2011 NFL Mock Draft: Power Ranking the Best Big Ten Prospects

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Power Ranking the Best Big Ten Prospects

The Big Ten has had a miserable bowl season but the real question is how does that affect the draft stock of some of the conference's best players?

Who are the top 10 draft prospects in the conference and where are they going?

Read on to find the answers to these questions and let us know what you think.

10. John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Offensive lineman John Moffitt #74 of the Wisconsin Badgers blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Round Projections: Third to Fifth

Analysis: John Moffitt is a typical offensive lineman from Wisconsin. He has prototypical size and strength. While he isn't as consistent as his coaches would like, he could develop into a solid NFL player.

9. Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Running back Larry Caper #22 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers his fumble as line backer James Morris #44, defensive line man Christian Ballard #46, and line backer Troy Johnson #48 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes clos

Round Projections: Third

Analysis: Christian Ballard is a load in the middle of the Iowa defensive line. He might not have the same type of production that he has last year, but that is due in large part to increased attention. Ballard could jump up to the second round if he has a great combine but I think he ends up in the third round.

8. Stefan Wisniewski, C, Penn State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Stefan Wisniewski #61 of the Penn State Nittany Lions blocks against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Round Projections: Second

Analysis: Stefan Wisniewski is one of the best centers in all of college football. He is a little undersized, but he makes up for it by playing smart football. Wisniewski has the look of a guy that will have a long and fruitful NFL career.

7. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases after quarterback Matt McGloin #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Round Projections: Top 20

Analysis: Cameron Heyward is a guy that could play end in a 3-4 or he could put on a little bit of weight and become an inside pass rusher in a 4-3. Heyward might not have the motor of some other defensive linemen, but when he wants to be, he is a dominant defensive player.

6. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs rushes with the ball as J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs after him in the first quarter of the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Pho

Round Projections: Late first

Analysis: J.J. Watt has been one of the fastest risers in the NFL draft. He is a prototypical defensive end for a 3-4 scheme and he has one of the highest motors in the Big Ten.

The only reason he gets a higher rank than Cameron Heyward, who will likely be drafted ahead of Watt, is because I think Watt becomes the better NFL player.

5. Cory Liuget, DT, Illinois

Round Projections: Late first

Analysis: Cory Liuget has flown under the radar for most of the season because he played at a school that has not gotten a lot of football attention recently. However, he has been one of the best defensive players in the Big Ten.

He is another guy that will have a great NFL career and will end up being picked lower than he deserves.

4. Greg Jones, MLB, 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

Round Projections: Top 20

Analysis: Greg Jones is one of the premier linebackers in the draft. He is listed as a middle linebacker but he might be better suited to play outside. He has the speed and smarts to play in the middle but he is not the ideal size for the position.

Whatever position he plays, Jones will be a great fit to any NFL team looking for a linebacker with a nose for the ball.

3. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes waves to fans as he walks off the field after defeating the Missouri Tigers in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defe

Round Projections: Top 20

Analysis: Adrian Clayborn is one of the marquee defensive players in college football. He has shown the ability to be dominant at times, but he has struggled against extra attention as well.

He will be a nice fit as a big defensive end in a 3-4.

2. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Round Projections: Top 15

Analysis: Gabe Carimi won the Outland Award presented to the top lineman in college football this year. He has NFL size and strength and could be the first offensive lineman taken in the draft this year. He is a surefire starting left tackle and he will be one of the best linemen in the NFL in no time.

1. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Round Projections: Top 15

Analysis: In a draft stacked with defensive talent, Ryan Kerrigan will be one of the top defensive prospects in April. He has outstanding pass rushing skills and he is has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the entire Big Ten for more than just this season.

He will be the first Big Ten player drafted, hands down.