2011 NFL Draft: Top 25 Prospects and Their NFL Counterparts

The games have come and gone. Now our attention turns to the 2011 NFL Draft and hoping there isn't a lockout. 

This year's class is full of great defenders. It will be interesting to see where these players land and how well their game translates into the NFL. 

Some could be great right away and others might take a few years to adjust. Some could be stars and others could be a bust.

Here's my list of the top 25 prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft and which NFL players they resemble.  

25. Jake Locker, QB, Washington

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies passes against the Stanford Cardinal on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Jake Locker's draft stock has dropped tremendously over the year. He was regarded as the top quarterback going into the season and now he's debated as third or fourth best. 

Locker has great leadership skills and excellent toughness. His accuracy could use some work, and he needs to become a better decision maker. 

NFL Counterpart: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay. Locker has great potential, which is exactly the same thing Rodgers had. Rodgers slipped because scouts weren't to sure on him. The same goes for Locker. They're also a similar build at 6'2" around 225 pounds, and are both mobile enough to extend plays very well. Locker needs to go to a team and sit for a year or two like Rodgers did. He's not quite NFL ready and if he's thrown into the mix to soon he'll turn out like Brady Quinn.  

24. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases after a Purdue Boilermaker ballcarrier at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Cameron Heyward is the son of NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.

At 6'5" 278 he's one of the biggest defensive ends in the draft. His best fit would be for a 4-3 defense coming off the edge. I don't see him dropping back into coverage very well.

NFL Counterpart: Julius Peppers, Chicago. They have a similar build and great determination to get after the quarterback. Heyward is very hardworking. He and Peppers share a similar quality in that they're always hungry for for a sack, and great at stopping the run.  

23. Justin Houston, DE, Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: Justin Houston #42 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks quarterback Tevin Washington #13 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Houston had 10 sacks this past season. He has great instincts and you can always find him around the ball. He'll need to bulk up his 254 pound frame if he wants to play defensive end at the next level. 

Houston would fit well in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 as he has experience in both systems. I believe his best fit for the NFL would be in a 3-4 at outside linebacker because of his size. Houston will need to improve his coverage skills. He got burned quite a few times in 2010. 

NFL Counterpart: Robert Mathis, Indianapolis. Both guys love to get after the quarterback. They're a very similar build with similar quickness. Houston would most likely be an outside linebacker if he goes to a 3-4. But if a 4-3 team draft him he can come off the edge with explosiveness just like Mathis.  

22. Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

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MIAMI - JANUARY 08: Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators reacts after a play against the Oklahoma Sooners in the FedEx BCS National Championship Game at Dolphin Stadium on January 8, 2009 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images)

Pouncey has great football intelligence. He knows the game very well and is quick to adjust on the field. At 6'5" 309 pounds he is an ideal offensive lineman. You want this guy blocking for you at all times. 

NFL Counterpart: Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh. They're twins. What else do I need to say? Both have a very bright future in the NFL. 

21. J.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Watt is a monster. His true weight is unknown but it's around 280-290 pounds. The 6'6" defensive end is very versatile. He would work well in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. Watt is a hard worker that possesses great pass rush skills. 

NFL Counterpart: Jared Allen, Minnesota. Both have a fiery mentality to their game play. They both enjoy getting after the quarterback. They're the same height but Allen is in better shape. Watt could shed some pounds and gain a little more speed. Watt is a great fit for the defensive end spot in either defensive system.  

20. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 05: Adrian Clayborn #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates as he walks off the field after their 24-14 win against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gar

Clayborn has great size at 6'3" 283 pounds. His best fit would be in a 4-3 defense. Clayborn would struggle with coverage. Have him rush off the edge and he's going to be dangerous. 

NFL Counterpart: John Abraham, Atlanta. Clayborn weighs a bit more but they have similar qualities. Both are hard workers with great motors. They can bully offensive lineman in route to the quarterback. 

19. Tyron Smith, OT, USC

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 7: Tyron Smith #70 of the USC Trojans stretches before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 7, 2009 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 14-9. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

Smith is probably the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft. He needs to add weight but scouts know he can and will.

Smith is very tough and even displays a bit of a nasty side, which is what you want in a lineman. He's not afraid of anyone that comes his way. Has the potential to be the best lineman in the draft.

NFL Counterpart: D'Brickasahw Ferguson, New York. They have a very similar build and Smith will reach Ferguson's 310 pound frame once he starts hitting the weights hard. Both are very strong and great at what they do.  

18. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Carimi is a one heck of a blocker. He dominates the line of scrimmage and not many guys and get by him.

He did an outstanding job in 2010 blocking some great NFL prospects. Thus, he was awarded the Outland Trophy. 

NFL Counterpart: Joe Thomas, Cleveland. Both are from the Wisconsin. They have a similar build and are best suited at left tackle. Carimi will follow in Thomas' footsteps and be a pro bowl tackle one day. They are both beasts.  

17. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Mark Ingram is the best running back in the draft. He will probably be the only running back taken in the first round. This year's class is very heavy on defensive players, making Ingram shine. He's a power back that works hard. Ingram always fights for that extra yard, and never gives up until the whistle is blown. 

NFL Counterpart: Michael Turner, Atlanta. Turner weighs a lot more but their style of play is very similar. Ingram will definitely gain some weight once he's drafted. Both have great vision and always hit the hole hard. Ingram may have a little more speed but not by much. Turner is very capable of bursting a big one, as is Ingram. 

16. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Kerrigan was very difficult to block in 2010. He led the nation with 26 tackles for loss. He thrives at getting after the quarterback and would a great fit in either  the 3-4 or the 4-3 defense. He'll be the outside linebacker if he's drafted to a 3-4 team.

NFL Counterpart: Clay Matthews, Green Bay. They're a similar build with Kerrigan being one inch taller. They have a knack for getting into the backfield and busting up plays. Both guys love sacking the quarterback, and they're extremely hard to block. I wonder if Kerrigan will grow his hair out?  

15. Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Jordan Webb #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks is sacked by Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Smith has a great frame and is very athletic. He translates well into the 3-4 outside linebacker. He has great skills and moves to get past blockers and into the back field. Smith has incredible potential to be a very great NFL player. 

NFL Counterpart: Brian Orakpo, Washington. They're built very similar. Both guys excel off the edge. Smith can turn into the 3-4 outside linebacker and disrupt plays in the back field. Both a very athletic and tough to block. 

14. Cameron Jordan, DT/DE, California

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MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 29:Defensive lineman Cameron Jordan #97 of the North Team during the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 29, 2011 at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images for Under Armour)

Jordan is a guy who greatly improved his draft stock at the senior bowl. It just goes to show that if you work hard it will pay off. 

He is very versatile. Jordan came from a 3-4 at California but has great size at 6'4 283 pounds to be a 4-3 defensive end. 

NFL Counterpart: Trent Cole, Philadelphia. Jordan is a little bit bigger, but they are very comparable. They are always around the ball and are tackling machines. Both can get to the quarterback and bring him down with ease.  

13. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers throws the ball in the third quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendal

We all know how electrifying Cam Newton was this past season. He came out of nowhere and stole the show. He dominated college football and took home all the awards.

Newton was fantastic to watch this past season. He has great size and speed. We all know what he is capable of with his feet, but he can also throw.

NFL Counterpart: Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay. They're almost identical in size. Newton is a little more mobile, and Freeman is a little more accurate. Freeman has developed into a star in the making. It will be interesting to see if Newton can do the same thing. It's scary how similar these two are.   

12. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes for a touchdown during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

Jones has been a stud all through out college. He is a great blocking receiver because of his size. Jones has over come drop issues and improved on his route running. He has great speed and even better potential. 

NFL Counterpart: Braylon Edwards, New York. Jones and Edwards are very alike. They can sometimes let you down with a dropped pass, but will make up for it later in the game with a huge play. Both have a similar build and are very dangerous with the ball. They're great down the field threats. 

11. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Linebacker Akeem Ayers #10 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Ayers is one of the top linebackers in the draft. He is very athletic and has a great body for the NFL. He's 6'4" 254 pounds. 

Ayers has great instincts and exceptional ball awareness. He is very tough and is in on every play. 

NFL Counterpart: Terrell Suggs, Baltimore. Ayers is a great fit for a 3-4 defense. His skills translate well to the outside linebacker position. He is a tackling machine and like Suggs he will hit you very hard. Ayers isn't as sack happy as Suggs but he will get there. Ayers has great upside for the NFL coming off the edge. He will greatly improve whatever defense selects him. 

10. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

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BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Solder has been a beast on the line for the Buffaloes for quite some time. He's a monster up front weighing 315 pounds and he's 6'9". Solder is massive. He is rated as the top offensive lineman in the draft because of his brute strength. 

NFL Counterpart: Jake Long, Miami. Both are enormous lineman. They are also exceptionally well at what they do. They're not afraid of anyone coming their way. Both guys know how to block. They have remarkable football intelligence and great awareness on the field. 

9. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

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TEMPE, AZ - DECEMBER 28: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers throws a pass during the Insight Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Sun Devil Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Tempe, Arizona. The Hawkeyes defeated the Tigers 27-24. (Photo by

Gabbert is believe to be the best quarterback on the 2011 class. He's 6'5" 235 pounds making him the ideal size to play in the NFL. 

Gabbert has a great arm and solid mobility. His decision making is of concern as well as his footwork. You can't doubt his leadership because he was the voice of his team. He led Missouri to a great season. As the top QB in the draft all eyes are on him during the next few months. 

NFL Counterpart: Phillip Rivers, San Diego. Both quarterbacks had a lot of hype and many believe they would fail. Rivers has proven he belongs in the NFL and Gabbert will soon show us whether he does or not. They are built a lot alike and both can make the big throws. However they are similar in he fact that they can make some dumb decisions with the football. Rivers waited two years which greatly benefited him. I don't think Gabbert will be that lucky.  

8. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Jordan Jefferson #9 of the Louisiana State University Tigers throws under pressure from Von Miller #40 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by C

Miller is a great athlete. He thrives on sacking the quarterback. 

Millers is an explosive player off the edge, and he is very difficult to block. He has improved on his coverage skills and scouts have taken notice. Thus improving his draft stock propelling him into the top 10 of all prospects. 

NFL Counterpart: Tamba Hali, Kansas City. Hali is heavy than Miller, but Miller will bulk up some when he gets to the NFL. These guys love to get after the quarterback. If all they could do was sack the QB all day long they'd die happy. Hali lives on breaking up plays in the backfield as does Miller.  

7. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after a sack with teammate Marvin Austin #9 against the East Carolina Pirates at Kenan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by St

Quinn is a natural pass rusher. He does a wonderful job at getting into the backfield and bringing down the quarterback. He needs to improve his game against the run. However, in time he will. Quinn's skills at the defensive end position are impeccable.

NFL Counterpart: DeMarcus Ware, Dallas. They are of similar build and they both live for breaking up plays. These two guys are very sack happy. Quinn and Ware can bring down the quarterback at any time. Ware plays in the 3-4, and Quinn could fit nicely into the same scheme as well.   

6. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Wide receiver Cameron Kenney #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the ball against Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo

Amukamara is a phenomenal defensive back. He has great instincts and even better ball awareness. Amukamara is a great defender with exceptional hands. He's a legit shut down corner and if NFL ready. 

NFL Counterpart: Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland. Both guys are structured the same way. They are play-makers and great defenders. They are both very quick, which allows them to cover receivers very well. Asomugha and Amukamara make great plays on the ball, and they love to break up the pass.  

5. Marcell Dareus, DE/DT Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dareus is a great physical specimen. He penetrates the line and frustrates opposing teams. His pass rush skills are superb. He does need work on stopping the run but he'll have a long career in the NFL. Dareus is a great fit as a 3-4 defensive end. 

NFL Counterpart: Cullen Jenkins, Green Bay. Both are 6'2" weigh over 300 pounds and love to get in the backfield. These two guys are extremely well are getting after the quarterback. Jenkins is a solid 3-4 defensive end, and Dareus will soon become one. 

4. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers runs for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Ima

Peterson is the best defensive back in the 2011 draft class. He is a shut down corner and a magnificent play maker. Peterson is a great kick returner and an extraordinary athlete. 

NFL Counterpart: Antonio Cromartie, New York. They are built just alike at 6'1"-6'2" and around 210 pounds. Both guys are shut down corners. They love to break up the pass or make the interception. Cromartie and Peterson are also similar in their kick return abilities.  They are very dangerous with the ball and can kill you with their speed. 

3. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Da'Quan Bowers is the best pass rusher in the draft. The 2011 NFL Draft will see several defensive ends go in the first round and Bowers is the best. He is perfect for the 4-3 defense but has potential to come off the edge for a 3-4 defense. At 6'4" 280 pounds he has great speed for his size and is very hard to block. 

NFL Counterpart: Justin Tuck, New York. Tuck and Bowers are outstanding pass rushers. These two excel at getting past lineman and taking down the quarterback. Tuck is 6'5" 274 pounds and flourishes in the 4-3 defense. Bowers can be exactly the same type of player Tuck is for whatever team drafts him. We'll be talking about Bowers for a long time. 

2. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks is sacked by Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glenda

Fairley will instantly help whatever team selects him. He is a monster up front and is too hard to block for opposing lineman. Fairley burst onto the scene in 2010 and made a name for himself as a great defender. He has been labeled as a dirty player, but some teams want that mentality in their defensive tackles.

NFL Counterpart: Haloti Ngata, Baltimore. Ngata has 40 pounds on Fairley, but their style of play is very similar. Both guys are extremely difficult to block and excel at stopping the run. They are always in the backfield bringing down whoever has the ball. Fairley and Ngata strike fear in opposing players. 

1. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs pulls in this reception against Craig Stevens #46 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A.J. Green is the best athlete in the 2011 draft class. He is exceptionally talented and always makes the catch. Green can catch anything thrown his way. He may not be the fastest receiver, but he makes up for it with his route running and amazing hands. This guy is truly special. 

NFL Counterpart: Calvin Johnson, Detroit. Johnson weighs more but these two are a lot alike. All you have to do is throw it up and these guys will bring it down. They have great control of their bodies in mid air, and are able to do spectacular things. Green will be an impact player for whatever team drafts him.