Top Senior Prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft

The 2010 NFL Draft lacked the star power of previous years due to a dearth of offensive playmakers and a tremendous defensive class. Coming off shoulder surgery, QB Sam Bradford was the least hyped No. 1 overall selection in recent memory and the running back and wide receiver classes were more good than great.

How does the 2011 senior class stack up? 

NFLDraft101's Top 10 Senior Prospects.

1. Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa (6'3, 282 lbs)

One of the nation's most dominating defensive linemen in 2010, Clayborn will look to build on that success in 2011. Has the all-around talent to be the premier defensive end in the country this season. Possesses a tremendous motor and is a force against the run and pass.   Has good bulk but his lack of ideal height will hurt him during the draft process. 

2. Greg Romeus, DE Pittsburgh (6'6, 270 lbs)

Ideal bulk and length for a pass rushing defensive end. Romeus has a quick first step and the burst off the edge. One of the best but least heralded pass rushers in college football. Needs to improve against the run.

3. Jake Locker, QB Washington (6'3, 226 lbs)

Athletic quarterback with all the tools. Made the conversion from athlete to quarterback in 2010 in UW's pro style offense. Needs to improve his accuracy (58 percent in 2010) if he expects to hold onto the number one spot in what could be a very deep quarterback class when you include underclassmen.

4. Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M

Nation's best pass rusher. His experience in the 3-4 makes will minimize concerns about his ability to convert to the position. Had 17 sacks in 2009 despite opposing offenses focused on shutting him down. Demonstrated he was more than just a pass rusher with 5 passes broken up in 2009.

5. Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio State (6'6, 286 lbs)

Ideal fit as a 3-4 defensive end or on the left side. Could also slide inside as a under tackle. Heyward has ideal size and measurables. Great athlete and excellent against the run. His ultimate draft slot could hinge on whether he develops as a pass rusher. 

6. Bruce Carter, OLB North Carolina (6'3, 230 lbs)

The athletic, playmaking weakside linebacker prospect the 2010 draft class lacked. Has great instincts and a nose for the football but could get lost amongst a talented front seven.

7. Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin (6'7, 315 lbs)

Has followed in the footsteps of Joe Thomas and has not disappointed. Great size and length. A tremendous run blocker who needs to prove he is an elite pass blocker.

8. Prince Amukumara, CB Nebraska (6'1, 200 lbs)

Big, athletic cornerback with tremendous ball skills and anticipation.  Has shut down corner potential but needs to prove he was not a product of the "Suh" system in 2009.

9. Ras-I Dowling, CB Virginia (6'2, 200 lbs)

Tremendous combination of size, athleticism and ball skills. A better player than teammate Chris Cook who was taken in the second round in 2010. Has all the tools you look for but needs to improve his technique and consistency to challenge for number one corner ranking.

10.  Marvin Austin, DT North Carolina (6'3, 305 lbs)

Tremendous athletic talent on the interior but needs to play with more consistency and dominate on a more regular basis.  Ranking is more about potential than production.

With the lack of seniors on the list here are three to keep an eye on: QB Jarrod Johnson (Texas A&M), RB Kendell Hunter (Oklahoma State), WR Armon Binns (Cincinnati).

While defensive players make up eight of the top 10 senior spots all is not lost as the underclass quarterback and wide receiver classes are tremendous including Ryan Mallett (Arkansas), Andrew Luck (Stanford), AJ Green (Georgia), Michael Floyd (Notre Dame), Julio Jones (Alabama) and Jonathan Baldwin (Pittsburgh).  At running back don't forget Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram (Alabama) and mighty mite Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)

Chris Maier is senior editor for nfldraft101.com. He can be reached at [e-mail] . Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101