NFL Draft 2011: Ranking the Top Skill Position Players in the Country

Quarterbacks:

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Andrew Luck had a great Freshman season for Stanford and is having a magnificent Sophomore year as well. Luck has thrown 24 touchdowns this season with just seven interceptions and he might be the most NFL ready quarterback if he decides to enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

Luck will look to have a big game tonight in his Pac-10 matchup agaisnt Oregon State.

Jake Locker, Washington

Washington's quarterback Jake Locker is a great talent and opened a lot of eyes after his 2009 season. Locker's numbers are down this season but he will still be a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Locker has thrown 14 touchdowns along with seven interceptions this season.

Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

Ryan Mallett is one of the top quarterbacks in the 2011 NFL draft and rightfully so. Mallett had a great first year with Arkansas and he is continuing his success this season. Mallett has 27 touchdown passes this season and has a big SEC matchup today against LSU. 

Running Backs:

Mark Ingram, Alabama

Alabama's running back Mark Ingram is going to be a top pick in the first round in the 2011 Draft. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner is NFL ready and will be successful once he turns pro. Ingram is not having the same year he did in 2009 but neither is Alabama.

Ingram is ready to turn pro as he is probably going to be the first running back taken in the draft.

LaMichael James, Oregon

LaMichael James will go in the first round as he is having an outstanding year for Oregeon. James has rushed for 1,422 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is going to make an immediate impact on whichever team he is drafted to because he can run and catch the football.

Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

Kansas State is going to be a big time player in the NFL because he can do it all. This physical, 6'2, 228-pound running back is having a great year for Kansas State and has earned himself a spot in the first round. Thomas has rushed for 1,226 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Wide Receivers:

A.J. Green, Georgia

Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green is the most NFL ready receiver in the 2011 Draft because he comes from a pro-style offense. This 6'4 receiver is going to be a monster in the NFL. Green does not have the greatest speed but his hands and ability to make great catches makes him the top receiver in this draft.

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Like A.J. Green, Floyd definitely has the height but he does have a few pounds on Green. Floyd has the potential to be an elite receiver in the NFL but his only concern is his durability. He only played in seven games in 2009 but has only missed one in 2010. 

Floyd will be a first round pick.

Julio Jones, Alabama

Like his fellow receivers in the 2011 Draft, Julio Jones is a big, gifted receiver. Jones had a great Freshman year for Alabama and is having another stellar season as a Junior. Jones has the physical attributes to be a great wide receiver in the NFL and he will get his chance.

Jones has caught 65 passes for 885 yards and six touchdowns this season.