2011 NFL Draft: 15 Players on the Rise

The 2011 NFL off-season is here for 20 teams. With the NFL playoffs kicking off this weekend, soon all 32 teams will have their eyes on the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and College Pro Days.

Using last week's bowl games as a starting point, we have locked ourselves in the film room and taken a look back at 15 players whose stock has risen recently.

Why wait for April to learn who the best players in the 2011 NFL Draft class are? We have you covered.

15. Casey Matthews, Inside Linebacker, Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Connor Kavanaugh #10 of the Portland State sacked by linebacker Casey Matthews #55 of the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dyk

6'3",  238 lbs.,  4.70 40-yard dash

Casey, brother of Pro-Bowler Clay, has been one of the more underrated defenders in college football this season. He is not a freakish athlete, nor will he be a first round pick like his brother, but Casey is a solid inside linebacker in the flexible Oregon scheme.

Projected as an inside linebacker in the NFL, Matthews has the instincts to succeed at the next level. His strengths are his vision, ability to read the offense, and strength in tackling.

14. Mason Foster, Outside Linebacker, Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 11: Linebacker Mason Foster #40 of the Washington Huskies celebrates with Willis Wilson #29 after tackling quarterback Ryan Nassib #12 of the Syracuse Orange and causing a fumble on September 11, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash

6'2",  242lbs., 4.73 40-yard dash

Looking for a 3-4 outside linebacker in your next mock draft? Foster is rising fast up draft boards. An impressive showing in the Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska has NFL minds talking about Foster.

There are questions about his lack of speed for the edge rushing position, but he does have natural ability. He shows a shoulder dip and hip swivel that will excite linebacker coaches when watching him work in drills at the Under Armour Senior Bowl later this month.

13. Daniel Thomas, Running Back, Kansas State

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats rushes with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 20, 2010 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Kansas State 44-36. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty

6'2",  228lbs.,  4.63 40-yard dash

Thomas has quite a bit to prove to NFL scouts, but he has done a good job in his senior season of answering his critics. Thomas ended the year with 1,585 yards and 19 touchdowns against Big 12 defenses.

Stats do not tell the whole story with Thomas. He is a physical, powerful runner who can dictate the tempo of the game and take over the "4:00 minute drill" when his team is leading late in games.

Thomas may not be drafted until round three, but he has the talent to make an impact in the NFL.

12. Luke Stocker, Tight End, Tennessee

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 10: Luke Stocker #88 of the Tennessee Volunteers runs with the ball after a reception during the SEC game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Image

6'5",  253lbs.,  4.78 40-Yard dash

If you missed Tennessee taking on North Carolina in the 2010 Music City Bowl, you missed a great game and exciting plays from top NFL Draft prospects. No one player stood out more than Luke Stocker.

Stocker is a very good receiver in the center of the field, where he can use his height to make plays over linebacker and defensive backs. He also does well in the run game, but he is not an accomplished blocker right now. Stocker does have the body type to become a good blocker down the road.

If your team is looking for a tight end in round three (hello, Cleveland), Stocker should be on your watch list.

11. Johnny Patrick, Cornerback, Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, KY - SEPTEMBER 04: Chris Matthews #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats catches a pass while defended by Johnny Patrick #19 of the Louisville Cardinals during the game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Pho

5'11",  190lbs.,  4.47 40-Yard dash

Many had not heard of Patrick until late this season, but those who have taken notice should be impressed.

Patrick has great size for the position and tremendous speed. It is rare for a taller cornerback to get in and out of his breaks as well as Patrick does. He is not an overly physical player (sorry, Packer fans), but he is a good zone cover man.

With credentials and talent like this, why is Patrick so low? An assault charge from July of 2010 is hanging over his head. Expect plenty of questions about this at the Senior Bowl and in interviews at the Combine.

10. Mike Pouncey, Guard, Florida

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Jordan Reed #11 and Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators celebrate a touchdown during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Im

6'4",  310lbs.,  5.29 40-Yard dash

Pouncey, the brother of rookie Pro Bowler Maurkice, has seen his stock up and down all season long. It seems that things will finally settle down for him now that the season is over.

A natural guard, Pouncey was moved to center this season to replace his brother. This did not go well. Any team considering Mike at the next level should look at his 2009 film for a true feel of what he can do as a run blocker from left or right guard.

9. Phil Taylor, Nose Tackle, Baylor

6'4",  340lbs.,  5.26 40-Yard dash

Phil Taylor is literally one of the biggest men we have ever seen. His girth is quite impressive, especially for the 15 NFL teams running a 3-4 defense these days.

Taylor projects very well as a nose tackle in a three-man front. Teams like New England, Denver, and Cleveland (unless their schemes change after hiring new coaches), all love tall defensive linemen who can block out passing lanes and push the offensive line backward. This is what Phil Taylor does best.

8. Kenny Tate, Free Safety, Maryland

6'4",  220lbs.,  4.56 40-Yard dash

Free safety, strong safety, or weakside linebacker? That is the question many are asking when looking at Maryland's outstanding junior defender.

This much we know for sure, Tate is the real deal. Should he decide to enter the 2011 Draft his name should be called within the first 50 picks. He brings a toughness to the safety position much like Troy Polamalu of the Steelers.

The one question Tate must answer is how fast will he run? If Tate is in the 4.4 range he will be fine. Anything slower than that and his stock will slip.

7. Corey Liuget, Nose Tackle, Illinois

6'3",  300lbs.,  5.12 40-Yard dash

Like Phil Taylor before him in our thread, Liuget's stock is rising due to the overwhelming popularity of the 3-4 defense in the NFL. That and his very impressive play against Baylor in the Texas Bowl.

Liuget projects well to either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. When placed in the 4-3 Liuget would be used as an undertackle, lining up over a guard and penetrating the gaps on either side of the blocker. His speed and agility make him a very intriguing prospect for the position.

Many teams are looking for defensive tackles who can push the line of scrimmage back at the snap of the ball. Liuget is a player on the rise for those teams.

6. Ryan Broyles, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs after a catch against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pet

5'11",  185lbs.,  4.54 40-Yard dash

Broyles had little to prove as Oklahoma finished their season against UConn in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, but that does not mean he took the night off.

Broyles erupted for 13 catches and 170 yards against the Big East champion Huskies. This was Broyles 13th 100-yard game in his three-year career in Norman. Needless to say, Ryan Broyles is a play maker.

A tad undersized, Broyles will be left to answer questions about his speed more than his size. Many picture Broyles as a solid number two receiver in the NFL.

5. Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 for the Wisconsin Badger holds the Heartland Trophy with his teammates as they celebrate their victory of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Iowa City, Io

6'7",  327lbs.,  5.12 40-Yard dash

Carimi proved again Saturday against TCU in the Rose Bowl that he deserves to be ranked among the best offensive tackles in the 2011 NFL Draft. Thankfully we have ranked him number four overall at the position.

Carimi may see a move to right tackle in the NFL, but people said the same about Rodger Saffold when the Rams made him the 33rd pick in the 2010 Draft. He started at left tackle all season, giving up only two sacks for the rejuvenated Rams.

Carimi can have that same impact in his rookie season. He is as NFL ready as any tackle in the draft, if not more so.

4. Tank Carder, Outside Linebacker, TCU

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers is hit by linebacker Tank Carder #43 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

6'3",  237lbs.,  4.62 40-Yard dash

Tank Carder may have become a household name during the 2011 Rose Bowl, but NFL scouts and serious draftniks have had him on the radar for the past two years.

Carder was all over the field for the Horned Frogs in their upset win over Wisconsin last Saturday night. The stat sheet alone is not enough to evaluate the impact Carder had.

Tank is an all-around linebacker with great speed and instincts. He is built for the weakside in a 4-3 defense.

3. Nate Potter, Offensive Tackle, Boise State

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Nate Potter #73, Joe Kellogg #61 and Tommy Gallarda #85 of the Boise State Broncos and other teammates shake hands with their fans after their 17-10 victory against the TCU Horned Frogs during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Un

6'6",  295lbs.,  5.07 40-Yard dash

Few NFL teams still run a zone-blocking scheme, but those who do will take notice of Potter. Those who do not will too.

Potter is a rare athlete at the position. He has franchise left tackle size and feet, and the length to excel in pass protection at the NFL level. Potter is also agile enough to move inside and play left guard if need be.

While Potter may not be as NFL ready as other tackles in this class, he does have more upside than any player at the position.

2. Andy Dalton, Quarterback, TCU

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs looks to pass against the Wisconsin Badgers during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

6'2",  220lbs.,  4.94 40-Yard dash

If you read our work on Bleacher Report or New Era Scouting you have realized that we really like Andy Dalton. A lot. In fact, we have been singing Dalton's praises all season long.

The 2011 Rose Bowl was Dalton's coming out party to the general public. Against a very good Wisconsin defense he showed the ability to avoid a pass rush, get outside the pocket, and make the hard throws to the outside. Dalton regularly ran the ball Saturday, something we had not seen before, making him a more complete prospect than many considered previously.

Dalton is NFL ready and will make one lucky team very happy they drafted him.

1. Marcell Dareus, Defensive Lineman, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

6'3",  309lbs.,  4.95 40-Yard dash

I do not want to like Marcell Dareus. He can be lazy, aloof, and unmotivated. He can also take over a game and make even the best offensive tackles look ridiculous.

That is exactly what Dareus did against Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl.

Playing almost exclusively at left defensive end in the game, Dareus imposed his will on the Spartans offensive line time and time again. Not only did he stop the run consistently, he was in the offensive backfield every time Michigan State called for a pass play.

If Dareus can continue to play with the same drive and fire he showed on Saturday, watch out.