2011 NFL Draft: Top 25 NFL Draft Prospects Without Andrew Luck
In case you were asleep at your desk this afternoon, Stanford's Andrew Luck has declared he will return to Palo Alto for his junior season and not enter the 2011 NFL Draft.
Let that sink in...
The clear-cut No. 1 overall player and guaranteed first pick is staying in school. For free (we think, this isn't Auburn we're talking about).
With Luck staying in school for another season or two, who are the top prospects for the Carolina Panthers to consider for the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and how will their decision shape the rest of the day?
We have the top 25 players expected to be available for the 2011 NFL Draft. And as a disclaimer, please know that underclassmen have until January 15th to declare or undeclare for the Draft.
25. Brandon Burton, Cornerback, Utah
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NFL Position: No. 1 Cornerback
Looking for the 2011 version of Patriots rookie cornerback Devin McCourty? Here you go.
Burton will likely rise up draft boards, once more time is available to assess film from his junior season at Utah. In the interim, we have Burton as a late first round pick, nothing to be embarrassed about.
Burton's physical style of play mixes well with his natural speed and instincts. He is exceptional at
breaking up passes and defending in zero coverage.
If any name on this list has a chance to really shoot up, it is Burton's.
24. Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue
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NFL Position: Defensive End (4-3), Outside Linebacker (3-4)
Some draft boards we have seen feature Kerrigan in the top five overall players. We simply do not see it.
That is not to say Kerrigan is not a good player, or that he cannot become a dominant NFL player.
Kerrigan is a bit of a 'tweener in that he can play either defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on the scheme he is drafted into.
Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers should all take a hard look at Kerrigan in the first round.
23. Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
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NFL Position: Wide Receiver
The news that Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles will return to Norman for his senior season should make Floyd very happy.
The two were in a heated competition for the No. 3 receiver position on many draft boards, with the higher player likely to be a top 20 draft pick.
Floyd is a dominant receiver who has experience in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. He is big, fast and can make plays on jump balls. The biggest question will be concerning Floyd's speed and if he can out run NFL cornerbacks.
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22. Akeem Ayers, Outside Linebacker, UCLA
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NFL Position: Outside Linebacker (3-4/4-3)
Ayers seems to have the perfect build for a 3-4 defense, but there are doubters about his ability to rush the passer consistently. At UCLA he has been a play maker by intercepting passes, blitzing and stopping the run.
A big question, and one that will affect his draft stock greatly, is can Ayers succeed as a pure pass rusher from outside linebacker? If so, he could be drafted in the top 10. If not, picks 20-25 are more likely.
21. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, Florida
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NFL Position: No. 1 Cornerback
Jenkins is an amazing athlete, and a cornerback who is just fun to watch. He flies all over the field making tackles and breaking up pass attempts. His speed and range will make him a high draft pick in the
upcoming Draft.
One note for mock drafters; if your team runs a physical scheme (Green Bay, New York Jets), you will not want Jenkins. He is an athlete first and foremost, not an aggressive cover man. He does not have the body type to excel in a press scheme.
All of this is to say the Detroit Lions should be looking long and hard at Jenkins.
20. Cam Newton, Quarterback, Auburn
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NFL Position: Quarterback
Newton, the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner, has seen more in one season at Auburn than most of us will in a lifetime.
From a nobody, to starting, to the Heisman and a shot in the National Championship, Newton has had a very successful year.
He was also involved in controversy surrounding his father reportedly asking for and accepting money from Auburn boosters.
All of that aside, Newton is an amazing athlete. He has the body of Ben Roethlisberger with Vince Young-like running ability from the pocket. Unfortunately his passing is somewhere between those two players.
Newton not only needs a big game against Oregon in the National Championship Game, he also needs a very strong showing at the NFL Combine and in his Pro Day workout.
19. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
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NFL Position: Running Back
The Heisman Trophy winner in 2009, Ingram was unheard on in 2010. Well, if 13 touchdowns and over 800 yards rushing are unheard of.
Ingram did see a major drop-off in production from '09 to the current year, largely in part to the play of Trent Richardson and missing two games early in the year with an ankle injury.
Ingram is still an elite prospect, and the Draft's best running back. He will be a top 20 selection in the 2011 Draft.
18. Jake Locker, Quarterback, Washington
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NFL Position: Quarterback
Remember, way back in August, when Jake Locker and Christian Ponder were the odds-on favorites of the ranking of No. 1 overall quarterback?
While that may seem like forever ago, Locker is still considered a first rounder.
Locker combines speed, movement in and out of the pocket, good short-range accuracy and above average arm strength with his natural leadership ability. Accuracy on throws greater than 15 yards have been troublesome for Locker, but with a little NFL coaching he will be just fine.
17. Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
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NFL Position: Right Tackle
It may surprise some to see a clear-cut right tackle this high on our draft board, but Carimi deserves it. In fact, he may very well be drafted much higher than this.
A decorated left tackle for Wisconsin, Carimi has shown a great ability in run blocking. He is routinely used to pull and lead from left tackle. He is able to get in space and make blocks and can hold his own in pass protection.
So why not play him at left tackle? He might be deemed too slow for the position, or even with arms too short. At the end of the day Carimi will be a Pro Bowler in the NFL at right tackle, and he should be drafted as such.
16. Brandon Harris, Cornerback, Miami (FL)
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NFL Position: #1 Cornerback
Harris is a physical corner best suited for an aggressive scheme (that's you, Green Bay). He has great size and strength, making him ready for the NFL immediately.
Harris will excel at jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage, and he has the speed to recover should a receiver get by him.
Few players will see their stock rise like Harris' could in the months leading up to the Draft.
15. Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State
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NFL Position: Left Tackle
You cannot watch Nate Potter on film and not compare him to Ryan Clady, a former Boise State tackle and Pro Bowler for the Broncos.
Potter, like Clady, is tall and lean with quickness that seems unreal for a player his size. There will be questions about this strength, as there were with Clady, but any NFL team running a zone or pulling blocking scheme will be in love with Potter, should be declare for the 2011 Draft.
14. Von Miller, Quarterback, Texas A&M
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NFL Position: Outside linebacker (3-4/4-3)
Miller is a forgotten player on many draft boards. Take five minutes and do a YouTube search of this wrecking ball and prepare to be impressed.
Miller is all over the field for the Aggies. He can drop into coverage, rush the passer or stuff the run. Athletes like this are rare at outside linebacker.
Miller will see himself drafted very early because of it.
13. Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
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NFL Position: Quarterback
Mallett is expected to make his decision on entering the 2011 Draft this week, but we have a strong feeling the decision by Andrew Luck to return to Stanford will only help push Mallett toward the NFL.
When reviewing what Mallett can do on the field you first notice his strong right arm. Mallett has the most impressive arm of any quarterback in the class. The downfall for Mallett may be perceived "character issues".
12. Derek Sherrod, Offensive Tackle, Mississippi State
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NFL Position: Left Tackle
Sherrod has been steady all season long for the underrated Bulldogs of Mississippi State.
The 2011 class is deep at tackle, but Sherrod is among the best in the group. He has quick feet, is a proven run blocker and has the technique you look for in a left tackle.
With many teams needing left tackles, but most of them picking in the second half of the first round, Sherrod may be drafted later than players ranked below him.
11. Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
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NFL Position: Quarterback
Gabbert is an impressive player, but also a stand-up person. He radiates the charisma and confidence you expect a franchise quarterback to possess.
On the football field he has been productive in a pass-first scheme at Missouri, which leads some to call him a "system player". We like Gabbert's mobility, mechanics and accuracy to translate to the NFL without any trouble.
Gabbert has more to gain than anyone from Luck's return to Stanford. Any team in the top 10 who has their heart set on a quarterback (Buffalo, Cincinnati, Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee and Washington are all possibilities) will be looking at Gabbert.
10. Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle, USC
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NFL Position: Left Tackle
Smith was one of the first underclassmen to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft once the season ended. He is an athletic tackle with quick feet, a good base and fast hands. We really like his ability as a left tackle, as will NFL teams. Smith's stock is only getting hotter.
Smith has the potential to really move up the board before the draft. As of now, we see him landing in the top 15, but it will take a team with a need at left tackle to value him as well.
9. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
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NFL Position: No. 1 Wide Receiver
Jones is another junior who has yet to declare his intentions regarding the 2011 NFL Draft, at the time of writing. In many years he would be the No. 1 receiver on our board, but the play of A.J. Green (Georgia) has Jones ranked second. He is an electric receiver with big play potential and an awesome run after catch ability.
Jones is regarded as a top 10 pick by us and many others. We could see him drafted as high as No. 4 to Cincinnati, or as low as No. 14 to St. Louis.
8. Robert Quinn, Defensive End, North Carolina
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NFL Position: Defensive end (4-3), Outside Linebacker (3-4)
Quinn would have benefited greatly from playing this season. Unfortunately for him, taking money and trips from an agent is not allowed.
Quinn will have to answer questions about that, as well as shake off the rust of a season-long vacation before we have a great feel for his stock. However, based on preseason rankings, he will be the first outside linebacker off the board.
Jacksonville (No. 16) makes a lot of sense for Quinn as a defensive end, as does New England (No. 17) and even San Francisco (No. 7).
7. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
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NFL Position: Defensive end (3-4), Defensive Tackle (4-3)
Clayborn has leveled off after seeing his stock move up and down a little this year. Many will look at him and comment that his play from right end was not great this year, but when looking at his 2009 film you cannot walk away unimpressed.
With so many NFL teams running a 3-4 defense now, Clayborn will see a Tyson Jackson-like rise as the draft approaches.
The 49ers (No. 7) and Cowboys (No. 9) will give Clayborn a long look at the Senior Bowl and Combine. We cannot see him getting past New England at No. 17.
6. A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
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NFL Position: No. 1 Wide Receiver
Green is a fan favorite, and for good reason. His play at Georgia was inspiring over the last three seasons.
Green is not as high on our board, largely because wide receivers (like running backs) are becoming easier to find later in the draft. Green, as an individual, is a very good player, but we would not draft him No. 1 overall.
The Panthers may disagree completely and draft Green No. 1 overall. He is certainly talented enough to warrant the pick, but do you really want to guarantee No. 1 overall money for a receiver?
5. Marcell Dareus, Defensive End, Alabama
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NFL Position: Defensive end (3-4), Defensive Tackle (4-3)
Dareus was known to NFL scouts and draft fans before the season began, in fact many regarded him as the No. 1 underclassman in the nation.
A strong season by Dareus has him at the top of our overall rankings. The only question hanging over his head is how motivated he is. Many feel Dareus is prone to taking plays off.
Marcell will hear his name called very early Thursday night of the NFL Draft. Cincinnati at No. 4 overall is a likely destination, as is San Francisco at No. 7.
4. Nick Fairley, Defensive Tackle, Auburn
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NFL Position: Defensive end (3-4), Defensive Tackle (4-3)
Fairley has seen his stock soar this season, more than any other player in college football. His play at tackle has been phenomenal for the Tigers. NFL scouts will love his speed, burst and toughness from the tackle position.
Fairley has a very good chance to be the No. 1 overall pick. If the draft were tomorrow, Fairley would be the pick for Carolina.
3. Prince Amukamara, Cornerback, Nebraska
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NFL Position: No. 1 Cornerback (Cover 2 scheme)
Amukamara was rated by many as college football's number one draft prospect before the 2010 season began.
He has not done much to change minds, and as such his stock has not changed dramatically during the season. Amukamara will be a top 10 pick in the 2011 Draft.
As said above, there is no way Amukamara falls out of the top 10. In fact, Detroit should snatch him up at No. 7 if he is still available.
2. Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
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NFL Position: Right defensive end (4-3)
Bowers name has been near the top of every draft board since mid-season. His combination of size, strength and freakish speed make him a very, very likely target for the Panthers with the first pick overall.
If Carolina keeps the pick, Bowers will be tempting. They do have three young defensive ends, adding a fourth may not be practical. Bowers will not slip past the Titans at No. 8 overall.
1. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
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NFL Position: No. 1 Cornerback, Punt Returner
Peterson, who has not officially declared for the 2011 Draft, cannot see his stock rise any higher than it is now.
Returning to LSU for his senior season only benefits him if he wants to get his degree or really, really likes Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Peterson is not likely to go No. 1 overall, but he should not slip past the cornerback-needy Denver Broncos at pick No. 2.
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