2011 NFL Draft: The Definitive Top 50 Big Board
The 2011 NFL Draft is inching ever closer and rankings continue to be a heavy topic of debate.
As the Senior Bowl draws to a close tomorrow, rankings will continue to shuffle around as we get ready for the 2011 Scouting Combine at the end of February.
Big Board rankings vary greatly from mock drafts.
In mock drafts we take the needs of the teams and the value of the players and project where they will fall in the upcoming draft.
The Big Board ranks the players as we see them without factoring in team needs or anything of the sort.
Here is a look at my top 50 Big Board rankings as we get ready to move forward in the Draft process.
50. Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa
1 of 50
6'5", 300 pounds
An experienced three-year starter at Iowa, Ballard has ideal measurements for the defensive tackle position at the next level.
The Hawkeye has athleticism, burst and can play multiple positions.
He was not always productive and is not a reliable tackler.
Ballad showed pretty well at the Senior Bowl and projects as a likely mid-second to third round pick.
49. Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
2 of 50
6'1", 205 pounds
One of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects in the draft, Smith's athletic ability and potential have made him a hot prospect since season's end.
With reported 4.3 speed, the Terp can stretch the field vertically and brings added value as a return man.
He is by no means a complete receiver and needs to polish up his route running and has to learn how to use his hands.
Will draw comparisons to former Terp and No. seven overall pick Darrius Heyward-Bey, but he's not as complete a prospect; likely second-round pick due to speed alone.
48. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
3 of 50
6'2", 205 pounds
The Colorado CB has terrific size for the position and is one of those names that certain people are very high on.
He is a physical corner with tackling ability and good straight line speed.
Smith will need technical coaching at the next level and was not always productive at Colorado; his football speed is not on par with his timed speed either.
Will put up good numbers in his workouts and could here his name earlier than expected; likely an early second round pick.
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47. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
4 of 50
6'5", 230 pounds
Physically gifted receiver with fantastic size/speed combination with great athleticism.
Baldwin can go up and get the ball, is not afraid to go over the middle and has shown improvement in his route running.
Very disappointing season production-wise in 2010 and allowed himself to be taken out of games way too easily by opposing corners.
Has the potential to be an elite weapon at the next level but has to put the work in to be a better player; likely second round pick with potential to sneak into first round if a team needs a receiver.
46. Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
5 of 50
6'2", 285 pounds
The LSU Tiger is an extremely disruptive talent in opposing backfields.
Nevis' quickness and agility inside are hard to stop and he was extremely productive for LSU.
He is not as sound against the run, however, and lacks ideal size and length for the position at the next level.
Will be most productive if used in the correct scheme wear he can get up field and make plays rather than anchor down against the run; scheme-centric player with an early second round grade.
45. DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas
6 of 50
6'5", 315 pounds
Three-year starter in the toughest conference in the country, Love is a proven leader with a lot of experience.
Possess good athleticism and can play multiple positions on the line.
He is not always effective in space though and will need technical coaching at the next level.
Love has the stuff to become a starting lineman in this league for years down the road but still unsure where he will play; likely an early second-round pick.
44. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
7 of 50
6'1", 207 pounds
The Senior Sooner running back was as productive as player can be. He possesses good size, speed and burst to be a player at the next level.
An extremely explosive runner with good vision and instincts.
He may not be an ideal candidate for an every down back role and has durability issues.
Murray is extremely versatile though and could be a effective receiver in the slot as well as out of the backfield; running backs can slide and could wait to here his name until late second or third round.
43. Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
8 of 50
6'0", 185 pounds
The Utah CB had a great start to the season and put himself on the map shutting down Pitt's Jon Baldwin.
Burton has great leaping ability, good top end speed and is aggressive playing the ball; is also a willing tackler and has good instincts for the positions.
He did not always face top competition and sometimes experienced lapses in concentration.
Burton has the potential and skills to develop into a solid starting corner; likely second round pick.
42. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
9 of 50
5'10", 202 pounds
Only a red shirt sophomore, Williams got hurt this past season after putting together a stellar freshman season and realized it was the best time to make the jump.
Possesses a fantastic low center of gravity, vision and patience in the hole and can break away from defenses.
Could stand to improve out of the backfield, in blitz pick up and durability can be questioned due to recent injury.
Has all the potential to become a legitimate starting running back in the NFL but might have to wait a bit to hear his name called; first round talent likely projected as a second round pick.
41. Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
10 of 50
6'3", 235 pounds
Highly productive senior linebacker that held together a UNC defense that could have been remarkably talented in 2010.
Carter is a solid all-around linebacker that can tackle, blitz, drop in coverage and is an excellent special teams player; great athlete.
Durability could be a concern and reacted more as a linebacker rather than playing instinctively.
Extremely personable athlete with a ton of potential to be an every down linebacker; could drop a bit in the draft but could earn a starting spot in camp as a second round pick.
40. Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
11 of 50
6'2, 228 pounds
Former JUCO quarterback with a lot of athleticism, strength, and determination.
Thomas is great in between the tackles and shows good patience in the hole.
The Kansas State running back does not have elite speed or burst though and will have trouble separating from defenders at the next level.
Workhorse-type running back with the potential to be a starter in the NFL; could sneak into the bottom of the first round but projects as a second round pick.
39. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
12 of 50
6'5", 305 pounds
The Temple Owl has flown up Draft boards lately and is a proven run stuffing commodity with the ability to get in the backfield as well.
A disruptive interior force, Wilkerson also has the versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Has not played against much elite competition and still needs to develop as a pass rush technician.
Talented player with a lot to improve on; likely second round pick with potential to sneak into bottom of the first.
38. Marvin Austin, DT, UNC
13 of 50
6'3", 310 pounds
A man who needs no introduction, Austin was one of the most highly rated prospects in the country at the beginning of the season.
An extremely disruptive force with good athleticism and great quickness inside.
His off the field antics are obviously a cause for concern and his motor and dedication to the game have consistently been questioned.
Austin is basically a boom or bust quick here and be drafted anywhere between the second and fourth round.
37. Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
14 of 50
6'1", 196 pounds
The top overall safety prospect in the class with great intangibles, coverage ability with top-notch instincts.
Moore has consistently improved as an all-around prospect in his time at UCLA.
Is a bit undersized at the position but recent drafts have shown that players of his caliber can succeed.
He is better in zone than he is man and will have to improve in that area.
Highly intriguing prospect with starting ability; projects as a second round pick.
36. Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State
15 of 50
6'2", 285 pounds
Hudson is a great athlete for the position with good instincts and sound technical skills.
The Seminole is a four-year starter with a ton of experience.
Lacks ideal strength inside and is dominant in pushing people around.
Has all the tools and skills necessary to start in the NFL for years to come; projects as a second round pick.
35. Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
16 of 50
6'4", 285 pounds
A tremendously gifted athlete, Bailey has incredible physical gifts and looks like he was cut from stone.
Possesses a non-stop motor with unlimited potential.
He was not always productive on the field and is extremely raw.
The "U" product has a ton of ability and is just waiting to burst out at the next level with the right coaching; late first, early second round prospect.
34. Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia
17 of 50
6'3", 260 pounds
The Georgia Bulldog burst onto the scene this season and was one of the most disruptive forces in the SEC.
A traditional 'tweener who is still learning the ropes of being a linebacker; he has a ton of potential when let loose after the quarterback.
Will have to prove he can be an all-around outside 'backer at the next level even in the 3-4.
A ton of potential in this prospect; he could be had in the first round or slide into the early second.
33. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
18 of 50
6'1", 195 pounds
The Texas cornerback possesses a good combination of size and speed and can make plays on the ball.
Williams is a willing tackler that contributes on special teams with good natural instincts as a football player.
He can beat in open space by ball carriers and will have to be solid in this area if he plays in the slot like he is accustomed to.
Williams' ability all over the field, and in special teams, make him a very valuable prospect; likely a late first round pick.
32. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
19 of 50
5'11", 195 pounds
A solid all-around corner prospect with good coverage ability, natural instincts and tackling ability.
Harris can play all varieties of coverage and comes from good football bloodlines and loves the game.
Will need to clean up his ability to wrap and drive ball carriers to the ground.
He is simply a solid corner that could develop into a good starter in the NFL; late first round, early second round pick.
31. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
20 of 50
6'3", 337 pounds
The biggest man at the Senior Bowl, Taylor is actually a very gifted athlete at the defensive tackle position and continues to impress those who see him.
A dominant run stuffing nose tackle, he does not get much penetration but can open up lanes for linebackers all over the field.
Will have to keep his weight in check at the next level and must prove his off the field incidents are behind him.
Taylor could be a difference maker in a 3-4 defense in first season as a pro; late first round, second round prospect but most likely for 3-4 teams.
30. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
21 of 50
6'3", 300 pounds
One of fastest rising prospects in the Draft, Liuget is steadily becoming a more common name in Draft circles.
His ability to drive up field and get penetration have many people believing he is not far behind some of the elite prospects.
Can play the run but excels at disrupting plays in the backfield.
Will have show he has the stamina be an every down player and needs to develop more pass rush moves.
Could continue to rise up Draft boards as we get closer to April and has the potential to make an impact in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense; late first, second round pick.
29. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
22 of 50
6'5", 265 pounds
The Irish tight end had his season cut short but his ability is unquestionable.
Tall, athletic with hands like a receiver; Rudolph is accustomed to be split out wide or flexed out and can run solid routes.
He will have to develop more as an in-line blocker if he wants to earn the respect of the defenses when they see him on the line.
Rudolph will be a big play weapon in the NFL; late first, early second round prospect.
28. Cameron Heyward, DT, Ohio State
23 of 50
6'5", 285 pounds
The Ohio State Buckeye has great experience against top level competition and possesses fantastic athleticism.
Is quick and powerful inside and with great instincts on the defensive line.
Does not have the necessary speed of the edge and was not always as productive as we'd like.
Heyward's late father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward was a heck of a player and passed a lot of it along to his son; likely a five technique in a 3-4 defense with a late first, early second round grade right now.
27. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
24 of 50
6'6", 325 pounds
The four-year Wisconsin starter is a tremendously productive player with a ton of experience against top level competition.
He has great size and length for the position with great instincts.
May not be left tackle material in the NFL but has the ability to play multiple positions despite average athleticism.
Not an elite level prospect in my eyes but can be an effective starter on the right side or the interior; projected first round pick.
26. Tyron Smith, OT, USC
25 of 50
6'5", 280 pounds
Smith is a long, athletic tackle prospect with a ton potential.
Fantastic athleticism with great quickness and more strength than what you would expect.
Smith is still very raw and has a lot to learn about playing left tackle.
Has as much ability, if not more, than any tackle in the class and could be the first one off the board come Draft day; projected first round pick.
25. Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
26 of 50
6'5", 240 pounds
Ryan Mallett is a tower behind the line of scrimmage with a cannon for an arm.
He can make all the throws necessary and can spin a good ball with both velocity and touch.
He has sloppy footwork though and can force the ball at times, especially underneath.
Will have a lot of work to do to succeed at the next level; projected first round pick.
24. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
27 of 50
6'6", 305 pounds
An all-around solid offensive lineman prospect with prototype size and length for the position.
Played against top-notch competition in the SEC, possesses good footwork, quickness and athleticism; does everything asked of him.
Not overly strong and could stand to finish off blocks better.
He's a good that does everything well but nothing great; projected first round pick.
23. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
28 of 50
6'6", 250 pounds
Newton is an unbelievable athlete with an uncanny ability to make the big play.
He has enough arm strength to make all the throws and is accurate in the short to intermediate routes.
There are a lot of questions about his deep accuracy, how well he will be able to read NFL defenses and if his abilities can translate to the next level; also has off-field character concerns.
Newton has yet to let his team down and we know what type of hear he has but it will take some time for him to develop into an NFL quarterback; projected first round pick.
22. Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
29 of 50
6'4", 310 pounds
Tremendous football knowledge and instincts for an offensive lineman that also possesses ideal size and strength on the interior line.
Has good athleticism and balance and direct NFL bloodlines.
Pouncey has issues snapping the ball if he was to play center that he would have to work on and technically leads some tuning.
He has all the tools and abilities to be a starter in the NFL for a long time; projected first round pick.
21. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
30 of 50
6'6", 285 pounds
The Badger defensive end burst onto the scene this season destroying opposing backfields and taking no prisoners.
He offers great versatility and has a non-stop motor; continues to develop as a pass rusher.
He must prove he's not just a flash this season and can always do it and will have to maintain a solid weight.
Watt is still flying high after his junior season and he made the right move taking off this season; projected mid-first round pick.
20. Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri
31 of 50
6'5", 260 pounds
The Missouri Tiger possesses fantastic athleticism and length with a ton of upside to his game.
His speed and pass rush ability make him a force off the edge.
He is still extremely raw and will take a bit of time to develop and he may have to move to outside linebacker.
Smith still has a lot to prove but could become an incredible force off the edge with time; projected first round pick.
19. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
32 of 50
6'6", 305 pounds
The Boston College Eagle is extremely smart, has good footwork and has ideal size for the position.
He is technically sound in both facets of the game and has been very durable against good competition throughout his career.
Is not as strong as we'd like and does not allows get there against edge rushers.
Castonozo is a technically sound player that will work hard and do whatever it takes to be better at the next level despite any physical limitations; projected first round pick.
18. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
33 of 50
6'5", 230 pounds
Gabbert is raw with a ton of ability and became the de-facto No. 1 quarterback when Andrew Luck went back to school.
He has all the tools to become a potential franchise quarterback, can make all the throws, has above average athleticism and has all the leadership qualities we look for in quarterbacks.
Still raw and learning, it will take time for Gabbert to progress but he may be the most ready of the quarterbacks in the draft.
Gabbert might be franchise quarterback material but it will take time; projected mid-first round pick.
17. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
34 of 50
6'1", 311 pounds
Paea is an incredibly strong prospect with good athleticism and agility.
He has a non-stop motor with an incredible work ethic and has the ability to penetrate into the backfield too.
He was injured at the Senior Bowl and will not participate in the game.
He lacks ideal height for the position and still shows signs of being raw.
Paea has the potential to be a top 10 pick with his strength and upside and could be a disruptive force in the NFL next season; projected first round pick.
16. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
35 of 50
6'3", 230 pounds
One year ago Locker was projected as the No. 1 overall pick and came back for his senior season; things did not go as planned.
He has all the athletic ability in the world, elite leadership ability and arm strength to make all the necessary levels at the next level.
Locker still has work to do, especially in the accuracy department, and may have shown that he is not ready to go right away.
His experience in a pro-style offense under a pro-style coach can only help and the things that were ready to make Locker the No. 1 pick a season ago are all still there, there right coach just has to bring it out; Locker is a projected first round pick.
15. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
36 of 50
6'8", 312 pounds
The former tight end has grown into a seriously developed franchise tackle prospect.
He has off-the-charts athletic ability for a man his size, has proven instincts and works hard.
Solder is still raw with a lot of potential but still needs work as a run blocker and could use work as a finisher.
Possibly the one of only two franchise left tackle prospects in the Draft; projects as first round pick.
14. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
37 of 50
6'4", 285 pounds
Clayborn is a gifted athlete with good speed, size and strength.
He has a non-stop motor with a good array of pass rush moves and can play multiple positions in a variety of defenses.
Does not have great explosion or range and saw his production slip this season.
The Hawkeye is a hardworking prospect who will make his way into a starting lineup regardless of the defensive scheme; projected first round pick.
13. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
38 of 50
5'10", 215 pounds
The former Heisman Trophy winner is simply a solid running back.
He has fantastic vision, patience and quickness in the hole with the ability to both pick up blitz and catch balls out of the backfield.
His lack of top-end speed is his only real knock and he suffered an injury earlier this season as well.
Ingram will be a productive back no matter what system he plays in and will be a solid addition to any team; he is a projected first round pick.
12. Cameron Jordan, DE, California
39 of 50
6'4", 285 pounds
The hottest prospect in Mobile this week was this monster of a defensive end.
He has a fantastic array of pass rush moves, has good speed and athleticism for his size and simply knows how to play football.
He is not as quick or fast as you want but he is not just an edge rusher.
Jordan continues to impress and will likely continue to rise up Draft boards; he is a solid defensive prospect that can do it all.
11. Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
40 of 50
6'4", 255 pounds
Kerrigan came into the Senior Bowl a little lighter than expected but looked ripped up in the process.
He is a hardworking hybrid player that will not blow you away with anything other than his work ethic and motor.
He's undersized for a defensive end and is still learning the ropes as a possible outside linebacker.
You know what you're going to get out of Kerrigan and can bank on him always being there; projected mid-to-early first round pick.
10. Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
41 of 50
6'3", 237 pounds
Miller came into the Senior Bowl lighter than he wanted to as well and he looks to be making the full time transition to outside linebacker.
He has proven what a dominant pass rusher he can be with tremendous speed, agility and burst off the edge but he is now showing the ability to drop in coverage and play in space.
Is undersized for what he does best and he will have to learn a new position quickly in the NFL.
He is one of the most impressive players in the nation to watch and has shown the ability to adapt to whatever situation he is placed in; potential top 10 pick.
9. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
42 of 50
6'4", 220 pounds
Julio Jones is a physical freak and continues to impress people every time he steps on the field.
He is play-maker, a natural athlete and has improved endlessly as a route runner.
Jones' biggest concern at the next level will be consistently making catches and gaining separation from defenders.
His big body often allows him to use his physical abilities to mask any deficiencies in technique and he is going to have to work on them at the next level; projected as a first round pick.
8. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
43 of 50
6'4", 255 pounds
The UCLA Bruin is the most complete line backing prospect in the Draft.
He has shown the ability to get after the passer, effectively drop in coverage, make plays in space and cover ground from sideline-to-sideline.
Will have to become a more sound tackler in space and stay lower on initial contact.
There are not many negatives when it comes to Akeem Ayers, he simply can do it all; projected first round pick.
7. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
44 of 50
6'4", 275 pounds
The nation's leader in sacks, Bowers finally put it all together as a senior at Clemson.
He has a variety of pass rush moves and speed to get around the edge along with strength to fight inside.
It took him a while to get it together and he will have to show that he is not just a flash and can sustain success over long periods of time.
Still has the ability to get better and could be No. 1 pick in this draft; projected top 10 pick.
6. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
45 of 50
6'1", 205 pounds
Amukamara is as solid a cornerback as we have seen in a long time.
He has all the tools you look for in a shut down cornerback and has a ton of experience against top-notch competition; has ideal size for the position with good hands and speed.
Biggest knock on him is deep speed and he will have to prove that his technique and quickness is enough to overcome any concerns about that.
A potential shutdown corner in the NFL for years to come; projected top 10 pick.
5. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
46 of 50
6'5", 270 pounds
The UNC Tarheel did not play at all this season but put enough tape together a season ago wreaking havoc on opposing offenses to overcome that issue.
Has fantastic quickness, agility and speed off the edge and will likely be a 3-4 outside rush linebacker in the NFL.
Will have to prove he can drop in coverage if asked and that his season off his not going to hinder his growth as a player at all.
One of the most physically gifted prospects in the draft; projected top five pick.
4. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
47 of 50
6'4", 306 pounds
The big Alabama tackle has incredible quickness and lateral agility for a man his size.
He can penetrate into backfields and also go sideline-to-sideline as quickly as most quarterbacks; his quickness and agility is truly remarkable.
Not always as productive as we'd like and will need to be more consistent in the NFL.
Has the ability to play almost anywhere on the defensive line but likely five best as 3-4 end; projected top 10 pick.
3. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
48 of 50
6'5", 300 pounds
The most disruptive man in college football this season was an unstoppable force this season.
His quickness, strength and inside burst are unmatched in this Draft and his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield is uncanny.
Will have to keep an eye on his attitude and he is not always the smartest player on the field.
Not many defensive tackles can alter games the way he did this season and he will be a force on the inside of any 4-3 defense; likely top five pick.
2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
49 of 50
6'4", 205 pounds
The Georgia Bulldog receiver is so ridiculously talented and athletic that we have still yet to see his best.
Leaping ability, route running, hands and speed; this kid seriously could warrant going No. 1 overall.
His slight frame may be the only knock and bigger corners may be able o get their hands on him if he does not work on bulking up or at least perfecting moves off the line.
The most gifted receiver to come out since Calvin Johnson; Green is a top three pick.
1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
50 of 50
6'1", 222 pounds
Arguably the best defensive back to come out since Charles Woodson.
Peterson is this year's No. 1 prospect because he does everything right and then some.
Has beyond prototype size and speed for the position, is a sound tackler, can make plays on the ball and with the ball, can lock down one side of the field and brings added bonus as return man.
He has the potential to play multiple positions in the secondary and will be an immediate upgrade over almost any number of corners in the league right now.
The LSU Tiger is a top three pick.
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