NFL Draft 2011: Comparing 20 Potential First-Rounders to a Current Pro Bowler
Although the 2011 NFL draft has been called a weak crop of talent, these 20 prospects certainly don't make it look like it's very shallow at all.
While there is no clear-cut consensus on who the No. 1 selection should be (as there has been in previous seasons), a lot of teams have a great opportunity to better themselves with their first draft selection in 2011.
Let's take a look at some potential ceilings for some of the game's most talented incoming rookies.
Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
1 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Charles Woodson, CB, Green Bay
Being referred to as the greatest cornerback prospect since Mr. Woodson himself, it's only natural that Peterson draws the former Heisman Trophy winner as his comparison.
If Peterson develops into the corner that most expect him to, he has a serious chance to make any team that passes on him with an early pick look ridiculously foolish.
Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
2 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Jason Babin, DE, Tennessee
Bowers' stock is slipping faster than Borders' stock, but there's no reason to believe that his injury troubles have completely sapped all of his talent.
While there are serious question marks regarding his ability to be elite at the next level, Bowers should surely still be a top-20 selection for a team willing to gamble.
Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
3 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots
For the team that drafts Fairley, if he were to turn out like big Willy (Wilfork), it would be an absolute ideal scenario.
Fairley has a lot of work to do to fill in the gaps between he and the pudgy perennial Pro Bowler, but there's no doubt that the product of Auburn has quite an impressive ceiling.
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Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
4 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Kyle Williams, DT, Buffalo
Dareus is a near lock to go at No. 2 overall to Denver, and as we all saw last season, the Broncos need help along the defensive line. Desperately.
The top prospect at his position in this season's draft, Dareus can definitely serve as an anchor for the Denver franchise.
Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
5 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: DeMarcus Ware, LB/DE, Dallas
I don't put a ton of stock in combine numbers, but the impression made by Von Miller extends far beyond those incredible performances back in February.
He's solidified himself as a top-five pick, barring an unforeseen scenario on draft day. It's not unreasonable to think that he might make it to the Pro Bowl in his inaugural season.
A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
6 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit
Green is another player who is the best prospect at his position in quite some time, and if he develops into anywhere near what Calvin Johnson is currently, his future team is certain to be happy.
He's got a big frame and sure hands, so while he may not make some of the highlight-reel plays that Megatron manages, Green's going to come awfully close.
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
7 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Darrelle Revis, CB, New York
If Amukamara is available when the Cowboys select ninth overall and the team chooses to pass on him, there's going to be serious upheaval among the Dallas fanbase.
Prince is extraordinarily skilled and carries impressive speed for a guy of his size on the outside, making the coveted corner a perfect fit on any team.
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
8 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Roddy White, WR, Atlanta
Julio Jones might be the second receiver off the draft board behind A.J. Green, but by no means does that make him a subordinate talent.
He's an impressive specimen who can instantly help an offense get vertical, and if he links up with the right quarterback, Jones could really shine in his rookie season.
Robert Quinn, LB/DE, North Carolina
9 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Brian Orakpo, DE, Washington
There are a lot of question marks with Quinn, including his health, ability to contribute, work ethic and character.
But if you've ever watched this kid play, you know exactly why he would have been a lock for the top ten had he played this season. Quinn can, and should, outperform his draft slot with ease.
Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
10 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Gabbert is quickly gaining steam as the top choice for many decision-makers inside NFL offices, but there's still a bit of uncertain skepticism surrounding his long-term projections.
He definitely has the ability to blossom into something special, but he may wind up with a ceiling that's very similar to Matt Cassel's; that's no Tom Brady.
Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
11 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia
Big arm, athleticism off the charts and capable of running with the football, Newton and Vick could very well turn out to be mirror images of one another when it's all said and done.
Newton should prove to be successful despite the stigma that seems to surround him at all times, and I think he's going to surprise a lot of people in his first year, just like Vick did in 2010.
Tyron Smith, OT, USC
12 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, New York Jets
A perfect blending of size and athleticism, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see Smith be the first offensive tackle taken off the board in 2011.
Ferguson went through a learning curve before fulfilling his potential, and Smith may go through a similar process before adapting to life in the NFL.
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
13 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta
Ingram and Turner are both small, compact bruising backs that can run over defenders before the opposition knows what's about to happen.
Despite coming off of a down season after winning the Heisman in 2009, Ingram should find no trouble locating success at the next level given his incredible work ethic and humility.
Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
14 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Steelers
What did you expect? The two brothers are identical twins and there isn't a lot to suggest that Mike will have any less success than Maurkice in the long term.
He might not make a giant splash in the manner that his brother did initially, but he's a solid investment for any team looking to upgrade along the front line.
Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
15 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland
Although his comparison is Asomugha, that represents a best-case scenario for Smith. His character reminds me more of Antonio Cromartie to be perfectly honest, but he has a higher ceiling than the athletic father of (too) many.
He can be a long-time starter for a squad that has the nerve to take him on, but he's going to need some serious coaching and mentoring before that can happen.
Jake Locker, QB, Washington
16 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego
Locker's fall from grace was well noted this season after he decided to return to school, and now he's looking at falling out of the first round altogether.
He's gotten a harsh rap this season because of the lofty expectations put in place for him after 2009, but Locker can still prove to be a very valuable quarterback at the next level if he studies under the right veteran leader.
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
17 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Julius Peppers, DE, Chicago
J.J. Watt is going to make a lot more noise than most people are expecting, and at 6'5" and 290 lbs, the product of Wisconsin is going to make some members along opposing offensive lines look absolutely silly.
He's going to produce as soon as he sees the field, and Watt is reportedly also an eager learner. A match with a team like the Patriots would be phenomenal. But Watt is rising up draft boards and is very unlikely to last outside the top 15.
Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA
18 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Cameron Wake, LB/DE, Miami
Like Wake, Akeem Ayers is a player that relies heavily on his raw athleticism rather than phenomenal football instincts.
While he may not have the IQ for the game that some of his other draft mates might, Ayers can quickly learn and develop into a solid defender and leader in any core of linebackers.
Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
19 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Joe Thomas, OT, Cleveland
Castonzo is among the standouts in a crop that lacks truly elite talent, but by no means does that mean the BC product can't develop into a long-term answer on the outside.
He may not be ticketed for the Pro Bowl after his rookie campaign, but there's no doubt that he could eventually make multiple appearances at the watered down all-star game.
Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California
20 of 20
Pro Bowl Comparison: Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona
Jordan would be an ideal nose tackle in a 4-3 defense, and he has only improved his standing with NFL clubs since the completion of the collegiate season.
His character is a complete 180 degree about face from Dockett's, but if the rookie's production is half of the veteran's at the onset of his career, it'll be a step in the right direction.
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