2011 NFL Draft: Ranking the Big Ten Players Who Should Be First Rounders
The NFL Draft is just a few weeks away, and the Big Ten does have a good amount of talent that could be first-round material.
In all, the talent level in the conference, especially defensively, was very diverse and strong, especially up front on the lines.
Nebraska included, the conference should be able to get at least six first rounders in this year's draft.
Here is a look at those six players, where they might go and a look at sleepers who could find their way in as well.
6. Cameron Heyward, DE/DT, Ohio State
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Projected range: Early 20s to mid second round
Ohio State's star DL did not have a mind-blowing season statwise, but he made up for that by showcasing his ability to play well at any spot on the line and as a run-stuffer.
Heyward was dominant up front in the Sugar Bowl win over Arkansas with a sack, 3.5 TFLs and a big pass deflection on a fourth down.
His biggest assets are his work ethic and strength, which project well for him at a 3-4 DE spot due to his frame.
He may not be an elite pass rusher like a DeMarcus Ware, but he will be very good at taking up blockers and clogging up running and throwing lanes.
Teams like Pittsburgh and Seattle, among others, could be the ones most likely to snatch up Heyward.
5. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Projected Range: 18 to 30
In a draft that seems to lack talented offensive linemen, Carimi is a guy that teams that need a right tackle will be clamoring over.
Carimi, an All-American in 2010 as well as the Outland Trophy winner, dominated at LT for Wisconsin on the Badgers steamroll surge to the Rose Bowl, despite the loss to TCU in Pasadena.
What makes him a special player is his quickness and his balance in pass protection and run blocking along with great ethic and footwork.
He started at LT for Wisconsin in 2010, but most likely projects as a RT due to his lack of freakish athleticism.
He will get his chance at RT most likely, but he should have a great career at RT for teams like Philadelphia and Chicago that are in need of good offensive linemen.
4. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Projected Range: 17-28
Clayborn, after his junior season at Iowa, was without a doubt one of the best defensive linemen in the country.
However, his stock slipped slightly in his senior season with his lack of a true game-changing performance.
That is not to say that Clayborn won't have a big-time impact at the next level, because he has a relentless motor on the pass rush and a great deal of intangibles.
However, his attitude has been questioned, which has caused his stock to drop as well.
But for a team like Seattle and Tampa Bay looking for a talented pass rusher, Clayborn and his strong hands could give those teams a huge boost in their pass rushing game.
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3. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
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Projected Range: 13-21
When Ryan Kerrigan burst onto the scene at Purdue, he redefined what the term relentless pass rusher was.
An All-American in 2010, Kerrigan was third in the FBS with 12.5 sacks and led the country in tackles for loss with 26.
Kerrigan has surprising athleticism to go with his dynamic work ethic and intelligence that makes him a special DE.
He is certainly a potential tweener between a 4-3 DE and a 3-4 OLB, but his motor and quickness would probably serve him best in a three-point stance in a 4-3.
Kerrigan seems like a perfect fit for someone like Jacksonville, a team that needs a strong pass rushing threat.
2. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
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Projected Range: 11-18
In a year where the Big Ten defensive linemen were among the best collective group in the country, none may have been more of an impact player than J.J. Watt.
A former walkon, Watt has a strong work ethic and motor that at his size and quickness, make him an extremely difficult challenge for anyone who tries to stop him.
Watt will most likely play 3-4 DE due to his size at about 290 lbs, but he does have good speed at about a 4.8 40-yard time.
His energy and strength will make him a valuable contributor for any team and makes him probably the best DL draft prospect in the Big Ten.
Among the teams that could be calling Watt's name are Houston, Miami and New England.
1. Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska
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Projected Range: 7 to 11
I know that Amukamara played his career in the Big 12, but his Huskers will be moving into the Big Ten, so he will count on this list with the Big Ten players.
Amukamara is a step below LSU's Patrick Peterson for the top DBs, but is far and away the second-best corner in the draft right now.
He is a prototypical shut-down potential DB with quickness and physicality with great instincts.
An All-American in 2010, Amukamara, despite not having an interception, registered 58 tackles and a team-high 13 pass deflections for Nebraska.
He could go as early as No. 7 to San Francisco, but he most likely will not fall past Houston at No. 11 who desperately needs a good corner.
Other Possible Big Ten First Rounders
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Of all the remaining players in the Big Ten that will be drafted, only three, all Illinois Fighting Illini, have potential to be first rounders, even if its a slim chance.
Mikel Leshoure, RB: The big, powerful back rushed for 1,697 yards and earned second-team All-American honors.
And in a draft low on quality running backs, Leshoure could be a surprise pick for a team in need of a big running back.
Corey Liuget, DT: Liuget came out of nowhere for the Illini and was a key part on the defense to lead the team to a Texas Bowl blowout over Baylor.
His strong upper body and great hustle make him a very intriguing 4-3 DT prospect to keep an eye on at the end of the first round.
Martez Wilson, LB: The top-ranked ILB by CBS Sports.com, Wilson compares to Karlos Dansby due to his athleticism, long arms and good tackling ability.
Despite lacking great instincts, he can be a very talented backer with great coaching due to his length and speed.
For more college football and NFL Draft insight and news, follow me on Twitter @bielik_tim and visit The BCS Blitz.
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