2014 NFL Draft: Highlighting This Year's Most Pro-Ready Prospects

Just like every other year, the 2014 NFL draft is full of prospects with elite natural ability.  But many times, the majority of those players need a lot of time to refine their skills once in the league, and some just never reach their potential.

While there are tons of superior athletes in this year's class, there are a handful of NFL hopefuls who are built to make an immediate impact at the next level.  Whether it's their instincts and intangibles or their versatile skill sets, these are the 10 players in this year's draft who are the most ready to make a deep impact in the NFL from day one.

Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia

In a running back class that is full of solid options but lacking a true "top dog," Charles Sims stands out as one of the most balanced prospects in this year's draft.  

A transfer from Houston, Sims can do it all.  He's fast enough to turn the corner and make big plays but also has the balance, vision and agility to excel between the tackles.  He's an outstanding receiver out of the backfield and isn't afraid to mix it up as a blocker.

The backs in this class who contribute immediately will be the ones who can find a niche and do their job well.  Sims has the skill set to be able to help out as both a reliable runner and a third-down back, making him a prime candidate to make an early impact in his career.

Zack Martin, G/T, Notre Dame

One of the more versatile linemen in this year's draft, Zack Martin could make an instant impact at multiple positions in the NFL.  

After an impressive career with the Irish, Martin turned heads with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl.  He consistently frustrated top pass-rushers at tackle, while also proving that he could slide inside to guard and still be equally effective.

Martin has an extremely balanced skill set, offering both power and quickness, along with great technique.  Though his lack of prototypical length might force him inside, he should excel immediately regardless of the position at which he starts his NFL career.

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

The cousin of NFL legend Jerry Rice, Jordan Matthews is arguably the most complete package at receiver in this year's draft.  While he won't necessarily jump off the film with any particular physical trait, he has very few holes in his game.

Matthews is a polished route-runner with the combination of size and speed that could make him a No. 1 target at the next level.  His concentration and coordination when reeling the ball in are outstanding, though his lean frame could cause him to get out-muscled by more physical corners.

Matthews impressed scouts and coaches at the Senior Bowl with his insatiable work ethic.  He asked for film of the defensive backs he would face in advance and stayed late after practice to work with his quarterbacks.  Add that factor to an already refined skill set, and you have a recipe for a pro-ready NFL receiver.

Xavier Su'a-Filo, G, UCLA

Alex Gallardo

Between last year's draft class (two guards taken in the top 10) and some of the recent free-agent deals given to guards, the position is clearly increasing in value in the eyes of NFL teams.  Xavier Su'a-Filo could be the best this year's class has to offer at the position.

Though not as punishing of a run-blocker as Stanford's David Yankey, Su'a-Filo is the more balanced prospect.  He brings to the table both the strength and power to overwhelm defensive linemen as well as the quickness and athleticism to get to the second level and neutralize linebackers.

Su'a-Filo is the most polished interior lineman in this draft class, and his versatility in both the run and pass game is clear on film.  He could sneak into the first round and will make an NFL team very happy very quickly.

Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin

Much like Jordan Matthews, Jared Abbrederis is a player who won't "wow" you with freakish athletic ability or any elite traits, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.  The former walk-on was named to the All-Big Ten's first team after hauling in 78 passes for 1,081 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013.

Though he's a bit lean and lacking in natural athleticism, Abbrederis is a smooth route-runner who can create separation consistently despite his lack of straight-line speed.  He also has great body control when going after the ball in the air and always seems to get open.

He may not end up being a No. 1 receiver at the next level, but Abbrederis' game is as refined as that of any pass-catcher in this draft.  He'll be a solid contributor from day one.

Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Though he may not look the part, Aaron Donald was as dominant as any defensive lineman in college football last season.  The undersized but nearly unblockable Donald took home plenty of hardware, basically sweeping the defensive end-of-season awards.

Donald's best attribute is his explosiveness off the snap, which puts him in opponents' backfields with staggering frequency.  Donald uses his short frame to his advantage, consistently getting leverage on would-be blockers.  

Donald followed up his impressive 2013 season with a dominant performance during Senior Bowl week.  A perfect fit in a 4-3 scheme, Donald should wreak havoc immediately from the 3-technique spot.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

A freak natural athlete, Jadeveon Clowney has seemed destined for the NFL since his high school days and would likely have been the top overall pick in last year's draft.  Clowney is now permitted to make the jump, and he's ready to make his presence felt immediately.

Though there are questions about his work ethic and discipline, Clowney's athletic ability is at such a level that he will be able to make an instant impact as both a pass-rusher and a disruptive run defender.  He has the frame and skill set to play multiple positions in various schemes, making him an even more attractive prospect.

Clowney is already famous for his highlight-reel plays, and there's no reason to believe he won't have the same impact at the next level.  Though he probably needs the most refining out of anyone on this list, his overall natural talent will still allow him to make an immediate impact.

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Another prospect who could have been a high draft pick last year, Teddy Bridgewater gave scouts exactly what they expected with an impressive 2013 campaign.  Bridgewater was incredibly efficient in his junior season, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards along with 31 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

A well-respected leader, Bridgewater excelled in a pro-style offense at Louisville, where he was given plenty of freedom to make checks and adjustments at the line of scrimmage.  Bridgewater combines the competitive edge NFL teams want in their QBs with the poise and polish of a veteran.

Though Bridgewater didn't "wow" at his pro day, there's no denying his body of work and the intangibles he brings to the table.  He's easily the most pro-ready quarterback in this year's class.

C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama

The Butkus Award winner in 2013 as the nation's top linebacker, C.J. Mosley has been a versatile playmaker on one of the nation's best defenses.  A two-time first-team All-American, Mosley was a vital instrument on Alabama's back-to-back national championship teams.

Mosley's greatest strength is between his ears, as his combination of elite instincts and high football I.Q. make him a dominant presence.  The Mobile, Ala., native also has outstanding lateral quickness, making him effective from sideline to sideline.

A well-respected leader both on the field and in the locker room, Mosley is the type of player who will instantly improve any NFL team just by standing there.  Throw in his scheme versatility, and you have a player ready to make an instant impact.

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Boasting an impressive NFL pedigree, Jake Matthews is so pro-ready that he would have likely been drafted in the top 10 last year.  Instead, Matthews returned to College Station, Texas, for his senior season and refined his skill set even further.

The most polished tackle prospect in this year's class, Matthews has performed at an elite level at both left and right tackle in the nation's toughest conference.  Matthews' game is well-balanced, as he is equally efficient as both a pass protector and a run-blocker.

Whether it's at right or left tackle, Matthews should be a plug-and-play starter from the moment he steps onto the field in the NFL.