Senior Bowl 2011: Jake Locker and 10 Players Who Should Go in Round 1
If you're still in school by your senior season, you're probably not an elite NFL prospect.
Of course, many quarterbacks like Sam Bradford, Andrew Luck and Jake Locker stay longer than they have to, as well as some offensive linemen.
The 2011 Senior Bowl is set to be played this Saturday, but it's the practices all week leading up to the game that scouts care about the most.
Here are 10 seniors who will go in round one of the 2011 NFL Draft, they may not be "can't miss", but they'll be able to contribute right away.
10. Allen Bailey (DE/DT, Miami)
1 of 10
Comparison: Kevin Williams
Pros
Bailey has unparalleled athleticism and will stand out at the combine. He can play pretty much any defensive line position other than nose tackle.
Cons
He's a raw prospect. Bailey never really dominated the way his physical ability could have allowed him to, but his play was more consistent this past season.
Draft Projection: 25-32
9. Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon St.)
2 of 10
Comparison: Brodrick Bunkley
Pros
Paea is a run-stopping specialist. He's just under 300 pounds, which is big for his height.
He's very strong, and may be the strongest in the draft and will show off that strength at the combine.
Cons
Paea can only play in a 4-3 defense. He's only 6'1", and he's not that athletic, meaning he won't provide much of a pass rush.
Draft Projection: 24-31
8. Anthony Castonzo (OT, Boston College)
3 of 10
Comparison: Winston Justice
Pros
Castonzo has a great frame at 6'7". He uses great technique and is a high-effort player.
He also plays with an impressive quickness.
Cons
He's not overly powerful or athletic. Castonzo must gain weight to take his game to another level.
Draft Projection: 21-28
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7. Gabe Carimi (OT, Wisconsin)
4 of 10
Comparison: Jeremy Trueblood
Pros
Carimi uses his great size at 6'7", 315 pounds to dominate defenders in the running game. He's a powerful blocker.
He's also an intelligent player and has assisted other lineman at the Senior Bowl.
Cons
He may just be a right tackle at the next level. He's a raw prospect.
Carimi's not a very fluid athlete either.
Draft Projection: 21-28
6. Derek Sherrod (OT, Mississippi St.)
5 of 10
Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Pros
Sherrod has good length at 6'5". While that height's not amazing, he had the longest arms at the Senior Bowl.
He's a very solid athlete at the tackle position.
Cons
He's not overly powerful. Sherrod excels more in pass protection than run blocking.
Draft Projection: 21-28
5. Jake Locker (QB, Washington)
6 of 10
Comparison: Jake Plummer
Pros
Locker has good enough height at 6'3". He has great size and athleticism for a quarterback.
He has a strong arm as well as a quick release. Locker is raw, but he's a prospect with a very high upside.
Cons
He doesn't have great vision. He's not a very polished passer and can be inconsistent.
Locker would be best off sitting on the bench and developing for a season, rather than starting right away.
Draft Projection: 12-19
4. Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB, Purdue)
7 of 10
Comparison: Brandon Graham
Pros
Kerrigan has a non-stop motor and always plays to the whistle. He was very productive at the collegiate level.
He's strong and plays the run and the pass very well.
Cons
He's had his ups and downs at the Senior Bowl. Kerrigan is not overly athletic, and at the same time he must add weight at only 255 pounds.
Draft Projection: 11-18
3. Von Miller (OLB, Texas A&M)
8 of 10
Comparison: Elvis Dumervil
Pros
Miller has elite athleticism for an outside linebacker. He's arguably the top pass rusher in the entire draft.
He has a great motor with even better range.
Cons
He'll only be able to play in a 3-4 system.
He's not very strong, and that lack of strength hurts him in the running game. Miller's only 237 pounds.
Draft Projection: 11-18
2. Cameron Jordan (DE/DT, California)
9 of 10
Comparison: Will Smith
Pros
Jordan has dominated at the Senior Bowl. He can play every position on the defensive line other than nose tackle, in any system.
He's at his best in stopping the run with his top-notch strength, but he's also a great pass rusher.
Cons
He has some technique issues, but so do the vast majority of rookies. Jordan can also play stiff at times.
Draft Projection: 9-16
1. Nate Solder (OT, Colorado)
10 of 10
Comparison: Trent Williams
Pros
You couldn't ask for much more in a frame at 6'8". After scouts questioned his size, he weighed in at a solid 314 pounds at the Senior Bowl.
He has elite athleticism and his potential is through the roof.
Cons
He's still a very raw prospect. His bend and footwork need improvement.
Solder's not that strong, but he has a lot of room to grow with that frame.
Draft Projection: 9-16
David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter.
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