Audie Cole, North Carolina State – Cole has great size at close to 6-5, 240 pounds he is a physical player who played both middle and outside linebacker at North Carolina State. Last season he had 86 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss 5 sacks and 1 interception. He is a hard worker and a team leader and with his size and athleticism could move up draft boards.
9. Will Ebner, Missouri – Ebner is a smart tough football player who last season played the entire season less than 100 percent due to a neck strain and a foot injury that he waited until after the season to have surgery on it. Despite the injuries he ended up playing in 10 games and had 47 total tackles. If he can stay healthy should be one of the better defensive players in the Big 12.
10. D.J. Holt, California – Holt has shown the ability to be a very effective player over his career and get a guy who gets to the ball carrier. Last season he had 85 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. He has some ability in pass coverage but is much more effective against the run and playing downhill.
11. Carmen Messina, New Mexico
12. Adrien Cole, Louisiana Tech
13. Ronnie Sneed, Kentucky
14. Garrick Williams, Texas A&M
15. Steve Sloan, UCLA
16. J.K. Schaffer, Cincinnati
17. Brian Hendricks, Wyoming
18. Gary Tinsley, Minnesota
19. Byron Hout, Boise State
20. Cort Dennison, Washington
1. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma – Lewis surprised many by coming back for his senior season but wanted a chance to win a National Title and should have a good shot to do that. He is a great fit as a 4-3 outside linebacker with all the skills to be a very good player in the NFL. Last season he had 109 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 3 interceptions.
2. Zach Brown, North Carolina – Not many linebacker compete on the school track team, but that is something that Brown does and some say he can run a 4.28, 40, saying that shows what a great athlete he is. Last season he had 72 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions. I think you can expect bigger stats this season and him to push for a 1st round selection in April.
3. Nigel Bradham, Florida State – Bradham can run side line to side line and make plays, he fit best in a 4-3 defense and can drop in cover and make plays in the passing game coving backs and tight ends. Last season he had 98 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
4. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia – Irvin plays defensive end in college, but projects to be a 3-4 outside linebacker because is only around 235 pounds. He is a good edge pass rusher, the question is going to be can he drop in coverage when asked to at the next level, but should be able to. Last season he had 21 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks.
5. Sean Spence, Miami (FL) – Spence doesn’t have the size you want in an outside linebacker, but he can run and make plays all over the field. Last season he had 111 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He does a good job in coverage and fits as a weak side outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
6. Lavonte David, Nebraska - David had 152 tackles in his first season to set a Cornhusker single-season record for tackles. He also had 15 tackles for loss, 6 sacks and 10 pass break-ups. He has good speed and instincts to make plays all over the field, both in the passing game and against the run.
7. Adrian Robinson, Temple – Robinson plays defensive end at Temple, but projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. He has good size and decent speed. As a sophomore had 13 sacks but his stats weren’t that great last year with 38 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
8. Keenan Robinson, Texas – Robinson is a good overall athlete who can run and make plays all over the field who has the prototypical body type for an outside linebacker in the NFL. Last season he had 113 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions.
9. Emmanuel Acho, Texas – Acho started at both middle linebacker as well as strong side outside linebacker and was effect at both positions. Last season he had 87 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 1 interception. He is a big physical, smart linebacker who is a good leader.
10. Bobby Wagner, Utah State – Wagner is very good against the run but needs to improve in his pass coverage and might be better as an middle linebacker then and outside linebacker in the NFL. Last season he had 133 total tackles and 8 tackles for loss.
11. Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest
12. Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
13. Tyler Nielsen, Iowa
14. Mychal Kendricks, California
15. Jerrell Harris, Alabama
16. Darius Fleming, Notre Dame
17. Dexter Heyman, Louisville
18. Nathan Stupar, Penn State
19. Nathan Williams, Ohio State
20. Andrew Sweat, Ohio State
1. Jared Crick, Nebraska – Crick has great size, strength and quickness which allows to make plays in the run game as well rushing the passer. He is not Ndamukong Suh, but is a very good player, who last season had 70 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
2. Kheeston Randall, Texas – Randall is very good against the run but needs to improve his pass rush ability. He has good strength to take on double teams and can be a force at the point of attack. Last season he had 39 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
3. Billy Winn, Boise State – Winn was a high school wrestler which is usually a good sign when looking at defensive linemen because of wrestler skills being able to translate on to the football field. He is a very stronger and physical player who shows up at the point of attack. Last season he had 28 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
4. Tydreke Powell, North Carolina – Powell is a powerful player with good size for a defensive tackle. He is a good athlete who you would like to see make more impact plays on defense. Last season he had 47 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
5. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut – Reyes is a good overall athlete and in high school played wide receiver. He has the ability to have an outstanding senior season because of his ability to penetrate and get in the backfield and make plays. Last season he had 39 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.
6. Josh Chapman, Alabama – Chapman plays nose tackle in Alabama’s 3-4 defense and is has the ability to eat up blocker and allow his linebackers behind him to make plays. He does have some quickness and is very good against the run as well. Last season he had 31 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
7. Brandon Thompson, Clemson – Thompson is a big, thick player who does a good job being an anchor against the run. He does a good job against the run and taking up space allowing other to make plays around him, needs to get better at rushing the passer. Last season he had 56 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
8. Jaye Howard, Florida – Howard is a big, physical player who is a good athlete and has some pass rush ability but better against the run. He does a good job take on double teams at the point of attack. Last season he had 29 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.
9. Alameda Ta'amu, Washington - Ta'amu is a space eater at close to 330 pounds and has the ability to take on the double team. He doesn’t have great pass rush skills but is very powerful and keeps offensive linemen from getting to the second level to be able to block the linebackers. Last season he had 39 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
10. Renard Williams, Eastern Washington – Williams is a little undersized but makes up for the lack of great size with good quickness and does a good job penetrating to get into the backfield. He will fit best in a Tampa-Two type defense at the next level. Last season he had 54 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.
11. Mike Daniels, Iowa
12. Mike Martin, Michigan
13. Logan Harrell, Fresno State
14. Armond Armstead, USC
15. Devon Still, Penn State
16. Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M
17. Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
18. Travian Robertson, South Carolina
19. Micanor Regis, Miami (FL)
20. DeAngelo Tyson, Georgia
1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina – Coples is the next in line of dominate North Carolina defensive ends. Last season he had 59 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. He is long and athletic and shows good bend to get around the corner and get to the quarterback. He needs to improve his overall strength to be able to be more a force in the run game but should be a top ten pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
2. Andre Branch, Clemson – Branch is a player who this season will get out of the shadows of Da’Quan Bowers and show the country that he is one of the most talented defensive ends. Last season he had 55 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He does a good job against the run and could improve some of his secondary pass rush moves and if he is able to do that he will be a complete defensive end.
3. Vinny Curry, Marshall – Curry really thought hard about coming out early for this past year’s draft but end up going back to Marshall to work on his game which could prove to be a very good move. Last season he had 94 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. With another good season could insure himself a first round pick come next April.
4. Vince Browne, Northwestern – Browne is a hard working defense end that has improved each season at Northwestern. He could be this year’s JJ Watts in the Big Ten. Last season he had 58 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. He has the size and strength to be either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 defensive end.
5. Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh – Lindsey last season had 51 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks, which he lead the team in both tackles for loss and sacks. He does loss his running mate from last year Jabaal Sheard who was the Big East defensive player of the year so all the focus will be on Lindsey and how he responds will go a long way in determining his final draft grade.
6. Jacquies Smith, Missouri – Smith has shown good pass rush ability and should have a very good season this year. Last year he had 35 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He is a good athlete but needs to get stronger against the run which will help his overall game.
7. Jake Bequette, Arkansas – Bequette is an all around defense who is as effect against the run as he is rushing the passer. He is a stronger, physical player who has a good motor. Last season he had 32 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. He has the size and strength to be either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 defensive end.
8. Frank Alexander, Oklahoma – Alexander is a good overall athlete who is effective coming off the edge after the quarterback, but needs to improve his skills against the run. Last season he had 39 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks.
9. Armond Armstead, USC – Last season Armstead played defense end, but this season will be moved to defensive tackle because of his size being around 6-5, 295 pounds. At the next level will fit in as a 3-4 defensive end or if plays well this season as a 4-3 defensive tackle could play there at the next level. Last season he had 43 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks.
10. Cam Johnson, Virginia – Johnson has played both 3-4 outside linebacker and 4-3 defensive end, so he has the skills to do both at the next level. Last season he had 53 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Look for him to improve this season playing his second season at defensive end and being able to use his athletic ability to get the quarterback.
11. Julian Miller, West Virginia
12. James Brooks, Arizona State
13. Malik Jackson, Tennessee
14. Broderick Binns, Iowa
15. Trevor Guyton, California
16. Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan
17. Jack Crawford, Penn State
18. Kentrell Lockett, Mississippi
19. Darius Nall, Central Florida
20. Eric Latimore, Penn State
Here are my top 100 prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft, I have included juniors who could declare early.
1. QB Andrew Luck, Stanford – JR
2. DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
3. WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina – JR
4. OT Matt Kalil, USC – JR
5. QB Matt Barkley, USC – JR
6. WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State – JR
7. OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford – JR
8. CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama – JR
9. RB Trent Richardson, Alabama – JR
10. DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State – JR
11. QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma – JR
12. DE Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina – JR
13. CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina – JR
14. OT Riley Reiff, Iowa – JR
15. LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State – JR
16. CB Cliff Harris, Oregon – JR
17. DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State – JR
18. CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech – JR
19. S Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami (FL) – JR
20. LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College – JR
21. LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame – JR
22. DT Marcus Forston, Miami (FL) – JR
23. DT Jared Crick, Nebraska
24. CB Chase Minnifield, Virginia
25. CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska
26. LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
27. WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
28. DE Andre Branch, Clemson
29. WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
30. LB Zach Brown, North Carolina
31. LB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama – JR
32. LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
33. RB LaMichael James, Oregon – JR
34. RB Knile Davis, Arkansas - JR
35. S Mark Barron, Alabama
36. QB Nick Foles, Arizona
37. DE Devin Taylor, South Carolina – JR
38. OT Nate Potter, Boise State
39. OT Matt Reynolds, BYU
40. WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
41. OT Mike Adams, Ohio State
42. OL Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
43. TE Michael Egnew, Missouri
44. CB Janoris Jenkins, TBD (Ex-Florida)
45. QB Ryan Lindley, San Diego State
46. OL Mike Brewster, Ohio State
47. WR Juron Criner, Arizona
48. DE Vinny Curry, Marshall
49. LB Nigel Bradham, Florida State
50. S Kenny Tate, Maryland
51. DT Kheeston Randall, Texas
52. DE Vince Browne, Northwestern
53. CB Shaun Prater, Iowa
54. DT Billy Winn, Boise State
55. CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia
56. DT Tydreke Powell, North Carolina
57. WR Greg Childs, Arkansas
58. DE Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh
59. CB Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt
60. RB Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
61. LB Tank Carder, TCU
62. LB Keenan Robinson, Texas
63. QB G.J. Kinne, Tulsa
64. LB Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
65. S Delano Howell, Stanford
66. DE Bruce Irvin, West Virginia
67. RB Dan Herron, Ohio State
68. OT Andrew Datko, Florida State
69. LB Sean Spence, Miami (FL)
70. DT Jaye Howard, Florida
71. DE Jacquies Smith, Missouri
72. WR Chris Owusu, Stanford
73. QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
74. DE Jake Bequette, Arkansas
75. QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
76. TE George Bryan, North Carolina State
77. TE David Paulson, Oregon
78. WR DeVier Posey, Ohio State
79. OT Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
80. OL Ryan Miller, Colorado
81. LB Adrian Robinson, Temple
82. OL Cordy Glenn, Georgia
83. RB Montel Harris, Boston College
84. RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee
85. LB Lavonte David, Nebraska
86. DE Frank Alexander, Oklahoma
87. WR Dwight Jones, North Carolina
88. LB Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
89. TE Coby Fleener, Stanford
90. TE Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafeyette
91. RB Doug Martin, Boise State
92. S Lance Mitchell, Oregon State
93. RB Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati
94. CB Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
95. LB Chris Galippo, USC
96. DT Mike Martin, Michigan
97. WR Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech
98. CB Donnie Fletcher, Boston College
99. DT Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati
100. DE Cam Johnson, Virginia
1. Michael Egnew, Missouri – Egnew has good hands and that is shown by his 90 catches last season. He has good size at close to 6-6 240 pounds, and is a decent but not great blocker. He is a good overall athlete and can stretch the defense but needs to show better run after the catch so that he is a big threat when he gets his hands on the ball.
2. George Bryan, North Carolina State – Bryan has shown stead improvement over his college career and has shown that he can be a threat in the passing game as well as being a good overall blocker. He is a good but not great overall athlete.
3. David Paulson, Oregon – Paulson has great ability to stretch the field and does a good job going down the middle of the defense causing miss-matches. Look for him this season to be involved in the passing game. He could improve some his blocking techniques but does a decent job there.
4. Coby Fleener, Stanford – Fleener is a hard nose football player and is good all around tight end. He had his coming out party in the Orange Bowl in where he caught 6 passes for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns. Watch out for him to have a big season this year.
5. Ladarius Green, UL-Lafayette – Green is an impressive athlete with great size at 6-6 230 pounds. He is a big time threat in the passing game and cause miss-matches all over the field. He is a decent but not a dominate blocker at the point of attack.
6. Anthony Miller, California – Miller is much more a blocker then a pass catcher but has the ability to improve in that area. He needs to improve on his route running but has the size and the athleticism to play at the next level.
7. Rhett Ellison, USC – Ellison is a good overall tight end who can be a force in the run game as a blocker and then be a sure handed receiver when called on. He is what he is the question is how much more upside does he have as a tight end.
8. Brian Linthicum, Michigan State – Linthicum only had 18 catches last season but expect more this year as he has very good hands and shows the ability to get down field. He had an off the field issue this winter at a bar that caused him to miss some of spring football but should be the starter at tight end when Michigan State opens it season.
9. Kavario Middleton, Montana – Middleton was dismissed from the University of Washington and end up at Montana he is a big, physical tight end at around 6-5 255 pounds who has soft hands and good feet. The rumor on why he was dismissed from Washington was a failed drug test so that is something the NFL teams will look into further.
10. Evan Rodriguez, Temple – Rodriguez should be a bigger factor in the passing game this season and should move up people draft boards. He is a good blocker at the point of attack and help the running game out in this way.
11. Kevin Koger, Michigan
12. Deangelo Peterson, LSU
13. Josh Chichester, Louisville
14. Blake Ayles, Miami (FL)
15. Ryan Deehan, Colorado
16. David Duran, Coastal Carolina
17. Danny Noble, Toledo
18. James Hanna, Oklahoma
19. Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt
20. Eric Lair, Minnesota
1. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma - Many thought that Broyles would have came out early this season and been a mid to late first round pick, but decided to come back for his senior season. Broyles is a good route runner and very good after the catch. He has good but not great speed but can be used in the return game as well.
2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame – Floyd right now is suspended from Notre Dame because of a DUI, but most think he will be allowed back to the team. Floyd is a big, physical wide receiver with good hands. The question will be his long speed, but has the ability to be a number one wide receiver in the NFL.
3. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M – Fuller father played in the NFL, and he has a NFL body and just look the part as a number one receiver in the NFL. He is a very good athlete who can go up and get the football in traffic and has good hands. He needs to show the ability to run better routes and that will come with time.
4. Juron Criner, Arizona – Criner is just a big time play maker who has good size and jumping ability who will fight for the ball when it is in the air. Doesn’t have great long speed but is effective in getting separation.
5. Greg Childs, Arkansas – Childs suffered a torn patella tendon last season and is working his way back and hopeful can come back to full strength to start the season. I like his ball skills, but needs to show some better skills running after the catch, because he has size and ability to be a number one in the NFL.
6. Chris Owusu, Stanford – Owusu needs to stay healthy because if he can, he will be a big time receiver and kick returner this year and really help his draft stock. If you put on the Arizona tape from last season you can see he has all the skills to be a big time receiver at the next level.
7. DeVier Posey, Ohio State – Posey will be suspended for the first five games of the season for violating NCAA rules. He is a good athlete and sometime uses his athleticism to get open more then running sharp clean routes. Does a nice job running after the catch and has the ability to be a big time playmaker.
8. Dwight Jones, North Carolina – Jones really come out of no where last season because North Carolina lost Greg Little to a NCAA suspension and he made the most of his opportunity. He is a good athlete but is very raw running routes and needs to improve on that, but has the ability to take over a game like he did last year against Florida State where he caught 8 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown in a win.
9. Jarrett Boykin, Virginia Tech - Boykins is a big, physical wide receiver who does a good job catching the ball with his hands. He is a good receiver after the catch because of his strength. He needs to show more consistence in running routes.
10. Marvin McNutt, Iowa – McNutt really thought about coming out early for this years draft but made the right decision going back to school and working on his route running skills. He is a good overall athlete and good in the red zone but can become even a better wide receiver when he polishes up some of his skills.
11. Jermaine Kearse, Washington
12. Marquis Maze, Alabama
13. Nick Toon, Wisconsin
14. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International
15. Lance Lewis, East Carolina
16. Jordan White, Western Michigan
17. Dyrell Roberts, Virginia Tech
18. Chris Rainey, Florida
19. Bert Reed, Florida State
20. Rishard Matthews, Nevada
21. Brad Starks, West Virginia
22. Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
23. Marvin Jones, Cal
24. Damarlo Belcher, Indiana
25. Chris Summers, Liberty
26. Norman White, Villanova
27. James Rodgers, Oregon State
28. BJ Cunningham, Michigan State
29. Travis Benjamin, Miami (FL)
30. Kendall Wright, Baylor
1. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M – Gray really come on at the end of the season and rushed for 7 straight 100 yard games. He has the ability to run inside and outside and can catch the football out of the backfield. He had an outstanding game last year against Texas where he rushed for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns in a win. Can really help himself with another big season this year.
2. Dan Herron, Ohio State – Herron is a good between the tackle type runner who runs down hill. He doesn’t have a ton of make you miss in his game but is an effective runner who will move the changes. He will be suspended for the first five games of the season for violating NCAA rules, so that could be an issue.
3. Montel Harris, Boston College – Harris has been a very good running back for Boston College since we was a freshman. He injured his knee late last season that forced him to miss the final two games which included the bowl game. He is a good open field running who has the ability to make defenders miss. He needs to show a better ability of running inside but is a very talented back.
4. Tauren Poole, Tennessee – Poole had a break-out season last year rushing for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns and his first two seasons at Tennessee he rushed for a total of 171 yards. He also showed that he could catch the football out of the backfield catching 22 passes. Poole has good size at 5-11 215 pounds and is effective running inside or outside.
5. Doug Martin, Boise State - Martin might be a little short but he is a very powerful running back who has good speed to go with his power. With Boise State two big time wide receivers leaving for the NFL, this season even more will be asked of Martin in Boise State offense and he will show that he can carry the load.
6. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati – Pead has break away speed and rushed for over 1,000 yards last season despite missing 2 games. He needs to use his blocker more and set them up better and if he does that he will become a more effective running back. He has all the natural ability and could have a break out season this year.
7. Brandon Bolden, Mississippi – Bolden averaged 6 yards a carry and scored 14 touchdowns and also caught 32 passes for 344 yards and another 3 touchdowns. Bolden needs to show that he can be more of a consistent runner as he would have some great games running the football and then would disappear in others.
8. Jeff Demps, Florida - Demps most likely is the fast player in college football right now and you just have to find different ways to get his hands on the football because he can make plays. Only carried the ball 92 times last year but lead Florida in rushing with 551 yards. Will not be a full time running back in the NFL but will be a good weapon to have for your offense.
9. Jason Ford, Illinois – Ford’s ranking is much more of a projection then based on past performance since Mikel Leshoure who was a 2nd round pick by the Detroit Lions in this years draft was the workhouse and got most of the carries for Illinois. But in Ford’s limited touches last years he was able to make the most of them and he is big physical running back that should have a break out season this year.
10. Marc Tyler, USC – Tyler is a hard working, hard nose, physical down hill running back but lacks great break away speed. With the NFL going to more two back running backs he will fit great with a team that already has a quicker running back that is looking for a down hill running back.
11. Bryce Beall, Houston
12. Adonis Thomas, Toledo
13. Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech
14. Caleb King, Georgia
15. Jermaine Thomas, Florida State
16. Vick Ballard, Mississippi State
17. Enrique Davis, Mississippi
18. Lance Dunbar, North Texas
19. Victor Anderson, Louisville
20. D.J. McNorton, North Dakota State
Here are my top senior quarterbacks for the 2012 NFL Draft.
1. Nick Foles, Arizona – Foles has great size and last season completed 67 percent of his passes, he is a good overall athlete. He needs to improve on some of his decisions when he forces passes into coverage and threw an interception in every game he played last year expect 3 games, and threw 3 interceptions in the Alamo Bowl. He has some of the same physical tools as Blaine Gabbert who was a first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
2. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State – Lindley has all the physical tools to make all the throws in the NFL, but what concerns me is that he has never completed over 60 percent of his passes in any season and the last two season has combined to throw 30 interceptions. He did show improvement from his sophomore season to this junior season and he should be better this season as a senior.
3. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa – Kinne is a great overall athlete and has lead Tulsa in both passing and rushing for the past two seasons. He is a transfer from Texas and has all the physical tools to be a NFL quarterback, some are going to question the level of competition he has faced, but gets to open up this season against Oklahoma.
4. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M – Tannehill is a former wide receiver who started the last seven games at quarterback so he is a little raw but has all the physical tools to play at the next level. He has some good talent around him in wide receiver Jeff Fuller and running back Cyrus Gray and could really help himself this season.
5. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State – Cousins is a good solid quarterback who is a leader and an accurate passer. The questions are does he have enough physical gifts to be a big time NFL quarterback prospects, right now the jury is still out on that.
6. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State – Weeden is a good quarterback who has a strong arm and threw for over 4,000 yards last year but will be 28 years old when the 2012 NFL Draft comes around and that will cause some concerns.
7. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State – Pryor is a better overall athlete then he is a quarterback right now and has started since he was a freshman and has been a very successful helping Ohio State win games. He improved as a passer last season and will need to again show that this season after he serves his five-game suspension.
8. Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois – Harnish is a quarterback that I think will surprise some people this season and be a sleeper in next years draft. He is a good overall athlete who can make all the throws and move around the pocket and make plays with his legs. People are going to questions him playing in the MAC so will have to go out and have another outstanding season.
9. Case Keenum, Houston – People might be right when saying that Keenum is a system quarterback but to put up back-to-back seasons of over 5,000 yards passing and 44 touchdowns is impressive and we will see how he comes back from his injury that cost him most of last season.
10. Dominique Davis, East Carolina - Davis is someone to watch this season, he started his career at Boston College and played some as a red-shirt freshman there even starting the 2008 ACC Championship Game against Virginia Tech where he threw for 263 yards. Last season Davis threw for 3,967 yards and 37 touchdowns, he completed 64 percent of his passes and rushed for 141 yards and 9 touchdowns.
11. John Brantley, Florida
12. Jordan Jefferson, LSU
13. Kellen Moore, Boise State
14. B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga
15. Michael Paulus, William & Mary
16. Matt Scott, Arizona
17. Brian Reader, Idaho
18. Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi
19. Stephen Garcia, South Carolina
20. Casey Therriault, Jackson State
Here are players that are gaining late momentum going into the start of tomorrow’s NFL Draft:
QB Jake Locker, Washington
QB Christian Ponder, Florida State
RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
RB Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington
WR Jon Baldwin, Pittsburgh
WR Denarius Moore, Tennessee
WR Ricardo Lockette, Fort Valley State
TE Rob Housler, Florida Atlantic
OT Jah Reid, UCF
OT David Mims, Virginia Union
OL Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova
OLB Brian Rolle, Ohio State
CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
CB Aaron Williams, Texas
CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
CB Jalil Brown, Colorado
S Jaiquawn Jarrett, Temple
1. Carolina (2-14) - DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
2. Denver (4-12) - CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
3. Buffalo (4-12) - QB Cam Newton, Auburn
4. Cincinnati (4-12) - WR A.J. Green, Georgia
5. Arizona (5-11) - OLB Von Miller, Texas AM
6. Cleveland (5-11) - WR Julio Jones, Alabama
7. San Francisco (6-10) - CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
8. Tennessee (6-10) - QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
9. Dallas (6-10) - OT Tyron Smith, USC
10. Washington (6-10) - DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
11. Houston (6-10) – DE/OLB Aldon Smith, Missouri
12. Minnesota (6-10) - DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
13. Detroit (6-10) - CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
14. St. Louis (7-9) - DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina
15. Miami (7-9) - C/G Mike Pouncey, Florida
16. Jacksonville (8-8) - DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
17. New England (14-2) -- from Oakland - DE Cameron Jordan, California
18. San Diego (9-7) - NT Phil Taylor, Baylor
19. New York Giants (10-6) - OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
20. Tampa Bay (10-6) – DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
21. Kansas City (10-6) - OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
22. Indianapolis (10-6) - DT Corey Liuget, Illinois
23. Philadelphia (10-6) - OT Nate Solder, Colorado
24. New Orleans (11-5) - DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
25. Seattle (7-9) - QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
26. Baltimore (12-4) - CB Brandon Harris, Miami
27. Atlanta (13-3) – OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
28. New England (14-2) - RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
29. Chicago (11-5) - OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
30. New York Jets (11-5) – DE/DT Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
31. Pittsburgh (12-4) - CB Aaron Williams, Texas
32. Green Bay (10-6) - DT Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
Here are my top 20 safties for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Rahim Moore, UCLA
2. DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
3. Robert Sands, West Virginia
4. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma
5. Tyler Sash, Iowa
6. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers
7. Da'Norris Searcy, North Carolina
8. Jaiquawn Jarrett, Temple
9. Chris Conte, California
10. Deunta Williams, North Carolina
11. Jeron Johnson, Boise State
12. Jerrard Tarrant, Georgia Tech
13. Jermale Hines, Ohio State
14. Mistral Raymond, South Florida
15. Eric Hagg, Nebraska
16. Mark LeGree, Appalachian State
17. Shiloh Keo, Idaho
18. DeJon Gomes, Nebraska
19. Chris Prosinski, Wyoming
20. Dom Decicco, Pittsburgh
Sleeper: Isa Abdul-El Quddus, Fordham
Here are my top 20 cornerbacks for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Patrick Peterson, LSU
2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado
4. Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)
5. Aaron Williams, Texas
6. Ras-I Dowling, Virginia
7. Brandon Burton, Utah
8. Davon House, New Mexico State
9. Curtis Brown, Texas
10. Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State
11. Shareece Wright, USC
12. Johnny Patrick, Louisville
13. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson
14. Curtis Marsh, Utah State
15. Buster Skrine, Chattanooga
16. Jalil Brown, Colorado
17. Chris Culliver, South Carolina
18. Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech
19. Brandon Hogan, West Virginia
20. Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State
Sleeper: Anthony Gaitor, Florida International
Here are my top 20 inside linebackers for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Martez Wilson, Illinois
2. Greg Jones, Michigan State
3. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
4. Colin McCarthy, Miami (FL)
5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
6. Nate Irving, N.C. State
7. Casey Matthews, Oregon
8. Josh Bynes, Auburn
9. Mike Mohamed, California
10. Mario Harvey, Marshall
11. Chris White, Mississippi State
12. Akeem Dent, Georgia
13. Nick Bellore, Central Michigan
14. Scott Lutrus, Connecticut
15. Orie Lemon, Oklahoma State
16. Brian Duncan, Texas Tech
17. Greg Lloyd, Connecticut
18. Derrell Smith, Syracuse
19. Elijah Joseph, Temple
20. Tressor Baptiste, Texas A&M Kingsville
Sleeper: Kendall Smith, Florida State
Here are my top 20 outside linebackers for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Von Miller, Texas A&M
2. Akeem Ayers, UCLA
3. Justin Houston, Georgia
4. Bruce Carter, North Carolina
5. Brooks Reed, Arizona
6. Dontay Moch, Nevada
7. Mason Foster, Washington
8. Chris Carter, Fresno State
9. K.J. Wright, Mississippi State
10. Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut
11. Ross Homan, Ohio State
12. Brian Rolle, Ohio State
13. Adrian Moten, Maryland
14. Mark Herzlich, Boston College
15. Doug Hogue, Syracuse
16. Thomas Keiser, Stanford
17. J.T Thomas, West Virginia
18. Wayne Daniels, TCU
19. Jabara Williams, Stephen F. Austin
20. Jeremiha Hunter, Iowa
Sleeper: Quentin Davie, Northwestern
Here are my top 20 defensive tackles for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Marcel Dareus, Alabama
2. Nick Fairley, Auburn
3. Corey Liuget, Illinois
4. Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
5. Phil Taylor, Baylor
6. Marvin Austin, North Carolina
7. Stephen Paea, Oregon State
8. Christian Ballard, Iowa
9. Kenrick Ellis, Hampton
10. Drake Nevis, LSU
11. Jerrell Powe, Mississippi
12. Jurrell Casey, USC
13. Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson
14. Terrell McClain, South Florida
15. Ian Williams, Notre Dame
16. Sione Fua, Stanford
17. Lawrence Guy, Arizona State
18. Cedric Thornton, Southern Arkansas
19. Martin Parker, Richmond
20. Chris Neild, West Virginia
Sleeper: Corbin Bryant, Northwestern
Here are my top 20 defensive ends for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Robert Quinn, North Carolina
2. Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
3. Cameron Jordan, Cal
4. Aldon Smith, Missouri
5. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
6. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
7. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
8. Cameron Heyward, Ohio State
9. Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh
10. Allen Bailey, Miami (FL)
11. Sam Acho, Texas
12. Pernell McPhee, Mississippi State
13. Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh
14. Ugo Chinasa, Oklahoma State
15. Pierre Allen, Nebraska
16. Cliff Matthews, South Carolina
17. Ricky Elmore, Arizona
18. Markus White, Florida State
19. Eddie Jones, Texas
20. Brandon Bair, Oregon
Sleeper: Clay Nurse, Illinois
Here are my top 10 centers for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Rodney Hudson, Florida State
2. Stefan Wisniewski, Penn State
3. Kristofer O'Dowd, USC
4. Tim Barnes, Missouri
5. Brandon Fusco, Slippery Rock
6. Zane Taylor, Utah
7. Zack Williams, Washington State
8. Jake Kirkpatrick, TCU
9. Kevin Kowalski, Toledo
10. Ryan Bartholomew, Syracuse
Here are my top 20 offensive guards for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Mike Pouncey, Florida
2. Danny Watkins, Baylor
3. Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova
4. Will Rackley, Lehigh
5. John Moffitt, Wisconsin
6. Stephen Schilling, Michigan
7. Keith Williams, Nebraska
8. Zach Hurd, Connecticut
9. Andrew Jackson, Fresno State
10. David Arkin, Missouri State
11. Daniel Kilgore, Appalachian State
12. Mike Person, Montana State
13. Ray Dominguez, Arkansas
14. Justin Boren, Ohio State
15. Ricky Henry, Nebraska
16. Andrew Phillips, Stanford
17. Julian Vandervelde, Iowa
18. Carl Johnson, Florida
19. Bryant Browning, Ohio State
20. Caleb Schlauderaff, Utah
Sleeper: Chris Stewart, Notre Dame
Here are my top 20 offensive tackles for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Tyron Smith, USC
2. Nate Solder, Colorado
3. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
4. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
5. Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
6. Marcus Cannon, TCU
7. Orlando Franklin, Miami (FL)
8. Marcus Gilbert, Florida
9. DeMarcus Love, Arkansas
10. James Carpenter, Alabama
11. James Brewer, Indiana
12. Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh
13. Derek Newton, Arkansas State
14. Joseph Barksdale, LSU
15. Clint Boling, Georgia
16. Jah Reid, UCF
17. Lee Ziemba, Auburn
18. Byron Stingily, Louisville
19. Willie Smith, East Carolina
20. Chris Hairston, Clemson
Sleeper: Trevis Turner, Abilene Christian
Here are my top 20 tight ends for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
2. Luke Stocker, Tennessee
3. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
4. Rob Housler, Florida Atlantic
5. D.J. Williams, Arkansas
6. Virgil Green, Nevada
7. Jordan Cameron, USC
8. Schulyar Oordt, Northern Iowa
9. Julius Thomas, Portland State
10. Daniel Hardy, Idaho
11. Andre Smith, Virginia Tech
12. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
13. Lee Smith, Marshall
14. Mike McNeill, Nebraska
15. Charlie Gantt, Michigan State
16. Stephen Skelton, Fordham
17. Kyle Adams, Purdue
18. Cameron Graham, Louisville
19. Brett Brackett, Penn State
20. Richard Gordon, Miami (FL)
Sleeper: Will Yeatman, Maryland
Here are my top 20 wide receivers for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. A.J. Green, Georgia
2. Julio Jones, Alabama
3. Torrey Smith, Maryland
4. Jon Baldwin, Pittsburgh
5. Leonard Hankerson, Miami (FL)
6. Randall Cobb, Kentucky
7. Titus Young, Boise State
8. Jerrell Jernigan, Troy
9. Greg Little, North Carolina
10. Edmund Gates, Abilene Christian
11. Niles Paul, Nebraska
12. Tandon Doss, Indiana
13. Ronald Johnson, USC
14. Denarius Moore, Tennessee
15. Vincent Brown, San Diego State
16. Cecil Shorts III, Mount Union
17. Terrance Toliver, LSU
18. Stephen Burton, West Texas AM
19. Austin Pettis, Boise State
20. Jeremy Kerley, TCU
Sleeper: Ricardo Lockette, Fort Valley State
Here are my top 20 running backs for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Mark Ingram, Alabama
2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
4. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
5. Jordan Todman, Connecticut
6. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
7. Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington
8. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
9. Shane Vereen, California
10. Delone Carter, Syracuse
11. Noel Devine, West Virginia
12. Jamie Harper, Clemson
13. Bilal Powell, Louisville
14. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
15. Roy Helu Jr., Nebraska
16. Da'Rel Scott, Maryland
17. Alex Green, Hawaii
18. Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech
19. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
20. Stevan Ridley, LSU
Sleeper: Mario Fannin, Auburn
Here is my top 20 quarterbacks for the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
2. Cam Newton, Auburn
3. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
4. Jake Locker, Washington
5. Christian Ponder, Florida State
6. Andy Dalton, TCU
7. Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
8. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
9. Pat Devlin, Delaware
10. Nathan Enderle, Idaho
11. Josh Portis, California (PA)
12. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech
13. T.J. Yates, North Carolina
14. Greg McElroy, Alabama
15. Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
16. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
17. Jeff Van Camp, Florida Atlantic
18. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
19. Adam Weber, Minnesota
20. Ryan Colburn, Fresno State
Sleeper: Adam Froman, Louisville
