2011 NFL Draft: 10 Underclassmen With the Most Stock To Gain in the BCS
Now is the time of year where we start hearing more and more whispers of underclassmen considering leaving school early to enter the NFL Draft.
A lasting impression is imperative to have as they head into the testing and workout evaluation part of the draft process. The best way to leave a lasting impression to scouts on film is for underclassmen to dominate in their team's bowl game.
Let's take a look at the top 10 underclassmen who have the most to gain by having a great game!
No. 10 Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
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What he has to gain
Williams is a very talented running back out of Virginia Tech. He's been productive and solid throughout his stay in Blacksburg. He is being talked about as a borderline first round selection, and must prove he can withstand pounding on his 206 pound frame.
Who he must prove it against
On the big stage at the Orange Bowl, Williams will be challenged by Standford's physical defense. If he shows he can match their physicality and runs for a big game against the Cardinal, Williams could cement his name in the top frame of the Draft.
No. 9 Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois
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What he has to gain
Wilson was a top linebacker/defenive end recruit out of high school and stunned many onlookers by choosing Illinois. He has been a steady performer so far by displaying good athleticism and potential to play various positions within the linebacking core.
Who he must prove it against
Wilson and Illinois will take on Baylor in the Texas Bowl. If he can show off his instincts, blitz/pass rush ability, and athleticism to track Baylor QB Robert Griffin III all game, 3-4 teams and 4-3 teams alike will all be heavily interested in Wilson's talents.
No. 8 Jurrell Casey, DT, USC
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What he has to gain
I know, I know, I know! He's not playing in a bowl game, BUT in the scenario of Nick Fairley and Marcell Dareus both having sub-par games, Casey could see his name creep up draft boards and defensive tackle rankings. He was born to play the 3-technique in the NFL, as Casey is very quick off the ball, athletic, and has the speed to chase down and pursue laterally against the run.
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.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 7 Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
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What he has to gain
Smith, a defensive end from Missouri has been talked about going as high as the late first round to a middle round type prospect. He's got an excellent burst to jump snaps and a high motor. He needs work on his technique and variety in his pass rushing moves.
Who he must prove it against
Smith will be facing Iowa in the Insight Bowl and a big game against the technique and fundamentally sound Kirk Ferentz coached Hawkeyes' offensive line will go a long way in proving he can match up against quality linemen.
No. 6 Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
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What he has to gain
Highttower is looked at as a second to third round type prospect from his linebacker position. Last fall, scouts said he was better than Rolando McClain.
Unfortunately for Hightower, he suffered a leg injury and missed most of last year. Now he's back and has been looking to show the injury is behind him. Hightower also must show he can be somewhat productive in space.
Who he must prove it against
In the Capital One Bowl vs. Michigan State, Hightower will be tested heavily in his read and react skills vs. the run. He has good size and point of attack strength to play inside in a 3-4 and a big game vs. the run heavy Spartans is crucial to show his leg is fine and
No. 5 Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
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What he has to gain
Harris was pretty much an all-world cornerback coming out of high school. I remember watching him match up against AJ Green as high schoolers and Harris took Green completely out of the game. Things haven't always gone well at Miami, but Harris has played fine.
Right now with the coaching change, Harris may look to leave and we could hear his name called at the top of the second round.
Who he must prove it against
Michael Floyd. Harris and Miami will take on Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl and if Harris shows he can match up and hold his own against the big and physical receiver in Floyd, he will look a bit more attractive to NFL scouts.
No. 4 Michael Brewster, OT, Ohio State
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What he has to gain
Brewster was an offensive lineman out of high school who can play any of the 5 position on the offensive line and be great at. He's played center for Ohio State and has been pretty decent in 3 years of service. He could probably use another year, but if he came out early, Brewster could go between rounds 2 and 4.
Who he has to prove it against
Ohio State will take on Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. If Brewster can open holes for the Buckeye running backs, help protect Terrelle Pryor, and show he can hold up against SEC and NFL caliber athleticism from the Hogs' defensive line up front, he could polish his name and hold up in the second frame of the draft.
No. 3 Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
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What he has to gain
Floyd has the size, toughness, strength, hands, body control, and production to be a first round pick. The only knock on him is his deep speed.
He suffered a broken leg last year and missed a bulk of the season because of it, so he must show that injury is not a factor and he can beat defenders deep and make plays in the open field after the catch.
Who he must prove it against
Floyd will see alot of Brandon Harris when the Irish take on Miami in the Sun Bowl. Miami still has alot of defensive speed, especially in the back end, and Floyd must show he can get by NFL caliber speed.
No. 2 Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
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What he has to gain
Mallett likely will be a top 10-15 pick. He could move up past Jake Locker and challenge Andrew Luck as the top signal caller in the draft. He's 6-7, 240 pounds, cocky, a good leader, and may have the strongest arm in college football.
A big bowl game could vault him into the top 5, and No.1 overall pick discussion
Who he must prove it against
Ohio State. Mallett and Arkansas play the Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl. A big game in a BCS Bowl for a quarterback could take Mallett to places he couldn't imagine.
Ironically, I remember another certain SEC quarterback who used the Sugar Bowl to thrust himself as the top pick in the NFL Draft a few years back...JaMarcus Russell, anyone?
No. 1 Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
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What he has to gain
Newton's stock will be heavily debated. Some say he's a top 10 pick, others say second round.
A huge BCS National Championship game could cement the Heisman Trophy winner's stock solidly in the early to middle first round of the draft. Newton must show that he can be consistently accurate, on rhythm from the pocket, and not just a creative player winging the ball around and making plays with his legs.
Who he has to prove against
For all the marbles and a crystal football, Newton and Auburn will play Oregon. Oregon will have to pick and dictate early what they will force Newton to do; run or pass. If they chose pass and apply a spy defender on Newton, he must show he can drop back, read coverage, be decisive, and deliver the football with rhythm, timing, and anticipation from the pocket.
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.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
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