NFL Draft 2011: Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan Still in the Shadows of the Draft

There have been a lot of mock drafts as of late, but they are missing one key player: Ryan Kerrigan.

Purdue football's last four years were not the greatest. In fact, they were god-awful. Although Purdue fans did not have much to look forward to except for Carson Wiggs, they had another bright player who is quite often overlooked...Ryan Kerrigan.

If Kerrigan had caused trouble, made stupid comments in the media and just been an overall idiot, he would be given more attention in the media, but that is not him.

Kerrigan is the quiet type of leader that has what it takes to get in a guy's face, but will not make a lot of noise and draw attention to himself.

Kerrigan was snubbed for a lot of postseason awards due to the fact he played on a bad team with the Boilermakers, but it should be noted that this defensive end is no slouch and one of the best players in this draft.

He was named a unanimous All-American last season and had some great numbers.

In 2010, Kerrigan finished third in the nation in sacks, amassing 12.5, and led the nation in tackles for loss with 26 on the year.

Kerrigan is tied for the most forced fumbles in NCAA Division I history with 14 as well.

Kerrigan is one of those players that is going to see years of productivity in the NFL. In the words of every sportscaster's favorite saying, "He has that lunch pale attitude"

Kerrigan will do his job and move on quietly.  

He truly is one of the best players in this year's draft and receives little to no attention because causing trouble is not his thing.

I guess no one wants to talk about a kid who has tremendous ability, stays out of trouble and is an Academic All-American.

It's a shame, but watch out for Kerrigan, he will do big things in the NFL and be yet another Purdue defensive end with a great career. 

James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball, as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers.      Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.