Outside Linebacker Prospect Rankings

There certainly is no lack of big time play makers at this position, so let's jump right into this year's most impressive class of OLB's...

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M Von
Miller is absolutely nasty (the good nasty) and is one of my favorite players in the draft this year. Miller was the heart and soul of the Aggies D the past few seasons and proved to be a great leader along the way. Some say he has just "average" height and bulk but what makes him so special is his motor thats always running at full speed. Miller has the speed of a running back, hits like a train, and is simply a special pass rusher coming off the edge.

2. Aldon Smith, Missouri 
I wasn't sure whether to put Smith in the DE or OLB category because he has the ability to play both and it's going to depend on whether he gets drafted into a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive schemes. Whatever the case may be, expect big things out of this guy. At 6'4 he has outstanding length, and like Miller he is a Jedi-master sack artist.

3. Akeem Ayers, UCLA 
Ayers is a very very solid prospect and has potentially to be a perennial All Pro if he plays up to his capabilities. He's extremely physical, a great tacker, sheds blockers nicely, and is outstanding in coverage coming up with two pick six's during his stint at UCLA. Once his game matures and he learns to better read plays and stops going for big hits so often he'll get even better.


4. Bruce Carter, North Carolina 
When it's all said and done Bruce Carter might end up being one of the steals of the 2011 Draft. If it weren't for a mid-season ACL tear in his left knee, Carter would have been a shoe in for a first round pick but now will probably end up going somewhere in the second round. He started all four years at UNC and helped anchor one of the most talented defenses in school history.

5. Justin Houston, Georgia 
Like Von Miller, Aldon Smith, and many more prospects, Houston is what we call a "tweener"- meaning he could play DE in a 4-3 or be a walk up linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. This past season Houston switched from playing DE to OLB at Georgia, and was able to finish second in the SEC with 10 sacks.

Defensive Tackle Prospect Rankings

After Ndamukong Suh's take over of the NFL last season a lot of teams are looking for this years Suh, who can instantly dominate and change the whole look of a team's defense. While I don't see any one coming close to that kind of immediate success any time soon, there are some guys in this class who should make a splash next year.

1.Marcell Dareus, Alabama
When you think of the perfect run stuffing, hole plugging, d-tackle Marcell Dareus is the type of player that comes to mind. After only starting a mere 8 games during his time at Bama he was able to show the type of stuff that makes him a sure fire top 10 if not top 5 pick. His shinning moment came in last years National Championship game as he was awarded the Defensive MVP of the night.

2. Nick Fairley, Auburn
A lot of hype swarmed around Fairley after an outstanding senior campaign, which came after he played JUCO for his freshmen and sophomore years. Personally, I'm not convinced he isn't more than just a one year wonder on a remarkable Auburn defense where he was surrounded by talent. However, despite my personal point of view you cant argue with numbers. 60 tackles, 24 for less, 11.5 sacks, and 21 QB hurries. Pretty impressive stuff.

3. Stephen Paea, Oregon State
Paea is an absolute monster in the weight room and it translates quite nicely onto the field. The term "Workout Warrior" sometimes worries me as a lot of players coined with the term end up being major busts, but I don't see it happening in this case. Paea put up an insane 49 reps (of 225) on the bench at the combine, and with strength like that he'll force a double team in most situations, which D coordinators obviously drool over.

4. Corey Luiget, Illinois 
In a draft full of mammoth, slow D-tackles, Luiget is a smaller and much quicker prospect which sets him apart from the rest. While he didn't put up amazing numbers at Illinois he did show loads of potential and should be a first round selection. His quickness off the ball makes him one of the premier pass rushing tackles in the draft.

5. Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple 
Wilkerson has the ability to play anywhere on the D-line and has a knack for making plays in the backfield. In his third and final year as a Temple Owl he was able to rack up 70 tackles, 13 tackles for less and 9.5 sacks.

Defensive End Prospect Rankings

Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Today I will finally be moving to the other side of the ball to start analyzing the most enticing defensive players in this years' draft. To start off I'll go over the top defensive ends, which appear to be one of the deepest position groups this year.

1. Robert Quinn, UNC
Sometimes when I really, really like a guy, I'll just post a video and let you watch for yourself to see why I like him so much. This is one of those times. Enjoy...

Note: Quinn was suspended and ineligible for all of the 2010 season, (Click for full story) 

2. Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson 

Bowers is viewed by most to be the top DE in the draft, and with his 6'3'', 280 build combined with his 4.65 40 yard dash time, it's not hard to see why this freakish athlete is so highly coveted. Also he actually played last year (and racked up a beastly 16 sacks), which helps a lot, and will probably result in him being a top 5-10 pick and the first DE drafted. 

3. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin 

Not many have saw their stock rise in the past couple months as quickly as J.J. Watt has. After wowing scouts at the combine Watt went from probably a second round pick to potentially as high as a top ten pick! Like many of these top d-ends in this draft, Watt is versatile enough to be a walk up outside backer in a 3-4 scheme making him that much more irresistible to NFL defensive coordinators. 

4. Cameron Jordan, California 

Productivity. Since his sophomore year with Cal Jordan has averaged 5.8 sacks and 11 tackles for loss a season. He also has perfect speed and size to be a great DE in the league, and should be nabbed somewhere in the early to mid first round. 

5. Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue 

After an outstanding senior season in 2010, Kerrigan was able to add All-American to his repertoire, which already included being named to the All Big 10 Team twice and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2010). His numbers were absolutely jaw dropping last year as he racked up 26 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks! 

Offensive Line Prospect Rankings

First off, I want to apologize for a lack of posts lately. Like the majority of sports nuts around the nation, I have been absorbed with the crumbling of my NCAA hoops bracket as Cinderella's like VCU, Richmond, and Marquette sent some of the tourney's favorites home early. But any who, lets get back to the Draft shall we? Today I'm going to give you all a peek of this years top offensive linemen. These guys aren't likely to be spotted on the front pages of newspapers anytime soon, but without a strong O-line an NFL offense is going nowhere! 

1. Tyron Smith, OT. USC 

I opted out of the traditional game time photo with Smith strictly to show you all what an absolute freak the guy is. I mean just take a look at him.. and you thought offensive linemen were "fat". He's quick, he's strong, and his length makes him nearly impossible to get around quickly. Tyron should definitely be the first linemen off the board and would be a still if he falls out of the top 10 picks overall (which many experts are predicting he will). Although his ripped frame may come in handy on the beach, he could benefit from bulking up a little to be able to handle NFL sized D-linemen. 

2. Anthony Castonzo, OT. Boston College 

Castonzo plays a lot like Tyron Smith, using his speed to pave gaping holes for runners and making him an ideal offensive tackle. His exceptionally quick feet allow him to stay in front of his man and protect the pocket very well. Castonzo started all four years at BC, so he is battle tested, and experience is not an issue for him. Also, the man is brilliant, and he was even nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, and plans to conduct cancer research once he's done with football. What's not to like? 

3. Mike Pouncey, OG/C. Florida 

Pouncey looks to follow in the footsteps of his TWIN BROTHER Maurkice and tear it up the NFL. Maurkice started all 16 games this past season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was even selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie! Mike obviously has very similar physical qualities of his brother, and he plays the game very similarly as well. Mike has the exact size to play guard in the NFL but also has the ability to play center making him very versatile.  

4. Gabe Carimi, OT. Wisconsin

At 330 Carimi gives you the size that you would expect in an NFL tackle, and that many of this years top prospects are lacking. Carimi was a four year starter and team-captain at Wisconsin and helped power one of the most explosive Badger offense in years. He may not be as mobile as the likes of Smith, Castonzo, or Nate Solder, but if he can learn to use his strength and play lower he will turn into one heck of a player. 

5. Nate Solder, OT. Colorado 

Solder came into Colorado his freshmen year at 245 lbs, 6 foot 9 and as a tight end. After putting on a couple pounds (and by a couple I mean about 70), and switching to tackle, Solder finds himself in great shape to become a first round pick. Like Tyron Smith, he will likely need to bulk up even more but hey thats what trainers and off-season workouts are for. His fast feet and uncommon length allowed him to be an all Big 12 selection in both 2009 and 2010. 

So, I kind of feel bad for just lumping the guards, tackles, and centers into just one group so to make up for that I'll finish out a top ten of O-line prospects... 

6. Derek Sherrod, OT. Mississippi State

7. Clint Boling, OT/OG. Georgia 

8. Danny Watkins, OG. Baylor 

9. Marcus Cannon, OG/OT. TCU 

10. Rodney Hudson, OG/C. Florida State  

 

WR & TE Prospect Rankings

There are some dudes in this years class that can flat out go get the ball. Receivers seem to have one of the most seamless transitions from college to the pro's and are typically able to make a big time impact in their rookie campaigns. These are the top guys who I see making a splash next season...

1. Julio Jones, Alabama
The size. The speed. The hands. The athleticism. He's got it all. And more importantly he can do this...

2. A. J. Green, Georgia 

In my mind Green is basically the 1B option here, with Julio at 1A. Jones or Green, you can't really go wrong as both should become stars. With his 6'4'' 200 pound frame and 4.45 40 time, A.J. has NFL scouts drooling, which is why most Mock Drafts have him as the first receiver off the board. Green is flat out a playmaker, and his rare combo of speed and size makes him almost a can't miss prospect. 

3. Titus Young, Boise State 

Young is your pro-typical slot receiver that every team must have. When I look at Young he reminds me of guys like Steve Breaston, Steve Smith, and DeSean Jackson. Your burners, basically. He may be small, but like the men mentioned above, his speed more than makes up for that. With his blazing speed he is always a threat to stretch the field deep and is also very dangerous after the catch once he has the ball in his mitts. 

4. Leonard Hankerson, Miami 

Hankerson's stock skyrocketed after a remarkable senior season for "The U". The guy went bonkers in 2010 with 72 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards and 13 TD grabs. All of which were single season records for the Hurricanes. Hankerson may lack elite speed, but his size and soft hands will make him the next star wide out to come out of Miami, following the likes of Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. 

5. Jon Baldwin, Pittsburgh 

Opposite of Hankerson, Jon Baldwin really saw his draft stock slide a bit over the course of this last year. Baldwin had issues with his team and coaches, and really didn't perform as well as most expected. Even with this rough season, there is still no denying his talent which is why he should be a 2nd or 3rd round pick and a solid possession receiver at the next level. 

Alright, well since I'm on the topic of those who catch the rock, I figure I better show a little love to the big guys as well. While they are far less glamourous than wide outs, tight ends can be just as integral to an effective offense, and here's a short list of my top three ends available... 

1. Kyle Rudolf, Notre Dame 

2. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin 

3. D.J. Williams, Arkanasas 

RB Prospect Rankings

In the heat of March Madness, I will briefly step a side from agonizing over my bracket, and instead ease my mind with a little NFL Draft talk, looking over this years class of ball carriers. This years crop is not an exceptionally strong group, but their are certainly a few studs to be found. I could see as few as one back being drafted in the first round come April, and as many as three depending on where a couple teams choose to go and how fast the first one comes off the board. Just like my QB rankings (and what will be the case for all other rankings from here on out) this rankings aren't in order of where I think they'll get drafted but instead by who I believe will end up having the most successful Sunday afternoons.

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama 
Since the day Ingram put on a Crimson Tide jersey the world knew he was something special. After winning the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship as a Sophomore in 2009, Ingram saw his numbers drop significantly this past season as a Junior as he missed the first two games with injury. Even after a somewhat disappointing year Ingram still show cased his rare blend of speed and strength which make him hands down the best back available in this years draft.

2. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
Williams elects to leave VA Tech after playing just two years of "Beamer Ball". While his time there was short he proved to be an electrfying player with the ball in his hands, and every handoff had the danger of becoming a big time play.

3. Mikel Lashoure, Illinois 
Playing in the shadows of the great Rashard Mendenhall left Lashoure with some mighty big shoes to fill. But fill those shoes he did! By the time he left Champaign, Lashoure had Illini fans forgetting all about Mendenhall.

4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma 
Murray battled through an injury riddled time at Oklahoma to become one of the Sooners' most prolific running backs off all time. Like Lashoure, Murray also had to play in the shadows of a former star, as he took over after Adrian Peterson left the Sooners'. Murray is a quick, scat-back type runner, and he also has exceptional hands coming out of the backfield. Keeping in mind that Adrian Peterson also played at Oklahoma, Murray holds school records  for touchdowns, all purpose yards, and receiving yards by a running back.


5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State 
While Kendall Hunter may not have the size and strength to be an every down back at the next lever, he does posses all the tools necessary to be come a great third down back in the NFL. Similar to Murray, Hunter is a smaller back, with great speed, and tons big play making ability.

QB Prospect Rankings

Here are my top 5 quarterback prospects available in the draft. Now these rankings aren't the order I think they will get drafted in, but instead in order of how successful of an NFL career I think they will have. Without further ado here goes my list..

1. Ryan Mallet, Arkansas 

Yes, Ryan Mallet. When you look past the supposed character issues, the "arrogance", and the reported drug addiction throughout his college years,  there is no other QB with as impressive raw talents as Mallet. The guy has an absolute cannon, and arm strength unmatched by any other prospect. Does he have to work on his in game decisions? Yes. Could he work on his mobility? Yes. But when it comes down to it there isn't a throw he can't make, and the rest of his issues can be easily taken care of with hard work, mental toughness, and maturity. 

2. Jake Locker, Washington 

The pride and joy of the entire state of Washington will finally be taking his talents elsewhere, after growing up in the state, becoming a legend during his prolific high school career, and then staying home and to breathe new life into the Washington Huskies football program where he was a four year starter. Locker wow's scouts with his speed and overall athleticism, which make him very malleable and able to fit into many different types of offenses. 

3. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri 

Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton are pretty much the unanimous picks as the top two QBs in this years draft, but I don't see things similarly. While at Mizzou, Gabbert was always a solid signal caller but he never wowed me, as he was never able to lead his team to substantial success. Average arm, average speed, average success. I can't see anything better than an average NFL career for Gabbert.  

4. Cam Newton, Auburn 

To be honest, I'm not really sure what it is with Cam Newton but I just don't see him becoming a star in the NFL. From his "pay to play" scandal, to his habit of talking about himself in the third person, Newton has never rubbed me the right way, and I believe that his off the field issues may catch up to him at some point. His playing style reminds me of Tim Tebow, the difference being he only did it for one year, and Timmy did it for four. 

5. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa 

Stanzi may be the forgotten man in this year's crop of gun slingers. The man is a leader and a winner and I can't think of two more important characteristics for a QB to  possess. Stanzi started for three years in a pro style offense at Iowa, and tormented countless Big 10 defenders along the way, proving he can compete against top competition. 

First Things First

To start things off lets take a quick look at the draft order for the first round of this years draft.
  
    1. Carolina Panthers
    2. Denver Broncos
    3. Buffalo Bills
    4. Cincinnati Bengals
    5. Arizona Cardinals
    6. Cleveland Browns
    7. San Francisco 49ers
    8. Tennessee Titans
    9. Dallas Cowboys
   10. Washington Redskins
   11. Houston Texans
   12. Minnesota Vikings
   13. Detroit Lions
   14. St. Louis Rams
   15. Miami Dolphins
   16. Jacksonville Jaguars
   17. New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)
   18. San Diego Chargers
   19. New York Giants
   20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
   21. Kansas City Chiefs
   22. Indianapolis Colts
   23. Philadelphia Eagles
   24. New Orleans Saints
   25. Seattle Seahawks
   26. Baltimore Ravens
   27. Atlanta Falcons
   28. New England Patriots
   29. Chicago Bears
   30. New York Jets
   31. Pittsburgh Steelers
   32. Green Bay Packers

When I take a look at this list there are immediately a couple things that jump out at me. First, with the Patriots being the only team this year with two first round picks, the rich will get richer. The Patriots reel in stud picks year after year, and with an additional pick this year don't expect things to change.

Next, the Rams and Lions are finally out of the top ten spots (or as records go bottom ten), and the Broncos and Cowboys have fallen into the top ten. Since the greatest show on turf fizzled out, their hasn't been much excitement in the Edward Jones Dome. Once the Marc Bulger "glory days"ended, their wasn't any excitement at all. Then last year with the first overall pick the Rams found their savior in young Sam Bradford. Bradford threw for over 3,500 yards during his rookie campaign, led the Rams to 7 wins, a playoff berth, and was able to pick up Offensive Rookie of the Year honors along the way.

Things appear to be looking brighter for the Detroit Lions as well, as they finished the year on a four game win streak, powered behind a tough D led by Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh. The Lions are loaded with weapons on offense, and if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy next year look out for big things to happen in the Motor City in 2011.

Before the 2010 season began the Cowboys were a hot Super Bowl pick, but after Romo went down, and a midseason coaching change, the Boys found themselves 1-7 midway through year. Luckily they were able to pull out wins in 5 of their last 8 games and somewhat save an otherwise brutal season. Likewise, the Broncos had much higher hopes for the '10 season, but ended with a 4-12 mark, leaving them with a top ten pick for the first time in over 15 years.

Now on the Clock: Alex Porter...

For as long as I can remember I have been completely enthralled by the National Football League, and there are few days of the year that I enjoy more than the day the NFL Draft begins. I believe I made my first NFL Mock Draft in 7th grade using PowerPoint, and I'm pretty sure my Dad and my Uncle Dan were the only two people on the planet to read it. But let me tell you, it was a mean mock draft. Had someone from ESPN seen it, I'm almost certain I would have been given a job as a draft analyst on the spot.

The draft is a lot like Christmas to a die hard NFL fan like myself. Everyone knows what the possible presents are that are up for grabs but it's not until Christmas Day that you get to find out exactly what new toys your team got for you each year. Will it be that new, high-profile, diva wide receiver or the rock solid, hard nosed left tackle upon which every successful franchise is built? Or perhaps there's a lock down corner waiting under the tree for you this year. Maybe a run stuffing middle linebacker? You can peek all you want, but until April 28th comes there's no way of being sure what your going to get.

The other part of the draft that really draws me in is the unpredictability of it all. No matter how amazing a player was in college you can never be sure if that talent will translate into the next level. You never know if that first overall pick your team just drafted is the next Peyton Manning, or the next Ryan Leaf. On the other hand, however, you also don't know if that 6th round pick is going to turn out to be just another disposable practice player like the majority of late round picks or if maybe, just maybe he turns out to be a diamond in the rough and ends up being the next Tom Brady (199th Overall Pick in '00).

Over the next 50 days prior to the draft I will be blogging about anything and everything concerning the 2011 NFL Draft. From team needs, to prospect rankings, to mock drafts, I'll be covering it all. Well, lets get this show on the road...