NFL Draft 2011: 10 Guys Who Could Sneak into the Top 10

Every year, it seems as though most football fans believe they have a solid grasp over what is going to transpire on draft day—especially in the first round, especially in the top 10. Every single year, almost without exception, someone jumps 10-20 or so spots from where they were projected to go.

In 2010, Jacksonville took Tyson Alualu with the 10th pick. In 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey was selected with the seventh pick by the Raiders, over Jeremy Maclin and even Michael Crabtree. 2008 sent Vernon Gholston to the Jets.

The point is, this year will probably render some sort of surprise that leaves at least one fanbase with their jaw on the floor. The top 10 is packed with draft day wild cards, which makes for an ambiguous beginning to the top of the draft.

Nobody knows for sure who any team in the top 10 is even targeting.

Let's take a look at 10 guys who could sneak into the top 10.

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass as Tyron Smith #70 blocks Jesse Feagin #98 of the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter of the college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial C

Tyron Smith put on some additional bulk in the offseason and looks even quicker than he did at his lighter college weight. He has the look of a franchise left tackle in a draft class that is sorely lacking a top flight tackle.

He can pass block and is a monster run blocker. Dallas is one team who could use a tackle. They have more pressing needs, but taking a shot at the best tackle in the draft is not out of the question. He's big, he's agile and he could contribute immediately.

The last time a tackle wasn't drafted within the first four picks, it was 2005. This year will likely break that streak but don't be surprised to see one go in the top 10.

Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal

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TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats is pressured into throwing an incomplete pass by Cameron Jordan #97 of the California Bears during the first quarter of the college football game at Arizona Stadium on September

If Cameron Jordan would have come out in a different draft class, he could easily be a top-10 pick. He's big, versatile and productive. His biggest knock is that this year's draft is overhauled with potential defensive superstars.

Jordan looks like he could be a natural fit as a five-technique defensive end and has collegiate experience in doing so. His pass rushing skills might lend him towards being an end in a 4-3 scheme and analysts have even wondered whether or not he could play outside linebacker in the right scheme.

His upside could cause him to shoot up draft boards. Teams drafting 7-10 could see their boards decimated. Jordan isn't necessarily poor value here, but it is somewhat of a reach.

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

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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)

This shouldn't really come as a shock to anyone. Julio Jones has blazing speed, he's physical and he's huge. A.J. Green is almost guaranteed to go prior to Jones, but the dropoff may not be as significant as some are making it out to be.

Jones is a dominant threat. He has inconsistency issues at times and lacks elite concentration, but he is a playmaker. The Redskins need a receiver. It looks like the Titans could use one after the Kenny Britt debacle and Randy Moss experiment gone terribly wrong.

Of all the players on this list, Jones might stand the best shot at being selected prior to the seventh pick. The Browns are in desperate need of a big target to help out Colt McCoy.

Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Image

Aside from Jake Locker, Aldon Smith presents the biggest draft day question mark. Nobody really knows where Smith is going to be selected. His burst off the edge and great athleticism make him one of the most dynamic edge rushers in the draft.

Everyone wants a great pass rusher. Put him opposite Demarcus Ware and the Cowboys could have the makings of an epic pass rushing duo. There are plenty of teams in the top 10 who are lacking an elite pass rusher.

Robert Quinn is another draft day wild card who might present more upside, but Smith could hear his name called even before Quinn.

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends a pass by quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

If you were going to make a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme, he would look something like J.J. Watt. He is prototypical for the position in almost every sense of the word.

The Redskins and Cowboys both have more pressing needs than defensive end, but both could utilize his services. He might be a reach for the 49ers at seven, especially if an elite prospect falls there.

He might not even beat out Cameron Jordan for the top 3-4 defensive end taken, but he is going to make some team very happy if he manages to fall out of the top 10 or beyond.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

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AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 10: Jordan Shipley #8 of the Texas Longhorns wrestles for control of the ball with cornerback Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes for an incomplete pass on October 10, 2009 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Tex

Let's say Patrick Peterson goes in the top five, and Prince Amukamara goes to the 49ers at No. 7. This seems like a fairly likely scenario, given the talent both players have and the serious need the 49ers have at the position.

This blows the door wide open for Jimmy Smith to enter the top 10. He doesn't have Peterson's refinement or Amukamara's all-around skill set, but he is an intriguing prospect. He's 6'2", which is gigantic for a corner.

Some teams go into drafts with particular needs that have to be addressed. If a team walks up in desperate need of a corner and finds the two top end corners already off the board, they might reach for Smith.

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rushes upfield against Ahmad Black #35 of the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Mark Ingram is in a draft class that is incredibly deep at running back. There are going to be running backs available deep in the draft who aren't a far cry from Ingram. He won a Heisman, but he might not have been the best back in his own backfield last season.

Ingram isn't a huge back, and he isn't going to outrun NFL defenses. The bottom line is he can run the football. He is a patient runner, but he isn't afraid to hit the hole. His vision and field awareness trump every running back in the draft.

Washington needs a running back. Many people don't even know who the running back is for the Redskins. That's because they don't have a legitimate one. The Redskins might have Rex Grossman under center. They are one bad draft from having no passing attack or run game.

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

This would have sounded obscene a month ago, but there is a chance Corey Liuget could be taken before Da'Quan Bowers and Nick Fairley. There are a few 3-4 teams drafting in the top 10 who are in need of a nose.

Marcell Dareus will probably be off the board in the top five. San Francisco might lose Aubrayo Franklin to free agency, and the Cowboys and Redskins might take the plunge if they think he can anchor the defense.

That isn't to rule out 4-3 teams like the Titans, but if a team reaches for Liuget, it would most likely be a 3-4 team who falls in love with his tenacity and versatility.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Jake Locker is a top-10 talent who might go in the third round. He has all the makings of a perennial superstar in the NFL, but he carries incredible bust potential. There isn't a shortage of need at quarterback for the teams selecting in the top 10, which is probably the reason they are sitting there in the first place.

This could literally be 50-plus picks sooner than he is drafted, but teams have a tendency to overvalue quarterbacks. The "Mark Sanchez scenario" is another possibility here. Miami needs a quarterback. who is to say they wouldn't trade up if they thought Locker was their guy?

Jake Locker has the build and mobility to be a great quarterback. His accuracy is highly inconsistent, but he makes NFL throws and was groomed by Steve Sarkisian. Even so, he leaves a lot to be desired. Cue the video and notice the difference between 0:51 and 7:13-plus.

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dan LeFevour #13 of the Central Michigan Chippewas is tackled by Ryan Kerrigan #94 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 20, 2008 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/

Ryan Kerrigan is a sack master who can do a lot more than just get to the quarterback. He is one of the fastest ends in the draft and may be asked to stand up, though he seems like a perfect 4-3 defensive end. Defensive ends who can relentlessly attack the quarterback and are stout against the run are rare commodities.

Kerrigan is a solid tackler and the all-around complete defensive end. Tennessee has way bigger needs, and Arizona might be too big of a reach, but there is a lot to like about Kerrigan.