2011 NFL Draft: Top 15 Predicted Draft Board Risers
As it is with the NFL draft every year, certain names will shoot up teams' draft boards as Pro Days are completed and workouts are made public.
Then comes the NFL Combine, an event that can literally take a prospect’s name from the second round to the first round with just a single 40 time. It may sound ridiculous, but it’s true.
While it's almost impossible to think of all the young men whose workouts could shoot them up to the top 10, it becomes a little bit easier when focusing on the projected first-rounders.
Top 5 Offensive Skill Players
1 of 3
1. Cam Newton (6'6", 250, Auburn)
No surprise here. Newton may slip for obvious reasons, but his workouts and Combine results will blow teams away. When a 250-pound passer runs the 40-yard dash in less than 4.5 seconds, all prior “issues” are out the window.
2. Mark Ingram (5'11", 215, Alabama)
Although considered the top running back in this draft, Ingram is commonly projected as a late first-rounder. With a good showing of his pass-catching ability and a solid 40 time, Ingram’s stock will rise.
3. Jon Baldwin (6'5", 230, Pittsburgh)
I see this guy as a Moss-like receiver, and I’m not talking about Santana. Blazing quick for a guy his size and with great hands, Baldwin had a quiet senior year due to lack of a quarterback. Baldwin will bring his popularity back up to speed in no time.
4. Torrey Smith (6'1", 205, Maryland)
Obviously, being a huge Terps fan and a Maryland native, I believe that Smith is a great asset to any team in the NFL. Possessing great athleticism and the ability to run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, Smith is a guy that will wow a lot of people. At this point, Smith is probably teetering between the first and second rounds, but that could easily change for the better once teams see him work out. #DMVLove
5.) Michael Floyd
This list originally consisted of five skill players with Notre Dame's Michael Floyd at the No. 4 position. But, after apparently a ton of thought, Floyd has decided to return to the Irish for his senior season.
Top 5 Offensive Linemen
2 of 3
1. Derek Sherrod (6'6", 305, Mississippi State)
As noted in my Mock Draft v.1.1 and Washington Redskins Potential First-Round Offense articles, I am a huge fan of Sherrod. Awesome strength, great feet and versatile.
2. Joseph Barksdale (6'5", 315, LSU)
If you don’t know about him yet, you will. Barksdale is a very versatile lineman that can get to the second level in a hurry. Although a massive young man, it has been rumored that he ran a 4.86 40-yard dash. Experienced, athletic and a very high ceiling.
3. DeMarcus Love (6'5", 315, Arkansas)
Being part of a high-powered Razorback offense like the one at Arkansas is a tall task, and Love has been nothing short of stellar. He has experience and he has the potential to improve his pass-blocking to become a very serviceable left tackle. While I do believe his stock will rise, Love is a right tackle for now.
4. Gabe Carimi (6'7", 327, Wisconsin)
Regardless of his workout numbers, you can’t miss Carimi. He has elite size, he comes from a program that prides itself on tough trenches and he’s got some of the best footwork for a lineman in this draft class. Can he be a left tackle? We’ll see. But teams are going to love this guy whether it be on the right or left.
5. Stefen Wisniewski (6'3", 306, Penn State)
With a great feel for the game and a serious dedication to excel at the next level, Wisniewski’s character interviews alone will increase his draft stock. In addition to being a great kid, Wisniewski has four years of experience playing guard and center at a well-to-do program.
Top Five Defensive Players
3 of 3
1. Adrian Clayborn (6'4", 285, Iowa)
Thanks solely to double-teams all season, Clayborn had a quiet senior campaign. I’d like to think that NFL scouts don’t suffer from short-term memory loss; they should all remember how dominant Clayborn was during his junior season. He can blow up the line, he has great pursuit and his athleticism is a huge asset on a team’s defensive line.
2. Brandon Harris (5'11", 195, Miami)
Please jot this down: Harris is a serious prospect that will be a relevant name in the NFL for quite some time. Although overshadowed by names like Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, Harris has everything it takes to become a shutdown corner...including the swagger.
3. Cameron Jordan (6'4", 290, California)
Really coming onto the scene last year as a junior, Jordan has a great opportunity to pull himself from a top-25 pick to a top-10 pick. With his most recent success as a senior and his ideal body size, Jordan makes for a very intriguing prospect.
4. Ryan Kerrigan (6'4", 263, Purdue)
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, will love this guy. Kerrigan can play 3-4 defensive end, 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker. He has a nonstop motor and everything that a coach looks for in a player. If Kerrigan runs well at the Combine, he’s a top-10 pick.
5. Justin Houston (6'3", 258, Georgia)
Arguably the fastest-rising prospect on this list, Houston has the potential to be one of the most feared pass rushers at the next level. Like Kerrigan, Houston can play at either the outside linebacker position in a 3-4 scheme or a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Rumor has it that Houston ran a dash in 4.6 seconds and some scouts believe that number can get even lower at the Combine. Watch out for this one.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
