2011 College Football Rankings: The Best NFL Prospects on Each Top 25 Team

Professional Talent: The Top 2012 NFL Draft Prospects on Each Top 25 College Football Team

You don't technically need NFL-ready talent to be a good college football team, but it surely helps things out. And wouldn't you know it, the early top 25 is littered with potential NFL prospects.

Here's a look at the top NFL-ready players on each top 25 team.

Note: In the hope of keeping this focused on the top prospects and not the intricacies of the rankings, I'll be using ESPN Mark Schlabach's post-spring practice rankings, released on May 3. 

25. Mississippi State Bulldogs

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 01: Cornerbank Johnthan Banks #13 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs intercepts a pass against the Michigan Wolverines during the Gator Bowl at EverBank Field on January 1, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida (Photo by Rick Dole/Gett

2010 Record

9-4 (4-4)

NFL Prospects

SS Charles Mitchell: Team leader who plays hard and would make a solid NFL special teamer.

LB Brandon Maye: He's transferring from Clemson, but could make a big impact if eligible. 

CB Jonathan Banks: Knows how to play the ball in the air, but needs more experience at the position.

24. Florida Gators

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GAINESVILLE, FL - APRIL 9: Running back Chris Rainey #3 of the Florida Gators runs upfield during the Orange and Blue spring football game April 9, 2011 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

2010 Record

8-5 (4-4)

NFL Prospects

RB Chris Rainey: An electric athlete who will thrive in Charlie Weis's new offense. 

DT Jaye Howard: A big space eater who shows a quickness off the ball. 

C Sam Robey: He's another solid NFL interior linemen prospect in a growing line of them from Florida.

23. Virginia Tech Hokies

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CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: David Wilson #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies runs for a touchdown during their game against the Florida State Seminoles at Bank of America Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Get

2010 Record

11-3 (8-0)

NFL Prospects

RB David Wilson: Dynamic player who took away touches from 2011 draft picks Ryan Williams and Darren Evans. 

CB Jayron Hosley: Led the nation in interceptions in 2010 and could be a front-runner for the Jim Thorpe Award.

OT Blake DeChristopher: He's a monster left tackle who was selected as a Second Team All-ACC in 2010.

22. TCU Horned Frogs

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers is sacked by linebacker Tank Carder #43 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Gett

2010 Record

13-0 (8-0)

NFL Prospects

LB Tank Carder: He'll try and build off the big splash he caused in the Rose Bowl.

LB Tanner Brock: His ceiling is much higher than that of Carder at TCU.

RB Ed Wesley: If he can stay healthy, he'll put up big rushing numbers in 2011. 

21. Arizona State Sun Devils

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: Omar Bolden #3 of the Arizona State Sun Devils returns a kick-off for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

2010 Record

6-6 (4-5)

NFL Prospects

LB Vontaze Burfict: Unmatched athletically and could be the first linebacker off the board in 2012.

CB Omar Bolden: While he needs to recover from a torn ACL, Bolden can add a dynamic player on defense and special teams. 

RB Cameron Marshall: He'll be the focal point of Arizona State's offense in 2011. 

20. Texas Longhorns

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Zac Lee #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers gets tackled by defensive end Alex Okafor #80 of the Texas Longhorns during their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Texas Defeated Nebraska 20-13

2010 Record

5-7 (2-6)

NFL Prospects

DE Alex Okafor: He'll be the next pass rusher from Texas picked high.

DT Kheeston Randall: Long and athletic defensive tackle who has a chance to go high as well.

LB Keenan Robinson: He's active but needs to improve against the run.

19. South Carolina Gamecocks

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Alshon Jeffery #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks is tackled by Elton Ford #9 during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

2010 Record

9-5 (5-3)

NFL Prospects

WR Alshon Jeffrey: He'll have a chance to win the Biletnakoff and be the first receiver picked in next year's draft.

CB Stephon Gilmore: He has a ton of experience and could be one of the top five corners with a good season.

DT Devin Taylor: Explosive off the ball, Taylor is a good fit for a five-technique in the 3-4.

18. Missouri Tigers

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 13: Michael Egnew #82 of the Missouri Tigers congratulates Jerrell Jackson #29 with a chest bump after Jackson carried for a touchdown during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 13, 2010 at Faurot Field/Memoria

2010 Record

10-3 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

TE Michael Egnew: He's the top returning tight end in what looks like a weak class.

OT Elvis Fisher: Most sites currently rate him as one of the top 10 tackles for next year.

LB Will Ebner: Not a dominant athlete but is always around the football.

17. Georgia Bulldogs

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Orson Charles #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs for yardage during the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

2010 Record

6-7 (3-5)

NFL Prospects

TE Orson Charles: He fits the mold of the athletic tight end NFL teams are now looking for.

CB Brandon Boykin: He's an electric kick returner, but needs to get better playing cornerback.

OL Cordy Glenn: A mauler in the run game, Glenn could see his stock skyrocket in 2011.

16. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 30: Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to block against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Notre Dame Stadium on October 30, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Tulsa defeated Notre Dame 28-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/G

2010 Record

8-5

NFL Prospects

LB Manti Te'o: A tackling machine who's lived up to the hype in South Bend.

WR Michael Floyd: The legal stuff is worrying, but he's a real talent at receiver. 

K David Ruffer: He's only missed one kick during his collegiate career.

15. Ohio State Buckeyes

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes stiff arms his brother Julian Posey #9 of the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Record

12-1 (7-1)

NFL Prospects

C Mike Brewster: At this point, he's the best center available for 2012.

OT Mike Adams: He has everything you want in a potential NFL left tackle. 

WR DeVier Posey: He's had consistency issues, but could breakout in 2011.

14. West Virginia Mountaineers

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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 28: Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountineers warms up during the Champs Sports Bowl against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium on December 28, 2010 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

2010 Record

9-4 (5-2)

NFL Prospects

WR Tavon Austin: With Noel Devine gone, Austin will thrive as the primary offensive weapon.

QB Geno Smith: 2011 is the year Smith gets West Virginia back in a BCS game.

WR Stedman Bailey: Along with Austin, Bailey should give WVU a dual threat out wide.

13. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 25: Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Alfonzo Dennard #15 celebrates with teammate cornerback Prince Amukamara #21during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

2010 Record

10-4 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

DT Jared Crick: He's the anchor of what should be one of the best defenses in 2011.

CB Alfonzo Dennard: There were some scouts who thought Dennard out-played Prince Amukamara.

LB Lavonte David: All he did was tackle people in 2010, and Nebraska is moving to the run-heavy Big 10. 

12. Wisconsin Badgers

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10: Wide receiver Nick Toon #1 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Record

11-2 (7-1)

NFL Prospects

C Peter Konz: The next Wisconsin offensive lineman who will make an impact in the NFL. 

WR Nick Toon: His dad played in the NFL, but Toon needs to refine his craft first.

S Aaron Henry: He's a 'tweener that could make a team as a nickelback.

11. Arkansas Razorbacks

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Wide receiver Greg Childs #85 of the Arkansas Razorbacks makes a reception and runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The T

2010 Record

10-3 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

WR Greg Childs: He'll be one of the top receiving targets in the SEC this season. 

RB Knile Davis: He's the best running back you've never heard of, but that'll change in a hurry.

DE Jake Bequette: The 2011 version of J.J. Watt? It's possible with his skill set.

10. Michigan State Spartans

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30- Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans looks down field for a receiver during play against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 37-6 over Michig

2010 Record

11-2 (7-1)

NFL Prospects

DT Jerrel Worthy: He's likely the best interior line prospect for the 2012 draft.

QB Kirk Cousins: With a good season, Cousins could make himself a lot of NFL money.

G Joel Foreman: He helped pave the way for a really good Spartans running game last year.

9. Texas A&M Aggies

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Tailback Cyrus Gray #32 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tripped up by a Texas Longhorns defender in the second half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 49-39. (Photo

2010 Record

9-4 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

RB Cyrus Gray: He's a game-breaker who should be in the top two of running backs for 2012.

WR Jeff Fuller: His big frame and hands will transfer over well to the NFL.

QB Ryan Tannehill: Like Cousins at Michigan State, Tannehill can rise up boards with an impressive season.

8. Stanford Cardinal

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

2010 Record

12-1 (8-1)

NFL Prospects

QB Andrew Luck: Likely the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning.

OT Jonathan Martin: He could be a top 15 pick with a solid season protecting Luck's blindside.

WR Chris Owusu: Just watch—he's going to have a breakout season in 2011. 

7. Boise State Broncos

Geoff Burke/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Running back #22 Doug Martin of the Boise State Broncos runs past linebacker #43 Jeron Gouveia-Winslow of the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

2010 Record

12-1 (7-1)

NFL Prospects

T Nate Potter: If he's more consistent in 2011, he'll be in the discussion for the first tackle off the board.

DT Billy Wynn: He's a rising prospect who can be disruptive along the defensive line.

RB Doug Martin: Productive college running back who needs another good season in Boise.

6. Oklahoma State Cowboys

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Brandon Weeden #3 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys passes during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

2010 Record

11-2 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

WR Justin Blackmon: He'll fight Jeffrey and Ryan Broyles to be the top receiver in college football.

OT Levy Adcock: He's a name to remember as we get closer to the 2011 season.

QB Brandon Weeden: He and Blackmon make a terrific pass-and-catch combo in Stillwater.

5. LSU Tigers

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BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 16: Russell Shepard #10 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is tackled by London Durham #10 of the McNeese State Cowboys at Tiger Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the Cowboys 32-10

2010 Record

11-2 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

S Brandon Taylor: He's an impact defender for a Tigers' secondary that will still be good post-Patrick Peterson.

WR Russell Shepard: A converted quarterback who is a tremendous athlete.

S Craig Loston: Still young, but he makes a lot of plays for LSU on defense.

4. Oregon Ducks

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 2: Cornerback Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks warms before the start of the game at Autzen Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 52-31. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

2010 Record

12-1 (9-0)

NFL Prospects

RB LaMichael James: The most productive running back in college football a year ago returns to dominate Pac-12 defenses once again.

CB Cliff Harris: The next Patrick Peterson? Maybe return-wise, but he needs to improve at cornerback to be in that class.

TE David Paulson: He'll see more passes his way with Jeff Maehl graduated.

3. Florida State Seminoles

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Nigel Bradham #13 of the Florida State Seminoles against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

2010 Record

10-4 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

LB/DE Brandon Jenkins: He has as good a chance as any to lead the nation in sacks next year.

LB Nigel Bradham: A big, run-stopping linebacker who will be the leader of the Seminoles' defense.

S Nick Moody: An in-the-box safety who has range to his game as well.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by Nick Fairly #90 of the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Record

10-3 (5-3)

NFL Prospects

RB Trent Richardson: With Mark Ingram gone, Richardson is going to have a huge 2011 season.

CB Dre Kirkpatrick: Another well-coached defensive back from Nick Saban.

LB Dont'a Hightower: He can be that rush-linebacker in the 3-4 that so many teams now covet. 

1. Oklahoma Sooners

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs after a catch against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pet

2010 Record

12-2 (6-2)

NFL Prospects

QB Landry Jones: He can make every throw, but needs to limit the chances he routinely takes.

WR Ryan Broyles: He would have been a borderline first-rounder had he came out this past year.

LB Travis Lewis: He'll finish his OU career as one of the most productive linebackers ever in Norman.