2012 NFL Draft: October Position Rankings

For the first two months of the 2011 college football season, the focus of pretty much all NFL draft talk has been about Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who is everyone’s favorite to be the No. 1 pick.

After Luck’s breathtaking performance last night against USC, that won’t change anytime soon.

Still, there are a ton of prospects besides Luck that are deserving of some attention and publicity.

As is usually the case, the top-tier prospects for the 2012 NFL draft will be mostly underclassmen, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few seniors that will catch the eyes of scouts.

As we head into November, here’s a look at how I think college football's top eligible prospects stack up for the 2012 NFL draft.

Top QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford

It’s rare to see a returning star quarterback actually live up to the insane amount of hype that accumulates over the summer, and recently we’ve seen guys like Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn and most recently Jake Locker fail to live up to their cover boy status.

Every now and then, though, a special type of player comes along and finally turns out to be as good as advertised and Stanford’s Andrew Luck is exactly that type of player.

He is college football’s chosen one.

Luck has the absolute total package as far as skills are concerned. There’s not a desired trait that Luck doesn’t possess. The size, arm, the brains, the athleticism, you name it—he’s got it all.

Even though he’s already evoking comparisons to the likes of Peyton Manning and another former Stanford standout, John Elway, the NFL quarterback I feel he most closely resembles is 2009 No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford.

Like Bradford, Luck has all the physical tools and the desired intangibles to be both an offensive leader and the face of an NFL franchise for the next decade.

So far this season, the 6’4’’, 235-pound junior has completed a ridiculous 72 percent of his passes for 2,218 yards and thrown 22 TDs, as he’s led the Cardinal to an 8-0 record.

He’s handled the hype well and soaked up the spotlight with grace.

After his performance against USC yesterday, there’s absolutely no doubt that if Luck decides to come out this year, he’s going to be the No. 1 pick.

He’s the best pure pro prospect we’ve seen this millennium, and it’s going to be an absolute treat to watch what he can do against NFL competition for the next few years.

Quarterbacks: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford (Jr.)

2. Matt Barkley, USC (Jr.)

3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma (Jr.)

4. Robert Griffin III, Baylor (Jr.)

5. Nick Foles, Arizona (Sr.)

6. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M (Sr.)

7. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State (Sr.)

8. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State (Sr.)

9. Russell Wilson, Wisconsin (Sr.)

10. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State (Sr.)

Quarterbacks: Seniors to Watch

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Case Keenum, Houston

Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois

Dominique Davis, East Carolina

John Brantley, Florida

Dan Persa, Northwestern

Jarrett Lee, LSU

Jacory Harris, Miami

Zach Collaros, Cincinnati

Austin Davis, Southern Miss

G.J. Kinne, Tulsa

Quarterbacks: Underclassmen to Watch

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Aaron Murray, Georgia

Geno Smith, West Virginia

A.J. McCarron, Alabama

E.J. Manuel, Florida State

Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

Ryan Nassib, Syracuse 

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Tajh Boyd, Clemson

Mike Glennon, North Carolina State

Top RB: Trent Richardson, Alabama

In this day and age when two-back systems have become the norm in the NFL, it seems like the days of seeing running backs selected in the top 10 are long gone, but every now and then, a special type of back comes along who is just too good to pass up.

Alabama’s Trent Richardson might just be that back.

You can call Richardson a lot of things, but there’s really only one word you need to sufficiently describe him: Beast.

Richardson, who looks like he was born in a weight room and never left, is the strongest and most powerful back in the country, and he packs quite a punch when he meets contact from a tackler.

After two consecutive seasons of producing over 700 yards on the ground, the 5’11’’, 220-pound junior has taken the relinquished rushing reins from Heisman-winning former teammate Mark Ingram and become the main man of the Alabama backfield.

Richardson has already rushed for 969 yards and scored 18 TDs in the first eight games of the season.

In my opinion, he’s the best running back prospect we’ve seen since Reggie Bush, and Richardson is a more complete and NFL-ready back than Bush was when he was coming out of USC.

To me, he looks like a bigger, stronger version of Ahmad Bradshaw, but he also fits the bowling-ball mold of backs like Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice.

Richardson is definitely a special type of running back prospect that only comes along every few years.

If he keeps up his current pace and decides to come out next year, Richardson may break the developing trend of teams staying away from running backs in the top 10.

Running Backs: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama (Jr.)

2. Chris Polk, Washington (Jr.)

3. Lamar Miller, Miami (R-Soph.)

4. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford (Jr.)

5. LaMichael James, Oregon (Jr.)

6. David Wilson, Virginia Tech (Jr.)

7. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati (Sr.)

8. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M (Sr.)

9. Andre Ellington, Clemson (Jr.)

10. Doug Martin, Boise State (Sr.)

Running Backs: Seniors to Watch

Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

Jeff Demps, Florida

Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss

Boom Herron, Ohio State

Chris Rainey, Florida

Davin Meggett, Maryland

Marc Tyler, USC

Tauren Poole, Tennessee

Montel Harris, Boston College (Injured)

Jason Ford, Illinois

Running Backs: Underclassmen to Watch

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

Ray Graham, Pittsburgh (Injured)

Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Bernard Pierce, Temple

Cameron Marshall, Arizona State

Kenjon Barner, Oregon

Ed Wesley, TCU

Onterio McCalebb, Auburn

Christine Michael, Texas A&M

Rex Burkhead, Nebraska

Top WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon received very little publicity and attention before the start of the 2010 season but that quickly changed once Blackmon started putting up mind-boggling numbers.

Remarkably, Blackmon scored at least one touchdown and amassed over 100 receiving yards in all 12 of the games he played in last season, finishing the year as the most productive receiver in the country, catching 111 balls for over 1,700 yards and scoring 21 TDs.

His outstanding production quickly made Oklahoma State fans forget about troubled former star receiver Dez Bryant.

What the 6’1’’, 210-pound junior lacks in true breakaway speed, he makes up for with his knack for making game-changing plays.

From a physical standpoint, Anquan Boldin is the NFL receiver that I think Blackmon most resembles, but he also has some similar traits to pro receivers like Steve Johnson, Michael Crabtree and Kenny Britt.

Like Boldin, Blackmon lacks elite speed, but he manages to make up for it with his ability to catch everything thrown in his general direction.

He runs polished and precise routes, especially on deep go’s and post’s, and his concentration when the ball is in the air is unparalleled.

Blackmon is just as good of a prospect as Dez Bryant was, and with the exception of one DUI, he doesn’t come with all of the baggage.

This season, Blackmon has continued to distinguish himself from every other receiver in the college ranks and he's kept his monstrous tear going, hauling in 74 catches for 834 yards and 10 TDs.

If he comes out after this year and doesn’t completely blow his 40 time, there’s no doubt that Blackmon will be a top 10 pick in the 2012 draft.

Wide Receivers: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State (Jr.)

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame (Sr.)

3. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina (Jr.)

4. Kendall Wright, Baylor (Sr.)

5. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma (Sr.)

6. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers (Jr.)

7. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M (Sr.)

8. T.Y. Hilton, Florida International (Sr.)

9. Jarius Wright, Arkansas (Sr.)

10. Nick Toon, Wisconsin (Sr.)

Wide Receivers: Seniors to Watch

Marvin Jones, California

Chris Owusu, Stanford

Marvin McNutt, Iowa

Joe Adams, Arkansas

Juron Criner, Arizona

Dwight Jones, North Carolina

Greg Childs, Arkansas

A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

Jordan White, Western Michigan

Marquis Maze, Alabama

Jermaine Kearse, Washington

Wide Receivers: Underclassmen to Watch

Rueben Rande, LSU

Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

(QB) Denard Robinson, Michigan

Eric Page, Toledo

Markus Wheaton, Oregon State

Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas

Darrin Moore, Texas Tech

Emory Blake, Auburn

Chris Givens, Wake Forest

Tavon Austin, West Virginia

Conner Vernon, Duke

Top TE: Dwayne Allen, Clemson

In today’s NFL, it seems a true tight end that is equal parts blocker and equal parts pass-catcher is being phased out in favor of receiving tight ends who can make plays in the passing game.

There are a few tight ends in college football who fit that “receiver in a tight end’s body” prototype, but the most intriguing is Clemson’s Dwayne Allen.

Allen is a superbly athletic tight end who possesses rare speed and natural ability for the position.

The 6’4’’, 255-pound junior has been a reliable target for QB Tajh Boyd this season, hauling in 37 catches for 464 yards and five touchdowns.

If he declares for the draft after this season, Allen would likely be the tight end who gets the most attention from scouts during the postseason process, and he’ll have every opportunity to prove that he’s a first-round caliber prospect.

Tight Ends: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson (Jr.)

2. Coby Fleener, Stanford (Sr.)

3. Michael Egnew, Missouri (Sr.)

4. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette (Sr.)

5. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (R-Soph.)

6. Orson Charles, Georgia (Jr.)

7. David Paulson, Oregon (Sr.)

8. Deangelo Peterson, LSU (Sr.)

9. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State (Jr.)

10. George Bryan, North Carolina State (Sr.)

Tight Ends: Seniors to Watch

Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt

Kevin Koger, Michigan

(WR) Tyler Urban, West Virginia

Eric Lair, Minnesota

Rhett Ellison, USC

Evan Rodriguez, Temple

Nick Provo, Syracuse

Jake Byrne, Wisconsin

Tim Biere, Kansas

Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern

Josh Chichester, Louisville

Tight Ends: Underclassmen to Watch

Michael Williams, Alabama

Zach Ertz, Stanford

Ryan Otten, San Jose State

Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn

Kyler Reed, Nebraska

Joseph Fauria, UCLA

Dion Sims, Michigan State

Lucas Reed, New Mexico

Ryan Griffin, Connecticut

Jordan Reed, Florida

Matt Furstenberg, Maryland

Top OT: Matt Kalil, USC

USC took a hit when offensive tackle Tyron Smith, the No. 9 pick in this year's draft, opted to forgo his senior season, but Coach Kiffin wasn’t shedding too many tears.

Sure, Smith has been missed, but his departure has opened the door for emerging tackle Matt Kalil to shine and soak up the spotlight.

Kalil, the younger brother of Ryan Kalil of the Carolina Panthers, was good enough to start every game at left tackle last season, forcing Smith to stay on the right side.

The former All-American recruit excelled in his first season as a starter and he’s picked up right where he left off this year.

Kalil has made it his mission to stonewall every opposing pass-rusher he goes up against and his run-blocking has noticeably improved in his second year as a starter.

The 6’7’’, 295-pound junior won the battle of the tackles with Stanford’s Jonathan Martin last night, and he has solidified himself as the top eligible tackle prospect in the country.

If Kalil decides to enter the 2012 draft, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him come off the board within the first five picks.

Offensive Tackles: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Matt Kalil, USC (Jr.)

2. Riley Reiff, Iowa (Jr.)

3. Jonathan Martin, Stanford (Jr.)

4. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State (Sr.)

5. Cordy Glenn, Georgia (Sr.)

6. Nate Potter, Boise State (Sr.)

7. D.J. Fluker, Alabama (R-Soph.)

8. Mike Adams, Ohio State (Sr.)

9. Matt Reynolds, BYU (Sr.)

10. Jeff Allen, Illinois (Sr.)

Offensive Tackles: Seniors to Watch

Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State

Zebrie Sanders, Florida State

Al Netter, Northwestern

Tony Bergstrom, Utah

Andrew Datko, Florida State

Matt McCants, UAB

Brandon Mosley, Auburn

Markus Zusevicks, Iowa

James Brown, Troy

Don Barclay, West Virginia

Marcel Jones, Nebraska

Offensive Tackles: Underclassmen to Watch

Alex Hurst, LSU

Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech

Morgan Moses, Virginia

Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

Justin Pugh, Syracuse

Jeremiah Sirles, Nebraska

Tanner Hawkinson, Kansas

Cyril Richardson, Baylor

Nick Becton, Virginia Tech

Xavier Nixon, Florida

Top OG: David DeCastro, Stanford

Even though the Eagles took Danny Watkins and the Dolphins took Mike Pouncey with their first overall picks this year, it’s still rare to see interior offensive linemen crack the first round of the NFL draft.

Guard and Center are two of the least glamorous positions in football, but they’re also two of the most important.

Admittedly, this is coming from a kid who played offensive guard from third grade until his senior year in high school.

If an offense is strong up the middle, not only does it allow the running game to flourish, it helps out pass-protection a great deal as well.

This year’s top interior offensive line prospect is without a doubt Stanford guard David DeCastro, who could have entered the 2011 draft as a redshirt sophomore and possibly cracked the first round.

DeCastro is an absolute monster as a run-blocker, as he’s paved the way for some mighty successful rushing attacks over the last two years, and he’s been a favorite butt to run behind for Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor.

DeCastro is strong, athletic, tenacious and fearless and he has the type of mean-streak to flourish in the NFL trenches.

If he decides to come out this year, the 6’5’’, 310-pound junior has a chance to be a top 20 pick.

Interior Linemen: The Top 10 Prospects

1. David DeCastro, Stanford (Jr.)

2. (OT) Senio Kelemete, Washington (Sr.)

3. (OT) Barrett Jones, Alabama (Jr.)

4. Peter Konz, Wisconsin (Jr.)

5. Lucas Nix, Pittsburgh (Sr.)

6. Ben Jones, Georgia (Sr.)

7. Larry Warford, Kentucky (Jr.)

8. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin (Sr.)

9. Ryan Miller, Colorado (Sr.)

10. (OT) Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina (Sr.)

Interior Linemen: Seniors to Watch

Mike Brewster, Ohio State

Kelvin Beachum, SMU

Jaymes Brooks, Virginia Tech

Joel Foreman, Michigan State

Phillip Blake, Baylor

Ken Plue, Purdue

Quentin Saulsberry, Mississippi State

Moe Petrus, Connecticut

Joe Looney, Wake Forest

David Molk, Michigan

Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech

Interior Linemen: Underclassmen to Watch

John Sullen, Auburn

Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

(OT) Brandon Washington, Miami

Chris Barker, Nevada

Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech

Chance Warmack, Alabama

Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State

Khaled Holmes, USC

Braden Hansen, BYU

Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M

Ben Habern, Oklahoma

Top DT Billy Winn, Boise State

These days, college defensive tackles who can fit in as either a 5-Technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense or a 3-Technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense are considered to be coveted commodities, and this year, Boise State’s Billy Winn is the type of versatile interior lineman who will have the pro scouts salivating.

Winn was one of the main reasons that Boise State’s defense shut down opponents' running games last season and finished as the second-ranked unit in the country, and he’s been a big factor for the unit’s success this year.

The 6’4’’, 295-pound senior finished the 2010 season with 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss, and there were times last year when he was just flat-out unblockable, as he would either blow by or overpower whichever lineman got in his way.

Winn has the athleticism of an edge-rushing defensive end, coupled with the strength and power of a bull-rushing nose tackle.

QB Kellen Moore is the player who gets all the accolades for Boise State’s success, but Winn is the one who does all the dirty work and the player who will ultimately be rewarded with a big NFL payday.

Winn is a player who isn’t really being talked about outside of hardcore NFL draft circles, but once the season ends, and the draft talk heats up, he’s going to be a hot prospect name that all football fans will get to know.

If he ends up as an end in a 3-4 defense, Winn has the chance to make an impact comparable to San Francisco's Justin Smith.

Defensive Tackles: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Billy Winn, Boise State (Sr.)

2. Dontari Poe, Memphis (Jr.)

3. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State (Jr.)

4. Jared Crick, Nebraska (Sr.)

5. Alameda Ta’amu, Washington (Sr.)

6. Kawann Short, Purdue (Jr.)

7. Brandon Thompson, Clemson (Sr.)

8. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut (Sr.)

9. Devon Still, Penn State (Sr.)

10. Jaye Howard, Florida (Sr.)

Defensive Tackles: Seniors to Watch

Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

Tydreke Powell, North Carolina

Mike Martin, Michigan

Kheeston Randall, Texas

Josh Chapman, Alabama

Mike Daniels, Iowa

Kaleb Ramsey, Boston College (Injured)

Logan Harell, Fresno State

Malik Jackson, Tennessee

Vaughn Meatoga, Hawaii

DaJohn Harris, USC

Defensive Tackles: Underclassmen to Watch

John Simon, Ohio State

Michael Brockers, LSU

Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

John Jenkins, Georgia

Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

Akeem Spence, Illinois

Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska

Casey Walker, Oklahoma

Marcus Forston, Miami (Injured)

Nigel Nicholas, Oklahoma State

Josh Boyd, Mississippi State

Top DE: Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin were supposed to be two of the star defensive linemen in the ACC last year, but their season-long suspensions fittingly opened the door for teammate Quinton Coples to step up and show the conference what he had to offer.

Coples, a natural defensive end who was forced to man Austin’s spot inside at defensive tackle, didn’t let his weight disadvantage stop him from destroying opposing offenses.

The 6’6’’, 275-pound senior racked up 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss and was a constant menace to quarterbacks throughout 2010.

Coples has now moved back to defensive end where he’s been able to flash his elite pass-rushing skills.

With explosive quickness, terrific body control and the strength to overpower almost any blocker he goes up against, Coples is the type of complete defensive end that can change the way offenses have to scheme in both the passing and the running games.

Coples is a natural 4-3 edge-rusher who has the athletic ability to develop into a consistent 10-plus sacks-per-year type of defensive end in the NFL.

His effort has been questioned somewhat this season, and there have been accusations that he’s been playing not to get hurt, but even though he hasn’t met exceedingly high preseason expectations, Coples has still managed to rack up 4.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.

There’s no questioning that he has top-10 talent, Coples just has to play up to his potential on a more consistent basis.

Defensive Ends: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina (Sr.)

2. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina (Sr.)

3. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois (Jr.)

4. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State (Jr.)

5. Vinny Curry, Marshall (Sr.)

6. Devin Taylor, South Carolina (Jr.)

7. Andre Branch, Clemson (Sr.)

8. Frank Alexander, Oklahoma (Sr.)

9. Trevor Guyton, California (Sr.)

10. Alex Okafor, Texas (Jr.)

Defensive Ends: Seniors to Watch

Jake Bequette, Arkansas

Cam Johnson, Virginia

Tyrone Crawford, Boise State

Vince Browne, Northwestern

(DT) Julian Miller, West Virginia

Jack Crawford, Penn State

Ryan Van Bergen, Michigan

Ethan Johnson, Notre Dame

Taylor Thompson, SMU

Broderick Binns, Iowa

Scott Solomon, Rice

Defensive Ends: Underclassmen to Watch

Brad Madison, Missouri

Mallichiah Goodman, Clemson

Cameron Meredith, Nebraska

Stansly Maponga, TCU

Collins Ukwu, Kentucky

Wes Horton, USC

Chandler Jones, Syracuse

Kapron Lewis-Moore, Notre Dame

Ed Stinson, Alabama

Craig Roh, Michigan

Adewale Ojomo, Miami

Top 3-4 LB: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

With the continued growth and popularity of the 3-4 defense in this NFL era, the 3-4 rush linebacker is becoming one of the draft’s premium positions.

If you can find an elite young pass-rusher to set loose off the edge in a 3-4 front, you better snag him up.

In recent years, we’ve seen a rising trend in converting smaller pass-rushing defensive ends into rush linebackers and we witnessed that this year with Aldon Smith.

While there are a few defensive end prospects like Brandon Jenkins, Bruce Irvin, Nick Perry, Donte Paige-Moss and Ronnell Lewis who could all potentially fit that mold, this year's best rush-linebacker prospect is actually a real linebacker.

It’s Alabama’s steady defensive star, Courtney Upshaw.

At 6’2’, 265-pounds, Upshaw not only has the size, he also has the edge speed to be a pass-rushing force for a 3-4 defense in the NFL.

Last year, Upshaw was one of the most consistent performers on a superbly talented Alabama defense. He made a living in the opponent’s backfield, racking up 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

This season, he’s on pace to actually outperform those gaudy numbers, as Upshaw already has 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in just eight games.

He may not have the spectacular athletic package like Aldon Smith offered up this year, but Upshaw makes up for it with his physical demeanor and ability to make crucial stops when it counts.
                   
The seasoned senior is the type of impact player who can step in and immediately help an NFL defense.

If he performs well enough in offseason workouts, Upshaw has done enough on the field to warrant first round interest.

Don't be surprised if Upshaw becomes this decade's version of former New England standout Willie McGinest.

3-4 Linebackers: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama (Sr.)

2. Nick Perry, USC (Jr.)

3. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia (Sr.)

4. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma (Jr.)

5. Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina (Jr.)

6. Chase Thomas, Stanford, (Jr.)

7. Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh (Sr.)

8. Sean Porter, Texas A&M (Jr.) 

9. Jacquies Smith, Missouri (Sr.)

10. Adrian Robinson, Temple (Sr.)

3-4 Linebackers: Seniors to Watch

Darius Fleming, Notre Dame

Nathan Williams, Ohio State (Injured)

Sammy Brown, Houston

Dezman Moses, Tulane

Manny Abreu, Rutgers

Cordarro Law, Southern Miss

Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest

Wayne Dorsey, Ole Miss

Jerrell Harris, Alabama

Richetti Jones, Oklahoma State

Matt Broha, Louisiana Tech

3-4 Linebackers: Underclassmen to Watch

Michael Buchanan, Illinois

Barkevious Mingo, LSU

Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy

Meshak Williams, Kansas State

Cornelius Washington, Georgia

Ryne Giddins, South Florida

Devon Kennard, USC

Nosa Eguae, Auburn

Trevardo Williams, Connecticut

Sam Montgomery, LSU

Top 4-3 LB: Zach Brown, North Carolina

The North Carolina defensive front seven is loaded with future NFL talent and one of the real players to watch in that group is LB Zach Brown, who took a huge step forward last season and really boosted his pro stock.

Brown wasn’t even a full-time starter in 2010, yet he still finished second on the team with 72 tackles, outperforming both Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant.

He's continued his development as a senior and he currently leads the Tar Heels with 62 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

The 6’2’’, 230-pound senior could end up playing either inside or outside in the pros but it’s likely he’ll end up manning the weak side in a 4-3 system like he does now.

Brown is a quick-twitch athlete who has the range to track down ball-carriers from sideline to sideline and he’s strong enough to shed blockers and make tackles in the open field.

D.J. Williams and Jon Beason are two good reference points when trying to project Brown as a pro player.

4-3 Linebackers: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Zach Brown, North Carolina (Sr.)

2. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (Jr.)

3. Luke Kuechly, Boston College (Jr.)

4. Kevin Reddick, North Carolina (Jr.)

5. Dont’a Hightower, Alabama (Jr.)

6. Manti Te’o, Notre Dame (Jr.)

7. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma (Sr.)

8. Emmanuel Acho, Texas (Sr.)

9. Kenny Tate, Maryland (Sr.)

10. Danny Trevathan, Kentucky (Sr.)

4-3 Linebackers: Seniors to Watch

Lavonte David, Nebraska

Sean Spence, Miami

Keenan Robinson, Texas

Mychal Kendricks, California

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Tank Carder, TCU

James Michael-Johnson, Nevada

Chris Marve, Vanderbilt

Nigel Bradham, Florida State

Audie Cole, North Carolina State

Chris Galippo, USC

4-3 Linebackers: Underclassmen to Watch

Nico Johnson, Alabama

Jon Bostic, Florida

Arthur Brown, Kansas State

Kenny Demens, Michigan

Zaviar Gooden, Missouri

Gerald Hodges, Penn State

Jonathan Willard, Clemson

Chris Norman, Michigan State

Sio Moore, Connecticut

Jelani Jenkins, Florida

Jake Knott, Iowa State

Top CB: Morris Claiborne, LSU

Patrick who?

When Patrick Peterson entered his name into the 2011 NFL draft, some LSU fans panicked and wondered how the Tigers were going to replace such a rare talent, but Morris Claiborne has stepped his game up and managed to perform at the same level Peterson did last season.

This season, Claiborne has been one of the cornerstones of LSU's dominant defense.

Although he’s not as flashy as fellow corner Tyrann Mathieu, you can just tell from one look at the physically gifted 6’1’’, 185-pound junior that he’s the real deal.

Although he could still stand to refine some of his basic technique and footwork, Claiborne has the explosive speed and incredible length to mirror and shadow any receiver he goes up against.

Physically, you can’t build them much better than Morris Claiborne.

Claiborne reminds me a lot of Joe Haden when he was coming out of Florida back in 2010, because while he's still somewhat raw, he's got all of the athletic tools to develop into a top-notch corner in the NFL.

Although he’s not quite the all-around game-changer that Peterson was in college, Claiborne still has all the makings of a top 15 pick if he decides to come out after this season.

Cornerbacks: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Morris Claiborne, LSU (Jr.)

2. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama (Jr.)

3. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska (Sr.)

4. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama (Sr.)

5. Chase Minnifield, Virginia (Sr.)

6. Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt (Sr.)

7. Xavier Rhodes, Florida State (R-Soph.)

8. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina (Jr.)

9. Cliff Harris, Oregon (Jr.)

10. Brandon Boykin, Georgia (Sr.)

Cornerbacks: Seniors to Watch

Shaun Prater, Iowa

Coryell Judie, Texas A&M

Charles Brown, North Carolina

Tavon Wilson, Illinois

Omar Bolden, Arizona State (Injured)

Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma

Trumaine Johnson, Montana

Donnie Fletcher, Boston College

Keith Tandy, West Virginia

Trevin Wade, Arizona

Leonard Johnson, Iowa State

Cornerbacks: Underclassmen to Watch

Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

Johnny Adams, Michigan State

Greg Reid, Florida State

Jonathan Banks, Mississippi State

Josh Robinson, Central Florida

Desmond Trufant, Washington

Marcus Cromartie, Wisconsin

Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut

Kenny Okoro, Wake Forest

Broderick Brown, Oklahoma State

Top Safety: Antonio Allen, South Carolina

All-SEC cornerback Stephon Gilmore was supposed to be the star of the South Carolina secondary this season, but he’s been overshadowed by safety Antonio Allen, who has enjoyed a breakout senior year.

Allen, who mans the hybrid “Spur” position, is the team leader in tackles with 62 stops, and he’s already picked off three passes and scooped up two fumbles, returning one of each for a touchdown.

The 6’2’’, 200-pound senior has impressive athleticism and quickness for his size.

He’s also proven that he has great instincts and a nose for the ball.

In what’s shaping up to be a very weak safety class, Allen has a chance to really make a name for himself and rise up draft boards if he continues to dominate SEC competition week-in and week-out.

Physically, he reminds me of a bigger, stronger version of Green Bay’s Nick Collins.

Safeties: The Top 10 Prospects

1. Antonio Allen, South Carolina (Sr.)

2. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State (Sr.)

3. T.J. McDonald, USC (Jr.)

4. Mark Barron, Alabama (Sr.)

5. (CB) Micah Hyde, Iowa (Jr.)

6. Robert Lester, Alabama (Jr.)

7. Delano Howell, Stanford (Sr.)

8. George Iloka, Boise State (Sr.)

9. Winston Guy, Kentucky (Sr.)

10. Trenton Robinson, Michigan State (Sr.)

Safeties: Seniors to Watch

Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

Robert Golden, Arizona

Aaron Henry, Wisconsin

Tony Dye, UCLA

Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech

Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State

Lance Mitchell, Oregon State

Sean Cattouse, Cal

Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

Damien Jackson, Ole Miss

Tysyn Harman, Kansas State

Safeties: Underclassmen to Watch

Kenny Vaccaro, Texas

Bacarri Rambo, Georgia

Jarred Holley, Pittsburgh

Ray-Ray Armstrong, Miami

DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina

Prentiss Waggner, Tennessee

John Boyett, Oregon

Vaughn Telemaque, Miami

Rashard Hall, Clemson

Orhian Johnson, Ohio State

Javon Harris, Oklahoma