Top-50 2011 NFL Draft Prospects

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Top-50 2011 NFL Draft Prospects

Posted On : Apr-24-2011 | seen (568) times | Article Word Count : 2166 |

Draftsharks gives you their top 2011 NFL Draft prospects.

1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – A freaky combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Peterson will make an immediate impact on defense and special teams. One of the highest ceilings and highest floors in the draft class.

2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – The complete package: size, speed, sticky hands, and a monster catching radius. Reminds us of Larry Fitzgerald.

3. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama – Produced in a pro-style scheme at ‘Bama and is as NFL-ready as they come. Has the size and athleticism to play DE in the 3-4 or DT in the 4-3.

4. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – The top pass-rushing prospect in the class. As a DE at A&M, Miller racked up 26 sacks in his final 2 seasons. But his elite explosion and athleticism make him a better fit at 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

5. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – A physical, no-nonsense WR who also proved he’s plenty athletic with a beastly Combine performance. Fits best in a West Coast Offense.

6. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – Would be in the running for the #1 overall pick had he not been suspended for the entire 2010 season. Benign brain tumor is a concern, but upside can’t be ignored. An elite 1st-step, Gumby-like flexibility, and some filthy pass-rush moves.

7. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Don’t let the poor measurables fool you. This guy has Pro Bowl written all over him. Not a burner, but world-class vision, balance, and agility. Can also pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield.

8. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – The character issues may be a bit overblown. He’s a 23-year-old who still has some maturing to do. But on the field, he’s a man. Quick feet, excellent explosion, and one of the best closing bursts we’ve ever seen from a DT.

9. Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Doesn’t have that elite 1st-step, but does possess an impressive size-speed combination to go along with NFL-ready pass-rush moves. 15.5 sacks last year tells you all you need to know about his ability to get to the QB. Also stout against the run.

10. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – May be the best pure cover corner in the draft class. But lack of big-play ability (just 5 INTs in 4 college seasons) knocks him down a few notches.

11. Tyron Smith, OT, USC – The most athletic OT in the draft class. The longest arms too. He played RT at USC, but there’s no doubt that he can handle LT. May not make an immediate impact, but long-term upside is huge. Only 20 years old.

12. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn – Upside is tantalizing. Huge arm, big-time athleticism, and a winner’s mentality. On the downside: character concerns, inconsistent accuracy, and a steep learning curve as he enters the NFL.

13. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The character issues are real, but so is the talent. Tasty combination of size and athleticism, along with an aggressive mindset. A prototypical press-man corner capable of shutting down #1 WRs.

14. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri – Big enough to play DE in the 4-3, but athletic enough to move to 3-4 OLB. A pass-rushing machine who has drawn comparison to Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware.

15. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – Lacks upside, but his floor is much higher than Newton’s. Prototypical build and good accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Struggles on deep balls though. May fit best in a West Coast Offense.

16. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – A rare combination of athleticism and work ethic. Scary-quick feet and a powerful bull-rush. Watt’s best position is 5-technique DE, but he also has the skill set to play outside in 4-3 schemes.

17. Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College – Doesn’t have big upside, but he’s the most polished OT in the class. With rock-solid technique, he’s capable of starting at LT from day 1.

18. Jake Locker, QB, Washington – Accuracy issues are definitely concerning, but his mechanics can be fixed. Athleticism, play-making ability, leadership skills, and experience in a pro-style offense all give him a chance to be special.

19. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – A nasty dude who projects as a RT at the NFL level. He’ll need to improve his technique as a pass-blocker but is ready to dominate right away in the run game.

20. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois – A slippery, gap-shooting lineman with tons of versatility. His best position is at 4-3 DT, but he also has experience at NT and DE in the 3-4.

21. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA – The most well-rounded LB in this year’s draft class. Can rush, cover, and stop the run. Measurables are mediocre, but the tape shows he’s a playmaker. 14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 6 INTs, and 3 TDs in 3 seasons at UCLA.

22. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – A hard-working, high-character player. Excellent lower body strength, although he’s missing that elite burst off the edge. There’s talk of him moving to 3-4 OLB, but he’d be much better as a 4-3 DE. Minimal upside but a very safe pick.

23. Cameron Jordan, DE, California – Scheme-versatile and position-flexible. Better against the run than the pass. Lacks top-notch quickness to penetrate into the backfield.

24. Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida – Not as athletic as his brother, but just as tough and smart. Dominant in the ground game and solid in pass protection. Will likely begin his career at OG after struggling with snaps last season.

25. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St. – A 3-year starter in college, he may be the most NFL-ready OT in the class. Extremely clean in pass protection with excellent blitz recognition. Struggles against bull-rushers and needs to improve his strength at the point of attack.

26. Mikel Leshoure, RB ,Illinois – A powerful back with sneaky speed. Built for a feature back role, although he runs upright and takes a lot of big hits. Not ready to contribute on passing downs either.

27. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – The consensus top NT in this year’s class. He’s a true space eater with surprising athleticism. Takes on double-teams to free up his LBs. Suspended at Penn St. but stayed out of trouble after transferring to Baylor.

28. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St. – All the tools to dominate, but was very inconsistent in college. More of a power rusher than a speed guy. Capable of playing DE in the 4-3 or the 3-4, and may even be able to move inside to 3-technique DT.

29. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – A converted TE, he’s crazy athletic for a man of his size. No problem with speedy edge rushers, but lacks the strength to hold up at the point of attack. Needs to put on 15-20 pounds to reach his full potential.

30. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame – A TE’s size but a WR’s athleticism. Explodes in and out of his breaks and has excellent straight-line speed to stretch the seam. Sticky hands too. An adequate blocker who projects as a 3-down TE.

31. Ben Ijalana, OG, Villanova – A LT in college, he’s expected to kick inside to OG in the pros. Quick feet but sloppy footwork that will need to be addressed. Powerful punch and a strong base help him dominate in the ground game.

32. Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor – One of the nastiest blockers in this draft class. Plays with a good base and excellent footwork. Capable of playing OT or OG. Already 26 years old, so upside and longevity is limited.

33. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St. – A bit undersized but strong as an ox. Put up a Combine record 49 reps on the bench press. Possesses an impressive burst that helps him penetrate into the backfield. Durability is a concern.

34. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – Could play DT in the 4-3, but his best position is 3-4 DE. Lacks a quick first step but shows good agility. Plenty strong enough but he tends to play a bit high. A raw prospect with plenty of upside.

35. Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona – Might have the most explosive short-area burst in the class. Plays with good bend and a non-stop motor. He’ll move to 3-4 OLB after playing DE in college. Needs work in pass coverage.

36. Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska – Under-the-radar prospect with an exciting combination of size, speed, and acceleration. Sees a hole, plants his foot, and explodes. Pass-blocking could use some improvement.

37. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh – A power rusher who is also stout against the run. He’s a ‘tweener capable of playing DE in the 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Red flag character concern after being arrested for assault this past summer.

38. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – Once considered a top-10 prospect, his stock has dropped after a disappointing senior year. Lacks elite burst but does have good closing speed to get to the QB. Reliable in run defense. Erb’s Palsy in his right arm limits him to right DE only.

39. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech – As much natural ability as any RB in this draft class. Doesn’t possess breakaway speed but does display some serious shiftiness. Runs like a wrecking ball. But durability is a major concern after he missed games at V-Tech with hamstring and ankle injuries.

40. Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois – A thumper with the athleticism to play inside in the 3-4 or anywhere in the 4-3. Solid in pass coverage and dependable against the run. Not the most instinctual player and won’t provide much in the pass-rush department.

41. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia – A size-speed freak. Good physicality and excellent ball skills. Reads routes as well as any CB in this class. His hips are a little stiff and he struggles changing direction. Played in only 5 games last year due to hamstring, ankle, and knee injuries.

42. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The huge arm is alluring, but Mallett is a statue in the pocket and isn’t the best decision-maker. Big-time bust potential if he lands in the wrong spot.

43. Mason Foster, LB, Washington – Tough to find anything special about him on tape, but his production is off-the-charts. 162 tackles last year were 2nd-most in the country. Outstanding instincts, technique, and leadership ability. Struggles against elite size and speed.

44. Justin Houston, LB, Georgia – A bit of a one-trick pony. Houston possesses elite burst off the edge, along with excellent bend and balance. But he can be pushed around in the run game and struggles in coverage. May end up as a situational pass-rusher.

45. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami – Quick feet, loose hips, and outstanding straight-line speed. He understands route concepts and is rarely caught out of position. Ball skills are just average, and he’s undersized at 5’9.

46. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada – Some scouts think he’s even more athletic than Cam Newton. A cannon for an arm and a high football IQ too. Kaepernick needs to improve his accuracy and learn a pro-style offense.

47. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky – A jack-of-all-trades, contributing as a WR, RB, QB, and return man in college. Decent speed and exceptional wiggle in the open field. Advanced route-runner who knows how to get open. Small but tough. Compares favorably to Percy Harvin.

48. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas – Reads coverages well and displays good balls skills. More than enough straight-line speed. But change-of-direction is just average, and he struggles to plant and drive. May be asked to move to safety in the NFL.

49. Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami – A big, strapping possession WR. Uses his size well on jump balls. Fast but not quick. Struggles against press coverage. Likely a #2 WR at the NFL level.

50. Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA – The only safety to crack the top-50. Moore is a ballhawk with great instincts, but he needs to improve against the run.

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<h1>Top-50 2011 NFL Draft Prospects</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Jared Smola.aspx'>Jared Smola</a> 1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU – A freaky combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Peterson will make an immediate impact on defense and special teams. One of the highest ceilings and highest floors in the draft class.

2. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia – The complete package: size, speed, sticky hands, and a monster catching radius.  Reminds us of Larry Fitzgerald.

3. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama – Produced in a pro-style scheme at ‘Bama and is as NFL-ready as they come.  Has the size and athleticism to play DE in the 3-4 or DT in the 4-3.

4. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M – The top pass-rushing prospect in the class.  As a DE at A&M, Miller racked up 26 sacks in his final 2 seasons.  But his elite explosion and athleticism make him a better fit at 3-4 OLB in the NFL.

5. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama – A physical, no-nonsense WR who also proved he’s plenty athletic with a beastly Combine performance.  Fits best in a West Coast Offense.

6. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina – Would be in the running for the #1 overall pick had he not been suspended for the entire 2010 season.  Benign brain tumor is a concern, but upside can’t be ignored.  An elite 1st-step, Gumby-like flexibility, and some filthy pass-rush moves.

7. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama – Don’t let the poor measurables fool you.  This guy has Pro Bowl written all over him.  Not a burner, but world-class vision, balance, and agility.  Can also pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield.

8. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn – The character issues may be a bit overblown.  He’s a 23-year-old who still has some maturing to do.  But on the field, he’s a man.  Quick feet, excellent explosion, and one of the best closing bursts we’ve ever seen from a DT.

9. Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson – Doesn’t have that elite 1st-step, but does possess an impressive size-speed combination to go along with NFL-ready pass-rush moves.  15.5 sacks last year tells you all you need to know about his ability to get to the QB.  Also stout against the run.

10. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska – May be the best pure cover corner in the draft class.  But lack of big-play ability (just 5 INTs in 4 college seasons) knocks him down a few notches.

11. Tyron Smith, OT, USC – The most athletic OT in the draft class.  The longest arms too.  He played RT at USC, but there’s no doubt that he can handle LT.  May not make an immediate impact, but long-term upside is huge.  Only 20 years old.

12. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn – Upside is tantalizing.  Huge arm, big-time athleticism, and a winner’s mentality.  On the downside: character concerns, inconsistent accuracy, and a steep learning curve as he enters the NFL.

13. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado – The character issues are real, but so is the talent.  Tasty combination of size and athleticism, along with an aggressive mindset.  A prototypical press-man corner capable of shutting down #1 WRs.

14. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri – Big enough to play DE in the 4-3, but athletic enough to move to 3-4 OLB.  A pass-rushing machine who has drawn comparison to Dallas’ DeMarcus Ware.

15. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri – Lacks upside, but his floor is much higher than Newton’s.  Prototypical build and good accuracy on short and intermediate throws.  Struggles on deep balls though.  May fit best in a West Coast Offense.

16. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin – A rare combination of athleticism and work ethic.  Scary-quick feet and a powerful bull-rush.  Watt’s best position is 5-technique DE, but he also has the skill set to play outside in 4-3 schemes.

17. Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College – Doesn’t have big upside, but he’s the most polished OT in the class.  With rock-solid technique, he’s capable of starting at LT from day 1.

18. Jake Locker, QB, Washington – Accuracy issues are definitely concerning, but his mechanics can be fixed.  Athleticism, play-making ability, leadership skills, and experience in a pro-style offense all give him a chance to be special.

19. Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin – A nasty dude who projects as a RT at the NFL level.  He’ll need to improve his technique as a pass-blocker but is ready to dominate right away in the run game.

20. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois – A slippery, gap-shooting lineman with tons of versatility.  His best position is at 4-3 DT, but he also has experience at NT and DE in the 3-4.

21. Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA – The most well-rounded LB in this year’s draft class.  Can rush, cover, and stop the run.  Measurables are mediocre, but the tape shows he’s a playmaker.  14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 6 INTs, and 3 TDs in 3 seasons at UCLA.

22. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue – A hard-working, high-character player.  Excellent lower body strength, although he’s missing that elite burst off the edge.  There’s talk of him moving to 3-4 OLB, but he’d be much better as a 4-3 DE.  Minimal upside but a very safe pick.

23. Cameron Jordan, DE, California – Scheme-versatile and position-flexible.  Better against the run than the pass.  Lacks top-notch quickness to penetrate into the backfield.

24. Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida – Not as athletic as his brother, but just as tough and smart.  Dominant in the ground game and solid in pass protection.  Will likely begin his career at OG after struggling with snaps last season.

25. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St. – A 3-year starter in college, he may be the most NFL-ready OT in the class.  Extremely clean in pass protection with excellent blitz recognition.  Struggles against bull-rushers and needs to improve his strength at the point of attack.

26. Mikel Leshoure, RB ,Illinois – A powerful back with sneaky speed.  Built for a feature back role, although he runs upright and takes a lot of big hits.  Not ready to contribute on passing downs either.

27. Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor – The consensus top NT in this year’s class.  He’s a true space eater with surprising athleticism.  Takes on double-teams to free up his LBs.  Suspended at Penn St. but stayed out of trouble after transferring to Baylor.

28. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St. – All the tools to dominate, but was very inconsistent in college.  More of a power rusher than a speed guy.  Capable of playing DE in the 4-3 or the 3-4, and may even be able to move inside to 3-technique DT.

29. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado – A converted TE, he’s crazy athletic for a man of his size.  No problem with speedy edge rushers, but lacks the strength to hold up at the point of attack.  Needs to put on 15-20 pounds to reach his full potential.

30. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame – A TE’s size but a WR’s athleticism.  Explodes in and out of his breaks and has excellent straight-line speed to stretch the seam.  Sticky hands too.  An adequate blocker who projects as a 3-down TE.

31. Ben Ijalana, OG, Villanova – A LT in college, he’s expected to kick inside to OG in the pros.  Quick feet but sloppy footwork that will need to be addressed.  Powerful punch and a strong base help him dominate in the ground game.

32. Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor – One of the nastiest blockers in this draft class.  Plays with a good base and excellent footwork.  Capable of playing OT or OG.  Already 26 years old, so upside and longevity is limited.

33. Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon St. – A bit undersized but strong as an ox.  Put up a Combine record 49 reps on the bench press.  Possesses an impressive burst that helps him penetrate into the backfield.  Durability is a concern.

34. Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple – Could play DT in the 4-3, but his best position is 3-4 DE.  Lacks a quick first step but shows good agility.  Plenty strong enough but he tends to play a bit high.  A raw prospect with plenty of upside.

35. Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona – Might have the most explosive short-area burst in the class.  Plays with good bend and a non-stop motor.  He’ll move to 3-4 OLB after playing DE in college.  Needs work in pass coverage.

36. Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska – Under-the-radar prospect with an exciting combination of size, speed, and acceleration.  Sees a hole, plants his foot, and explodes.  Pass-blocking could use some improvement.

37. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh – A power rusher who is also stout against the run.  He’s a ‘tweener capable of playing DE in the 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4 scheme.  Red flag character concern after being arrested for assault this past summer.

38. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa – Once considered a top-10 prospect, his stock has dropped after a disappointing senior year.  Lacks elite burst but does have good closing speed to get to the QB.  Reliable in run defense.  Erb’s Palsy in his right arm limits him to right DE only.

39. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech – As much natural ability as any RB in this draft class.  Doesn’t possess breakaway speed but does display some serious shiftiness.  Runs like a wrecking ball.  But durability is a major concern after he missed games at V-Tech with hamstring and ankle injuries.

40. Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois – A thumper with the athleticism to play inside in the 3-4 or anywhere in the 4-3.  Solid in pass coverage and dependable against the run.  Not the most instinctual player and won’t provide much in the pass-rush department.

41. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia – A size-speed freak.  Good physicality and excellent ball skills.  Reads routes as well as any CB in this class.  His hips are a little stiff and he struggles changing direction.  Played in only 5 games last year due to hamstring, ankle, and knee injuries.

42. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas – The huge arm is alluring, but Mallett is a statue in the pocket and isn’t the best decision-maker.  Big-time bust potential if he lands in the wrong spot.

43. Mason Foster, LB, Washington – Tough to find anything special about him on tape, but his production is off-the-charts.  162 tackles last year were 2nd-most in the country.  Outstanding instincts, technique, and leadership ability.  Struggles against elite size and speed.

44.  Justin Houston, LB, Georgia – A bit of a one-trick pony.  Houston possesses elite burst off the edge, along with excellent bend and balance.  But he can be pushed around in the run game and struggles in coverage.  May end up as a situational pass-rusher.

45. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami – Quick feet, loose hips, and outstanding straight-line speed.  He understands route concepts and is rarely caught out of position.  Ball skills are just average, and he’s undersized at 5’9.

46. Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada – Some scouts think he’s even more athletic than Cam Newton.  A cannon for an arm and a high football IQ too.  Kaepernick needs to improve his accuracy and learn a pro-style offense.

47. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky – A jack-of-all-trades, contributing as a WR, RB, QB, and return man in college.  Decent speed and exceptional wiggle in the open field.  Advanced route-runner who knows how to get open.  Small but tough.  Compares favorably to Percy Harvin.

48. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas – Reads coverages well and displays good balls skills.  More than enough straight-line speed.  But change-of-direction is just average, and he struggles to plant and drive.  May be asked to move to safety in the NFL.

49. Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami – A big, strapping possession WR.  Uses his size well on jump balls.  Fast but not quick.  Struggles against press coverage.  Likely a #2 WR at the NFL level.

50. Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA – The only safety to crack the top-50.  Moore is a ballhawk with great instincts, but he needs to improve against the run.

About the Author: Jared Smola | Senior Editor
Jared has been with a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.articleseen.com">www.draftsharks.com</a> since 2007. He's a true utility-man, contributing to feature articles, player profiles, projections, weekly rankings, and Fantasy Vision scouting reports. He won his first fantasy championship at the tender age of 9 on the strength of Barry Sanders’ 2,000-yard 1997 season.

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Jared Smola | Senior Editor
Jared has been with a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.articleseen.com">www.draftsharks.com since 2007. He's a true utility-man, contributing to feature articles, player profiles, projections, weekly rankings, and Fantasy Vision scouting reports. He won his first fantasy championship at the tender age of 9 on the strength of Barry Sanders’ 2,000-yard 1997 season.

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