NFL Draft 2011: Who Are the Top Prospects at Each Position?
What are you biggest team's needs? Do you need a quarterback like the Carolina Panthers or do you need a wide receiver like the Cleveland Browns?
Whatever the position it may be, don't you wish that your favorite team could draft the best player at that position? I sure would.
Here, I have compiled a list of the top player at each and every position entering the 2011 NFL Draft.
So, if you're a New England Patriots fan and you want to dream big about a pass rusher? This is the place to be.
It's time to start dreaming, and when you dream—dream big. Here is the perfect spot to aim the top player at each position that you team may need to address.
NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa.
Quarterback: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
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Blaine Gabbert, Quarterback, Missouri
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 234 lbs.
If your favorite team needs a quarterback, like Carolina, Buffalo, and Arizona, Blaine Gabbert may be the perfect fit.
In my opinion, Gabbert has the potential to be a quality NFL starter, but nothing special right away. I like to describe Gabbert as a more mobile Drew Bledsoe.
Gabbert has a lot of potential with amazing talent, he just needs that talented turned into skills.
Other notable options: Cam Newton, Jake Locker, and Ryan Mallet.
Running Back: Mark Ingram, Alabama
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Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215 lbs.
Out of all of the running backs in the 2011 draft class, Mark Ingram is by far the most talented.
Ingram was the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and will be an immiedate impact player on a team in the need of improving their running game.
Other notable options: Mikel Leshoure, Ryan Williams, and DeMarco Murray.
Fullback: Owen Marecic, Standford
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Owen Marecic, Fullback, Stanford
Height: 6'
Weight: 248 lbs.
Out of every single player in the 2011 draft class, Marceic is by far the most versatile. Marceic suited up as a fullback and linebacker for Standford over his colliegate career.
Other notable options: Anthony Sherman and Stanley Havili.
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Wide Receiver: A.J. Green, Georgia
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A.J. Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 211
A.J. Green is projected to be something special—he is the all around wide receiver.
Green has the height and strength to challenge the NFL's top receivers, and he's got top-notch speed.
Other notable options: Julio Jones, Jonathan Baldwin, and Torrey Smith.
Tight End: Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
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Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Notre Dame
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 259 lbs.
Notre Dame's Rudolph is by far the most athletic and explosive tight end in the NFL draft.
Rudolph has the ideal frame for a tight and has great speed for his position. Also, not to mention, he's an above average blocker.
Other notable options: Lance Kendricks and Luke Stocker.
Offensive Tackle: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
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Anthony Castonzo, Offensive Tackle, Boston College
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 311 lbs.
Castonzo is projected to be another great offensive linemen out of the University of Lineman, a.k.a. Boston College
With such a large frame, Castonzo is very quick for his position—he can handle speed rushers better than any other prospect.
Another notable options: Tyron Smith, Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder, and Derek Sherrod.
Offensive Guard: Mike Pouncey, Florida
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Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard, Florida
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 303 lbs.
Pouncey is rated as the top offensive linemen by many scouts and experts due to his versatility—he can play guard or center.
Out of all of the offensive guards in the draft, Pouncey is by far the best run blocker and can be a quality pass blocker as well.
Other notable options: Danny Watkins and Marcus Cannon.
Center: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn. State
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Stefen Wisniewski, Center, Penn. State
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 313 lbs.
The one thing that stands out about Wisniewski is his ability to finish blocks—he has such a high motor and is extremely competitive.
Wisniewski would be a nice anchor for any team who needs a center.
Other notable options: Kristofer O'Dowd and Alex Linnenkohl.
Defensive End: Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
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Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 280 lbs.
The defensive end position is probably the deepest position in this year's draft. It is just filled with talent.
Bowers dominnated the college game and Clemson and will transfer nicely over into the NFL.
Other notable options: Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith, Cameron Jordan, and J.J. Watt.
Defensive Tackle: Marcell Dareus, Alabama
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Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 319 lbs.
When healthy, Dareus dominants offensive lineman—it's that simple.
Dareus is the all-in-one package: he can stop the run, rush the passer, and has a real nose for the ball.
Other notable options: Nick Fairley, Corey Liuget, Stephen Pea, and Muhammad Wilkerson.
Outside Linebacker: Von Miller, Texas A&M
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Von Miller, Outside Linebacker, Texas A&M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 246 lbs.
Texas A&M's Von Miller is by far the most talented pass rusher in this league's draft at the outside linebacker position.
Miller is projected to go as high as first overall, and will be a top 10 pick no matter what.
Other notable options: Akeem Ayers, Bruce Carter and Justin Houston.
Inside Linebacker: Martez Wilson, Illinois
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Martez Wilson, Inside Linebacker, Illinois
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 250 lbs.
Out of every position in the draft, inside linebacker is by far the weakest when it comes to depth and talent.
However, Martez Wilson is quite the prospect with his strong productive 2010 season under his belt. Wilson will fit best in a 3-4 defense as an inside linebacker.
Other notable options: Quan Sturdivant.
Cornerback: Patrick Peterson, LSU
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Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
Height: 6'
Weight: 219 lbs.
Peterson is arguably the most talented player in this league's draft out of any position.
With his extremly large and powerful frame, he is a very unique cornerback and is far above the rest of the class.
Other notable options: Prince Amukamara, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Harris, and Aaron Williams.
Safety: Rahim Moore, UCLA
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Rahim Moore, Safety, UCLA
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 202 lbs.
Out of all of the safeties, Moore has the best hands and is the biggest play-maker.
However, the safety position isn't considered to be very deep this year, but Moore would be a quality fit if a team needs a safety.
Other notable options: Quinton Carter.
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