2010 NFL Draft: Eight Overvalued Prospects

Every draft season, there are players who will be overvalued, when it comes to the draft.

Odds are these guys have outstanding physical skill sets or play at a premium position.

However, they may lack instincts, or have not played to the level people anticipated.

Here are eight prospects who will be drafted too high when it comes to their overall ranking.

Not all of them are expected to be first round picks, but there are a few mid-round guys who will surprise people.

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Campbell joins some elite freaks of nature from the University of Maryland: Shawne Merriman, Vernon Davis, Jared Gaither, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Campbell blew up the Combine from an athletic standpoint, but if you watched the drills, he was merely average.

He didn't overpower defenders or show a great kick-slide, but he wasn't playing with too poor technique.

His physical skills are outstanding and one-of-a-kind, but the tape from college doesn't match up, and the fact that he started only 16 games should raise concerns.

An early third pick, Campbell could sneak into the first round, but shouldn't last long in the second.

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

Clausen is getting negative press because of his character concerns and his cocky attitude.

Personally, I think that is what can make him a great player at the next level.

In fact, I think it's one of the things that is working for him moving forward.

He is confident in his abilities and wears his emotions on his sleeves.

Which leads to wonder, what in the world is wrong with that?

Since when did football not become a game of emotion?

I'm so convinced of him that I put him as No. One in my last mock draft.

Clausen isn't the most spectacular prospect, but he reminds of a less powerful Jay Cutler.

Though he could probably fit in nicely at the beginning of the second, Clausen has the potential to go into the top 10, but could also have a Brady Quinn/Aaron Rodgers effect of falling hard.

Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

The Oklahoma State corner-back has an intriguing skill set.

He has good ball skills and excellent size to develop into a phenomenal shut down corner.

However, he has huge character issues, and didn't test out as well as anticipated.

He really needs to do well on his visits coming up, or he could have a fall as deep as the end of the fourth round, although he should be off the board by the mid second round.

Taylor Mays, S, USC

Mays is a freak of nature. Do I really need to elaborate? But that doesn't mean he can play football at the NFL level.

He was an over-hyped player at USC and didn't make the plays you would expect from a player of his caliber.

He didn't make interceptions and was the last line of defense.

He also doesn't diagnose plays quickly and is stiff-hipped.

He's an early second round pick but has the potential to land in the top 15 of this draft.

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Pierre-Paul had a phenomenal 2009 season with USF and after just one season, decided to bolt for the NFL.

There is no doubting his physical skill set, but he is extremely raw and doesn't hold up well against the run.

However, pass rushers are a premium in this league, and he does it very well.

Pierre-Paul was ranked as high as No. Three in the early going, but it wouldn't shock me if he goes from the top 10 to where he really belongs, toward the back 20s.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami

Graham is relatively new to the game of football after playing on Miami's basketball team, but there is no doubt of his exceptional upside and skill set.

He offers tremendous upside.

At 6'6", 260 lbs, and with a 4.6 40-yard dash, Graham has an intriguing athletic package that will make teams think of him as the next Antonio Gates.

Tight ends don't have as much value—especially if they can't block—but can still go high because of their ability to stretch the middle of the field.

He's more likely suited for the fifth round, but he could be drafted in the early-to-mid third round.

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Tebow does everything so well, except throw the football.

He's a decorated collegiate athlete and an inspiration to those around him.

However, his transition from college to the pros is going to be difficult.

He changed his throwing motion at his pro day, which is commendable, but how will that hold up in the heat of battle?

Is he going to break down and resort to his old ways?

He's the ideal leader and team player, and that's why he'll be drafted in the mid-second, as opposed to the late fourth as a true, drop-back quarterback.

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Bradford has major issues moving forward, and I'm surprised so many people are still so high on him.

He's taken a few hits and messed up his shoulder against college kids.

How can anyone trust that it won't happen again when he takes the first hit he takes from a giant defensive tackle?

He's been protected in that spread offense and doesn't have a lot experience from under center, which raises question about his footwork in his drops.

Those are two huge concerns moving forward, and while I still think he's a top 15 player, I wouldn't want to invest a 40 million dollar guaranteed in him.