2013 NFL Draft: First-Round Mock Draft and Prospect Position Rankings

The college football regular season is now officially over, which means it’s time to start getting serious about the fast-approaching 2013 NFL draft.

We may not know who’s worthy of the No. 1 overall pick yet, but we do know that Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o is the current top contender. Te’o has been the most celebrated college player of the 2012 season, but the question is, can he fight off a good deal of other worthy challengers in the coming months?

There’s still another month until the deadline for the underclassmen to declare. But we now have a good idea of how all of the prospects stack up and what type of draft order to expect—at least near the top.

It’s finally time to start working on rankings and projections like they mean something. Throw out the mock drafts from the beginning of the season, because they’re irrelevant and useless at this point. Now, it’s all about how the players perform during the workout/All-Star game phase of the process.

Things are certainly going to change between now and April. Nevertheless, here’s a look at the current first-round projections and full prospect position rankings for the 2013 NFL draft as we head into bowl season.

With the 1st Pick, the Oakland Raiders Select...

Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Oakland whiffed when it took middle linebacker Rolando McClain with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2010 draft. Now, the Raiders are left with a big hole to fill in the middle of their defense. 

Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o would be the perfect player to fill it. 

Te’o has been one of the most impressive defensive players in college football this season. He’s racked up over 100 tackles for the third time in his career, and he’s been the heart and soul of one of the strongest defenses in college football. 

The 6’2’’, 255-pound senior is a former All-American high school recruit from Hawaii who has the athleticism, instincts, toughness and leadership ability to completely change the complexion and attitude of the Raiders defense. Te’o is a defensive difference-maker who could come in and solidify Oakland’s porous run defense right away.

Ultimately, the star inside linebacker should become the team’s defensive leader for the next decade.

With the 2nd Pick, the Philadelphia Eagles Select...

Luke Joeckel, OT Texas A&M

If you want to know why the Eagles have been such a disaster this season, the first person you should talk to is offensive line coach Howard Mudd.

He’s the one who has had to endure watching Philadelphia’s abominable offensive line struggle mightily week in and week out, and he’s seen first hand just how much of a disaster the unit has been.

The team does not have a true “franchise offensive tackle” on its roster that it can rebuild the offensive line around for the future. That’s why the Eagles should target one of the top-tier tackles with their first-round pick in 2013. 

They won’t be able to find a better tackle than Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel. 

Joeckel is only just a junior, but he’s already solidified his status as the premier player at his position in the country. The 6’6’’, 310-pound tackle has started every single game for the Aggies since arriving in College Station as a highly-touted high school recruit back in 2010. 

This year’s Outland Trophy winner is pro-ready right now. Joeckel is the total package,  possessing the size, athleticism, strength and overall fundamentals that you look for in an elite tackle prospect.

With the 3rd Pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars Select...

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri 

Jacksonville’s entire defense needs some work, but it especially needs help up front along the defensive line. The Jaguars ranks 31st in the NFL in rushing defense, which has a lot to do with the fact that the team lacks a true standout defensive tackle. 

Given that Jacksonville also ranks dead last in the NFL with just 13 sacks, it certainly wouldn’t hurt the team could find a tackle who can both stuff the run and penetrate into the backfield to create pressure on the quarterback. 

One top tackle prospect who fits that mold is Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson. 

Richardson was one of the most impressive defensive lineman in college football this season. The 6’4’’, 295-pound junior racked up 75 total tackles, including 39 solo stops and 10.5 tackles for loss. He also notched four sacks and seven quarterback hurries, broke up three passes and forced three fumbles. 

The former blue-chip high school recruit from St. Louis possesses incredible agility, quickness and explosiveness for his size. Richardson is the type of versatile tackle that can add a big boost to the Jaguars defense as both a run-stopper and a pass-rusher.

With the 4th Pick, the Kansas City Chiefs Select...

Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

If Kansas City doesn’t fall in love with one of the top quarterback prospects available and chooses to wait until Day 2 to find its signal-caller of the future (Aaron Murray?), the Chiefs could look in a few different directions with their first-round pick. 

A lot could depend on if the team decides to bring back left tackle Branden Albert. If the Chiefs don’t bring Albert back, then finding a left tackle instantly becomes one of the top priorities for the 2013 draft.

Since the Chiefs seem destined to end up with a top-five pick, they should definitely have a shot at one of the top tackle prospects, such as Michigan’s Taylor Lewan. 

Lewan is a gigantic 6’8’’, 309-pound junior who possesses all the physical tools to develop into a pro bowl lineman at the NFL level. 

While he may not be as polished as former Wolverine tackle Jake Long was when he was coming out of Michigan for the 2008 draft, Lewan definitely has the skills to come in and make an immediate impact for a team like Kansas City.

With the 5th Pick, the Carolina Panthers Select...

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Quarterback Cam Newton has been getting most of the blame for Carolina’s struggles this season. However, one of the real reasons the Panthers have been so bad this year is that they stink against the run. They’ve allowed an average of 128 yards on the ground per game, which ranks 25th in the NFL. 

Carolina could certainly use some help in the interior, and adding a big, physical run-stuffer like Utah’s Star Lotulelei would certainly help out a lot. 

Lotulelei is the type of dominant defensive tackle that could come in and immediately help fill the void in the middle of Carolina’s defense. 

The 6’4’’, 320-pound senior is the best run-stuffing tackle prospect to emerge from the college ranks since Ndamukong Suh came out of Nebraska for the 2010 draft. The massive middle man doesn’t make the same amount of flash plays as Suh did when he was at Nebraska, but he’s very effective at eating up double-teams and clogging up running lanes. 

He’s the type of player the Panthers need on their defensive line if they ever want to have a stout run defense.

With the 6th Pick, the Arizona Cardinals Select

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

One of the more fascinating storylines surrounding the 2013 draft is who will end up being the first QB taken. There are no true star prospects in this year’s draft like there were for 2012 with Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Instead, there are a few very talented, yet somewhat flawed senior quarterbacks. 

The most intriguing of the group is West Virginia’s Geno Smith. 

Smith was the best and most productive player in college football in the month of September. However, he wasn’t able to sustain his success into the second half of the season once he started facing better competition. 

The 6’3’’, 215-pound senior signal-caller possesses explosive arm talent, great accuracy and a natural feel for the game. But there's bound to be critics who say he was simply a product of Dana Holgorsen’s Air Raid pass-heavy system, even though that’s not actually the case. 

Regardless of whether he is a true top-10 talent or not, Smith will likely go high in the 2013 draft just based on the fact that there will be a lot of teams picking early that will be looking for quarterback help.

One of them is the Arizona Cardinals. You can make the argument that the Cardinals have the worst set of quarterbacks in the NFL right now. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are both suited for backup roles, and Ryan Lindley might be the worst quarterback currently on an NFL roster. 

Arizona has some nice pieces to build a contender around, but those players will be wasted unless the team can find a quarterback who can come in and run the offense effectively.

With the 7th Pick, the Tennessee Titans Select...

Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Tennessee has gotten just 7.5 sacks out of its two starting defensive ends, Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan, so far this season. Obviously, that’s not going to cut it when you play in the same division as quarterbacks like Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck. 

That’s why the Titans will definitely have to consider picking one of the many talented pass-rushing prospects that will be available in the first round of the 2013 draft. 

One player who could come in and instantly add some life to the team’s lackluster pass rush is Texas A&M’s Damontre Moore. 

Moore has been an absolute force this year after moving from his hybrid “Joker” position to defensive end in the offseason. The 6’4’’, 250-pound junior has dominated against some of the best competition that college football has to offer in the SEC. He’s totaled 12.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and eight quarterback hurries in 2012. 

Although Moore is a bit undersized by NFL standards, he makes up for it with his explosive speed off the edge and his tenacious and relentless playing style.

With the 8th Pick, the Cleveland Browns Select...

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

It will be very interesting to see if Cleveland decides to give rookie Brandon Weeden another season to prove he’s the team’s quarterback of the future. If the Browns decide not to take a quarterback in the first round, there’s a good chance they could look to take a defensive end to pair with Jabaal Sheard.

There should be plenty of great pass-rushing prospects available when Cleveland’s on the clock, and one player that could catch the team’s eye is Florida State’s Bjoern Werner.

Werner has put together a breakout campaign this season, and he’s emerged as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2013 draft class. The 6’4’’, 255-pound junior racked up 13 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and seven pass breakups in the regular season. Most importantly, he constantly found ways to disrupt opposing offenses.

The German native is still a bit raw, but he’s clearly got the type of attitude, power and athleticism to develop into a Jared Allen-esque difference-maker at the NFL level.

With the 9th Pick, the San Diego Chargers Select...

Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

We haven’t seen a tight end go in the top 10 of the draft since the San Francisco 49ers selected Vernon Davis with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 draft. Then again, we haven’t seen a tight end prospect as good as Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert since Davis came out of Maryland.

He’s the latest in a long line of recent Irish tight ends who have turned out to be coveted NFL prospects. It’s a line that includes notable names like Kyle Rudolph, John Carlson and Anthony Fasano.

Eifert looks like he’s better than all of them.

The 6’6’’, 251-pound redshirt junior has the size, athleticism and natural instincts to find holes in coverage, and he’s going to present some major matchup problems for NFL defenses.

One team that could have a big interest in Eifert if he decides to declare for the draft as expected is the San Diego Chargers.

The Chargers’ top two tight ends, Antonio Gates and Randy McMichael, are both over 32 years old, and it’s clear that they need to find a young playmaker at the position for the future.

With the 10th Pick, the Detroit Lions Select...

Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

Quick, name one of Detroit’s three starting linebackers.

If you couldn’t do it, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The Lions haven’t had a true star linebacker in years. The team’s current group of Justin Durant, Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy isn’t bad, but there isn’t a true standout among the trio.

The Lions could use a special player in their linebacker corps, which is why they would likely pounce on a prospect like Georgia’s Jarvis Jones if he’s available.

After a spectacular sophomore campaign in 2011, in which he led the SEC with 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, Jones has once again been one of the best defenders in college football. The 6’3’’, 241-pound junior has totaled 12.5 sacks, 77 total tackles—including 22.5 tackles for loss—19 quarterback hurries and he’s forced seven fumbles.

The explosive edge-rusher may be best suited for a 3-4 defense, but Jones could certainly flourish as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme like the one Detroit runs.

With the 11th Pick, the Buffalo Bills Select...

Mike Glennon, QB, NC State

As far as just pure potential and natural talent is concerned, you could make a case for Mike Glennon being the best quarterback prospect in the 2013 draft class. The problem is, he wasn’t exactly the model of consistency as a senior in 2012.

Glennon had about an equal number of great games as he had poor performances in his final season, but he still ended up throwing for over 3,600 yards and 30 touchdowns.

The 6’6’’ signal-caller has the prototypical size and arm strength that you look for in a potential franchise quarterback, which is why he could become one of the biggest risers during the offseason.

One team that could certainly have an interest in Glennon is the Buffalo Bills.

The Bills are obviously now regretting the big contract they gave to Ryan Fitzpatrick, as he’s done nothing to show that he’s the right quarterback to turn this team back in the right direction.

Although he may take a few years to settle in as a starter and get his feet under him, Glennon is the type of young quarterback that Buffalo could definitely build around for the future.

With the 12th Pick, the New York Jets Select...

C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

There are many different positions the Jets could choose to address in the first round of the 2013 draft. On offense, the team lacks a competent starting quarterback, a featured running back and a true No. 1 wide receiver. But I have a hunch the team will once again address its issues on the defensive side of the ball with its first pick.

There may not be a worse starting inside linebacker in the NFL right now than Bart Scott. The 32-year-old loudmouth is years past his prime, and at this point, he hurts the team much more than he helps it.

New York needs to find a replacement for Scott this offseason in order to solidify the middle of its defense. Fortunately, there’s a good chance that the Jets could have a shot to land Alabama’s C.J. Mosley, who is the best inside linebacker prospect after Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o.

Mosley has stepped up and become the undisputed leader of the Tide’s top-ranked defense this season. He’s put together an All-American campaign, totaling 99 tackles, including 61 solo stops, four sacks and two interceptions in 2012.

The athletic and instinctive 6’2’’, 232-pound junior would be a great fit in the middle of the Jets’ 3-4 defense next to David Harris.

With the 13th Pick, the New Orleans Saints Select...

John Jenkins, DT, Georgia

The Saints have the worst run defense in the NFL this season, and they’re the only team in the league that is giving up over five yards per carry.

Clearly, New Orleans could use some help up front on defense.

One tackle prospect who could certainly help to solve the team’s run-stopping woes is Georgia’s behemoth nose tackle John Jenkins.

Jenkins is an absolute mountain of a man, checking in at 6’3’’, 350-plus pounds.

Although he’s not the type of tackle that penetrates and makes a ton of impact plays behind the line of scrimmage, the former JUCO standout can clog up the middle of the field with his size and overpower blockers with his brute strength.

If Jenkins reaches his potential in the pros, he should end up having an NFL career similar to former Jaguars defensive tackle John Henderson.

With the 14th Pick, the St. Louis Rams Select...

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

St. Louis is going to be a team to watch out for in the coming years. But in order for Jeff Fisher and Sam Bradford to lead the Rams where they want to go, first, the team is going to have to solve its offensive line issues. 

The Rams have one of the worst front-fives in the league, and they need help at almost every single spot up front, especially at offensive tackle. 

One top tackle prospect who has the potential to come in and instantly become the featured player for St. Louis up front is Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews. 

Matthews, the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews and cousin of Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, clearly has the genes and DNA to play in the NFL. He’s also got quite a skill set, which he put on display against some of the SEC’s top defensive linemen this season. 

Just like every young offensive lineman that comes into the league, the 6’5’’, 305-pound junior still has to get stronger and continue to work on his fundamentals and footwork. However, Matthews clearly has all the tools to be a standout lineman in the NFL for a long time, just like his father. 

With the 15th Pick, the Miami Dolphins Select...

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

I’ve been surprised by successful Ryan Tannehill has been as a rookie down in Miami this season—not because I didn’t think Tannehill was talented, but rather because he has a really weak set of wide receivers.

When Brian Hartline and Davone Bess are your two top wide receivers, you know that you need some more help at the position. Miami will be on the lookout for a wide receiver early in the 2013 draft, and there’s a good chance the team will spend its first-round pick on a pass-catcher.

One of the most explosive playmakers that will be available is West Virginia’s Tavon Austin.

Austin doesn’t have the size you look for in a prototypical No. 1 receiving threat. But the 5’9’’, 173-pound senior makes up for his lack of height with his combination of game-changing speed, natural playmaking ability and his versatility.

The receiver/returner/runner is the type of well-rounded weapon that can add great value to a team like Miami in a variety of different ways.

Don’t worry, Dolphins fans, Austin is certainly no Ted Ginn.

With the 16th Pick, the Dallas Cowboys Select...

Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

One of the most interesting storylines that could pop up this offseason will be what the Dallas Cowboys choose to do with QB Tony Romo if they fail to make the playoffs for the third straight season.

Romo is 32 years old, and he’ll be looking for a new long-term contract after the season ends. But will the Cowboys chose to give him another deal if he fails to get them to the playoffs yet again?

What happens if Dallas owner Jerry Jones, a former Razorback, sees a quarterback like Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson available when the team is picking in the first round in the 2013 draft?

Wilson shares many of the same physical traits as Romo, but he’s 10 years younger and he doesn’t have the stench of failure surrounding his name.

While there’s no guarantee that the organization would give up on Romo if he doesn’t guide the team to the postseason this year, it will certainly be a hot topic of conversation in the offseason.

With the 17th Pick, the Tampa Bay Bucs Select...

Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

Tampa Bay traded away its most talented cornerback, Aqib Talib, back in early November. That means the team better find a young cornerback early in the 2013 draft, because the combo of Eric Wright and Leonard Johnson won’t cut it for the long haul.

Wright wasn’t worth the money the team gave him (no corner is in today’s NFL, with the exception of a healthy Darrelle Revis), and Johnson is still a rookie who lacks top-notch skills.

If the Bucs have the chance to land the best cornerback prospect in the 2013 class, Alabama’s Dee Milliner, with their first-round pick, they better send a card with Milliner’s name on it up to the commissioner in a flash.

The 6’1’’, 199-pound junior has put together an All-American campaign and developed into a secondary leader for the Tide in his first season as a full-time starter.

Milliner has the size, speed, toughness, instincts and recognition skills that you look for in a top cornerback prospect. Plus, he’s been taught by three of the best defensive minds in college football (Nick Saban, Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt), and he’s showcased his skills against some of the best offensive talent in the country.

With the 18th Pick, the Minnesota Vikings Select...

Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

Minnesota has one defensive tackle to build around in Letroy Guion, but the Vikings’ other starting tackle, Kevin Williams, will be 33 years old next season.

The front office has to consider adding some fresh blood to the rotation and finding a future replacement for the aging Williams.

That’s why Minnesota could take a chance on a standout talent with some question marks such as Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins.

Statistically speaking, Hankins hasn’t had the type of 2012 campaign that many were expecting following his breakout sophomore season, in which he totaled 31 solo tackles and 10 tackles for loss. However, the 6’6’’, 335-pound junior still showed the type of flashes of a prospect that warrants a top-20 pick.

With the 19th Pick, the Cincinnati Bengals Select...

Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

Cincinnati’s defensive success is based largely around a pass rush that ranks No. 1 in the NFL, having racked up a league-leading 39 sacks this season. The problem is, Michael Johnson, Robert Geathers and Wallace Gilberry have combined to total 15 of those sacks, and all three of them could leave this offseason in free agency.

If the Bengals lose Johnson and either Geathers or Gilberry, they would be wise to turn to the first round of the 2013 draft to find a starting-caliber end to pair with Carlos Dunlap for the future.

One of the best pass-rushers that will be available is Oregon’s Dion Jordan.

Jordan is a highly athletic former tight end who is still learning how to handle being on the defensive side of the ball. But his size-speed-strength combination certainly is eye-catching.

The 6’7’’, 243-pound senior needs to add some bulk. But once he does, Jordan’s going to be a monster edge-rusher at the next level.

With the 20th Pick, the St. Louis Rams (From Washington) Select...

DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

St. Louis has plenty of quality complementary receivers currently on its roster. However, the Rams lack a true No. 1 target for QB Sam Bradford.

Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins can be that go-to receiver for Bradford.

Hopkins displayed outstanding natural ability and playmaking instincts this season, as he created big play after big play all season long. The 6’2’’, 205-pound junior finished the season with 69 catches for 1,214 yards and 16 touchdowns, and he proved to be a more reliable option than his more heralded teammate Sammy Watkins.

He’s a slightly less physically intimidating, yet still equally as dangerous, version of Julio Jones.

With the 21st Pick, the Seattle Seahawks Select...

Keenan Allen, WR, California

Another team that has plenty of No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, but no real No. 1 wideout, is St. Louis’ NFC West division foe the Seattle Seahawks.

Golden Tate and Sidney Rice are both solid, but neither scares opposing defenses in the way that a Calvin Johnson or an Andre Johnson-type of star receiver would.

One college receiver who could one day develop into an Andre Calvin-type of threat is Cal’s Keenan Allen.

The 6’3’’, 210-pound junior may not have the fastest deep speed of any wideout in the 2013 class. However, he’s a fantastic playmaker who has the rare size-speed combination to strike fear in the hearts of opposing secondaries every time he lines up.

Allen would likely instantly develop a special chemistry with emerging star rookie quarterback Russell Wilson that could last for years.

With the 22nd Pick, the Indianapolis Colts Select...

Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

Indianapolis has to worry about plenty of holes on defense. But first and foremost, the team has to focus on surrounding budding star rookie quarterback Andrew Luck with the necessary pieces he needs to consistently perform at his best.

That of course starts with keeping Luck healthy and upright, which is why the Colts have to give him more help up front.

Alabama’s Chance Warmack is the type of big, bruising offensive guard that Luck needs for protection.

Warmack is a 6’3’’, 320-pound senior who possesses an intriguing combination of size, agility and raw power. Plus, he’s shown that he can handle some of college football’s top defensive tackles in pass protection as well.

With the 23rd Pick, the New York Giants Select...

Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

It’s been surprising that the Giants have won two Super Bowls in the last five years, considering how weak their offensive line has been during the Tom Coughlin era.

Chris Snee and David Baas are strong inside, but the team’s tackles are marginal, and they both could certainly be upgraded.

One talented tackle prospect who would look great in a Giants uniform is Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher.

Fisher has completely overwhelmed the weaker competition he’s faced in the MAC during his three years as a starter for the Chippewas.

The 6’8’’, 305-pound senior is the type of big, strong and athletic left tackle that New York needs for the future.

With the 24th Pick, the Baltimore Ravens Select...

Barkevious Mingo, DE/LB, LSU

The foundation of Baltimore’s defensive success is no longer Ray Lewis or Ed Reed, it’s Terrell Suggs and the team’s pass rush. When Suggs and his fellow outside edge-rushers can get consistent heat on quarterbacks, the Ravens defense thrives. But when they can’t, things can get messy.

That’s why the team has to think about adding another young 3-4 rush linebacker to groom behind the 30-year-old Suggs to go along with Courtney Upshaw—especially if soon-to-be free agent Paul Kruger leaves after this season.

One top edge-rusher prospect who would be a perfect fit for Baltimore’s defense is LSU’s Barkevious Mingo.

Mingo hasn’t had the type of junior campaign that many were expecting from him after a sensational sophomore season last year. But his down-the-line potential is simply undeniable.

The 6’5’’, 240-pound junior is a gifted athlete who can burst upfield and blow by tackles that aren’t ready for his rare speed off the edge.  

With the 25th Pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers Select...

Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame

Pittsburgh’s defense is starting to get very old in some very important places. One of those places is nose tackle, where Casey Hampton is 35 and in the last year of his contract.

You don’t have to be a doctor to know that 35-year-old, 325-pound athletes don’t exactly have the most reliable bodies. That’s why the Steelers will probably be on the lookout for Hampton’s replacement in the offseason instead of re-signing him.

Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix is the type of prospect that would fit in perfectly in the middle of Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Nix has let teammate Manti Te’o soak up the spotlight this season while he’s done all the dirty work for the Notre Dame defense.

The 6’3’’, 320-plus-pound redshirt sophomore is a big reason why the Irish rank No. 4 in the nation in rushing defense this season.

Nix is a big, powerful and tough-minded nose tackle who has no problem causing chaos in the interior and freeing up his teammates to make big plays.

If he reaches his full potential in the pros, Nix could be the next Vince Wilfork.

With the 26th Pick, the Chicago Bears Select...

Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia 

Even though LB Brian Urlacher is half the player he once was and is likely closing in on the end of his career, Chicago has yet to find a suitable replacement who it can stick in the middle of the defense once the 34-year-old veteran finally does call it quits.

Spending a 2013 first-round draft pick on a top young inside linebacker who can one day assume a defensive leadership role certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Bears.

One top prospect that would be an absolutely great fit for the Bears defense is Georgia LB Alec Ogletree. 

Ogletree is one of the fastest and most athletic linebackers in college football, and he’s a perfect fit for a Cover 2 defense.

The 6’3’’, 232-pound junior has completely dominated since returning from a four-game suspension. He finished the regular season as the team’s leading tackler with 98 total stops in just nine games of action.

With the 27th Pick, the Atlanta Falcons Select...

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

BYU’s Ziggy Ansah is this year’s freakishly athletic pass-rushing prospect that everyone’s going to spend the entire offseason talking about.

Ansah, a native of Ghana, was originally a track athlete for the Cougars before deciding to give football a try as a sophomore. After a rather quiet start to his career, the 6’6’’, 270-pound senior finally put it all together and learned how to make the most of his abilities this season, racking up 4.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and six quarterback hurries.

Although he’s still extremely raw at this stage in his development, scouts will become enamored with Ansah’s star potential, just like they did with Bruce Irvin, Aldon Smith and Jason Pierre-Paul.

One team that could take a chance on the raw, yet gifted athletic phenom in the first round is the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons need to find a long-term replacement for 34-year-old defensive end John Abraham, and Ansah could certainly be groomed for that role.

With the 28th Pick, the Houston Texans Select...

Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

Houston has one of the deepest and most talented defensive front sevens in the NFL. But what the Texans lack is a true standout nose tackle in the middle of the field. Shaun Cody is serviceable, but he’s in the last year of his contract, and the team could likely find a better—not to mention younger (Cody will be 30 next season)—nose tackle in the 2013 draft.

Alabama’s Jesse Williams is definitely a player that Houston scouts have been keeping a close eye on this season. The 6’4’’, 320-pound senior arrived in Tuscaloosa as a highly-touted JUCO prospect out of Arizona Western College in 2011. Since then, he’s been an integral piece of the Tide’s defense.

The Australian native is a former rugby player who not only possesses unbelievable raw power, he’s also incredibly agile and coordinated for an athlete his size.

Williams would be a valuable addition to an already talented Texans defense.

With the 29th Pick, the San Francisco 49ers Select...

Will Sutton, DT/DE, Arizona State

Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers have shown that they aren’t afraid to go against the grain in the first round of the NFL draft. Over the last two years, the team has picked two players, Aldon Smith and AJ Jenkins, higher than they were projected to go.

Smith has been a home run, but Jenkins is still very much a work in progress who has proven very little so far. It will be interesting to see if San Francisco takes a bit of a gamble in the 2013 draft and, if it does, if the bet ultimately pays off.

The 49ers are getting old up front on defense. DE Justin Smith is 33, while NT Isaac Sopoaga is 31 and about to hit free agency. It would definitely help if the team could add some fresh blood to such a pivotal unit.

Arizona State’s athletic tackle-end tweener Will Sutton could be just what San Francisco is looking for.

This season, Sutton was one of the biggest breakout stars in the Pac-12.  The undersized 6’1’’, 267-pound junior totaled 58 tackles, including 37 solo stops, 9.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.

With the 30th Pick, the New England Patriots Select...

Phillip Thomas, SS, Fresno State

The Patriots may have traded for CB Aqib Talib at midseason, but their secondary still needs major work—especially at safety, where converted corner Devin McCourty and Steve Gregory are the current starters.

If you want an early bet on who New England will take in the first round of the 2013 draft, then look no further than Fresno State strong safety Phillip Thomas.

Thomas was the most impressive defensive back in college football this season. The 6’1’’, 215-pound senior earned All-American honors after racking up 82 total tackles—including 64 solo stops and four sacks—picking off eight passes, returning three for touchdowns and forcing three fumbles.

Just as former Bulldog Logan Mankins caught Bill Belichick’s eye in the 2005 draft, Thomas will catch his eye this time around.

Rutgers CB Logan Ryan is another top defensive back prospect that Belichick will also likely take an interest in.

With the 31st Pick, the Green Bay Packers Select...

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

Giovani Bernard could end up as a top-10 pick or as a second-rounder, and neither would surprise me. It’s all going to depend on which team wants to go against the thought of “you shouldn’t take running backs in the first round.”

Bernard is clearly a top-15 talent. The question is, which team’s going to buck the trend and take him where he deserves to go?

Green Bay is one team that would likely love to see the supremely talented sophomore drop into the latter half of Round 1.

The Packers do not have a true featured back on their roster, and it shows—they’re averaging just 3.9 yards per carry this season.

So what if he’s 5’10’’, 205 pounds? Bernard has the combination of field-stretching speed, natural rushing instincts, receiving skills and overall playmaking ability that you just don’t see very often in a collegiate back.

He would come in and instantly change the complexion of the Green Bay offense.

With the 32nd Pick, the Denver Broncos Select...

Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Denver has the pieces in place to make a run at a Super Bowl this season. But when you look over the Broncos’ roster, there are definitely areas that need to be addressed for the future.

One of them is at cornerback, where Champ Bailey is in the twilight of his career and there is no clear No. 1 corner among the group.

The Broncos will likely select a cornerback early in the 2013 draft. If they choose to take one in the first round, one cornerback prospect that they would probably love to snatch up is Mississippi State’s Johnthan Banks.

Banks is a tall, lean and athletic corner in the mold of Jacksonville's Derek Cox.

The 6’2’’, 185-pound senior has the size, speed, coverage awareness and ball skills to develop into a valuable starter for Denver’s secondary right away as a rookie.

The Top Quarterback Prospects

West Virginia's Geno Smith will go into the offseason as the No. 1 quarterback prospect. But Arkansas' Tyler Wilson and NC State's Mike Glennon will have the opportunity to unseat him during workouts.

Both Wilson and Glennon have the talent to be top-15 picks. But their inconsistencies in 2012 definitely concerned scouts, though you can also say the same for Smith as well.  

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Geno Smith, West Virginia: He threw 40 TDs, but the September star faded against tough teams. 

2. Mike Glennon, NC State: Biggest arm in the draft, but he was too inconsistent as a senior.  

3. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas: Shouldn't have stayed, but it's hard to put the blame on him. 

4. David Fales, San Jose State: Best underclassmen quarterback of 2012. 

5. Tyler Bray, Tennessee: Maturity issues are concerning. His size and arm strength aren't.  

6. Aaron Murray, Georgia: 6’1’’ version of Matt Ryan. 

7. Matt Barkley, USC: Exposed in 2012. Great leader with marginal arm talent. 

8. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Somewhere between Matt Schaub and Matt Cassel.  

9. EJ Manuel, Florida State: Arguably the best physical tools in the class, but he’s still too spotty. 

10. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse: Let the climb begin. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Geno Smith, West Virginia
2. Mike Glennon, NC State
3. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
4. Matt Barkley, USC
5. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
6. EJ Manuel, Florida State
7. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
8. Matt Scott, Arizona
9. Collin Klein, Kansas State
10. Zac Dysert, Miami (Ohio)
11. Colby Cameron, Louisiana Tech
12. Sean Renfree, Duke
13. Brad Sorensen, Southern Utah
14. Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt
15. Seth Doege, Texas Tech

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. David Fales, San Jose State
2. Tyler Bray, Tennessee
3. Aaron Murray, Georgia
4. Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
5. AJ McCarron, Alabama
6. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
7. Tajh Boyd, Clemson
8. Derek Carr, Fresno State
9. Bryn Renner, North Carolina
10. Keith Price, Washington

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Brett Hundley, UCLA
2. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
3. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
4. Braxton Miller, Ohio State
5. Marcus Mariota, Oregon

The Top Running Back Prospects

There is no sure first-round RB in the 2013 draft class just yet. But running back-needy teams will definitely have a good variety of talented backs to choose from. 

North Carolina's Giovani Bernard possesses the most star potential, but his lack of size could scare some teams away early in the draft. Luckily, there will be enough power backs available to balance things out.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina: Led the nation with 171 yards from scrimmage per game.  

2. Eddie Lacy, Alabama: Doesn’t have a second gear, but he doesn’t need one. He’s pure power. 

3. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State: Effective runner/receiver who totaled over 1,500 yards. 

4. Andre Ellington, Clemson: Stronger and tougher version of Chris Johnson.  

5. Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State: He could end up being what we thought Beanie Wells would be. 

6. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA: Played a huge role in UCLA's surprising success. 

7. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina: Hopefully, he's not the next Marcus Dupree. 

8. Montee Ball, Wisconsin: Plenty of supporters and plenty of critics.  

9. Jawan Jamison, Rutgers: Not quite as thunderous or explosive as Ray Rice, but close. 

10. Cierre Wood, Notre Dame: Keep an eye on No. 20 in the BCS title game.  

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Andre Ellington, Clemson
2. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
3. Montee Ball, Wisconsin
4. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
5. Mike Gillislee, Florida
6. Kenjon Barner, Oregon
7. (QB) Denard Robinson, Michigan
8. Ray Graham, Pittsburgh
9. Kerwynn Williams, Utah State
10. D.J. Harper, Boise State
11. Dennis Johnson, Arkansas
12. Rex Burkhead, Nebraska
13. Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt
14. Theo Riddick, Notre Dame
15. Zach Line, SMU  

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Giovani Bernard, North Carolina
2. Eddie Lacy, Alabama
3. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State
4. Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State
5. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
6. Jawan Jamison, Rutgers
7. Cierre Wood, Notre Dame
8. Damien Williams, Oklahoma
9. Stefphon Jefferson, Nevada
10. John Hubert, Kansas State 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama
2. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona
3. James Wilder, Florida State
4. Todd Gurley, Georgia
5. Duke Johnson, Miami

The Top Wide Receiver Prospects

It definitely wouldn't be shocking if no receivers are taken in the top 10 in 2013. But it also wouldn't be shocking if we see at least five receivers come off the board between picks Nos. 11 and 32. 

Tavon Austin is the most dynamic playmaker in the group. But Keenan Allen and DeAndre Hopkins have the higher ceilings just based on their size. 

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Tavon Austin, West Virginia: A Wes Welker/Percy Harvin hybrid.  

2. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson: Hopkins was the best receiver in the ACC. 

3. Keenan Allen, Cal: If he had a quality QB, he would probably be a top-10 pick. 

4. Stedman Bailey, West Virginia: 106 catches and 23 TDs. Ultra-productive. 

5. Robert Woods, USC: 2011 star was relegated to the back burner in 2012. 

6. Terrance Williams, Baylor: Better prospect than former Bear Kendall Wright. 

7. Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech: His numbers may be inflated, but his speed isn’t. 

8. Markus Wheaton, Oregon State: Fastest receiver in the country. He had 88 catches and 11 TDs. 

9. Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech: Biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the class. 

10. Justin Hunter, Tennessee: Great ability and size, but he has to stop the drops. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Tavon Austin, West Virginia
2. Terrance Williams, Baylor
3. Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech
4. Markus Wheaton, Oregon State
5. Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas
6. Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
7. Aaron Dobson, Marshall
8. Conner Vernon, Duke
9. Aaron Mellette, Elon
10. Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech
11. Rodney Smith, Florida State
12. Dan Buckner, Arizona
13. Tavarres King, Georgia
14. Corey Fuller, Virginia Tech
15. Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
2. Keenan Allen, California
3. Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
4. Robert Woods, USC
5. Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
6. Justin Hunter, Tennessee
7. Josh Boyce, TCU
8. Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
9. Cody Hoffman, BYU
10. Ace Sanders, South Carolina 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Marqise Lee, USC
2. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
3. (RB) De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon
4. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
5. Stefon Diggs, Maryland

The Top Tight End Prospects

Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert is the clear top tight end in the 2013 draft class. But other top prospects like Zach Ertz, Gavin Escobar and Jordan Reed are the type of receiving tight ends that teams are looking for in today's NFL. 

Eifert may end up being the only first-round pick, but there will definitely be value to be had on Day 2 of the draft.  

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame: Best TE prospect since Vernon Davis.  

2. Zach Ertz, Stanford: Cardinal's MVP led all TEs with 66 catches. 

3. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State: Underrated sleeper who will rise if he comes out. 

4. Jordan Reed, Florida: The Aaron Hernandez comparisons are apt.  

5. Dion Sims, Michigan State: Moves unbelievably well for a 6'5'', 285-pound TE.  

6. Levine Toilolo, Stanford: Was overshadowed by Ertz, but he still made plenty of plays. 

7. Ryan Otten San Jose State: Has 96 catches in past two seasons. 

8. Zach Sudfeld, Nevada: 6’7’’, 255-pound senior who has the size and speed scouts covet. 

9. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa: His team’s struggles dragged him down.  

10. Ryan Griffin, Connecticut: He always played hard and got the job done for a mediocre team. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Ryan Otten, San Jose State
2. Zach Sudfeld, Nevada
3. Ryan Griffin, Connecticut
4. Joseph Fauria, UCLA
5. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State
6. Chris Gragg, Arkansas
7. Michael Williams, Alabama
8. Brandon Ford, Clemson
9. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn
10. (QB) MarQueis Gray, Minnesota
11. Travis Kelce, Cincinnati
12. Kyler Reed, Nebraska
13. Vance McDonald, Rice
14. D.C. Jefferson, Rutgers
15. Jack Doyle, Western Kentucky 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
2. Zach Ertz, Stanford
3. Gavin Escobar, San Diego State
4. Jordan Reed, Florida
5. Dion Sims, Michigan State
6. Levine Toilolo, Stanford
7. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa
8. Jake McGee, Virginia
9. Arthur Lynch, Georgia
10. Blake Jackson, Oklahoma State 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Eric Ebron, North Carolina
2. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
3. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
4. Nick O’Leary, Florida State
5. Colt Lyerla, Oregon

The Top Offensive Tackle Prospects

There are three offensive tackles—Luke Joeckel, Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews—who could be selected in the top 10 of the 2013 draft. Joeckel is the best of the group, but Lewan and Matthews are good enough to earn the franchise tackle label as well. 

Eric Fisher is also going to become a hot commodity as April approaches.  

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M: Elite franchise tackle prospect with top-five talent.  

2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan: A huge tackle who is incredibly agile for his size.  

3. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M: The son of Bruce Matthews could be as good as his father.  

4. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan: Could be better than former Chippewa Joe Staley.

5. D.J. Fluker, Alabama: Powerful run-blocker who lacks skills to be a standout pass-blocker.

6. Oday Aboushi, Virginia: He has the size and strength, but his technique needs tweaking.

7. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma: One of Oklahoma’s key offensive leaders in 2012.

8. Brian Winters, Kent State: A very aggressive tackle who loves to mix it up.

9. Kyle Long, Oregon: Howie Long’s son opened up some huge holes in 2012.

10. Luke Marquardt, Azusa Pacific: 6’9’’, 320-pound small-school prospect with huge upside. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
2. Oday Aboushi, Virginia
3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma 
4. Brian Winters, Kent State
5. Kyle Long, Oregon
6. Luke Marquardt, Azusa Pacific 
7. Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin
8. LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech
9.  Brennan Williams, North Carolina
10. Matt Summers-Gavin, California
11. Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas
12. Oscar Johnson, Louisiana Tech
13. John Wetzel, Boston College
14. Mark Jackson, Glenville State
15. Braden Brown, BYU 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan
3. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama
5. Justin Pugh, Syracuse
6. David Yankey, Stanford
7. Morgan Moses, Virginia
8. James Hurst, North Carolina
9. Zack Martin, Notre Dame
10. David Bakhtiari, Colorado 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama
2. Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
3. Tyler Johnstone, Oregon
4. John Theus, Georgia
5. Aundrey Walker, USC

The Top Interior Lineman Prospects

There are a lot more great guards than there are great centers in this year's draft.

Alabama's Chance Warmack will be the highest-rated guard in the 2013 class, but prospects like Jonathan Cooper, Dallas Thomas and Barrett Jones will all be in the first-round conversation as well. 

USC's Khaled Holmes is the best prospect of a rather ho-hum senior center crop.  

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Chance Warmack, Alabama: The next Ben Grubbs.  

2. Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina: Could be a better version of Davin Joseph.   

3. Dallas Thomas, Tennessee: Tackle-guard tweener who will likely end up inside.  

4. Barrett Jones, Alabama: Not the greatest physical skills, but he’s tough, smart and versatile.

5. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State: Could be next year’s Chance Warmack if he comes back.

6. Larry Warford, Kentucky: Great lineman on a terrible team.

7. Cyril Richardson, Baylor: 6’5’’, 335-pound junior moves like a tackle, blocks like a guard.

8. Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech: A three-year starter who has gotten better each season.

9. Hugh Thornton, Illinois: Will have a similar rise as former teammate Jeff Allen.

10. Khaled Holmes, USC: Linchpin of the Trojans offensive line. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Chance Warmack, Alabama
2. Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
3. Dallas Thomas, Tennessee
4. Barrett Jones, Alabama
5. Larry Warford, Kentucky
6. Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
7. Hugh Thornton, Illinois
8. Khaled Holmes, USC
9. Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
10. Jeff Baca, UCLA
11. Mario Benavides, Louisville
12. Braden Hansen, BYU
13. Earl Watford, James Madison
14. Travis Bond, North Carolina
15. Chris Barker, Nevada 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
2. Cyril Richardson, Baylor
3. Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
4. Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
5. Alvin Bailey, Arkansas
6. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern
7. Spencer Long, Nebraska
8. Jonotthan Harrison, Florida
9. Chris Burnette, Georgia
10. Andrew Norwell, Ohio State 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Marcus Martin, USC
2. Evan Boehm, Missouri
3. La’el Collins, LSU
4. Josue Matias, Florida State
5. Jack Allen, Michigan State

The Top Defensive Tackle Prospects

We could possibly see seven defensive tackles selected in the first round, depending on who comes out and how early in Round 1 the run on tackles actually begins. 

At this point, Sheldon Richardson, Star Lotulelei, John Jenkins, Johnathan Hankins, Louis Nix, Jesse Williams and Will Sutton look like the players who have the best chance to be first-round picks.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri: Starting to look a lot like this year’s Marcell Dareus.

2. Star Lotulelei, Utah: Shares same physical qualities as Haloti Ngata. 

3. John Jenkins, Georgia: Massive monster middle man.  

4. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State: Has a questionable motor, but also a high ceiling.  

5. Louis Nix, Notre Dame: Played as big of a role in the defense’s success as Manti Te’o.  

6. Jesse Williams, Alabama: Former rugby player who possesses tremendous agility. 

7. Will Sutton, Arizona State: Stock’s soaring after big year—9.5 sacks and 58 tackles. 

8. Kawann Short, Purdue: Followed up a breakout junior campaign with a solid senior outing. 

9. Sharrif Floyd, Florida: Athletic 6'3'', 303-pound junior who can cause havoc.  

10. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: Not flashy, but his presence inside is invaluable.  

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Star Lotulelei, Utah
2. John Jenkins, Georgia
3. Jesse Williams, Alabama
4. Kawann Short, Purdue
5. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina
6. Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern
7. Jordan Hill, Penn State
8. Everett Dawkins, Florida State
9. Jamarkus McFarland, Oklahoma
10. Chris Jones, Bowling Green
11. Josh Boyd, Mississippi State
12. Cory Grissom, South Florida
13. Aaron Tipoti, California
14. Quinton Dial, Alabama
15. Scott Vallone, Rutgers 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
2. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State
3. Louis Nix, Notre Dame
4. Will Sutton, Arizona State
5. Sharrif Floyd, Florida
6. Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota
7. Bennie Logan, LSU
8. Akeem Spence, Illinois
9. Dominique Easley, Florida
10. Kerry Hyder, Texas Tech 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Anthony Johnson, LSU
2. Tim Jernigan, Florida State
3. Leonard Williams, USC
4. Danny Shelton, Washington
5. Elkino Watson, South Florida

The Top Defensive End Prospects

This will likely end up being the deepest position in the entire 2013 draft. 

If many of the top underclassmen decide to declare as expected, this could be the best group of pass-rushing prospects that we've seen since the turn of the millennium. 

Damontre Moore was the most impressive defensive end this season. But there were plenty of other great performances as well.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Damontre Moore, Texas A&M: Makes up for lack of size with explosive burst. 

2. Bjoern Werner, Florida State: He plays the game like an assassin on a mission.  

3. Dion Jordan, Oregon: The 6’7’’, 243-pound senior is Oregon’s best NFL prospect. 

4. Barkevious Mingo, LSU: Kamerion Wimbley lookalike will be drafted on potential, not production. 

5. Ziggy Ansah, BYU: This year’s physical freak. Ridiculously raw, but huge upside. 

6. Sam Montgomery, LSU: Tiger defensive linemen have been hit or miss in NFL. He’ll be a hit.

7. Datone Jones, UCLA: A powerful pass-rusher who loves to get physical.

8. Alex Okafor, Texas: Most consistent Texas defender in 2012, with eight sacks and 53 tackles.

9. Scott Crichton, Oregon State: Has racked up 15 sacks in his first two seasons.

10. Margus Hunt, SMU: World-class athlete who still has a lot of work to do.

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Dion Jordan, Oregon
2. Ziggy Ansah, BYU
3. Datone Jones, UCLA
4. Alex Okafor, Texas
5. Margus Hunt, SMU
6. Michael Buchanan, Illinois
7. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
8. Tank Carradine, Florida State
9. John Simon, Ohio State
10. Kapron Lewis-Moore, Notre Dame
11. Malliciah Goodman, Clemson
12. Sean Progar, Northern Illinois
13. Lavar Edwards, LSU
14. Devin Taylor, South Carolina
15. Quanterus Smith, Western Kentucky

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
2. Bjoern Werner, Florida State
3. Barkevious Mingo, LSU
4. Sam Montgomery, LSU
5. Scott Crichton, Oregon State
6. Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas
7. William Gholston, Michigan State
8. Corey Lemonier, Auburn
9. Morgan Breslin, USC
10. Kareem Martin, North Carolina

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
2. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
3. Devonte Fields, TCU
4. Anthony Chickillo, Miami
5. Trey Flowers, Arkansas

The Top Linebacker Prospects

Manti Te'o may have been the most talked-about linebacker in college football this season, but he certainly isn't the only one that has first-round potential. 

Jarvis Jones, C.J. Mosley and Alec Ogletree could all be picked in Round 1 if they decide to declare for the 2013 draft. Seniors like Khaseem Greene and Chase Thomas are also linebackers to watch out for.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Manti Te’o, Notre Dame: A natural defensive leader. 

2. Jarvis Jones, Georgia: Built like Philip Wheeler, but he plays like Clay Matthews. 

3. C.J. Mosley, Alabama: Lawrence Timmons 2.0. Great combination of instincts and speed. 

4. Alec Ogletree, Georgia: Already faster than most NFL linebackers.

5. Khaseem Greene, Rutgers: Perfectly-built to be a 4-3 weak-side ‘backer.

6. Chase Thomas, Stanford: Chase loves to chase down quarterbacks.

7. Kyle Van Noy, BYU: 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 2012.

8. Anthony Barr, UCLA: A breakout star who notched 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.

9. Arthur Brown, Kansas State: The Miami transfer revived his career in a big way at K-State.

10. Kevin Minter, LSU: The MVP of LSU’s defense—111 total tackles. 

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
2. Khaseem Greene, Rutgers
3. Chase Thomas, Stanford
4. Arthur Brown, Kansas State
5. Sean Porter, Texas A&M
6. (DE) Jamie Collins, Southern Miss
7. Kevin Reddick, North Carolina
8. (DE) Ty Powell, Harding
9. Shayne Skov, Stanford
10. Nico Johnson, Alabama
11. Gerald Hodges, Penn State
12. DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina
13. Michael Mauti, Penn State
14. Kiko Alonso, Oregon
15. Jake Knott, Iowa State 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Jarvis Jones, Georgia
2. C.J. Mosley, Alabama
3. Alec Ogletree, Georgia
4. Kyle Van Noy, BYU
5. Anthony Barr, UCLA
6. Kevin Minter, LSU
7. Jelani Jenkins, Florida
8. Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut
9. Max Bullough, Michigan State
10. Khalil Mack, Buffalo 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
2. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
3. Trey Depriest, Alabama
4. Stephone Anthony, Clemson
5. Isaiah Bruce, West Virginia

The Top Cornerback Prospects

Dee Milliner has risen up and assumed the title of top cornerback prospect for the 2013 drat. However, there are plenty of other cornerbacks that can come in and immediately help out an NFL secondary as rookies. 

Johnthan Banks, Logan Ryan, Desmond Trufant, Xavier Rhodes and Bradley Roby have all solidified their status as top-level talents.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama: He'd be the No. 1 corner on about 10 NFL defenses right now.  

2. Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State: Can read a QB like a book. 

3. Logan Ryan, Rutgers: Had four picks and 14 pass breakups in 2012. 

4. Desmond Trufant, Washington: Marcus Trufant’s little brother will open eyes during workouts.  

5. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State: Amazing athlete with questionable cover skills. 

6. Bradley Roby, Ohio State: Didn't get anywhere near the publicity he deserved this season. 

7. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State: Explosive athlete who lacks polish as a CB. 

8. Leon McFadden, San Diego State: Senior has the skills to be a starter from day one.  

9. Robert Alford, Southeastern Louisiana: This year’s “It” small-school corner. 

10. Jordan Poyer, Oregon State: Not an elite athlete, but he knows how to make plays.  

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
2. Desmond Trufant, Washington
3. Leon McFadden, San Diego State
4. Robert Alford, Southeastern Louisiana
5. Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
6. Will Davis, Utah State
7. Terry Hawthorne, Illinois
8. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut
9. Jamar Taylor, Boise State
10. Johnny Adams, Michigan State
11. Micah Hyde, Iowa
12. Aaron Hester, UCLA
13. Nigel Malone, Kansas State
14. Josh Johnson, Purdue
15. B.W. Webb, William & Mary 

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Dee Milliner, Alabama
2. Logan Ryan, Rutgers
3. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State
4. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
5. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
6. Jason Verrett, TCU
7. Nickell Robey, USC
8. Tyrann Mathieu
9. Carrington Byndom, Texas
10. Marcus Williams, North Dakota State 

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Deshazor Everett, Texas A&M
2. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida
3. Quandre Diggs, Texas
4. Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia
5. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon

The Top Safety Prospects

Phillip Thomas was the most impressive safety in college football this season. But in terms of upside, Eric Reid and Tony Jefferson are two underclassmen that could end up being the best pros. 

Still, Thomas has to be considered the top safety going into the offseason considering the way he took over games as a senior in 2012.

The Top 10 Overall Prospects 

1. Phillip Thomas, Fresno State: Most impressive DB of 2012. Excellent prospect. 

2. Eric Reid, LSU: Has the size, athleticism and range, but he disappears at times. 

3. Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma: Fast, physical and explosive defensive playmaker.

4. Matt Elam, Florida: Plays the game with energy, passion and toughness. He fears no one.  

5. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas: Has solid skills, but he gets beat for too many big plays.

6. Duke Williams, Nevada: Forceful, powerful and intimidating hitter.

7. David Amerson, NC State: Big, athletic corner who is better suited to be a safety.

8. T.J. McDonald, USC: He has the talent, he just didn’t show it all as a senior.

9. Shawn Williams, Georgia: A ball-hawking safety who finished with 87 tackles.

10. D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina: The next Major Wright.

The Top 15 Seniors

1. Phillip Thomas, Fresno State
2. Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
3. Duke Williams, Nevada
4. T.J. McDonald, USC
5. Shawn Williams, Georgia
6. D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina
7. Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
8. Robert Lester, Alabama
9. Zeke Motta, Notre Dame
10. Kemal Ishmael, Central Florida
11. Daimion Stafford, Nebraska
12. Jonathan Cyprien, FIU
13. Josh Evans, Florida
14. John Boyett, Oregon
15. Brandon Bishop, NC State

The Top 10 Eligible Underclassmen

1. Eric Reid, LSU
2. Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
3. Matt Elam, Florida
4. (CB) David Amerson, NC State
5. Ed Reynolds, Stanford
6. C.J. Barnett, Ohio State
7. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
8. Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State
9. Tevin McDonald, UCLA
10. Tre Boston, North Carolina

Future Watch: The Top 5 Non-Eligible Prospects

1. Shaq Thompson, Washington
2. Tra’Mayne Bondurant, Arizona
3. Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama
4. Karlos Williams, Florida State
5. HaSean Clinton-Dix, Alabama

The Top 10 Senior Kickers

1. Dustin Hopkins, Florida State

2. Brett Maher, Nebraska

3. Zach Brown, Portland State

4. Brett Baer, Louisiana-Lafayette

5. Dan Conroy, Michigan State

6. Caleb Sturgis, Florida

7. Brandon McManus, Temple

8. Casey Barth, North Carolina

9. Anthony Cantele, Kansas State

10. Matt Nelson, Louisiana Tech

The Top 10 Senior Punters

1. Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State

2. Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech

3. Jeff Locke, UCLA

4. Dylan Breeding, Arkansas

5. Bobby Cowan, Idaho

6. Jackson Rice, Oregon

7. Tress Way, Oklahoma

8. Ian Campbell, UTEP

9. Richard Kent, Vanderbilt

10. Josh Hubner, Arizona State