NFL Draft: Who Are the Best Prospects at Each Position in the Past Decade

If an NFL team were to be built with only the best draft prospects at each position from the past decade, how would the team look? Who would be on it?

With the NFL draft a week away, it's time to compare this year's prospects to some of the other elite talents who were once early picks. While not all prospects developed into the great players some thought they could be, they still were elite prospects and fantastic players during their college years.

And while there are certainly many candidates for each position, there is ultimately only one player who stands out, and the others remain nothing more than honorable mentions.

One thing to note, the NFL careers of the chosen players bear no relevance to being selected for this list. The choices were made based solely on the players as college players and prospects, not as actual NFL players.

So here it is, a team built from the best prospects at each position from the past decade.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford (2012)

Out of all the quarterbacks who have been considered for the first overall pick, none have attracted the hype that Andrew Luck has. He was tagged as a surefire first overall pick as a sophomore, and in his junior season at Stanford, he did not lower the bar for those expectations. 

Possessing great physical tools, pinpoint accuracy, a strong arm and established leadership qualities, Luck is the complete package. He led Stanford to numerous victories, and he will, in all likelihood, replace arguably the best quarterback of all time.

Andrew Luck's appeal is so strong that he is still considered the front-runner for the first overall pick over fellow quarterback prospect Robert Griffin III, from Baylor. Griffin won the Heisman Trophy and posted fantastic numbers in the combine, but Luck remains the better prospect, and as such, he is the best quarterback prospect of the last decade.

Honorable Mention: JaMarcus Russell, LSU (2007)

When JaMarcus Russell declared for the draft, teams were enamored with his size, his toughness and the ridiculously strong arm he possessed. The Oakland Raiders selected him first overall over elite talents such as Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas. While in hindsight the pick was a complete failure, not many people could fault Oakland at the time, since Russell was a very intriguing and alluring prospect.

In hindsight, the Oakland Raiders probably wish they had selected another player, as that draft class yielded some of the best players in the league, such as wide receiver Calvin Johnson, offensive tackle Joe Thomas, running back Adrian Peterson, linebacker Patrick Willis, and cornerback Darrelle Revis.

Running Back: Reggie Bush, USC (2006)

Reggie Bush was the most dangerous player college football had seen in a long time. Possessing elite athleticism, lightning speed and unparalleled elusiveness, Reggie Bush was a Heisman Trophy winner and a key component on some of the most successful college teams ever.

When he declared for the draft, it was thought that he could possibly revolutionize the running back position. Players with his speed were very rare and usually did not possess the ability to catch and run, as well as the vision and change of direction skills that Bush had.

He was a player that every single offensive coordinator wished he could have, and, consequently, he was selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints in 2008. 

The Saints already had feature back Deuce McAllister, but they still felt that Reggie Bush would add another dimension to the offense and would be a building block for the future. In the end, Reggie Bush never met his hype, and he is no longer in New Orleans.

Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (2007)

When Adrian Peterson declared for the draft, there was no denying he had elite talent. He had fantastic size and possessed the rare combination of great speed and raw, brute power. He could be a power back, or a speed back, or anything in between.

While he didn't offer a lot as a receiver out of the backfield, he was one of the best pure runners to have declared in a long time. 

He did, however, have some medical concerns due to recurring injuries that happened during his years at Oklahoma. Ultimately, those injuries never returned to bother him in his prolific NFL career, and has been the best running back in football since he entered the league.

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (2007)

Calvin Johnson is arguably not only the best wide receiver prospect of the past decade, but maybe even the best wide receiver prospect ever.

He has elite size, elite speed, elite jumping ability and elite hands. There is no weakness to his game, and teams saw this when he was at Georgia Tech. He could make any play. He could be a deep threat. He could be a possession receiver. He could be a red-zone target. He could be a jump-ball specialist. The sky was the limit.

The Detroit Lions selected Johnson second overall in 2007 and now have the best wide receiver in football. For a team that had drafted multiple receivers in the first round in recent years, the Lions made the right choice in taking one more.

Prior to being selected, there were rumors that Oakland might also be interested in taking Johnson while clearly needing a quarterback, which is a clear testament to just how talented he is.

Honorable Mention: Andre Johnson, Miami (2003)

When Andre Johnson went into the draft, he was a great wide receiver prospect. While not having the measurables of Calvin Johnson, he had great hands, and he had been both impressive and productive during his years at Miami. The Houston Texans selected him third overall in 2003, and he has been a staple in their offense for almost a decade now while consistently being one of the best and most consistent receivers in the league. Curiously, he has never had double digit touchdowns in any season.

Wide Receiver: Charles Rogers, Michigan State (2003)

During his years at Michigan State, Charles Rogers was very productive and dangerous. He broke various records, such as most career touchdowns for Michigan State (27), and most consecutive games with a touchdown catch, a record previously held by Randy Moss.

Speaking of whom, Rogers was frequently compared to Moss. Possessing a rare combination of size and speed, teams envisioned him as a clear No. 1 receiver, and he was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions to be exactly that. He was drafted one pick ahead of Miami receiver Andre Johnson.

Rogers never panned out. After breaking his collarbone twice, he was suspended for repeated violations of the league's substance abuse policy and was released by the Lions in 2006. He never played for another team again.

Honorable Mention: Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh (2004)

As a prospect, Larry Fitzgerald had good size, was strong with great hands, and he possessed great body control. He didn't have great speed, but at the same time, he never struggled with separation and played bigger than his size would indicate.

As an Arizona Cardinal, Fitzgerald has been a very dangerous receiver and was arguably the most important player in their Super Bowl run in 2008.

Tight End: Vernon Davis, Maryland (2006)

As a tight end for Maryland, Vernon Davis was extremely productive. In addition, Vernon Davis is a fantastic athlete.

Scouts and coaches were impressed with the way Davis played the game, since he was not only a great receiver, but a talented and willing blocker. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Vernon Davis put up unbelievable numbers, with notable performances in the bench press (33), broad jump (10'8'') and 40-yard dash (4.38 seconds).

He was drafted sixth overall by the 49ers, and while he struggled initially, he broke out in 2009 and established himself as one of the best tight ends in the country. He has struggled with inconsistent quarterback play for the majority of his career, but that hasn't stopped him recently.

While tight ends are not usually drafted with top-10 picks, Vernon Davis has proved to be an exceptional player who could put up the same kind of numbers that Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham have if he played in a more pass-oriented offensive system.

Honorable Mention: Kellen Winslow II, Miami (2004)

As a Miami Hurricane, Kellen Winslow II was part of a team that featured many future NFL stars. In his first year in Miami, he served as Jeremy Shockey's backup, and he became the starter for his sophomore and junior seasons. 

He was drafted sixth overall by the Cleveland Browns, but due to serious injuries, he missed games early in his career and wasn't playing completely healthy.

When he finally did see the field, he played at a good level, but not at the level expected from him. Some say that the leg injuries he suffered changed him, and, thus, he wouldn't be able to be the same player again.

Offensive Tackle: Robert Gallery, Iowa (2004)

Simply put, Robert Gallery was the best offensive lineman prospect in the last decade. When he played for Iowa, analysts, scouts, and coaches raved about his excellent size (6'7" and 325 lbs.) and his skills.

He was sometimes addressed as a "master technician" due to the level of skill he demonstrated in things such as hand placement, initial punch and footwork. Many of the issues that other offensive tackles suffer from and are deemed "fixable with coaching," Gallery had apparently already mastered.

He was drafted second overall, and at the time there was little to no concern about him not developing, as he was labeled as one of the "safest picks in the draft."

As an Oakland Raider, Gallery never justified being such a high pick. After disappointing and sometimes downright miserable performances at both tackle spots, he was kicked inside to guard, where he actually played well and was both underrated and under-appreciated.

He was plagued by injuries throughout his entire career, and he left as a free agent in 2011. He signed a deal with the Seattle Seahawks but was released a year later. He has since signed with the New England Patriots.

Similarly to the 2007 situation, the Oakland Raiders missed out on a lot of talented players. Selected after Gallery were wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, quarterback Philip Rivers, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.

Honorable Mention: Jake Long, Michigan (2008)

As a tackle for the Michigan Wolverines, Jake Long was praised for his size, length and strength. While he wasn't an excellent pass-protector, he was much more than adequate, and where he really set himself apart was in run-blocking. He constantly took full advantage of his size and power, opening up lanes for running backs.

He was drafted first overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2008 and has since developed into one of the best offensive tackles in the league.

Offensive Tackle: Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (2007)

As an offensive tackle for Wisconsin, Joe Thomas developed into one of the premier offensive linemen in the country. Displaying elite pass-protection skills, he was envisioned by many teams as a franchise left tackle, capable of protecting a quarterback's blindside for many years.

He was selected third overall by the Cleveland Browns, surprising many who though Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn would be the pick. As a Cleveland Brown, Thomas has developed into one of the league's best tackles, and he is frequently considered to be the best pass-protector at left tackle. 

He made an impact as a rookie, establishing himself as an elite offensive lineman from early on. He has made the Pro Bowl in every season he's been in the league.

Honorable Mention: Mike Williams, Texas (2003)

Playing offensive tackle for Texas, Mike Williams at times drew comparisons to former Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden for his immense size. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills fourth overall, but he never lived up to the billing. After failing to establish himself as a left tackle, he was benched and subsequently released.

He played shortly for Jacksonville and Washington before he was forced to retire for medical reasons.

Offensive Guard: David DeCastro, Stanford (2012)

There has been an unusual amount of first round interior offensive linemen in recent years, both guards and centers, but out of all of them, David DeCastro is the best. While he might not be an elite athlete, he has virtually no weaknesses in his game and has excellent size.

He is great as a run-blocker, displaying consistently good technique when taking on defensive linemen. He is also great when pulling to either the left or the right, kicking out to the second level and taking on linebackers.

He has drawn comparisons to both Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson, arguably the two best guards in the NFL in the past decade. DeCastro will undoubtedly be a top-20 pick, and might also go top 15.

Honorable Mention: Davin Joseph, Oklahoma (2006)

Coming out of Oklahoma, Davin Joseph was a mauler. He was absolutely fantastic in opening up running lanes while also holding his own in pass-protection. While he didn't have fantastic size, he was a good athlete, and there was a widespread feeling that he had a lot of room for improvement and had great potential.

As a pro, Joseph was drafted 23rd overall in 2006 and is one of the league's better guards, and he is still a mauler. He never overcame his struggles in pass-protection, but he is not bad at it. It is still his weakness, however. He has helped Tampa Bay running backs over the course of his career, with LeGarrette Blount being the most recent beneficiary. 

Offensive Guard: Mike Iupati, Idaho (2010)

Mike Iupati was a very rare prospect during his senior year at Idaho. He possessed great mobility and agility for a man of his size, and he was also extremely powerful.

While he didn't play against elite competition at Idaho, he consistently dominated opponents, as evidenced by the fact that during his senior year, he allowed no sacks, and only five of the players he faced got a quarterback pressure.

Iupati's athleticism and footwork had scouts amazed, with many saying he could also slide outside and play tackle. His position versatility and the way he sometimes consumed blockers led him to be a high first-round pick, being selected 17th overall in 2010 by the San Francisco 49ers.

He was entrenched as the starting left guard as a rookie, and has played well since.

Honorable Mention: Ben Grubbs, Auburn (2007)

When he first arrived at Auburn, Ben Grubbs was actually not an offensive lineman. He was a defensive player and was considered to be either a linebacker or a defensive end. He made the switch to defensive tackle after his redshirt season, and then switched to tight end. After surprising people with his blocking, he switched to offensive guard where he truly blossomed as a football player.

Having no medical concerns and an impressive football IQ, Ben Grubbs was selected 29th overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2007 and has been one of the best guards in the league during his years as a pro. He signed a lucrative deal with the New Orleans Saints this offseason after being a free agent.

Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (2010)

During his junior year at Florida, Maurkice Pouncey was the starting center for the Gators. Displaying sound technique and incredible athleticism, Pouncey and his twin brother, Mike, became arguably the best pair of interior linemen in the country.

Declaring for the NFL draft after his junior season to help out his family, Pouncey had both great workouts and combine, climbing up draft boards. He was rumored to be in consideration to be an early pick in the first round, and he drew comparisons ranging from at-the-time Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode, to the historic former Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson, hailed by some as the best center in league history.

His athleticism and ability to reach the second level was the best for any center in the draft, and he was selected 18th overall in 2010 by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Originally thought to start at guard and move to center after his first year, Pouncey surprised both coaches and teammates alike with his ability to learn the playbook and make calls. He consequently became the starting center and has made the Pro-Bowl in his two seasons in the NFL.

Additionally, his success was part of the reason why his twin brother Mike was drafted high in the first round as well. While Mike Pouncey was a great player in his own right, the smooth and seamless transition Maurkice had spoke well for what his brother might have, since both had very similar physical tools and playing ability.

Honorable Mention: Nick Mangold, Ohio State (2006)

Playing for Ohio State, Nick Mangold was one of the best centers in the country. Combining his play with his fantastic off-season workouts, and possessing ideal size and strength, he was drafted by the New York Jets with the 29th overall pick in 2006.

It was the same year the Jets drafted franchise left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, with the two of them becoming stalwarts and key building blocks ever since.

Mangold replaced incumbent starter Kevin Mawae and has become the best center in the league.

Defensive End: Julius Peppers, North Carolina (2002)

Out of all the defensive ends drafted in the first round in the past decade, Julius Peppers was the best prospect among them.

Possessing the rare combination of elite size, speed and talent, he was a force to be reckoned with during his days at North Carolina. He was a starter for all but one of his games as a Tar Heel, and he is second all time in university history with 30.5 sacks a year.

What set Peppers apart from other defensive ends was that he was not only a great pass-rusher, but a great overall defensive player as well. He constantly made tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and he was constantly involved with fumbles (both forced and recovered).

Furthermore, Julius Peppers was so athletically gifted that not only was he a star football player, he also played for North Carolina's basketball team.

He was ultimately drafted second overall by the Carolina Panthers and developed into one of the league's best defensive ends. He currently plays with the Chicago Bears after signing a contract as a free agent.

Honorable Mention: Chris Long, Virginia (2008)

While playing for Virginia, Chris Long had a good career until his senior year, when he broke out. He obliterated opponents, racking up 14 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss and 79 tackles. 

He was drafted second overall in 2008 by the St. Louis Rams and struggled in his first two seasons. He played better in his third season, and this past year he finally emerged as a dangerous pass rusher, registering 13 sacks.

Defensive End: Mario Williams, North Carolina State (2006)

After the NFL saw the impact that Julius Peppers had, everyone wanted to have their own big, athletically gifted defensive end. Four years later, Mario Williams arrived.

During his senior season, Williams showcased his abilities and made people remember Peppers as a prospect. Williams had a very complete season, with 14.5 sacks, 62 tackles, a blocked kick and a safety.

It was during the scouting combine that Williams firmly set himself apart from many other players. He blew scouts and coaches away with his immensely impressive numbers, running a 4.73 40-yard dash and benching 225 lbs. 35 times, while measuring 6'7" and 295 lbs.

He was the highly-publicized first overall pick by the Houston Texans in 2006, with the Texans receiving a huge amount of criticism for selecting him over former USC running back Reggie Bush and Texas quarterback Vince Young.

Ultimately, the Texans made the right choice, as Williams became one of the league's best defensive ends while both Bush and Young never met expectations.

This offseason Williams signed a lucrative deal with the Buffalo Bills that will make him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. He joins Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams on Buffalo's defensive line, making it (on paper) one of the best in the league.

Honorable Mention: Gaines Adams, Clemson (2007)

Playing for Clemson, Gaines Adams was next in line as big and athletic defensive ends to be drafted early. While he was very productive for Clemson, tying the school record for most sacks, he failed to make any significant impact in the NFL after being drafted fourth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007.

He was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2009, and he tragically suffered an untimely death on January 17, 2010. He passed away due to complications from cardiomyopathy.

Defensive Tackle: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (2010)

When he played at Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh was as dominant a defensive player as there can be. There were games where it appeared that he alone was the reason Nebraska would win or be close to winning, such as the game versus. Texas.

Not only was he stellar in his own right, but he made those around him play better than they normally would, as was the case with defensive tackle Jared Crick.

He received a series of accolades after his legendary senior season, including finishing the season as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. During the scouting combine, he confirmed the notion that he was physically fit and had no major weaknesses to his game.

He drew rave reviews from virtually every scout who talked about him, and he was compared to current Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour, arguably the best 3-4 defensive end in recent years.

 Suh was projected to play either 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end, though it was widely believed that playing in a 4-3 would allow him to take advantage of his pass-rushing skills, while playing defensive end in a 3-4 would not permit him to do so, as his job would consist of holding gaps.

He was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions after the St. Louis Rams drafted Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. There were some who believed that St. Louis should have drafted Suh even though they needed a quarterback because Suh was a better defensive tackle prospect than Bradford was a quarterback.

As a Detroit Lion, Ndamukong Suh has been an impact player in every game he's played in. While he's lately developed a reputation for being dirty, he is still a very talented player and a defender who is always a focus of the offense. He will be one of the best defensive tackles in all of football for the next years.

Honorable Mention: Glenn Dorsey, LSU (2008)

Coming out of LSU, Glenn Dorsey was thought to be a fantastic defensive tackle prospect. While he didn't have elite size, he was still a very good football player. He did have some medical concerns, however, which supposedly scared some teams away.

He was drafted fifth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008, and at the time some thought he was a bit of a steal and should have been drafted by either the Falcons or the Raiders, who drafted quarterback Matt Ryan and running back Darren McFadden, respectively. Dorsey was thought to be better than both players.

The Kansas City Chiefs later turned to a 3-4 defense, and Dorsey switched from defensive tackle to defensive end, where he struggled early on but eventually improved.

Defensive Tackle: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (2010)

It's interesting to note that both defensive tackles come from the 2010 draft. As a player for Oklahoma, Gerald McCoy was highly effective as an interior pass rusher. Playing for a very talented defense, he possessed great athleticism and fantastic instincts.

While he wasn't a great run stopper, that was not the reason he was thought of so highly as a prospect. Teams coveted the ability he had of maneuvering his way away from defenders and to the quarterback.

At the scouting combine, some teams were a bit disappointed with him only putting up 23 reps on the bench press, but that did not detract from what could be seen on tape. He was explosive, disruptive, and simply effective. Had Ndamukong Suh not also been in the same draft, McCoy could have easily been the second overall pick.

McCoy was selected third overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has not quite lived up to expectations, primarily due to injuries. He has played relatively well, actually being a better run defender than pass-rusher, but there is still some time for him to get sacks. As of today, he has 4 sacks in 19 games.

Honorable Mention: Marcell Dareus, Alabama (2011)

As a defensive lineman for Alabama, Marcell Dareus was seen as a candidate for both the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. Versatile as a player, he was great at stopping the run and also held his own as a pass rusher. After his last college game, he won the BCS National Championship Defensive MVP Award.

He was drafted third overall by the Buffalo Bills and broke their sack record for a rookie. With a change to 4-3 defense for next season, Marcell Dareus will switch back to defensive tackle from defensive end, and he will play alongside Kyle Williams and Mario Williams.

Linebacker: A.J. Hawk, Ohio State (2006)

Playing for Ohio State, A.J. Hawk was a dynamic tackler who had a complete set of skills. He was a sure tackler and had a knack for always being close to the ball. Off the field, coaches and scouts alike were impressed by his work ethic, and like many other linebackers, he was deemed to be a "safe" pick.

He was selected fifth overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2006, and he was expected to make an immediate impact on defense. While he did make some plays, he ultimately didn't become the game-changing linebacker that the Green Bay Packers envisioned. He has remained a starter during his career.

In recent years, the Green Bay Packers made the permanent switch to a 3-4 defense, and Hawk plays inside linebacker, together with Desmond Bishop. The two make a formidable duo, and one could argue that the change has been beneficial to Hawk's career. 

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Vilma, Miami (2004)

Coming out of Miami, Jonathan Vilma was very well thought of. He was a great athlete who didn't rely solely on his athleticism to make plays, as he was a player with a high football IQ.

He was drafted 12th overall by the New York Jets in 2004, and he played middle linebacker for them for the beginning of his career. After the Jets switched to a 3-4 defense, Vilma was deemed to not be a fit for the scheme and, consequently, was traded to the New Orleans Saints.

As a Saint, Vilma has found success as a linebacker, winning a ring with the team when they won the championship in 2010.

Linebacker: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (2009)

Aaron Curry was a very similar prospect to A.J. Hawk in the sense that both were extremely productive during college, had no apparent weaknesses and were arguably the "safest" picks in their respective drafts.

At Wake Forest, Curry was a tackling machine and a standout player in the defense. He made plays during all games and played with a versatile set of skills that allowed him to excel in the 4-3 defense. There was no doubt that he was the best linebacker in the draft, and there was widespread belief that his transition to the NFL would be relatively smooth.

After winning the Butkus Award as the best linebacker in college, he was drafted fourth overall by the Seattle Seahawks, being one of the highest drafted linebackers of all time. As a professional player, he never met expectations. Not even Pete Carroll, a coach known for developing linebackers (especially during his tenure as USC head coach), could help him improve.

He was traded to the Oakland Raiders on October 2011 for a seventh-round pick and a conditional 2013 pick, after having made no noticeable impact as a Seahawk.

Honorable Mention: Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (2007)

During his senior season at Ole Miss, Patrick Willis led the SEC in tackles and demonstrated a complete array of skills. He was the SEC Defensive MVP, the Dick Butkus Award winner and the Jack Lambert Trophy winner.

After greatly improving his stock close to the draft, he was drafted 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, and he has since become arguably the best linebacker in all of football. 

Linebacker: Von Miller, Texas A&M (2011)

Von Miller was an elite prospect since his junior year. Before deciding to remain at Texas A&M for his senior year, he was thought to be a late first-round pick. By staying, he answered doubters and became the second overall pick in the 2011 draft.

At Texas A&M, he was a pass-rushing nightmare for opponents. He recorded 27.5 sacks in his last two years and reminded many of steller 3-4 outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and James Harrison. Suffering from an ankle sprain as a senior, Von Miller was forced to miss six games, yet he still managed to register 10.5 sacks.

It was during the offseason that Miller truly established himself as an elite player. He was named the defensive MVP from the Senior Bowl, and he led the linebacker group in multiple categories in NFL Scouting Combine drills.

Von Miller was ultimately drafted second overall by the Denver Broncos, and after a fantastic season for a rookie, he finished with 11.5 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl spot and the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Honorable Mention: Keith Rivers, USC (2008)

Forming part of a ferocious group of linebackers (consisting of Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews), Keith Rivers was a standout defender and arguably the best of the group.

He was a fantastic athlete, and knew how to hit. He was a player who didn't rely on his athleticism to make plays, but rather complemented his impressive football skills with his great speed and strength.

He was drafted ninth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, and after a promising start to his rookie campaign, his season was cut short after a blindside hit from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward that broke his jaw.

He never developed into the great linebacker the Bengals wished he'd become, and he was traded to the New York Giants for a fifth round pick on April 11, 2012.

Cornerback: Terence Newman, Kansas State (2003)

Playing for Kansas State, Terence Newman was relatively unknown until he broke out late in his college career, proving to be a shutdown corner.

His senior year, he tallied five interceptions and 14 passes defended, and he was a candidate for multiple awards, including best defensive player in the nation. On top of being a great defender, Newman was also a talented return man.

During the scouting combine, Newman proved he was fast by running a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He was a great athlete and football player, and this led to him being drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003.

As a professional, Newman was one of the best cornerbacks in the league for almost a decade. He was ultimately released for financial reasons, and he signed a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.

Honorable Mention: Adam "Pac-Man" Jones, West Virginia (2005) 

Adam "Pac-Man" Jones was a very effective player while at West Virginia. While he wasn't as polished a football player as some other prospects, he was an elite athlete, and teams were intrigued by his potential.

He led the team in tackles and interceptions during his junior year, after which he decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the NFL draft.

He was drafted sixth overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2005, but due to a series of off-the-field legal troubles, he was suspended and promptly released. He was eventually signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he has somewhat redeemed himself but never truly justified such an early selection.

Cornerback: Patrick Peterson, LSU (2011)

Playing for LSU, Patrick Peterson made plays in seemingly every game. From locking down a team's best receiver to returning kicks, Peterson was all over the field, and his impact was both noticeable and game-changing.

As a prospect, his rare blend of size, speed and football skills made him extremely appealing. There were people who said he could make the transition to safety, while others said that it would be best for him if he remained at cornerback.

Prior to the scouting combine, there were rumors that he might be able to run a high 4.20 in the 40-yard dash, but he ultimately wound up running a 4.34 seconds. Due to his size and speed, teams struggled to figure out who he resembled, with many comparison to Antrel Rolle being made.

Peterson was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals fifth overall in 2011 and made plenty of impact plays as a rookie. Early on, he established himself as one of the league's most dangerous returners, and he gradually improved as a cornerback for an Arizona Cardinals secondary that was, at times, downright awful.

Honorable Mention: DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech (2004)

DeAngelo Hall was a prospect who amazed people based on his speed, which translated really well to his play on the field. He was a ball hawk, consistently getting interceptions and being a very dangerous cornerback to throw to.

He was drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons, and while he played well early on, he was eventually traded to the Oakland Raiders for a second and fifth round pick. He was then cut after struggling with their defensive system, but he found another home in Washington.

Safety: Sean Taylor, Miami (2004)

Not only was Sean Taylor one of the best safety prospects, but he was one of the best defensive prospects in recent years. Possessing fantastic size and speed, Taylor was always around the ball and delivering absolutely crushing hits.

He was the rare combination of a safety who was able to play the ball really well, excelling in coverage, as well as being efficient in run support and being able to take on larger players, such as tight ends. He has been one of the best athletes at the safety position in recent years.

During the offseason after his junior year, after he declared for the draft, Sean Taylor helped himself out with good workouts and a combine where he displayed great speed for a safety his size, running a 4.51 40-yard dash.

He was drafted fifth overall by the Washington Redskins in 2004, and he made an impact early on. While he struggled at times, the potential and promise to become better was there, as he showed flashes of brilliance. He was a hard hitter, and, as such, he was sometimes subject to fines for late hits.

He had been labelled as the hardest-hitting player in the NFL the year he died, which was the best year for him from a football point of view. He passed away on November 27, 2007 after being shot in the leg, the bullet having damaged his femoral artery.

Honorable Mention: LaRon Landry, LSU (2007)

Similarly to Sean Taylor, LaRon Landry was a big safety with speed who knew how to hit. He was an extremely appealing safety for teams looking for another "in-the-box" defender who could cover, as Landry was very talented against the run.

He was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Redskins in 2007 and was paired with Taylor, forming what at the time was thought to be the beginning of what would become the most feared pair of safeties in the league.

After five years in Washington, he left as a free agent, signing a contract with the New York Jets. While he has played well, a nagging Achilles tendon injury stopped the Redskins from giving him a lucrative extension, and the Jets signed him to a deal that is not worth a lot of money, essentially forcing him to prove that he is healthy and can play at a high level.

Safety: Eric Berry, Tennessee (2010)

During his tenure at Tennessee, Eric Berry was considered to be one of the best coverage defensive backs in the entire nation. A true ball hawk, he finished his college career with 14 interceptions and 494 interception return yards, a skill that made people compare him to Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed.

On top of being brilliant in coverage, he knew how to deliver big hits and displayed excellent tackling skills. He did not over-pursue runners, took good angles and would not shy away from contact.

He was drafted fifth overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2010, a somewhat surprising pick at the time for Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli's belief that safeties should not be drafted in the top 10.

Berry had an immediate impact as a rookie, starting at strong safety and being the only Chiefs player to have participated in every single defensive snap during the entire season.

He demonstrated his ball skills by getting four interceptions, as well as an interception return. He also proved to be an enforcer for the defense, clearing things up in the secondary and notching a total of 92 tackles, good for second best on the team.

Honorable Mention: Michael Huff, Texas (2006)

While at Texas, Michael Huff was a player who dominated in coverage. While he wasn't great in run support, his skills included stopping deep passes and shutting down zones.

He made plays when the team needed them, such as recovering a fumble and stopping the runner during the 2006 NCAA National Championship versus USC, two plays that were crucial for Texas obtaining the win.

He was drafted seventh overall by the Oakland Raiders and has developed slowly. While he struggled during his early years and was labeled a bust by some, he has improved as of late and is one of the more underrated defensive backs in football. He and Tyvon Branch form one of the more complete and formidable safety duos in the league.