2011 NFL Draft: Top Ten Prospects and Their Pro Equivalents

Every year, we wonder about the boom-or-bust potential for each of the prospects coming into the NFL Draft.

We hear terms like "high-ceiling" or "prototype," but the best thing is to take a look at the professional players who remind us of these kids with high hopes.

1. Patrick Peterson

At 6'1" and 222 pounds, Patrick Peterson reminds me a lot of Charles Woodson. Name a receiver, and Peterson should be able to keep up with him.

We'll see if Peterson has the same hands as Woodson. If he does, he should have no problem helping a defense get a few touchdowns. Much like Woodson, Peterson will be heavily relied upon on a bad defense.

If he can handle the pressure, he can be one of the all-time greats.

2. Nick Fairley

Fairley is a big-time playmaker on the defensive line, which is a rarity. He seems like a can't-miss prospect and should be able to get to the quarterback in the NFL.

Fairley reminds me a lot of Ndamukong Suh, and should be able to fit into any system in the league. It's not fair that someone his size is that quick, and that's what makes him so elite.

3. Marcell Dareus

Another playmaker at the defensive tackle position, Dareus reminds me more of Albert Haynesworth than he does Ndamukong Suh.

Dareus is a little stockier than Nick Fairley, and not quite as fast. That doesn't mean he won't be able to find the quarterback from time to time and make some big stuffs in the running game.

4. Von Miller

Von Miller reminds me of Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens. They both have that tall, lean build perfect for a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Both can get to the ball immediately, and Miller has an unbelievable motor. He should go in the top five and is the best linebacker prospect coming out this year.

5. A.J. Green

With nearly the same build and leaping ability, A.J. Green is a lot like Larry Fitzgerald: an elite playmaker who can get to the ball, no matter where you throw it, with a quick 4.48 40-yard dash time.

Green is a freakish athlete that any quarterback would love to have. His off-the-field issue (selling his jersey) is a non-issue. College kids need money.

6. Da'Quan Bowers

Da'Quan Bowers is a 4-3 defensive end who will be able to get to the quarterback, similar to the way that Justin Tuck can. Both have that explosion off the line and ability to get around the corner that makes offensive coordinators nervous.

Bowers and Tuck are strong guys who aren't the best run-stoppers, but their speed and pass-rushing abilities are top-level.

7. Julio Jones

Julio Jones and A.J. Green are very similar and you can't go wrong with either one, but for some reason I compare Julio Jones more to Terrell Owens than to Larry Fitzgerald.

Not exactly a bad spot to be in, if you're Julio Jones. He's big and athletic like Owens, and bullies cornerbacks all day.

Also, they're both known for dropping passes! My god, this guy is TO 2.0.

8. Prince Amukamara

Amukamara is a physical cornerback, much like Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders, with the ability to take the ball the other way on an errant pass. Many people think Amukamara is headed to Houston, where he'll be given a chance to be the No. 1 cornerback right off the bat.

If he can disrupt offenses the way he did at Nebraska, Amukamara should have a long and prosperous career.

9. Blaine Gabbert

Call me crazy, but Gabbert reminds me of an a-little-bigger version of Aaron Rodgers.

Gabbert also has the ability to get the job done in a wide-open passing set, and neither guy put up video-game numbers in his final college season. Both QBs have the ability to run for the first-down marker if the need presents itself.

I think Gabbert will be just fine in the pros.

10. Robert Quinn

If he can bulk up just a touch, Quinn should be able to resemble Julius Peppers quite closely. It also doesn't hurt that both players went to North Carolina.

You worry about the suspension during the 2010 season, but then you see him play and realize he is good enough to be worthy of a high pick.

The explosion to the ball is there, and once Quinn gets into game rhythm he'll be a great lineman.