10 Most NFL-Ready Players in the ACC

The 2014 college football season hasn't quite started yet, so it's only logical that we take a look at what will be coming at least one season from now.  That's right, the 2015 NFL draft is sooner than you'd think and farther away than you'd like.

The ACC is full of NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball as seen by Florida State's run to the national title last year, but there's elite talent outside of Tallahassee as well.  

The players listed here will be eligible for next year's draft and have polished their games enough to make immediate impacts at the next level as well as have the potential to further develop into game changers.  Look for these names to rise on mock draft boards as the season progresses.

From Miami to the Carolinas to newcomer Louisville, here are the 10 most NFL-ready players in the ACC.

Miami RB Duke Johnson

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Johnson returns this year after a season-ending injury foiled his 2013 campaign when he averaged 6.3 yards per carry in eight games.  One can only hope his first step returns, as that separates him from other talented running backs in the conference.

The junior's speed will translate to the next level with only his durability as a three-down back remaining a question mark moving forward.  He'll also have to work on ball security if he hopes to be a primary back in the NFL.  The playmaker has been benched at Miami on multiple occasions due to red-zone fumbles.

Florida State CB P.J. Williams

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At 6'0" and 196 pounds, Williams has the size and playmaking ability to be an intimidating lock-down corner in the NFL.  As the picture above from the 2014 BCS National Championship Game shows, Williams can make the game-deciding play down the stretch.  He also returned a pick for a touchdown against Boston College earlier in the year.

Perhaps the junior's strongest quality is his ability to play both zone and man to man.  No matter what type of defense he's put in at the next level or what game plan gets drawn up, Williams will stay on the field and be a natural in any system.   

Miami LB Denzel Perryman

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Perryman is a bruiser at inside linebacker, but it's his vision and nose for the ball that will propel him to the NFL.  He recorded 108 tackles last year, 69 of which were solo tackles and five for loss.

At 245 pounds, he plays downhill toward the line well, but his greatest improvement this year will have to be his skills while dropping back into coverage.  Regardless of where Perryman is on the field, though, he hits hard.  When ACC ball-carriers hear footsteps this season, they'll hope it's not this guy.  

North Carolina LB Norkeithus Otis

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Otis is a wicked fast outside linebacker best suited for a 3-4 scheme on Sundays.  The senior will be more athletic and have a quicker first step than anyone he sees on the line during blitzes, so opposing quarterbacks will get to know him quite well.

In addition to his 8.5 sacks last year, Otis had 14 tackles for loss.  In other words, he has the closing speed to track down running backs behind the line and receivers downfield.  If there's a weakness, it's reading offenses before the play and getting caught out of position.  Improvement in that regard this year would make him one of the most complete linebackers in the draft.

North Carolina WR Quinshad Davis

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Of all the talented receivers in the ACC this year, Davis may have the most potential.  At 6'4" and 215 pounds, he is physical both off the line and in the air, not to mention fast enough to beat corners downfield.

Mechanics have kept Davis largely under the radar compared to other early-round wide receiver prospects, but his sheer athletic ability will keep any team in the NFL interested while he improves route running and high pointing the ball.

Don't be surprised if Davis gives the next player on the list a run for best wideout in the ACC. 

Louisville WR DeVante Parker

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If you're looking for the complete package in a wide receiver at the next level, DeVante Parker is it.  He has the size, speed and technique to play in the NFL now, so he should go quickly in next year's draft.

Last season, Parker had 55 receptions for 885 yards and 12 touchdowns.  He's a mismatch especially in the red zone because he high points the ball well and can take on physical corners handily.  Once his speed finds open space, he can also break tackles and get first downs with his legs. 

According to draftbreakdown.com's Jeremy Hyde, Parker is a first-round prospect: "Perhaps the most physically gifted receiver prospect in the 2014 senior class, Parker possesses the size, speed, and athletic talent to develop into a No. 1 receiver in the NFL."

He'll make an immediate impact on any roster and has the physical gifts to become one of the NFL's most dangerous red-zone threats.

Florida State DE Mario Edwards Jr.

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Edwards has raw talent for days.  He's quick for his 6'3", 294-pound frame, and he has the power to play in a 4-3 system, though a 3-4 would allow him to show off his athleticism more.

Yet the most impressive part about Edwards is that he's nowhere near his potential yet.  He needs a more explosive first step to be a game changer at the next level, and he has to become more disciplined with his mechanics.  

That's only nitpicking, though, because this Seminole could have more pure talent than any of his teammates, some of whom are even higher on this list.  

Clemson DE Vic Beasley

For the perfect combination of talent and mechanics at defensive end, look no further than Vic Beasley.  Since he is primarily a pass-rusher, he could be an outside linebacker in a 4-3 system in the NFL.

There's room for improvement, too, as Peter Smith of withthefirstpick.com describes:

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There are teams that could conceivably take that ability to rush the passer in the first round because of the value they hold that part of the game, but because he is a pass rush specialist, the amount of snaps he can contribute in are limited for the time being.  If Beasley can prove to teams he can be a three down player or at least give them reason enough to believe he can be, it will vault him extremely high in the draft.

"

Beasley should have ample time to prove his abilities this season, and his stock will only rise as his skill set widens. 

Florida State G Tre' Jackson

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Inside offensive guard Tre' Jackson is powerful in every way.  He is an immovable force in run blocking and a wall when it comes to protecting the passer.  At 6'4" and 339 pounds, he will anchor a line at the next level even early in his career.

As he develops, he'll need to work on his footwork, especially against quicker pass-rushers.  If Jackson can keep linemen in front of him and get his hands inside, there won't be any hope for opposing rushers.  

Florida State QB Jameis Winston

This guy will be at the top of just about every list this year, be that NFL talent or seafood connoisseurs.  The hype is justified too with his height and arm strength coupled with accuracy on both intermediate and long routes.

His late-game composure was questioned up until the national championship game, but his performance down the stretch thwarted those naysayers.  Perhaps Winston's biggest drawback is his desire to play both football and baseball professionally.  Given the responsibilities of an NFL quarterback in this day and age, that task may be nearly impossible.

But to quote the man himself, "If we goin' do it then, we do it big then!"

Still not exactly sure what that means, but if he can bring home another Heisman, national championship and subsequent first overall pick in next year's draft, I think everyone at Florida State will put a smile on their faces.