1. DT/3-4 DE Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) 99

People who love stats get high off of Suh’s stat card. Over the last two years, Suh has 158 tackles, 19 sacks, 3 picks, and 2 touchdowns all as a 6-4 300 pound defensive tackle. He also led his team in pass breakups this year with 10. There’s a reason he received the most Heisman votes of any defensive lineman in NCAA Football history. He may be the most dominant defensive lineman of the decade. He can play both the 3-4 defensive end position and the 4-3 defensive tackle position. He will make a huge impact on the huge from the moment he enters the NFL. I can’t see him falling past the Lions at #2 and he could be the first defensive tackle to go #1 overall since Dan Wilkinson in 1994.

2. QB Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) 98

Didn’t step up clutch in close games last year, but still had a hell of a statistical year for a mere junior throwing 28 touchdowns to 4 picks and averaging 8.8 YPA out of a pro style offense. It’s safe to say that while he lost a lot of close games, all 6 of his losses were by a touchdown or less, Notre Dame would have gotten destroyed without him. He played his best in big games and got absolutely no help from his defense. He has experience playing behind a poor offensively line, which he’ll likely have to do in the NFL if he goes top 5 as he’s projected, and he played most of last season through an injured foot, showing his toughness. He’s the top quarterback prospect in this draft class and gets a 98 rating. For the record, Matt Stafford got a 97 last year.

3. OT Russell Okung (Oklahoma State) 98

He’s got excellent footwork and good zone versatility. He has the agility, athleticism, and footwork to be an elite zone blocking left tackle, but he also has good strength, though not elite, and can take down defensive ends one-on-one. His footwork is his best attribute and he is strong as a run blocker and as a pass blocker.

4. S Eric Berry (Tennessee) 97

Berry didn’t have as many picks this year, 2, as he had in his first 2 years at Tennessee, 12, but that barely will effect his stock. He’s a real ballhawk in the defensive backfield and patrols zone very well with excellent instincts, but he also has above average coverage skills for a safety and has spent some time at cornerback, in addition to free safety and strong safety. He hits hard, but because of his size, 5-11 200, he projects as a free safety at the next level. In his NFL career he is going to break up plenty of passes, get plenty of tackles, picks, etc and could be the first defensive back to go in the top 3 the last 13 years this year if Tampa Bay falls in love with him.

5. DT/3-4 DE Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma) 96

If it weren’t for Suh, we’d all be singing McCoy’s praises right now. He would have been a lock first round pick last year and he came back and followed up his 6.5 sacks in 2008 with a repeat performance this year of 6.5 sacks. He is a top ten pick lock and could go in the top 3, along with Suh, the first time a defensive tackle has gone in the top 3 since 2000. He would be an ideal fit as a 4-3 one gap penetrator in a zone scheme defense but he can play the 3-4 as a defensive end and all 4-3 schemes.

6. MLB Rolando McClain (Alabama) 92

3-4 middle linebackers prospects rarely go top 10, but McClain might be an exception. At age 21, McClain is drawing some pretty warranted, though still premature, comparisons to Ray Lewis. In 3 years, McClain has 270 tackles, 5 picks, and 8 sacks. Beyond the numbers, I haven’t seen a linebacker as big as him move as well as he does. At 258 pounds, he was able to chase Tim Tebow down from behind and he could run a low 4.6 40. He’s a huge thumper and a great fundamental tackler. 270 tackles in 3 years doesn’t seem like much for a middle linebacker, but when you consider he’s a 3-4 middle linebacker and those 3 years were freshman-junior and not sophomore-senior, that’s impressive. Of all I have seen of him, he hasn’t done one thing one. He drops back into coverage with great skill already at his young age and he’s a former defensive end so he’ll be excellent on blitz packages in the NFL. Because he already has experience in a 3-4, there will be no major learning curve for him when a 3-4 team drafts him, but I do have some concerns about which positions he can play in a 4-3. I’m pretty sure he’ll fit as a 4-3 middle linebacker, but not sure about 4-3 strong outside linebacker.

7. DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) 91

Great combination of size and speed, and more important an excellent motor and initial explosiveness. He had 12 sacks this year and was also strong against the run at 275 pounds. The only thing stopping him from being a top ten pick lock is the fact that he won’t transition well to a 3-4 scheme, though I wouldn’t be surprised if a team tried to convert him to a 3-4 rush linebacker, though that’d be a mistake. He still has a good shot of going in the top ten and I think he has top ten talent at a possession of huge value in the NFL.

8. CB Joe Haden (Florida) 91

A former quarterback and wide receiver, Haden has all of the physical tools necessary for the NFL and he showed this year that he can be an amazing shutdown corner. He plays with great physicality and strength and uses those to shutdown the opposing wide receiver. He doesn’t scream #1 corner at me just yet, but he’s only 20 and in his 3^rd year playing the position so if his development continues as it should, the sky is the limit for him. He is good against the run and as a blitzer which are rare, but useful skills for a cornerback to have.

9. WR Damian Williams (USC) 87

Doesn’t get the big hype of guys like Dez Bryant and Golden Tate, but I think he’s the best overall wide receiver in this draft class because he possesses two traits, in addition to his natural athleticism, that very few wide receivers his age do, good route running, and a humble personality. He really knows how to get open and catch the ball at the best possible point and he’s not one to complain if a quarterback doesn’t throw to him. He’d be a perfect fit for a west coast offense and he can also return punts. He hasn’t been off the charts in terms of production, but he’s led the Trojans in catches and receiving yards in each of the last two years and had 70 catches for 1010 yards and 6 touchdowns this year in a pro style offense, despite having a true freshman at quarterback.

10. OT Anthony Davis (Rutgers) 87

He’s that Jason Peters type left tackle, overrated against the pass, but a huge mauler against the run. He’s only 20 years old and is still inexperienced at the left tackle position and has huge upside as a pass blocker, but right now the 330 pound tackle’s best attribute is his mauling run blocking and ability to use his large frame to his advantage.

11. TE Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma State) 87

Despite being injured all season, he’s still an elite tight end at the next level. Assuming his knee holds up strong through the combine and in team workouts, he’s a lock to be the first tight end off the board and a first round pick. He’s big, 6-6 260, and fast mid 4.6 40, and has amazingly soft hands. He’s not afraid to go over the middle and he’d be a welcome target for any quarterback in the league. He put together one of the greatest statistical seasons ever by a tight end in 2008 with 66 catches for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns and would have been the first tight end off the board in 2008 had he declared.

12. S Earl Thomas (Texas) 87

Undersized and has poor tackling form, but he hits hard and his fundamental tackling issues can be corrected. He’s only 20 years old, but he had 8 picks this year showing his ballhawking abilities as a free safety. He has decent coverage skills too and could be looked at as a cornerback, though he has more value as a safety. His only issue will be at 5-11 190, fighting through the physicality at the line of scrimmage on running plays, and also, as is the case for someone who plays as wildly as he does at a small size, injuries in the future could be a concern.

13. QB Tim Tebow (Florida) 87

Showed in the Sugar Bowl his ability to throw the football and step up in big games by throwing more touchdowns than incompletions, but his mechanics are still poor. However, I don’t believe he has a single mechanical issue that can’t be fixed at the next level and he’s an extremely hard worker. His intangibles are off the chart. Right now the #10 pick is his to lose, based off of the comments Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver made about him earlier this season, so he’ll need to step it up once again in the Senior Bowl.

14. NT Terrence Cody (Alabama) 87

He may only be a two down nose tackle in the NFL, but so are Kris Jenkins and Jamal Williams and most are hugely important to their teams success. With so many teams switching to the 3-4 defense and so few of them having true 3-4 nose tackles, Cody could be a hot commodity this year going as high as 5 to the Chiefs and I think no lower than #29 to the Chargers.

15. CB Donovan Warren (Michigan) 86

Not getting the hype yet, but I’m not sure why. This former elite recruit had an amazing freshman year, but a down year in his sophomore year, before bouncing back in an amazing why this year as a junior. Guys simply didn’t throw on him because he was able to turn some of the best receivers into guys that simply weren’t open. Despite not getting thrown on a ton, he managed 66 tackles and 4 interceptions, showing his good hands, position, and strength against the run. Despite being only 6-0 182, he’s very physical against the run and against his man and for that he has drawn premature comparisons to former Michigan great Charles Woodson.

16. OT Bryan Bulaga (Iowa) 86

A very athletic offensive tackle who has had some trouble with injuries in the past, but he has the ability to play both left and right tackle at the next level. He moves well for his size and has big upside, but too often gets knocked over and doesn’t use his size with good leverage.

17. OLB/MLB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) 86

3 very solid years during his time at Missouri with 376 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 picks in his last 3 years. His a very smart player on defense and a good leader on what was not supposed to be a good Missouri defense this year. He doesn’t play the most important position which will keep him out of the top 20, where he deserves to go, but he’s a solid athlete with good fundamentals and instincts, and can play both 4-3 outside linebacker spots, plus some 3-4 middle linebacker, so the versatility is there as well. He could be one of the best linebackers in the league in the near future.

18. WR Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State) 86

Suspended for something bizarre, but that shouldn’t hurt his draft stock too much. The character red flags are there and he doesn’t always seem to have his head in the game. He drops way too many passes and isn’t a good route runner, but he’s going to be an excellent #2 deep threat at the next level at worst. He has an amazing size, speed combination and is extremely dangerous in the open field.

19. RB Jahvid Best (California) 86

He could fall below CJ Spiller in the draft because of his concussion late in the season, but he’s a more complete player than Spiller. He’s got more explosive legs, he’s a better runner in between the tackles, and his 40 time is probably going to be faster. They are comparable players in terms of pure speed, but Spiller is more of a straight line runner while Best has better running back skills like initial explosion and good change of direction.

20. QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) 85

Quite the opposite of Clausen, he’s a proven winner with very mature decision making, but he doesn’t have Clausen’s arm or experience in a pro style offense. There’s no denying the season he had in 2008, but the fact that when Bradford got hurt this year, his freshman backup was actually able to put up close to similar numbers may show that Bradford is just a system quarterback. Then of course there’s his injured shoulder which is a red flag. He has a better arm than about 90% of the quarterbacks in this draft class, and his decision making is great, but there are some red flags here.

21. DT/3-4 DE Brian Price (UCLA) 85

Burst onto the scene with 7 sacks as a junior this year and should be able to turn that into a first round selection. He may be a bit of a one hit wonder, but if he continues his physical dominance at the next level, he will be a very solid player in the NFL as either a 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end.

22. OT Charles Brown (USC) 85

A former blocking tight end, who I believe will need to weigh in at least at 300 pounds to get drafted in the first round. Very few offensive tackles ever get drafted in the 1^st round at less than 300 pounds. His first weigh in will be at the Senior Bowl next week so we’ll see how he weighs in. If he can bulk up to 305-310 pounds he could be a dominant left tackle at the next level. He has amazing footwork for his age and experience in a zone style blocking scheme at USC so he is going to be one of the more coveted left tackles by teams who use zone blocking schemes. 

23. MLB Brandon Spikes  (Florida) 85

Spikes could slip out of the first round because of his position. He may have made a mistake by returning to school this year. Not only did his tackles total drop for the 2^nd straight year, from 131 to 87 to 52, he was also exposed in coverage a lot, though he did have two picks, and he had some injuries issues, as well as one character red flag when he tried to poke out the eye of an exposing player through his facemask. He may just be a 2 down run stopping middle linebacker at the next level unless he can improve in coverage.

24. RB CJ Spiller (Clemson) 84

Has had trouble staying healthy in college and his career YPC does not suggest good running back skills, but he has a place in the NFL. He’s way too fast and agile to not have one. He can return kicks, return punts, and can serve as a 3^rd down back or wildcat, but unlike Best I don’t think he’s a feature back at the next level.

25. WR  Brandon LaFell (LSU) 84

The perfect fit for a run heavy pro style offense because he has experience running pro style routes and he’s an amazing run blocker for his age. His frame is still a bit wiry and that could lead to injuries at the next level as he tries to make some of the crazy catches he made in college, but he’s certainly not afraid of anything and will throw his body around for the ball fearlessly. 57 catches for 792 yards doesn’t seem like much for a senior season, but when you consider that LSU passed 336 times this season, all of a sudden those numbers look really good. He was by far the most dominant end zone threat on his roster and his 11 touchdowns more than tripled the total of the guy who was second on the team. He’s got good height, good hands, good fearlessness, good run blocking, and a good red zone presence, but needs to put on more muscle and he’s not fast in comparison to some of the receivers in this draft class.

26. OT Bruce Campbell (Maryland) 84

If scouts can look past his history of injuries, he could get drafted in the top ten, but I don’t think they will be able to, so he could slip. He’d be best fit in a zone blocking scheme and he has amazing athleticism, but I haven’t seen it brought out of him enough yet for me to consider him a top ten pick. However, that 4.95 40 at 6-7 315 could turn heads, especially Al Davis’ head, unless he can’t turn his head without it falling off.

27. S Chad Jones (LSU) 84

The top strong safety in this draft class, he hits like a linebacker at 6-3 235, but also has experience starting at cornerback for a National Championship team as a freshman so you know his coverage skills are at least decent. He doesn’t have Taylor Mays’ measureables, particularly great timed speed, but he is a better strong safety prospect than Mays and should be drafted first, though I doubt he will be.

28. DE/RLB Everson Griffen (USC) 84

It’ll be interesting to see what he runs at the combine. He’s rumored to be able to run a 4.5 40, but he also put on 10 pounds of muscle this season so I’m not sure he can still run that fast. If he can, his stock could soar even though he never really did anything of note at USC in 3 seasons. 7 sacks this year after 9 combined in his first two years show good improvement and his run blocking form got a lot better this season with the added weight, but if his 40 time suffers, he may only be looked at as a left end, rather than a right end or rush linebacker. He’s still a major project either way.

29. RB Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech) 84

Excellent size, but he put on a lot of weight from last season to this season and looked a lot more sluggish this year as a result, though his stats don’t suggest he struggled. He also played in a weird offense that just isn’t used in the NFL so you have to wonder how he would have fared statistically being overweight and in a normal offense. However, he’s got all the physical tools and is still projected to run a mid 4.4 40 at 235 pounds which is amazing so someone is going to snatch him early on upside alone.

30. NT/DT Dan Williams (Tennessee) 83

Williams is the more versatile of the two elite nose tackle prospects this year as he can also play 4-3 defensive tackle and is a true 3 down nose tackle. He moves extremely well for his size and gets a great push up front, but he is nowhere near as physically dominant as Cody.

31. DT/3-4 DE  Jared Odrick (Penn State) 83

Very good agility for his size and good use of his hands to shed blockers, but a DUI back in March of 2009 could hurt his stock. He fits one gap penetrating schemes and also as a 3-4 defensive end. I think he actually would be better at the next level as a 3-4 defensive end which is good because a ton of teams have switched to the 3-4 lately creating a bigger need for natural 3-4 defensive ends like Odrick.

32. RLB/DE Jerry Hughes (TCU) 83

26 sacks in the last 2 years for TCU for a guy just learning the defensive end position, after playing running back for most of his football career, is amazing, but he may be maxed out bulk wise at 257 pounds and he doesn’t have ideal height at 6-2. He’s a better fit as a rush linebacker, but he can play on the line some, though he’d be a liability against the run. He has a great motor and has shown plasticity and ability to learn new positions in the past. He also has good hands because he’s played on the offensive side of the ball before, but I’m not sure about his ability in pass coverage.

33. RLB/OLB Eric Norwood (South Carolina) 82

He has experience playing standing up at South Carolina, despite being a defensive end, and he has looked dropping back into coverage on occasion as well so those are major pluses for rush linebacker prospects that can be so unpredictable. He also has 30 sacks in his 4 year career at South Carolina and had 7.5 this year, so he’s a good pass rusher as well, though not a great one. He’s versatile and can play 4-3 strong outside linebacker and maybe even some 3-4 middle linebacker. His 40 time for his weight could keep him out of the first round.

34. WR Golden Tate (Notre Dame) 82

His production 151 catches for 2576 yards and 25 scores over the last two years, in a pro style offense is amazing, but he may be maxed out athletically and he doesn’t have a great upside. His 40 time is poor for his size and he may have trouble finding a niche as a wide receiver at the next level. A lot of his statistical prowess can be attributed to having Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, but he should still be a fine #2 wide receiver at the next level because he has very reliable hands and runs good routes for someone his age.

35. S Taylor Mays (USC) 82

Would have been a lock to go #7 to the Raiders last year, assuming his 6-3 230 4.3 measurables lived up to their expectations at the combine, but returned to school and that may have been a mistake. He was really exposed in coverage this year and will need Al Davis bailing him out to go in the top 15, though I think he stays in the first round. National media has come down on Mays this year, but not enough. He plays way too out of control and doesn’t wrap up tackles well and his coverage skills are very poor. Unless he gets some good coaching, not out of the question, his upside may be as a Roy Williams type safety or a cover 2 linebacker. His potential though is that of a bigger Troy Polamalu though.

36. DE/RLB Brandon Graham (Michigan) 81

With 29 sacks in the last 3 years against Big 10 competition, Graham is a pass rushing machine, but despite his size, he isn’t great against the run. He’s best fit as a rush linebacker at the next level and I can’t see him fitting all schemes. His 40 time isn’t great either so he’ll be viewed as a bit of a tweener by the scouts and that could drop him down in the 3^rd round. He has first round upside as a rush linebacker though despite his lack of height and timed speed, assuming he can transition to a new position well and hold up in pass coverage.

37. DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi) 81

If he can put injuries behind him, he could be a very good player at the next level. He has 24 sacks over the last 3 years despite injuries and had 5.5 this year in 8 games and he has the skills to be a top ten pick, but he always seems to hurt something. He’ll probably be a 2^nd round pick which could actually be good for him, teach him not to be complacent as so many defensive lineman who sign big deals become.

38. CB Trevard Lindley (Kentucky) 80

He had a bit of a down year with a knee injury this year, but when healthy he’s an amazing man on man corner with future #1 corner potential. His wiry frame at 6-1 175 and his lack of elite timed speed will force him out of the 1^st round, where he would have been a lock to go last year before he got hurt.

39. G Mike Iupati (Idaho) 80

A massive offensive guard with the possible ability to kick out to right tackle if he needs to. He completely dominated defensive lineman one on one this season, though he didn’t have the toughest competition, and moves extremely well for his size. We’ll all get a good look at him and the hype that surrounds him at the Senior Bowl next week. He’s already drawing premature comparisons to by far the best guard of the last 20 years, Larry Allen.

40. DE Carlos Dunlap (Florida) 80

A freakish athlete at 6-6 290 with 4.7 timed speed, we’ll see if he lives up to that at the combine, but he doesn’t seem to try on the field on every play. He makes a lot of big plays, but not nearly enough of the little things. Its like he only wants to fill his stat sheet and not win. He was also suspended late in the season after a DUI. He came back for the Sugar Bowl and had a nice game with 2 sacks, to give him 9 on the season, but 5 of those game in 2 games. He has huge upside, but major character red flags. If he’s this lazy now, imagine how lazy he’ll get if he signs a major NFL contract. Slipping to the 2^nd round could be good for him as he’d have to work to get a major NFL contract, but unfortunately, his upside is so huge that I doubt he actually does slip to the 2^nd round. He could even go as high as 8 to the Raiders.

41. OT Trent Williams (Oklahoma State) 80

Too much of a tweener for me to consider him as a true first round prospect, even with his good athleticism and track record of awards in college. He isn’t a good enough pass blocker at this point to be a longterm left tackle, but he’s not enough of a big mauling run blocking to be a right tackle. His best fit would probably be as a zone blocking run tackle at this point, but with his upside he could do a lot more.

42. WR Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas) 80

A handful to take down in the open field and a great red zone presence, but he doesn’t run routes well, his 40 time and straight line speed are very poor, and his strong stats came in a weird offense that inflates stats. Still, he can be coached into being a good route runner and if he is, he’ll be a very dangerous wide receiver because he moves and breaks tackles like a running back in the open field. He may be a late bloomer as a wide receiver, but he has good upside and could contribute right away in a big way in a spread style offense.

43. CB Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest) 79

Excellent size for a corner at 6-1 195 and he used that size to frustrate corners this year. His stats don’t jump out at you with only 1 interception in his entire college career, but he has 4 forced fumbles which is amazing for his position and he’s got good shutdown abilities and great athleticism. He projects as a nice #2 corner or nickelback at worst.

44. 3-4 DE/DT Tyson Alualu (California) 79

Not a great athlete, but makes up for in with hustle and work ethic which is a major plus for his draft stock in my eyes. He also has experience in a 3-4 scheme as a defensive end, which gives him an advantage over the other 3-4 defensive end prospects in this draft class. He has 13 sacks over the last 2 years and always seems to be in good position to make the tackle. He isn’t an ideal 4-3 defensive tackle at 4-3, but he’ll fit some schemes and can move inside on nickel packages. He can also play some 4-3 left end depending on how a team views him because he has experience as an edge rusher.

45. OT Ciron Black (LSU) 79

A highly decorated offensive tackle that doesn’t have the athleticism or pass blocking skills to be a left tackle longterm because he’ll be burnt too often, but his strengths against the run could get him drafted in the 2^nd round as a right tackle. He may be the best pure right tackle in this draft class.

46. RB Ryan Matthews (Fresno State) 79

He’s a bit of a one hit wonder but with 1808 yards and 19 touchdowns on a 6.6 average, some teams are going to look past that like they did with former one hit wonders Donald Brown and Rashard Mendenhall, who both went in the first round. He runs a bit upright, but he has very refined pass blocking and pass catching abilities for his age and doesn’t fumble often. He has all the makings of a future feature back, though admittedly I’d like to see one more great season on his stat sheet just for him to prove that he can do it again and again, though you can’t really blame him because he was mostly a #2 back or goal line back throughout his first two years at Fresno State.

47. OT Jason Fox (Miami) 78

Purely a zone blocking left tackle at the next level, but he’s got good upside. He could have been a first round pick before injuries struck him late in the season. However, there are enough terms using zone blocking schemes in the NFL this year for him to get drafted early in the 2^nd round unless his injuries don’t check out as fine at the combine.

48. 3-4 DE/DT Mike Neal (Purdue) 78

One of my favorite sleeper prospects, a 4^th round pick in many people’s eyes, but a 2^nd round prospect here. 10 sacks in 2 years is good, a 4.95 40 at 6-4 300 pounds is better, actually I’m surprised he’s not getting more hype, but the best thing about him is his tenacity and his hustle on the field. Some smart GM could snatch him in the 2^nd or 3^rd round so he’s likely going to a good home. He reminds me of Darnell Dockett.

49. CB/WR Javier Arenas (Alabama) 78

He could be a decent nickelback and showed good abilities at the cornerback position this year in his 2^nd full season at the position, with 70 tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 picks, but his value is as a kick returner. He is one of, if not the best kick returners in the nation so in addition to being a solid nickel corner at the next level, he’ll be a great kick returner as well. He may also pull a Devin Hester and switch over to wide receiver as he’s shown good hands and abilities in the open field.

50. G/OT Mike Johnson (Alabama) 78

He probably wouldn’t be a top 10 tackle without his ability to play guard, but he’s an amazing run blocker. He blocked for Glen Coffee in 2008 and Mark Ingram in 2009. He’s not a big mauling run blocker, but his technique is amazing and he should be drafted in the 2^nd or maybe 3^rd round as a right tackle or right guard.

51. MLB Sean Lee (Penn State) 78

Another one of those guys who can’t stay healthy, so that’s a red flag for a guy with 1^st round talent. Despite all the games he has missed, he does have 313 tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 picks in the last 3 years. He has great fundamentals and is a stereotypical big 10 linebacker (see James Laurinaitis, Paul Posluszny, and AJ Hawk), but he could drop the 3^rd round because of concerns about his athleticism and health.

52. OLB/MLB Roddrick Muckelroy (Texas) 78

Doesn’t get huge hype, but he was the leader of Texas’s defense this year and he’s a tremendous athlete. He has 182 tackles, 2 sacks, and a pick in the last 2 years, but he showed me a lot more than his statistics when I saw him on the field. He moves well and has great instincts. He can play middle linebacker in all schemes in addition to outside linebacker.

53. S Morgan Burnett (Georgia Tech) 78

Might get lost in this strong safety class, but 227 tackles and 14 picks in 3 years is something to give a closer look, especially when you combine it with great athleticism at 21 years old. Burnett is on the big side for a safety, but can still play both safety positions well. However, if need for safeties is weak this year, he could slip to the 3^rd round.

54. RLB/DE Jason Pierre Paul (South Florida) 78

He’s a junior college legend, but didn’t impress in his first season in Division I with only 6.5 sacks. He’s a really fluid athlete who is comfortable dropping into coverage and he did get into the backfield a lot, though his sacks total was low, so I think he has a good future as a rush linebacker and he does have huge upside, but if he can’t dominate Division I, how can we expect him to the dominate the NFL. He can also play as a 4-3 defensive end, but I think he’s a better fit at rush linebacker.

55. TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona) 78

Surprisingly enough, the top two tight ends in this draft class didn’t play all season. Gronkowski has been amazing statistically in his career, but he hasn’t given scouts much of a statistical sample. He wasn’t a full time tight end as a freshman, he missed 3 games with mono as a sophomore, and back surgery cost him his entire junior season. However, what I do like about his state that is good going forward if his career 16 YPC, meaning he was extremely athletic and tough to bring down in the open field because its very unlike a quarterback is repeatedly throwing to a tight end 16 yards down field. Also 16 of his 75 catches in his short career were for touchdowns showing once again his physical dominance. Good ability in the open field and end zone dominance are a very good combination for a young tight end. He’s a big moving target at 6-6 270 and can run a 4.7 40 assuming his back is fully healed. He has football and sports in general in his blood. And he’s still 20 so his upside is huge. He would have been the top tight end in 2011 had he returned to school and been healthy so I’m a bit puzzled as to why he didn’t. This year he’s looking at anywhere from 2^nd to 4^th tight end off the board depending on how scouts see him bounce back from injury in workouts. That would mean 2^nd or 3^rd round range for him.

56. S Nate Allen (South Florida) 77

A very fundamentally sound free safety with 10 picks in the last 3 years, he has great instincts and takes good routes to the ball and at 6-2 he’s above average height wise for a free safety. But, like Burnett he could get lost in this safety class.

57. WR Eric Decker (Minnesota) 77

What you see is what you get with him, but what you’re getting is a big consistent #2 option with good hands. He’s not overly athletic, but he’ll be a good red zone threat and possession receiver with his size and good hands. He’ll compliment an inconsistent deep threat very well at the next level, but there isn’t a ton of upside with him.

58. TE Dennis Pitta (BYU) 77

Over an entire career, its tough to find a tight end who was more productive than Pitta. After he came back from his Mormon mission in 2007, Pitta looked like a man among boys catching 204 passes for 2726 yards and 19 touchdowns in three years. The only thing, he practically was a man among boys. Because his mission lasted two years, Pitta is currently 24 years old and does not have a huge upside. He’s probably better than half of the starting tight ends in the league right now with his good agility and soft hands, but scouts don’t really think he’s going to get much better than that. He’d be an ideal fit for a west coast offense and can help a team out right away, but his lack of upside, along with Rob Gronkowski surprisingly declaring for the NFL draft, he could slip to the 3^rd round.

59. S/CB Myron Lewis (Vanderbilt) 76

Suffers from the Sean Smith dilemma, is he a big, slow corner or just a safety. How NFL scouts answer that question could be the difference between 2^nd and 3^rd-4^th round for him. It may help him some that Sean Smith did a decent job in his first year as a starter this year for the Miami Dolphins. The 6-3 205 Lewis had 169 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 5 sacks, and 10 picks in his 4 year career at Vanderbilt.

60. MLB/OLB Daryl Washington (TCU) 76

An excellent refined linebacker for one of the most surprising schools in the country over the past two years, he will fit into any 4-3 scheme, but he’d be best in a cover 2 or zone. However, his lack of elite size 6-3 235, won’t allow him to play in a 3-4. He can play both weak outside linebacker and middle linebacker in a 4-3 and had by far his best year of his career this year with 109 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 picks, and a pick six.

61. RB/FB Toby Gerhart (Stanford) 76

He’s a Heisman runner up, but, contrary to popular belief, that does not make him a future star at the next level. He is very slow and doesn’t change direction and he runs really upright and isn’t going to break nearly as many tackles next year against linebackers with refined tackling abilities. He does have good size though and runs with a lot of force and explosion so he should be a solid change of pace back, goal line back, or even fullback if his lead blocking improves, so he has a spot for him at the next level. It just won’t as a feature back or a star.

62. OT Sam Young (Notre Dame) 76

He should have declared last year and could have been a 1^st round pick as a left tackle. However, this year, he was really exposed at the left tackle position for Notre Dame as part of one of the worst offensive lines in the country. He could still be drafted in the 2^nd or 3^rd round as a big run blocking right tackle because of his athleticism and his run blocking skills. He has good upside.

63. 3-4 DE/DT Arthur Jones (Syracuse) 76

An amazing physical specimen who has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, but has never quite put it together enough for me to consider him a 1^st round prospect. Because of a knee injury late last season, he won’t be a 1^st round prospect and if his knee doesn’t check out at the combine, he could slip even more.

64. G/OT Vladimir Ducasse (Massachusetts) 76

Another big man from a small school, Ducasse is 340 pounds of mean. He didn’t have the toughest competition, but he’ll get his chance to show himself at the Senior Bowl as well. He has the ability to play both right guard and right tackle, but it’ll be interesting to see if he projects as a right tackle longterm because he’s a step or two slower than the average right tackle.

65. CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State) 76

He had a bit of a down year this year which hurts because his athleticism at 5-10 185 doesn’t jump off the page and that could drop him to the 3^rd round in a strong cornerback class. However, he projects as a nice nickel back with the potential to be a #2 corner at the next level. He also is a good punt returner.

66. OLB Rennie Curran (Georgia) 76

Nothing but potential right now, he’s a prototypical cover 2 linebacker, but he needs to get bigger than 5-11 225. He moves well and is all over the ball with 231 tackles over the last 2 years, but he is not big enough for the NFL, which is why I was puzzled by his decision to declare this year at only 21. He’s probably looking at the 3^rd round as a project or maybe round 2 if some cover 2 team falls in love with him.

67. CB Kareem Jackson (Alabama) 75

The other Alabama corner, Jackson is the better of the two in terms of potential at the cornerback position, though he doesn’t have Arenas’ kick returning abilities. Jackson would be the best fit in a bump and run scheme at the next level where his size 6-0 200 and physicality will reign over his projected poor 40 time. In the right scheme, he’s a #2 corner.

68. S Reshad Jones (Georgia) 75

Had first round potential going into the year, but had some injuries to deal with this year and also struggled in coverage more than scouts were expecting him to. He’s a bit of a safety tweener, small at 6-1 210 for a strong safety, but not fast or instinctive enough to play free safety well and regularly.

69. DT/3-4 DE Vince Oghobaase (Duke) 75

I loved him before the season, but injuries and inconsistencies on the field have brought him back down my board after I called him a 1^st round prospect last year. If he can put it all together, he’s a fierce intimidating force on the defensive line as a 315 pound pass rusher who can control multiple blockers and make the edge rushers even better. He can play in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.

70. CB Domonique Franks (Oklahoma) 75

A bit of a surprise entry into the NFL draft after two years as a starting cornerback for Oklahoma, Franks played in the shadow of Oklahoma’s offense for 2 years, but is very good, especially athletically in his own right. Whether he puts his athleticism together and becomes something in the NFL is a question that has not yet been answered.

71. RB Joe McKnight (USC) 75

The possible NCAA violations that came up late last season because of a possible incident in which he drove a car that belonged to his girlfriend and not him should not effect his draft stock because he’s simply never going to have anything close to that situation in the NFL. He’s a good kid and I don’t buy that he has character issues. I do buy that he’s not a starting running back at the next level. He’s fast but he’s not Chris Johnson fast and he doesn’t have elite explosion or change directions very well. He’s not elusive. However, he does have good speed and finally put together a good season in college this year after being a top recruit in 2007 and will be a welcome addition to many of the running back committees in the NFL today.

72. QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati) 75

He may just be a system quarterback and he doesn’t have elite arm strength, but his accuracy was excellent last year and he’s a very smart quarterback with good decision making. He’s also very tall and has the frame to bulk up and become a stronger thrower. He threw for 29 touchdowns last year despite missing close to 4 games with an injury, and injury which has clearly passed based off of his late season performances.

73. C JD Walton (Baylor) 75

With the more athletic Kris O’Dowd and Stefan Wisniewski returning to school, Walton, a savvy 3 year starter at Baylor, becomes the top center prospect. He’s not an elite athlete, but he is very intelligent and has good technique. He made the All-American first team this year.

74. WR Danario Alexander (Missouri) 75

Played in a weird offense and has awful speed, but his size and strength could make him a very nice red zone specialist wide receiver at the next level. He’ll also fit into a wide receiver rotation well right away if a team runs a shotgun style offense. His hands are reliable and he’s a big moving target at 6-5, but his route running and speed are very poor.

75. RLB/DE Jermaine Cunningham (Florida) 75

He doesn’t have amazing athleticism, but he has an amazing motor and that’s really half of the battle. He would fit very well as a rush linebacker or a cover 2 defensive end. I think a lot higher of him than most places do and he’ll probably be drafted in the 4^th round at the highest, but he has borderline 2^nd round skills. His fundamentals are very sound.

76. TE/FB Aaron Hernandez (Florida) 74

If he measures out at 6-3 at the combine, teams could look at him as the 2nd best tight end in this draft class. If he measures out at 6-1 or 6-2, very few teams will even consider him as a tight end at all because of his height. Besides his height, he’s an amazing athletic freak who can run a mid 4.5 40 at 250 pounds. He’s extremely tough to defend and he was one of the most productive tight ends in college football this year despite being only 20 years old.

77. CB Perrish Cox (Oklahoma State) 74

Good size, 6-0 195, and hands, 10 picks in 4 years, but unless he improves his man skills better he’s nothing more than a nickelback or free safety in a man scheme. He has better potential in a zone scheme though and he’s also a good kick returner, though not Javier Arenas esque. His 4 years of experience at the position are both a plus and a minus because he has the experience, but you’d think that for his athleticism, after 4 years of a position, he’d be a much better shutdown corner, which he is not. 

78. WR Marshawn Gilyard (Cincinnati) 74

Needs to bulk up, but he projects as a nice slot receiver at the next level. He has very good agility and would be a welcome addition to a team as a punt returner as well and he runs fast straight line like a gazelle, but he comes from a spread offense so he may be a system player that doesn’t translate well to the NFL.

79. RB/FB Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State) 74

Not the most mobile guy, but he’s agile for his large frame, 240 pounds, and is a very strong and physical runner and he gets his pads down low to the ground when he runs unlike Toby Gerhart and should be able to be a decent running back at the next level and break tackles. However, he’s slower than Gerhart and doesn’t have much upside at all. In fact, one can argue that he ran the ball too much in college, 910 attempts in 4 years, and that will shorten his NFL career. He also has a DUI to his name and that is a bit of a red flag. He’ll be drafted in the 3^rd round range as a kind of, you know what your getting type guy. I don’t see him as a feature back at the next level.

80. MLB Micah Johnson (Kentucky) 74

He could have gone in the 2^nd round, because of his size, 6-2 258, experience in a 3-4 at Kentucky, and the fact that he was coming off of an amazing season for a 3-4 middle linebacker with 105 tackles and a sack, but then he got hurt in his bowl game and may miss both the combine and his pro day. How teams view his injured knee could determine if he gets drafted in the 2^nd or 3^rd round or the 4^thor 5^th. He’s a prototypical 3-4 middle linebacker, but his agility and timed speed aren’t good, projected 4.74-4.78 40, so I’m not sure what other positions he’ll be able to play or if he’ll fit a 4-3 at all.

81. RLB/OLB Sergio Kindle (Texas) 74

He’s former top 10 pick prospect, but he only managed 6 sacks this year without Brian Orakpo drawing double teams across from him, after having 10 sacks last year. He’s still a highly rated defensive prospect and would make a great rush linebacker with his athleticism and the fact that he already played some outside linebacker in college so he has experience with his hands off the ground and dropping back into coverage. He’s a solid tackler and big hitter as well so he can play some strong outside linebacker in a 4-3.

82. OLB Perry Riley (LSU) 74

Could run a low 4.5 40 at 6-1 245 which could make Al Davis draft him in the 2^ndround if he decides he needs linebacker help. Riley comes from a physical system at LSU and though he hasn’t tapped into all of his potential yet, he has very good upside. His size should allow him to move to 3-4 middle linebacker if needed, though his coverage skills are really raw. Riley finished his senior year with 97 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.

83. QB Jevan Snead (Mississippi) 74

He had a great sophomore year and followed that up by just throwing the football. He threw 20 picks to 20 touchdowns this year and while he didn’t have a ton of help around him, on the offensive line and in the receiving corps, his decision making is a huge red flag for him. He has all the physical tools and then some, but whether or not he puts them all together at the next level is currently a mystery.

84. Arrelious Benn (Illinois) 74

If he gets drafted high it will be on what he can do not on what he has done. He dropped way too many passes this season, looked timid going over the middle of the field and in the end zone, but he has an amazing physical build and coaching staff may look to bring a future #1 option out of him. Scouts could also blame his awful statistical season this year on the fact that Juice Williams was his quarterback. Williams is probably the worst quarterback to ever play the game. I’m barely exaggerating.

85. DT LaMarr Houston (Texas) 74

A bright spot on a relatively weak Texas defense this year, at least in relation to the offense. He stepped up big time in the National Championship game with 10 tackles and a sack and ended up with 7 sacks on the season against elite competition. He’s a nice 3^rd round sleeper with upside, but his form needs some correction and he’s undersized height wise at 6-1 or 6-2.

86. G John Jerry (Mississippi) 74

Is he going to have problems against the pass, sure, but he projects well as a right guard at the next level and is a really tough matchup inside at 345 pounds. His older brother, Peria, is already in the NFL, a defensive tackle with the Atlanta Falcons who was drafted in the 1^st round last year.

87. TE Ed Dickson (Oregon) 73

He’s another tight end with great measurables, 6-4 245 with a mid 4.6 40, but he hasn’t been as productive in his career as some of the guys above him on this list. He needs to work on his route running and his run blocking but he has the upside to be a starting tight end in the league for a long time so he should go in the 3^rdround, or 4^th round at worst. His ability in the open field is very good for a tight end.

88. RLB Ricky Sapp (Clemson) 73

A low sack total, but a high amount of tackles for losses, so there are indications that can grow into an elite pass rusher. He’s small at 245 pounds, but has experience playing outside linebacker, in addition to defensive end, and didn’t look bad in coverage, so he definitely has a huge upside as a rush linebacker. He can also play some outside linebacker in a 4-3, but he’s mostly a rush linebacker or pass rushing specialist.

89. CB Syd’Quan Thomspon (California) 73

He’s ready for the NFL right now as a nickelback, but he lacks the upside, athleticism, and coverage skills to be a future starting cornerback. He is 5-9 and could run a 40 in the 4.5s which could drop him into the 4^th round. He also returns punts well.

90. S Darrell Stuckney (Kansas) 73

He was on the cusp of being a first round prospect this year, but disappointed with only 1 pick and 2 pass deflections. For someone who had not established himself as an elite prospect, that could be enough to drop him down into the mush of indistinguishable safeties in the 3^rd or 4^th round range. He’s strong against the run, but his size isn’t that of a strong safety so I’m not sure which safety positions he’ll play in the pros.

91. QB Colt McCoy (Texas) 73

A proven winner with a very weak arm by NFL standards. He’ll fit a spread style offense in the NFL well and to his luck, more and more teams are switching to the spread in the NFL, but he’s still not a good fit for a good majority of the NFL scheme despite his amazing accomplishments in college.

92. WR Jeremy Williams (Tulane) 73

He’d be ranked higher if he weren’t always hurt, but he has a long history of injuries. He finally put all the tools together this year and he has a good size speed combination and the upside to be a nice #2 receiver but his past inconsistencies and injuries will drive scouts nuts and that should drop him into the 3^rd round. He also never played a tough level of competition.

93. CB Rafael Priest (TCU) 72

He did an excellent job as a shutdown #1 corner for TCU. He played in 11 games and had 6 pass deflections, but only had 18 tackles. There are two ways you could possibly explain how he played that many games and had that few tackles, one, he let every receiver he guarded go for a touchdown, or two, quarterbacks rarely completed passes on him. Two is the most logical answer and it is the correct one. He didn’t have the toughest competition, but he shutdown everyone he faced. There are some concerns, how will he adjust to more athletic NFL corners, especially since Priest’s athleticism doesn’t jump off the page. He’s also small and not good against the run, but you can definitely see the upside here. He reminds me a lot of Quincy Butler, a former TCU cornerback, now of the St. Louis Rams. In his first season in the NFL, after bouncing around practice squads for years, Butler was a very good shutdown corner for the Rams this year, though in limited playing time, as opposing quarterbacks went 11 for 25 for 145 yards and a touchdown against him this year.

94. S Myron Rolle (Florida State) 72

A big question mark after taking a year off of football to study at Oxford. He has top 15 pick talent, but taking a year off of football, isn’t unclear how he’ll respond. We’ll get a chance to see him at the Senior Bowl next week and his stock could end up anywhere from a 2^nd to 5^th round prospect based off of the results of his Senior Bowl week, his combine, and his workouts. There’s also a possibility that he’s not fully committed to football as he has aspirations of being a neurosurgeon (not that there’s anything wrong with that) and that’s a red flag to NFL scouts, but just showing up to the Senior Bowl could cool that red flag a bit.

95. MLB Pat Angerer (Iowa) 72

Some players play with anger, this guy plays with even more anger than anger. You don’t want to mess with Angerer. In all seriousness, Angerer is a legit middle linebacker prospect known for making all the stops on defense for a very surprising Iowa defensive unit this year. He had 135 tackles this year, and over the last two, since he’s been a starter, he has 242 tackles, 2 sacks, and 6 picks. He’s not going to be anything special, but I see him being a solid starting middle linebacker at the next level and he can play both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.

96. OT Selvish Capers (West Virginia) 72

Al Davis could fall in love with Capers and draft him in the 2^nd round. He’s 6-6 290, but is projected to run a low 4.9 40. Though that doesn’t actually mean much for a tackle, it does show his athleticism. He’s very raw, but if he puts on 10 pounds, he’d be a great fit for a zone blocking scheme. He has experience in West Virginia’s run heavy offense so if he bulks up enough, he could be a solid run blocker in the NFL, in addition to being good against speed rushers. He could be a nice swing tackle, capable of playing both left and right tackle, in a zone blocking scheme.

97. OLB Navarro Bowman (Penn State) 71

If scouts can look past his lack of size, 6-1 228, and his history of legal issues, this former 1^st round talent could be drafted in the 2^nd round and could be a steal. More likely, he’ll be drafted in the 3^rd round on upside and most likely be a team that uses a zone defense. His lack of size won’t be as much of a problem in a zone scheme and his speed and ability to drop back into coverage will be utilized more fully. Bowman has 199 tackles, 7 sacks, and 3 picks in his last 2 years, but I’m puzzled by his decision to declare this year because another good trouble free year could have meant 1^st round, especially if he bulked up.

98. RLB O’Brien Schofield (Wisconsin) 71

He’s pretty much a forced rush linebacker prospect. Despite his pass rushing prowess in college, which for some reason went very underrated, he is only 240 pounds and won’t be able to play defensive end in the NFL, so his only choice is to move to rush linebacker or risk being just a nickel rusher. There are no indications that he can drop back into coverage well yet, but he can learn the position I think because he has good speed and decent athleticism. He’s a bit of a one year wonder after having only 5 sacks in his first 3 years at Wisconsin, but 12.5 sacks in 2009 is hard to ignore when your looking at the 3^rd-4^th round range.

99. TE Garrett Graham (Wisconsin) 71

At 6-4 238 its clear he needs to bulk up a little before he can be a legitimate NFL tight end, but he has very refined fundamentals for his size. He would be a perfect fit, assuming he bulks up, to be the receiving tight end in a west coast offense. He reminds me a lot of Travis Beckum, the former Wisconsin tight end who was drafted in the late 3^rd round last year despite being undersized at 6-3 239. Graham could be looking at the same range if not a little lower because he didn’t quite as productive of a year as Beckum, mostly because he played in Beckum’s shadow most of the time.

100. OT Adam Ulatoski (Texas) 71

A very good athlete at 6-8 310 who uses his size well to stop the pass rush, but he’s not thick enough and doesn’t play with enough leverage to be an elite run blocking tackle. He’s heavily decorated in college, but a bit of a project.