NFL Draft 2011: Gabe Carimi and the 8 Strongest Guys in the Draft

Players on either the offensive or defensive lines in the NFL have acquired a certain, "Are you stronger than me?" mentality.

Strength is a must in the NFL. Players can get away with not being as strong, or as quick or as flexible than other players in college, but once you reach the NFL, it is totally different.

The NFL is a much different game. It is faster, stronger and there is obviously more talent on the field.

NFL teams pick prospects on potential, not necessarily on collegiate performance. They pick on a player's intangibles. They look at 40 speeds, bench press, size and work ethic.

Here are eight prospects with these types of intangibles that can get them drafted in the first round.

8. Villanova OT Ben Ijalana

At 6'4" and 320 pounds, Ijalana will probably have to switch to OG in the NFL after dominating at OT at Villanova.

Scouts love his size and athletic ability to block either the run or pass. His ability to get to the second level makes him that much greater of a prospect.

One thing that worries scouts is that he could not participate in any postseason all-star games. A sports hernia injury prevented scouts from seeing how Ijalana matched up against true Division I-FBS talent.

7. Baylor DT Phil Taylor

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 07: Defensive tackle Phil Taylor #11 of the Baylor Bears in action during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Taylor, at 6'4" and 340 pounds, is the prototypical DT in an NFL 3-4 scheme. He has the perfect blend of size and strength to clog up the middle.

His run defense is his strength. He can take on one, or even two, defenders with ease most of the time.

If he is asked to rush the QB, he can do that too. He is very quick and athletic for a man his size.

6. Colorado OT Nate Solder

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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)

Standing at 6'8" and 315 pounds, Solder fits the mold for a NFL OT. In most mock drafts, he is the top lineman off the board, usually at 10-15.

Solder was recruited by Colorado as a TE. He then gained 85 pounds since coming out of High School and was transformed into one of the best OTs in college football.

He allowed just one sack last season and was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year.

5. Alabama WR Julio Jones

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a long reception against the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Yes, you are not seeing things. That man is a WR. Jones has incredible size and strength at the position, which will make him a sure top-10 pick in this year's draft.

Jones lines up at 6'4" and 220 pounds. Standing across from him on the line will likely be maybe a 6'0" CB who only weighs 200 pounds.

Cornerbacks will not be able to play press coverage against Jones unless they have help over the top. They might also need help tackling him. He will be a sure YAC leader on the team.

Jones will be a quarterback's dream target. His size will make him an immediate red zone threat.

Jones also has tremendous blocking skills as well.

4. Auburn QB Cam Newton

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers warms up prior to their game against the Oregon Ducks during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo

Cam Newton is another player who could line up at LB or DE, and he would fit right in.

Newton's talent and athletic ability, however, make him a perfect QB. He is a Tim Tebow-type of QB, but with a stronger frame and a stronger arm.

Most quarterbacks, even in the NFL, do not match his 6'6", 250-pound size. Newton should be a weapon, both on the ground and through the air, if he can find himself the right team and the right system.

3. Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi

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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's strength lies in his protection and his blocking skills. He is so talented at those skills because of his physical size and strength.

At 6'7" and 327 pounds, Carimi may be one of the strongest, if not the strongest, OL in the draft.

Any QB should feel comfortable with Carimi blocking his blind side.

2. Alabama DT Marcell Dareus

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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)

If you look at Dareus' stats last season for the Crimson Tide, you would see average production.

He only had 34 tackles and 4.5 sacks. That, however, was caused by most teams double- and triple-teaming him.

Dareus was Bama's anchor on defense, and stopping him was a must for any opposing team.

Dareus' strength made two to three players guard him. That means another one or two Alabama players were left to either rush to the QB freely, or drop back in extra coverage.

1. Auburn DT Nick Fairley

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Fairley is a quarterback's nightmare staring across from him on the line of scrimmage.

Although Fairley's physical strength may not be at the very top of the list, he makes up for it with his ability, strength and quick feet.

Fairley had 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss last season.

His performance in the BCS Championship game established Fairley as the No. 1 pick in this year's draft. Fairley had five tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble against a very good Oregon offense.