2011 NFL Draft: Top Player at Each Position

The NFL draft isn't for several months, but it is never too early to evaluate talent.  Here are the top players at each eligible position.  Some have a consensus pick, while others are less obvious.  All these players have one thing in common: potential to be great. 

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal throws a pass against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona.The Cardinal won 17-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Jake Locker was once considered a top prospect.  With the success of Luck, and the struggles of Locker, it seems things have changed.  Luck has shown great leadership, accuracy, decision-making, and athleticism.  Luck is only a redshirt sophomore, but has a good shot at being the top pick, and I don't see him risking a fall like Locker's.  

Running Back: Mark Ingram, Alabama

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the SEC game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Mark Ingram is a good prospect.  He just does everything well.  He is quick, patient, and powerful.  He concerns me a bit because he might just be an amazing college back who doesn't fit as well into the pros. Winning the Heisman certainly doesn't guarantee pro success. However, there is no other back that can really challenge him for the top spot at this point.  

Wide Receiver: A.J Green, Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs pulls in this touchdown reception against Demond Washington #14 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A.J Green is the undisputed top receiver in this class. He is tall (6'4") with a thick build, good speed, and amazing play-making ability.  He beats out Julio Jones, another top prospect, with his more consistent hands.

Tight End: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 03: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs after making a catch against the Washington Huskies on October 3, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Washington 37-30 in overtime. (Pho

There are not very many highly-ranked tight ends who are eligible.  Rudolph is usually considered the top of this weak class. He is only a junior but it would probably be wise to come out so he can stand out in a weaker class.

Offensive Tackle: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Brignone #70 and Derek Sherrod #79of the Mississippi State Bulldogs get ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

It was a difficult choice picking the top tackles in the class.  None of the tackles have separated themselves from the pack yet.  Derek Sherod might begin to do this.  His stock has been rising a lot recently because of his quick feet and good size.

Interior Lineman: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Stefen Wisniewski #61 and Andrew Dailey #13 of the Penn State Nittany Lions get congratulations from fans as they head to the locker room after defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-6 on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columb

I decided to combine centers and guards because prospects tend to be able to play either. Stefen Wisniewski is considered by many the top center prospect for the draft.  He is solid in all aspects of the game.  He is fundamentally sure and athletic for a center, and he has decent size. 

Cornerback: Patrick Peterson, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs back an interception against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty I

Cornerback might be the deepest position in this draft.  There are at least three players who could be the first corner picked in a less deep draft class.  Patrick Peterson is a is a large corner who has huge play-making ability.  Scouts have praised him and some consider him the best corner prospect ever. 

Defensive End: Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Da'Quan Bowers is beginning to live up to his big hype coming out of high school.  He is having a fantastic junior year, and has likely positioned himself to be a at least a top 15 pick if he comes out.  

Defensive Tackle: Marcell Dareus Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive lineman Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide watches play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Marcel Darius came into the season as the top rated DT.  However, he hasn't produced as expected—at least statistically. Don't be surprised if Nick Fairly from Auburn overtakes him as the top eligible DT.

Middle Linebacker: Greg Jones, Michigan State

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Greg Jones #53 of the Michigan State Spartans awaits the start of play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Dan

Inside Linebacker is yet another position where it is difficult to name a clear top prospect.  Jones is probably the most talented, though there are many close behind.  Jones might actually fit better as an OLB in the pros, but his talent earns him this spot.

Outside Linebacker: Von Miller, Texas A&M

Von Miller is a pass rush specialist, so he is more of a 34 OLB, but he also plays well against the run and in coverage.  Like Jones, his overall talent justifies a spot somewhere on this list.  

Free Safety: Rahim Moore, UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Safety Rahim Moore #3 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

I think Moore is a very solid prospect.  He is a very solid cover safety in an underwhelming class of free safeties.  

Strong Safety: DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: DeAndre McDaniel #2 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

McDaniel is a ball hawk for a strong safety, and has good size at 215 pounds.  He has good run fill.  He had eight interceptions his junior season.  

Kicker: Alex Henery, Nebraska

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Henery is a solid kicker, but there is no kicker this year worth more than a late round pick. 

Punter: Chas Henry, Florida

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Chas Henry #17 of the Florida Gators raises his helmet in vicrtory following the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Similar to Alex Henery, he is a solid kicker, but not worth more than a late round pick.