2011 NFL Draft Prospects: 20 Under-The-Radar Players To Watch

The 2011 NFL Draft is bound to be analyzed, scrutinized and debated in the coming weeks and months.

While the first round and potential top 10 draft picks will dominate the conversation, there are plenty of impact players left in the second and third rounds who will slide into playing time next year and make an impact in the NFL.

Here is a look at the the 20 under-the-radar players to watch this April in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jon Baldwin, WR Pittsburgh

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Baldwin potentially has the makeup of a standout tight end more than a wide receiver.  He could also draw comparisons to former Panthers wide out Larry Fitzgerald for his ability to make a difference in the passing game.

Baldwin hauled in 52 catches for 810 yards and five touchdowns this season for Pittsburgh and collected more than 2,300 yards and 16 touchdowns over his impressive three years with the Panthers. Baldwin is an early second round selection (or could easily sneak into the first) who will make an immediate impact at the next level.

Aaron Williams, CB Texas

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns drops a pass intended for Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Ima

After a year in which he made 45 total tackles, including 30 solo stops, Williams will head into the NFL Draft as a potentially high impact second-round selection.

At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, the athletic Williams had four interceptions and forced four fumbles in his career with the Longhorns.

Justin Houston, LB Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers breaks a tackle by Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The numbers simply don't lie for this standout pass rusher.

Houston sacked the quarterback 10 times this past season and recorded 56 tackles. The 6-foot-3, 258-pound Bulldog also picked off a pass against rival Georgia Tech.

As active a pass rusher as there is in the first round, Houston could slide up depending on teams' needs.

Drake Nevis, DT LSU

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansa Razorbacks is sacked by Drake Nevis #92 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on November 28, 2009 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty I

For a defensive tackle, Nevis sure put a good looking stat line together.

Nevis notched 56 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception this season for the Tigers. All told, he forced three fumbles and recorded 140 tackles in his 4-year career at LSU.

A bit undersized for the tackle position in the NFL, expect Nevis to be a potential second-rounder with eyes on a possible position move.

Ryan Williams, RB Virginia Tech

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI - NOVEMBER 20: Ryan Williams #34 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs for a first down during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

A big game in last night's Orange Bowl could have propelled Willams up a bit in the draft, but his complete résumé should speak for itself.

Last season, Williams ran for 1,655 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman. He carried the ball 293 times, averaging nearly six yards per game and was one of the top running backs in the country. This season, Williams went for 473 yards and nine touchdowns despite missing four games.

Demarcus Love, OT Arkansas

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina

The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

While an offensive tackle may not be able to put together a stat sheet to impress NFL scouts and coaches, it's clear that a tackle is doing his job when the team is winning with an impressive offense. That's exactly what the Razorbacks have done with Love's guidance, size and talents on the line.

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett called Love the best offensive lineman he's seen since playing with Jake Long at Michigan. 

Mikel Leshoure, RB Illinois

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 20: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs past Bryce McNaul #51 of the Northwestern Wildcats on his way to a 339 yard rushing performance during a game played at Wrigley Field on November 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.

Timing is everything and this 6-foot-1, 230-pound running back had perhaps his best performance at just the right time.

In the Texas Bowl, Leshoure ran for 184 yards and three touchdowns as Illinois downed Baylor. All told, Leshoure's senior season included 1,697 yards and 17 touchdowns on 281 carries. Leshoure eclipsed the 100-yard mark nine times this season, including a 330-yard outburst against Northwestern. 

Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (Photo by

The top quarterback no one is talking about, Gabbert had an impressive junior season following an equally impressive sophomore year.

This season, the 6-foot-5, 235-pound signal caller tossed for 3,186 yards and 16 interceptions, while leading Mizzou to a 10-3 record. As a sophomore, Gabbert threw for 3,693 yards and 24 touchdowns. A perfect pocket passer, Gabbert could be the steal of the draft.

Travis Lewis, LB Oklahoma

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Linebacker Travis Lewis #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners intercepts a pass thrown by quarterback Taylor Martinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/

Lewis is as active as they get on the defensive side of the ball. The 6-foot-2, 232-pound junior made 109 total tackles, recorded two sacks and had three interceptions this season for the Sooners.

In his three years, Lewis had 343 tackles, two forced fumbles and eight interceptions.

Ben Ijalana, OL Villanova

Scott Boehm/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse of Massachusetts-Amherst runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Imag

In a similar style to former UMass and current New York Jets lineman Vladimir Ducasse, Ijalana could be an impact player taken in the second round.

A big part of the Wildcats' 2009 FCS National Championship and the team's 194 rushing yards per game this season, Ijalana is 6-foot-4, 320 pounds.

Quan Sturdivant, LB North Carolina

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 04: Tailback Donald Brown #34 of the Connecticut Huskies is tackled by Kendric Burney #16 and Quan Sturdivant #52 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Issues with the law aside, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Sturdivant is a force to be reckoned with.

This season, the linebacker had 61 tackles, three sacks and an interception. As a sophomore, Sturdivant made 122 tackles, including 87 solo stops. 

Ras-I Dowling, CB Virginia

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Danny Amendola #20 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is tackled by Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the Gator Bowl at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam

Judging Dowling on his senior season wouldn’t be fair to the 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback or to potential teams scouting him.

Having lost nearly his entire senior season to a nagging knee injury, Dowling remains a potential impact player in the second round.

In his three-plus years at Virginia, Dowling made 159 tackles, forced three fumbles and grabbed eight interceptions.

J.J. Watt, DT Wisconsin

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers tries to outrun the Michigan offense after intercepting a fourth quarter pass while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Wisco

It’s still up in the air as to whether or not Watt will remain at school or enter the draft, but for obvious reasons, let’s assume he does declare for the NFL.

The 6-foot-6, 292-pound junior recorded seven sacks this season and made 62 tackles. In his two years with the Badgers, he has 11 sacks, 106 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception.

Talk about a playmaker.

DeMarco Murray, RB Oklahoma

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners against the Connecticut Huskies attempts to take it away in the first half during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona

Murray wrapped up a stellar 4-year career with the Sooners in fine fashion, rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown in the Fiesta Bowl. The numbers he was able to put up over the course of his career, however, will be what makes the 6-foot-1, 207-pound Murray succeed at the next level.

Murray was a workhorse for the Sooners, running for 3,685 yards and 50 touchdowns on 759 carriers while at Oklahoma. NFL coaches will surely enjoy that dependability.

Daniel Thomas, RB Kansas State

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball as Olaitan Oguntodu #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Daniel Thomas came on strong the last two years as the main back in the Wildcats’ attack.

After a 1,265-yard, 11-touchdown season last year, Thomas ran for 1,585 yards and 19 scores this season.  He eclipsed the 100-yard mark seven times, including going over 200 yards twice.

Christian Ponder, QB Florida State

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles drops back to throw a pass in pressure with Terrell Manning #35 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack giving chase during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010

Ponder leaves Tallahassee with a stellar résumé.

Over the course of three-plus years under center for the Seminoles, Ponder threw for 6,872 yards and 49 touchdowns. His efficiency was noticeable in his final two seasons, when he threw just 15 combined interceptions. As a junior, Ponder completed 227-of-330 passes for a 68.8 completion percentage. 

Pat Devlin, QB Delaware

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Pat Devlin #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hands off the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 25, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Joe Flacco, Part Deux?

Devlin followed up on the former Delaware and current Baltimore Ravens quarterback’s career with a solid one of his own. Now that Flacco has seen success at the NFL level, some project Devlin to be of a similar build.

At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, Devlin is a bit shorter than Flacco, but is still a formidable passer in the pocket. He helped lead the Blue Hens to a 12-2 record this year. Devlin began his career at Penn State before transferring to Delaware.

Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 13: Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish catches a touchdown pass over Brandon Burton #27 of the Utah Utes at Notre Dame Stadium on November 13, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Coming out of a pro-style offense, Floyd could be a target for many teams in the second round. The 6-foot-3, 227-pound wide receiver hauled in 79 catches for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.  He had more than 700 yards and 16 total scores his first two years in South Bend.

Kyle Rudolph, TE Notre Dame

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 03: Kyle Rudolph #9 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish breaks away from Quinton Rochardson #28 of the Washington Huskies after catching the ball on October 3, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Wa

A season-ending hamstring injury forced Rudolph—thought by many to be an early first-round pick—to miss the last seven games of the season. Still, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end is high on some teams’ boards after impressive consistency in his three years at Notre Dame.

Given the success the New England Patriots have seen in their rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, expect Rudolph to still be sought after despite the injury.

Rahim Moore, S UCLA

Joe Murphy/Getty Images

KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 12: Rahim Moore #3 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates an interception against the Tennessee Volunteers on September 12, 2009 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. UCLA beat Tennessee 19-15. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

Perhaps a late first-rounder, Moore was a model of excellence as a junior this season at UCLA.

Building off solid freshman and sophomore campaigns, Moore recorded 77 tackles and picked off an interception this season, but wasn’t challenged much after picking off 10 passes in 2009. Whether he goes late in the first round or somewhere in the second, look for the 6-foot-1, 196-pound Moore to make an impact after switching to cornerback.