NFL Draft 2011: The 10 Best ACC Players in the Draft
The talent of the ACC has been overshadowed this offseason by the hype coming out of the SEC. With Da'Quan Bowers' fall from the top of many mock drafts, the ACC's class only seems to get weaker.
There is plenty of talent though. Some prospects are very polished and NFL ready, but there are some developmental prospects who just missed the list.
Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami
Franklin is a versatile OG/OT, but he lacks the strength to warrant a day one pick. He's a fringe second round pick who needs to develop more tenacity in the run game to become a starter in the NFL.
Marvin Austin, DT, UNC
Austin is incredibly talented and will be drafted higher than some players on the list, but he currently isn't consistent enough to start in the NFL. He needs to develop a better understanding of the game before his natural skills really begin to pay off.
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Harris produced well at Miami, but he lacks the playmaking ability and upside that NFL teams covet. He isn't incredibly fast, but could fit in as a nickel corner if he falls into the right situation.
No. 10: Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State
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Hudson is strong and displays great technique. He is limited by his size though, and will struggle adjusting to the enormity of some defensive tackles in the pros. He has experience as a center, but if he beefs up, he should be able to fill a need at guard. I'm just unsure how he will hold up when he is getting bull-rushed by Ndamukong Suh.
He lacks a real weakness though, and could shine in a zone-blocking scheme with his agility and intelligence.
Projection: 2nd Round
Bust Potential: Above Average
Star Potential: Average
No. 9: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
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The second Florida State product on the list, Ponder has great NFL potential.
He isn't very polished, but that isn't uncommon in this class of quarterbacks. He's a natural leader and very intelligent, and he is also very well respected by teammates and coaches. He has a quick release and is accurate on his short to intermediate throws.
He has good vision, and among his top qualities is his ability to escape the pocket and move the sticks with his feet. Pocket mobility can be a concern at times too because he puts himself at risk for a big hit.
Projection: 2nd Round
Bust Potential: Average
Star Potential: Above Average
No. 8: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
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Carter's draft stock took a hit when he underwent ACL reconstruction surgery. His athleticism and ability against the outside run were key to his success, and teams questioned whether the surgery would threaten his athletic ability.
However, when healthy, Carter is one of the most explosive linebackers in this class. He isn't a constant game-changer, but he has the ability to start as a rookie and remain a solid starter for many years.
Projection: Late 2nd to 3rd Round
Bust Potential: Below Average
Star Potential: Average
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No. 7: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
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Smith produced very well at Maryland, but he is far from a finished product. He has big-time potential, but could struggle if pushed into the starting lineup early. He has very good speed and is a true vertical threat.
Consistency is where Smith struggled though. He still needs to refine his blocking and route running but could quickly improve with NFL coaching. He may return kicks as a rookie, but look for him to really break out in his sophomore season.
Projection: Late 1st to 2nd Round
Bust Potential: Above Average
Star Potential: Above Average
No. 6: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
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Durability concerns will see Dowling drafted lower than he deserves. He has all the traits you look for when cornerbacks are transitioning to the NFL—long arms, exceptional height, and great speed.
He is solid in man situations and is not very vulnerable to deep passes due to his recovery speed. He displays impressive ball skills and is fearless in run support. He could end up being the steal of the draft.
Projection: 2nd to 3rd Round
Bust Potential: Below Average
Star Potential: High
No. 5: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
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Teammate Darren Evans dug into Williams' numbers in 2010, but he was impressive regardless. He is clearly the better back and has developed in all phases of the game. He has good speed, power and vision, drawing comparisons to Panthers running back, Deangelo Williams.
Williams has the tools to become an immediate starter and the potential to become a star, but he could come up lame if his hamstring troubles end up hampering his long-term success.
Projection: 2nd Round
Bust Potential: Above Average
Star Potential: High
No. 4: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
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Quinn is an ideal fit in a 3-4 scheme. He is undersized for a pro defensive end and is athletic enough to play outside linebacker in the 3-4.
He has the natural tools to be a great pass rusher in the NFL, but his involvement with agents at UNC will overshadow his talent. He's a very similar player to Shawne Merriman and could see that type of success should he fall into the right scheme and develop his pass rush moves.
Projection: Top 15 Picks
Bust Potential: Above Average
Star Potential: High
No. 3: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
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The star of the Senior Bowl, Hankerson is one of the most underrated players of the draft. He had a strong senior campaign and his success should translate to the pros immediately. He has a solid work ethic and has steadily improved throughout his career with the Hurricanes.
His route running has developed, and he now has one of the best pair of hands in the draft—a far cry from the struggling underclassmen who originally showed up on Miami's campus. He has the playmaking ability and athleticism to make a Mike Williams type impact as a rookie.
Projection: 2nd Round
Bust Potential: Average
Star Potential: High
No. 2: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Once thought to be the best player in the draft and ACC Player of the Year, Bowers has fallen on most draft boards. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, but he is still the same player in my mind.
He plays with great instincts and can fit into any defensive scheme. He's incredibly strong and was very productive during his final season at Clemson, leading the nation in sacks. He is effective versus the run and can become the next Michael Strahan if drafted into a 4-3 defense.
Projection: Top 15 Picks
Bust Potential: Low
Star Potential: High
No. 1: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
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Castonzo is exceptional in all facets of the game. He has a large frame and quick feet. If he continues to get stronger, he could become a star.
He has continued to make strides and works incredibly hard on the field and in the classroom. He can play either bookend in his rookie season and could end up being drafted higher than some are expecting.
Projection: Top 10 Picks
Bust Potential: Below Average
Star Potential: High
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