NFL Draft 2011: Top Prospects From The Philadelphia Area

Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in America. Many Philly natives go on to become superstars in the NFL-- Eddie George, Marvin Harrison, and Steve Slaton, to name a few.

The neighboring colleges in Pennsylvania produce some of the most coveted football players in America. Franco Harris, Jack Ham, Mike Michalske, Lenny Moore, and Mike Munchak are all in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They products of Penn State, a neighboring college that consistently transitions NFL talent into the league.

Penn State isn't the only college that pumps in NFL prospects, as Pennsylvania is also home to the University of Pittsburgh and Lehigh, among others. Let's take a look at the top prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft who have Philadelphia and Pennsylvania roots.

Greg Romeus

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LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 02: Adam Froman #9 of the Louisville Cardinals is sacked by Greg Romeus #91 of the Pittsburgh Panthers during the Big East Conference game at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on October 2, 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by An

Greg Romeus plays defensive end for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He has a rare combination of size a athleticism. At 6'5 265, Romeus was also a highly coveted basketball talent coming out of high school. In 2009, he was named 1st team All Big East and shared the Big East player of the year award.

Romeus has the potential to be a stand up linebacker/ defensive end hybrid type in the NFL. He has a desirable frame and is a raw talent. He is originally from Florida, but he is certainly one of the top prospects to come out of the area.

Will Rackley

The unsung hero of the college world in Pennsylvania is Lehigh. It is a relatively small football program, but they certainly produce high prospects from time to time. One such player is offensive guard Will Rackley. Rackley was an All-American selection in 2009.

At 6'4 307 pounds, he has ideal size for an interior lineman. He is expected to go in the mid rounds and is one of the top guard prospects in the entire draft. Prospects like Rackley continue to help put Lehigh on the map.

Jason Pinkston

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Teammates Jason Pinkston #77 and Dion Lewis #28 of the Pittsburgh Panthers celebrates after a 19-17 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Jason Pinkston is one of the most highly touted tackles in the draft. At 6'4, the Pitt tackle is a bit undersized. That being said, he still dominated at left tackle and earned All Big East honors. Pinkston is known for his quickness and aggressive style of play.

Not only does Pinkston attend college in the area, he is a Pennsylvania native, having attended Baldwin High School. In a draft that is considerably weak at tackle, Pinkston could find himself being drafted in the early rounds.

Stefen Wisniewski

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Beachum #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions hops over teammate Stefen Wisniewski #61 and Brian Peters #10 of the Northwestern Wildcats to score a touchdown at Ryan Field on October 31, 2009 in Evanston, Illinois. Penn Sta

Stefen Wisniewski is the top center entering this year's draft. Wisniewski started as a true freshman for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He is a second team academic All-American. His impeccable character and strong work ethic make him an even more desirable talent entering the draft.

A Pittsburgh native, Wisniewski certainly gives the entire state a lot to be proud of. The Steelers saw the benefits of drafting a center early when they took Maurkice Pouncey in the first round. Don't be surprised if Wisniewski's name is called in the first round.

Jabaal Sheard

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 04: Jabaal Sheard #97 of the Pittsburgh Panthers tackles Zach Collaros #12 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Big East Conference game against at Nippert Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh won 28-10.

Jabaal Sheard stepped in admirable when Greg Romeus went out. He is one of the top defensive end prospects in the entire country. Although he currently attends Pitt, Sheard is originally from Florida.

He is extremely athletic and is likely to impress at the combine. He makes his presence felt in the backfield and has tremendous upside. A talent like Sheard is unlikely to escape the first few rounds. Pitt puts forth a number of prospects that could make noise in the draft and Sheard is one of them.

Jon Baldwin

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PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: Jon Baldwin #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is tackled by Brandon McGee #21 of the Miami Hurricanes on September 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Jon Baldwin is a huge receiver with tremendous speed. At 6'5, Baldwin will rely heavily on his 40 time in the combine to make his draft stock sky rocket. Having a receiver with that sort of size who saw as much production as Baldwin is desirable for teams across the league.

Baldwin is a two time first team All Big East talent. He has the type of athleticism that is going to turn heads and the tape to back up his skill set. Baldwin is one of the most talented players to come out of Pennsylvania and could hear his name called on the first day of the draft.