An Early Top 10 for the 2010 NFL Draft

Now that the 2009 NFL draft is over and done with, let’s take a look at the 2010 NFL draft prospects.

Young men who are eligible to become the next crop of great NFL players are leaders on the field who can take their game to the next level.

This new generation of warriors will be the face of college football in 2009 and the face of the NFL draft in early 2010.

No. 10: Terrence Cody

6’5", 370 lbs.

A gigantic nose tackle out of the University of Alabama, Cody is a raw talent but is very coachable. Cody has to be double teamed just based on his size, and he clogs up running lanes better than anyone in the nation.

Cody moves well for his size and will be an immense presence in the middle of any 3-4 defense. His upside means someone will take a shot at him early in the first round if he does, in fact, come out in 2010.

No. 9: Taylor Mays

6'3", 230 lbs.

One of the best athletes coming out next year, Mays is built like a defensive lineman and moves like a wide receiver.

He is the hardest hitter in the Pac-10, but he needs to become more a sound tackler.

He's a workout warrior who can actually play. To steal a few words from Mike Mayock, he will absolutely "blow up the combine."

Being a three-year starter at USC and practicing against a pro team day in and day out, he will make an immediate impact at the NFL level.

He is an early favorite for the 2010 top 10.

No. 8: Gerald McCoy

6’4", 295 lbs.

McCoy has the size and speed to be a tremendous player at the NFL level. He is an excellent pass rusher, but needs to bulk up a bit to contribute at DT in the NFL.

The Sooner is playing the 2009 season as a redshirt junior who is looking to sky rocket his draft stock with another impressive season.

No. 7: Brandon Spikes

6’3", 240 lbs.

The defensive leader for the national champion Florida Gators, Spikes possesses size, speed, and is an excellent tackler.

He is a three-year starter in the SEC, which is impressive in of itself. He has great play recognition skills and a nose for the ball.

No. 6: Sergio Kindle

6’4", 239 lbs.

Kindle can play both OLB and DE, but he is very raw and like his ex-teammate Brian Orakpo, he lacks play recognition skills.

He is a great pass rusher, and he never quits on a play. He has a very high ceiling and could become a dominant pass rushing linebacker at the next level with good coaching.

No. 5: Tim Tebow

6’3", 235 lbs.

The greatest college football player in history, Tebow is the consummate leader with the ability to carry his team on his back.

He is the most decorated player coming out in 2010. I look for him to concentrate on his throwing motion this season and work on his accuracy.

His skill set doesn't translate?

He has all of the attributes that are lacking in most NFL quarterback prospects. You can teach someone to throw a ball, but you can’t teach leadership.

Not to mention the fact that he will bring an entirely new set of skills to the quarterback position.

No. 4: Colt McCoy

6’2", 210 lbs.

A leader on and off the field, McCoy is a dual threat. He has great mobility and the ability to throw with touch and zip.

He had a great 2008 season and looks to progress upon that in 2009. As a fifth-year senior and a four-year starter at Texas, McCoy is one of the safest bets at QB and may be able to contribute right off the bat in 2010.

No. 3: Dez Bryant

6’2", 210 lbs.

The consensus top wide receiver eligible for the 2010 NFL draft, Bryant has the size and ability to be an prominent receiver in the NFL.

A possession receiver with soft hand and tremendous leaping ability at Oklahoma State, he knows how to get up field and attack the ball while it’s in the air. He is also a quality punt returner.

Bryant has adequate NFL speed and route running ability, but his ball skills make him a sure fire top-15 pick in 2010.

No. 2: Russell Okung

6’4", 290 lbs.

Okung has the perfect body to be an elite NFL player. He faced some of the premiere talents that the NCAA had to offer in 2009 and did a fine job on the offensive line protecting quarterback Zac Robinson.

The massive Oklahoma State tackle is the early favorite to be the top pick in 2010. He has great feet and is comparable to this year’s second overall pick Jason Smith.

No. 1: Sam Bradford

6’3", 208 lbs.

Coming off winning the Heisman trophy in 2008, Bradford looks to improve as a junior in 2009. He has a tremendously accurate and powerful arm. He can thread the ball all over the field and is very poised in critical situations.

Bradford sees the field tremendously well and has great pocket awareness. He would be eligible to play at OU in 2010, but barring injury or a disastrous season, look for Bradford to battle it out with Okung for the top spot in the 2010 NFL draft.