1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

I do not agree with the pick, but all signs are pointing to the Panthers picking the controversial signal caller. A change at head coach often means a switch at QB and Ron Rivera has told reporters he has been sold on Newton’s physical attributes. The question remains if Newton has the mental toughness to lead a team immediately. With a poor season by Jimmy Clausen and Tony Pike’s inexperience, there will be pressure for Newton to be the guy from day one.

2. Denver Broncos: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

This seems to be the biggest no-brainer of the top 10 picks. Dareus is a game-changing player. Some will say Denver needs to upgrade with a pass rusher here (the team finished last in the NFL in sacks with just 23), but they will be getting back former sack leader Elvis Dumervil this season. The Broncos released Jamal Williams and Justin Bannan this offseason, leaving just three defensive tackles with experience left on the roster. Dareus is an ideal fit.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

The second biggest no-brainer. The Bills swung and missed on Aaron Maybin in 2008, and AFC East foes have feasted on the Buffalo secondary with no threat of a pass rush. Miller is a physical freak, who ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and will cause havoc in backfields immediately.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

With the status of Carson Palmer up in the air, the Bengals might be tempted to pick Blaine Gabbert with this pick. But owner Mike Brown has shown he does not grant player trade requests, and with the current labor situation, the Bengals have to enter the draft as if Palmer will be in orange and black next season. Terrell Owens and possibly Chad Johnson (yes, no more Ochocinco) are headed out the door. Green is an instant difference maker, and is one of the highest rated players in the draft. There have been rumblings that the team likes Julio Jones a bit more, but I believe Green’s exemplary physical tools put him above Jones on the Bengals draft board.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Here is where it starts to get interesting. It would make absolute sense for the Cardinals to look for a future franchise quarterback like Gabbert. However, many in the organization believe Arizona is closer to a playoff team than their 2010 record indicated. Couple that with the fact that Ken Wisenhut and GM Rod Graves could be shown the door fit they don’t win soon, there seems to be a better chance that the team will bring in a veteran QB (Palmer, Kevin Kolb, Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb) in the offseason. Instead, the Cardinals pick the best player on their board (and possibly in the draft), and immediately push their cornerback position into the conversation for best in the league. Some highly respected draft experts (and me) have compared Peterson to Champ Bailey. That makes Peterson a tough prospect to pass up.

6. Cleveland Browns: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

I’m split 50/50 on this pick. Quinn and Julio Jones both make sense for a Browns team that is looking to make the next step toward relevancy. In the end, Quinn wins out because you can’t win the AFC North without a stellar defense. The Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense under defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, and they need a major talent boost quickly. Quinn simply blew people away at his pro day, and a number of scouts say they’d be surprised if Quinn lasts through the top eight picks. The Browns will likely field calls from teams looking to trade up to get Jones, but if they stay put, I believe this is the pick.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

The 49ers have to be thrilled if this scenario plays out. Gabbert is rated as the number on quarterback on many teams’ boards, and Gabbert would be a great fit for John Harbaugh’s offense. He’s smart and athletic, and would enter a situation with good pieces around him. This would be an ideal situation for both parties involved.

8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Fairley entered the draft process neck-in-neck with Dareus for the top-rated defensive tackle. A poor Combine and injury concerns have dropped his stock to this point, but he did some much-needed damage control at his pro day. As I wrote in my top-5 breakdown, Fairley has exceptional athleticism and footwork, and fills a big need for the Titans. Tennessee has had a huge void at defensive tackle since Albert Haynesworth has departed, and Fairley could change that. The Titans will be pick a quarterback somewhere in the draft, but with no viable options at this point, they’ll likely wait until the second round. Julio Jones is also an option, but wide receiver is not as big of a need.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Do not be surprised to see the Cowboys trade down from this pick. There is huge interest in Jones from teams like St. Louis and Washington and Dallas could easily get a good offensive tackle prospect in the mid-first round. If the team stays here, Smith is the pick. The team got almost no protection from Marc Colombo, and Doug Free might be better suited as a right tackle. Smith has wowed people with his athleticism, and has bulked up to 310 pounds. Jerry Jones has never selected an offensive lineman in the first round, but that could change this year.

10.  Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

I would be surprised if Jones lasts this long, with a team likely to trade up and grab him. However, in this scenario, there’s no chance he’ll get past the Redskins. Washington has a number of needs, but they have not had a dynamic receiver such as Jones in recent memory. He would be a great compliment to Chris Cooley and Santana Moss. Washington has been linked to Jake Locker, but they could likely trade back into the first round if that’s the direction they want to go. Washington beat writers say the team has DE J.J. Watt rated very high on their board, and that would likely be the pick if Jones is off the board.

11.  Houston Texans: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Watt fills a need for the Texans, who are looking for a 5-technique defensive end. Watt has impressed throughout the draft process with his relentless motor and elite strength. He projects as a stronger Aaron Kampman. The Texans will also consider a pass-rushing OLB, but I do not see a prospect rated higher than Watt.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Disclaimer: The buzz right now is that the Vikings are looking very hard at Jake Locker. While it’s certainly a possibility, I believe that’s just too high for a prospect who is still a year or two away from making an impact. The Vikings went to the NFC Championship in 2009, and have a number of good pieces. Ray Edwards is a free agent, and is not expected to be back. Jordan is an extremely strong player, good against the run, and would be a great fit opposite of Jared Allen.

13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Lions would be thrilled to see Amukamara fall to them at 13. They desperately need help in the secondary, and the word is a number of teams have Prince rated near Peterson. Even if Chris Houston is resigned, he provides and instant upgrade at the cornerback position.

14.  St. Louis Rams: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri

The Rams are expected to make a furious push to move up and get either A.J. Green or Julio Jones, but if they fail, they’ll look to bolster their run defense. This pick will likely come down to Smith and Corey Liuget. Smith offers Coach Steve Spagnola more versatility, as he can play with his hand in the ground or up as a rush-end.

15.  Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

Teams are allegedly souring on Ingram because of concerns over his knee. I think that might be a bit of a smoke screen. Even so, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Dolphins look at Florida guard Mike Pouncey. That being said, Ingram fills a much bigger need, and is a player who will line up day in and day out for 10 years. Ingram is short but stout, and is extremely hard to bring down. Ronnie Brown and/or Ricky Williams will not be back, and the Dolphins must find a replacement in this draft.

16.  Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Jags are high on the Purdue product, both for his versatility and his motor. Even with Da’Quan Bowers still available, GM Gene Smith has leaned toward high character players. Jacksonville would like to boost their pass rush to create more pressure on QB’s like Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub, and Kerrigan can do that immediately.

17. New England Patriots: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The local product would be a good fit for the Patriots, who do not know what the future holds with LT Matt Light. Even if Light were resigned, New England would be smart to start building depth on the offensive line. With two 1^st Round picks, the Patriots can take the top-rated tackle now and wait to select a pass-rushing OLB.

18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple

The team needs an upgrade at the 5-technique from Jacques Cesaire, who might not be back with the team. Wilkerson is big and strong, and could even slide inside in a 4-3 defense. But in the Chargers 3-4, he is an ideal fit. The team also needs to upgrade the offensive line, which means Gabe Carimi has to be on A.J. Smith’s radar, but I think Wilkerson will be the guy.

19. New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida

The Giants would be very happy to see Pouncey drop this far, with a number of teams ahead of New York taking a hard look at him. Interior lineman is a big need for the team after getting disappointing returns from C Shaun O’Hara and RG Chris Snee. Much like his twin brother did for Pittsburgh last season, Maurice can be plugged in immediately.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

One of the storylines to watch on Thursday will be how far Bowers falls after looking like a top 3 pick when the draft process started. Bowers has had injury and maturity concerns, but those he begins to look more like a steal at pick 20. If Bowers realizes some of him immense potential, this could prove to be a big pick.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Chiefs would be very happy and surprised to see Carimi still on the board at this point. Barry Richardson struggled last year at right tackle, and the organization is still not convinced former first round pick Branden Albert is the solution at LT. Carimi might not be a sexy pick, but he will provide steady production year in and year out.

22. Indianapolis Colts: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Colts have struggled to replace Tarik Glenn. The team spent a second round pick on Tony Ugoh, but ultimately released him. Charlie Johnson has done an adequate job the past few seasons, but he’s better suited to play guard. Solder is an outstanding athlete who is still learning the position. Giving Peyton Manning time to throw is the difference between a Super Bowl season and just another playoff run.

23.  Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Concerns over Smith’s mental toughness and character have subsided in recent weeks. Many scouts have Smith rated right up there with Peterson and Amukamara, and he fills a need for the Eagles. Asante Samuel had another Pro Bowl season, but Dimitri Patterson was regularly burned, especially in the playoffs. Smith provides instant solidification of the position.

24.  New Orleans Saints: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

The Saints continue to look for a defensive end opposite of Will Smith. Clayborn started the 2010 season as a surefire top 15 pick, but his production was down his senior season as he faced constant double teams. Still, he has the size and pass-rush skills that New Orleans is looking for, and is very stout against the run. Cameron Hayward and Justin Houston will also be considered. Also, despite signing Shaun Rogers, Corey Liuget will also get a look.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

Brandon Mebane is a free agent, and with the uncertainty of the labor situation, the Seahawks don’t have the luxury of waiting to see if a deal can be made. Liuget is the highest rated player available and would help improve a run defense that ranked in the bottom half of the league last season.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

The Ravens are looking for an upgrade at the 5-technique and Heyward is the big, strong player Baltimore seems to like. Cory Redding really struggled toward the end of the season, and Heyward has the pedigree and drive to make an immediate impact. The team could also look at taking an offensive tackle with the status of Jared Gaither still up in the air.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

The Falcons could go in a number of directions with this pick, but with three offensive linemen up for free agency, investing in depth now seems to make sense. Sherrod works will on the move and is ready to play right now. The team could also look at TE Kyle Rudolph, WR’s Torrey Smith and Leonard Hankerson, or DE’s Brooks Reed and Justin Houston with this pick.

28. New England Patriots: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona

Having already solidified the tackle position, the Patriots can now begin to add a pass-rusher to the mix. The Patriots inability to put pressure on Mark Sanchez in the AFC playoffs ended their season, and the team likes Reed’s motor and speed. Justin Houston is also an option.

29. Chicago Bears: Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Bears will likely trade out of the first round if this scenario plays out. GM Jerry Angelo would like to strengthen the offensive tackle position, but is unlikely to reach for a player at this point. Tommie Harris was released earlier this year, and his replacement is not currently on the roster. Austin was suspended for his senior year after receiving improper benefits from an agent, and word is the team is not completely sold on him. Nevertheless, the hole at the 3-technique needs to be addressed. OG Danny Watkins and OT Brandon Ijalana remain possibilities.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Word came down this week that Taylor has in inoperable foot condition, which could scare off the Jets. If it’s found out to be manageable, Taylor makes a lot of sense. The Jets have no depth behind Sione Pouha, and an upgrade is needed. If the team is scared off by the foot problem, look for a pass-rusher like Akeem Ayers or Houston to be the pick.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

The offensive line was a huge concern for the Steelers this past season. It held up well in the playoffs, but the Steelers quarterbacks took a beating in 2010 being sacked 48 times while being hit regularly. Watkins is a big prospect who could slide in next to Maurkice Pouncey and form a solid duo for the foreseeable future.

32.  Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

With Ryan Mallett, Locker, and Christian Ponder still on the board, do not be surprised if the Packers field a number of calls from teams looking to trade up. If they stay put, Ayers is a very good value pick here. He would take a lot of pressure off Clay Matthews in the pass-rush, making the Packers defense even scarier. Ayers also has the versatility to slide inside if needed, and plays the run well. Houston is getting a lot of buzz leading up to the draft, and could be a possibility, even if the team decides to trade back.

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Quarterback

1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri (6-4, 238): The decision by Andrew Luck to bypass the 2011 draft catapulted Gabbert into the discussion for the top overall spot. Gabbert is good, but I’m yet to be convinced he’s elite.  He shows confidence on the field, and throws a very accurate ball. He can get rattled in the pocket and can make poor choices with a rusher barreling down.  Has a quick delivery and throws a good deep ball. Good arm strength.  He projects out as a quality starting quarterback.    Prediction: Top-5

2. Cam Newton, Auburn (6-5, 248): Depending on who you talk to, Newton is either going to be a big difference maker or a colossal bust. On one hand, he has a rare combination of size, speed and mobility. On the other hand, he’s had a number question marks about his attitude and off the field problems. He’s stated he wants to be an ‘icon.’ Physically, Newton still has work to do developing as a passer. He played in a spread offense at Auburn, and need to show NFL teams he can read and diagnose defenses. Has a strong arm, but does not always set his feet properly, which causes him to lose zip on his passes. Some NFL team will fall in love with his physical tools.                Prediction: Top-10

3. Jake Locker, Washington (6-2, 231): Like Newton, a rare physical athlete. Locker has elite speed at the quarterback position (4.5 40 yard dash) and exhibits impressive strength. Locker is a quarterback who actually throws better scrambling outside of the pocket.  Still has work to do with his mechanics, can throw a flat ball. Elite arm strength and can throw the ball with zip in any weather. Needs to learn when a play is done and throw the ball out of bounds. Has taken a beating in Washington’s option happy offense. Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas (6-7, 253): Good height for the position, though the lanky QB does have problems with moving around of the pocket. A fierce competitor who benefits from playing in a pro-style offense with the Razorbacks. Mallett has the best arm in the draft, exhibiting the ability to fit the ball into a tight window. Unfortunately, sometimes that means he forces a pass and takes unnecessary risks.  Scouts have expressed concerned about his maturity. He didn’t help his case by refusing to answer certain questions at the Combine.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Christian Ponder, Florida State (6-2, 229): Surprising athletic quarterback who exhibits great toughness. Great leader who will win over a lockerroom. Shows a good ability to keep plays alive in the pocket without having to scramble. Anticipates his receiver’s break and throws the ball in a position where they can continue to run. Can float the ball at times. Had injury problems in college, missing time in his sophomore, junior and senior season.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

Running backs

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama (5-9, 215): Won the 2009-2010 Heisman trophy.  He shows adequate size, but is incredibly strong. Runs effectively behind his blockers, showing patience while a hole opens up. Ingram is hard to bring down because of his low pad level and elite balance. Does not have elite speed, but shows good burst when approaching the line. Effective receiver out of the backfield and is not afraid to stick his nose in pass protection. Scouts compare him favorably to Emmitt Smith.   Prediction: Top-20

2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois (6-0, 227): Above average height and weight, but still shows good speed. Runs well after first contact and does a great job of locating cutback lanes. Can be inpatient in the backfield, trying to make something happen instead of picking up a few yards. Does a nice job near the end-zone, and could be a goal line back from Day 1. The biggest hole in his game is in the passing game, both as a receiver and as a blocker. Will need to improve in that area before he can be an effective starter.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech (5-9, 212): Williams is a competitive runner who almost always finishes runs falling forward. Good initial burst at the snap, but does still shows patience to allow blocks to set up. Makes one cut and goes, making him an ideal fit for a zone blocking scheme. Missed 4 games this past season, and some feel he needs to add weight to deal with physical nature of the NFL.       Prediction: 2^nd Round

4. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State (6-0, 230): Ran for 1500 yards in his senior season, but still flew under the national radar. Has ideal size paired with good speed. He is a tough downhill runner whose legs don’t stop moving. Sets up blockers and has good pad level entering the line. Has impressed in his interviews with teams. Besides Ingram, might be the most NFL ready prospect.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

5. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (5-7, 199): Undersized prospect who runs hard and without hesitation. Earned rave reviews from his coaches at OSU for his dedication in the weight room. He is a decisive runner who gets to the second level quickly. Hunter effectively runs through arm tackles and almost seems to welcome contact. Could be effective in the screen game. With short stature, will struggle in pass protection picking up blitzes.      Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

Wide Receivers

1. A.J. Green, Georgia (6-4, 211): Unquestionably one of the top talents in the 2011 draft. Great height and strength for the ability. Shows rare ability to go up and snatch a ball at its highest point. Smooth runner who was like Teflon to college cornerbacks; they just couldn’t stick with him. A natural athlete who makes hard breaks out of routes. Fights hard for extra yards, and has shown a willingness to block in the running game.                Prediction: Top-10

2. Julio Jones, Alabama (6-3, 220): Had a productive college career which is impressive considering he played in a run-first offense. Surprised a number of scouts by running a 4.34 40 yard dash at the Combine. Given his size and elite speed, he will be a headache to cover in the NFL. Has closed the gap between him and Green as the offseason workouts have gone on. Can run every route but still need to develop as a route runner. Does not always fool a cornerback and can round off routes. That being said, he makes a play for the ball when it’s in the air, and shows the ability to make spectacular catches.        Prediction: Top-15

3. Torrey Smith, Maryland (6-1, 204): A speedster who has good body control to track down a deep ball. He has the potential to be a big play receiver at the next level, contributing both as a receiver and a returner. Has work to do as a route runner, especially in diagnosing the holes in zone coverage. Could make huge strides in that area by watching more film with a position coach. Can be bumped at the line and struggles to gain separation from bigger corners. A risk-reward prospect.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

4. Leonard Hankerson, Miami (6-1, 209): Has turned some heads this offseason as scouts break down tape. Made a number of plays in college on poorly thrown balls, showing great body control to adjust to a ball thrown behind him. Ran a very respective 4.4 40 yard dash. Shows good toughness and a willingness to run across the middle. Can struggle with dropped balls.      Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Tandon Doss, Indiana (6-2, 201): Very polished as a receiver who shows the ability to run every route. Has good speed and it doesn’t take him long to hit his top gear. Has great hands and catches balls away from his body. Shows good focus in bringing the ball in, even in traffic. More of a possession receiver at this point.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

Tight Ends

1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (6-6, 259): Rudolph is by far and away the top prospect this year. Shows good ball skills and consistently catches balls thrown in his area. Very competitive and gives the extra effort no matter what the score is. Injuries were a problem in college causing him to miss multiple games.  Needs work in his blocking technique. The lack of depth at this position could force some teams to stretch for Rudolph.    Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

2. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin (6-3, 243): Kendricks is a converted wide receiver who brings a good mentality to the position. Competitive blocker who does a nice job of using leverage and angles to seal the edge. Needs to add some weight to his frame. Fast enough to blow by linebackers, but will not make many players miss in the open field. As a former receiver, he does a nice job of making the difficult catches. Can lose concentration on routine catches.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

3. Virgil Green, Nevada (6-3, 249): Green didn’t get much attention before the East-West Shrine game and the Scouting Combine, but he put up great speed and strength numbers at the latter, and had great practices in the former. He has great hands and can catch passes in traffic, and is not afraid to take a hit over the middle. Must add size to be a more effective blocker.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

4. Luke Stocker, Tennessee (6-5, 258): Prototypical block first tight end. Willing to do the dirty work in both the run and passing game. A bight stiff as a runner and won’t blow by coverage, but has great hands and rarely drops a ball. Will be a great goal line option given his frame and threat as a blocker.      Prediction: 3^rd or 4^th Round

5. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina (6-5, 270): Ideal size for the position and has surprising speed for the position. Shows good burst getting off the line and is a polished route runner. Good hands and size make him a reliable option. Has the size to be a great blocker, but does not always show the fire to finish plays. Receives a red flag after being suspended indefinitely by his team for undisclosed reasons to end the season.        Prediction: 4^th or 5^th Round

Offensive Tackle

1. Tyron Smith, USC (6-5, 311): Smith was a right tackle during his tenure with the Trojans, but teams believe he can make the move to the other side of the line at the next level.  Improved his stock with a great pro day. Has elite speed and flexibility to fight off edge rushers, and has long arms to separate on bull rushes. Has room to add size to his lanky frame. He has natural feet and has a great initial drop step. Still a bit raw as a blocker, and needs some additional one-on-one coaching. Can misdiagnose a blitz or stunt rush.                  Prediction: Top-15

2. Nate Soldner, Colorado (6-8, 319): Great height for the position and his long arms are ideal for a left tackle. Is a natural athlete who has the necessary agility to take on speed rushers. Extremely smart on and off the field, and rarely is confused by a defensive scheme. Has good strength, although he could add 5-10 pounds. Flashes a mean streak when finishing blocks. Ready to step in to a starting lineup right now.     Prediction: 1^st Round

3. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6-7, 314): A masher with the Badgers, but still has the athleticism to be an effective pass protector. Does not have the elite athleticism of the two names ahead of him on this list, but still gets the job done. Unlike the two names above, Carimi is an elite run blocker, who can regularly be found 15 yards down the field. Needs to work on his lateral mobility and getting his hips turned. Solid and safe prospect.       Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College (6-7, 317): Started every game during his three seasons at BC. Very hard worker who is a student of the game. Does well in pass protection, moving quickly off the line to negate speed rushers. Shows good agility, but needs to work on his lower body strength in the run game. Does not drive his man down the field, and can get stood up against a bull rush.  Scouts would like to see more fire in finishing off blocks.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

5. Benjamin Ijalana, Villanova (6-4, 317): Projects as a right tackle at the next level. Very productive college career, starting every game. He has a violent punch and is an absolute mauler in the running game. Good at adjusting to line stunts and blitzes, and can absorb a rush. As far as technique, he can get too high and get his feet crossed up in open space. Did not face top talent in the CAA conference.        Prediction: 2^nd Round

Offensive Guard/Center

1. Mike Pouncey, Florida (6-5, 303): The twin brother of rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey. Appeared in every game at Florida; impressive when you consider he started his career as a defensive tackle before moving to offensive guard. Played his senior season at center. Has a good bases and strong lower body. Has good instincts in the run and pass game, playing with his head on a swivel. Does not have the athleticism of his brother, and can struggle against big nose tackles.         Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

2. Danny Watkins, Baylor (6-3, 310): A possible first round pick who has only been playing the game of football for four years. Has taken to the game quickly, showing some savvy as a pass protector. He has sound technique in the run game, and is effective both at the line and in space. Shows surprising awareness considering his lack of playing experience. Does not quit on a play and has the mean streak coaches look for out of a lineman. Will be 27 later this year, old for a rookie.       Prediction: 1^st or 2^nd Round

3. Marcus Cannon, TCU (6-5, 358): Massive prospect for the guard position. He exhibits surprising quickness for his size and combines it with great strength. Played tackle in college, but will move inside in the pros. Impressed scouts with his ability to read a defense and pick up the correct blocker. Has experience working in space. Needs to keep weight under control, as he cannot carry much more without losing speed.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

4. Orlando Franklin, Miami (6-5, 316): Shows good mobility for his size, especially in the screen game. His passion for the game is evident and plays with high effort. Smart player who makes does a nice job of picking up blitzes. His strength is as a run blocker.  Can struggle with quick moves in the passing game.     Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

5. Clint Bowling, Georgia (6-4, 308): Showed good versatility in college, lining up at three different positions on the line. Likely projects as a guard, but could also be a backup center. Needs to add weight to deal with some of the bigger defensive tackles in the NFL. Good football intelligence, he is rarely caught out of position. Needs to work on driving defenders away from the line.         Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

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Defensive End

1. Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson (6-4, 280): Bowers excelled in his junior season, accounting for 15.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. He can play both the run and pass.  As the offseason has gone on, red flags have started to surface concerning work ethic problems. A lingering knee injury has already forced Bowers to fail two team physicals. He will redo some of the combine tests later this month. The results will make the difference for where he is drafted.        Prediction: Top-15

2. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin (6-6, 290): Watt is a great combination of size, speed and power.  He projects well as a 3-4 defensive end, which will likely help his draft stock with a number of teams in the 5-15 pick range employing that defense. Watt’s motor and drive jump off the tape at scouts; he simply does not quit on a play. He might not have the physical upside of Bowers, but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if he’s off the board before the Clemson junior.                  Prediction: Top-15

3. Robert Quinn, North Carolina (6-5, 270): Quinn missed the entire 2010 season as a result of an NCAA suspension after allegedly receiving improper benefits from an agent. Has been humble about the process, and has not scared off many NFL teams. Still a bit raw in his technique, but boasts superior athleticism for his size. Could stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor his senior year of high school and told he may never play again. However, he was able to recover and started every game he played in at UNC.       Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Cameron Jordan, California (6-4, 283): Jordan has quickly moved up draft boards. He plays extremely well against the run, and can be disruptive in the passing game. He is a high-effort player, and incredibly strong at the point of attack. Projects very well as a 5-technique end, or a left end in a 4-3.     Prediction: 1^st Round

5. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa (6-3, 286): Clayborn faced regular double teams his senior season and his numbers reflect it. Despite lower than expected sack numbers, Clayborn still wreaked havoc in offensive backfields, and showed an excellent power rush. Needs to work a bit on his fluidity. Very stout against the run. Can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3.   Prediction: 1^st Round

Update: Keep an eye on Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan. He has had at least five private workouts for teams, and could be moving up draft boards. It seems teams believe he can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4.

Defensive Tackle

1. Marcell Dareus, Alabama (6-4, 306): Ideal size and strength combo. Has very good quickness at the snap, and does a great job of disengaging from blockers. He has a thick lower frame, and does a great job of playing the run. Has surprising agility and balance when breaking down to tackle. Won’t likely be on the draft board long.      Prediction: Top-5

2. Nick Fairley, Auburn (6-5, 298): Has exceptional athleticism and footwork for his position. In fact, he grades out very high across the board. The biggest questions for Fairley have to do with character and work ethic concerns. He is dropping down a number of draft boards. If he can convince a team he has his head on straight, he has top-3 talent.          Prediction: Top-10

3. Muhammed Wilkerson, Temple (6-5, 315): Wilkerson didn’t have a lot of pub entering the draft process because of a lack of national exposure for the Owls program. But that has changed thanks to a stellar combine. His measurable are ideal. He plays with the fluidity of a basketball player and carries his weight well. Still has room to grow, both physically and in technique.        Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Corey Liuget, Illinois (6-3, 300): He is tough to handle in one-on-one situations. Showed versatility throughout his career, playing all the positions on the line. Does a great job of creating problems in the backfield.  Does a great job of using his hands to disengage. Intriguing prospect because NFL teams can plug him into any position on the line.           Prediction: 1^st Round

5. Stephen Paea, Oregon State (6-1, 311): Set a Combine record with 49 repetitions of 225 pounds. An anchor a run defense and take on multiple blockers. Lacks ideal height, but makes up for it with an excellent motor. Often chases down plays and makes tackles from behind. Exhibits a great work ethic.       Prediction: Late 1^st, Early 2^nd

Inside Linebacker

1. Martez Wilson, Illinois (6-4, 250): There is not an elite player at this position. Wilson has the upside to become a real force, but is still raw in a number of areas. He has top-end speed, and is a good pass rusher. Can be fouled in play action, and has a tendency to take a false step. A bit of a risk, but the payoff could be high.    Prediction: Late 1^st, Early 2^nd

2. Quan Strudivant, North Carolina (6-1, 228): Good straight-line speed, and can beat blockers to point of attack. Great football IQ. Not an elite athlete, but reads plays well. Only played seven games because of a hamstring injury.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

3. Colin McCarthy, Miami, FL (6-2, 240): Had a very productive senior season, coming up with 106 tackles. An aggressive tackler  who can play every linebacker position. Very instinctive, could develop into a starter in two or three years.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

4. Greg Jones, Michigan State (6-1, 228): Undersized linebacker, who was extremely productive in college. He is one of the best tacklers in this draft. Had 154 tackles and 9 sacks during his senior season.  Will endear himself to a team with his work ethic.    Prediction: 3^rd Round

5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU (6-2, 250): Locates the ball quickly, and has a good burst to close out the tackle. Has good timing in the blitz. Has good, not great, size for an inside linebacker in the NFL. Could be an effective special teams player.       Prediction: 4^th Round

Inside Linebacker

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-3, 246): Miller is an extremely hard worker who struggled to begin the season. But in the last six games for the Aggies, he simply dominated games. Teams saw the impact of Clay Matthews and Lamar Woodley in getting their teams to the Super Bowl, and many project Miller has a similar impact player. Teams fell in love with his measurable and speed at the Combine.      Prediction: Top-10

2. Aldon Smith, Missouri (6-4, 260): Smith missed some time this season with a broken bone in his leg. He is a bit of a developmental project, but projects as an excellent pass rusher at the next level. Has the size to put his hand in the ground on third down. Draws favorable comparisons to Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul who was selected early in the first round last season.      Prediction: Top-20

3. Akeem Ayers, UCLA (6-5, 255): He has surprising agility for  a player of his size. He can be a sideline-to-sideline defender and is best when he can roam. Always around the ball, but sometime s does not make a sure tackle. Very good pass rushing skills. Ayers does a great job of getting  skinny to beat an offensive tackle to the outside.              Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Bruce Carter, UNC (6-3, 258): Does a nice job of reading his keys in the running game. Shows good speed off the edge, and has good flexibility to get around an offensive tackle. Underwent an ACL reconstruction surgery this offseason, which has limited his ability to work out for teams. Teams might be wary to use a high draft pick until they can see how he bounces back.        Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

5. Brooks Reed, Arizona (6-2, 263): Initially played offense when he enrolled at Arizona, but was moved to defensive end during his freshman year. Shows excellent discipline and executes his assignments. Has top-level football IQ. Played with his hand in the ground in college and could struggle right away at pass coverage.                Prediction: 2^nd or 3^rd Round

 

Cornerback

1. Patrick Peterson, LSU (6-1, 222): Quite possibly the best prospect in the draft. Has the physical tools to be a shutdown corner. Displays good overall range in coverage, and makes a play on the ball when the ball is near him. Has the size to be a safety, but the athleticism to lockup with elite receivers. Adds another dimension to his future team with his ability to return kicks.            Prediction: Top-10

2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska (6-1, 200): Plays with nearly perfect technique. Excellent instincts, and shows great awareness in zone coverage. Does a great job in bump and run coverage, and can flip his hips to run with a receiver. In any other year, he would be the elite cornerback prospect.     Prediction: Top-15

3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado (6-2, 205): Good blend of size and top-end speed. Has confidence in his coverage ability and his not afraid to be aggressive in press coverage. Has good closing burst in coverage to make a play on the ball. His good work ethic and football IQ should secure him a spot in the first round.         Prediction: 1^st Round

4. Aaron Williams, Texas (6-1, 195): Excellent at reading routes and closing in on a receiver when he makes his break. Not fooled by bubble screens. Has the prototypical build for the position, but must work on his technique. Could be a year away from stepping in and starting.      Prediction: 2^nd Round

5. Brandon Harris, Miami (5-9, 191): A bit undersized for the position, but makes up for it with elite speed.  Has good instincts in man-to-man coverage and is rarely fooled on double moves. Surprisingly good in run support, and is not afraid to put his head down and make a tackle. Has above average ball skills.            Prediction: 2^nd Round

 

Safety

1. Rahim Moore, UCLA (6-1, 196): Moore looked like a top ten pick after putting up huge numbers his sophomore season. The numbers declined this past season, with teams less willing to test the safety. He is a hard worker on and off the field, and was voted a team captain as a junior. Shows quick feet and good balance in his back pedal. He is aggressive when the ball is in the air, and closes quickly.       Prediction: 1^st Round

2. Quinton Carter (6-1, 211): Has ability to play either safety positions. He is a confident and aggressive player with above-average instincts. Quickly finds a ball in the air and secures interceptions. Struggled against taller receivers and tight ends in college. Struggles a bit to get off blocks, but excels at making open field tackles.          Prediction: 2^nd Round

3. Robert Sands, West Virginia (6-5, 221): Gets rave reviews for his leadership during his senior season.  Ideal size for the position, and ran a good, not great, 40 time at the Combine. One area of weakness is his strength (he had the 2^nd worst bench press among safeties in Indianapolis). Fills lanes with conviction and is a reliable tackler. Will win over teams during the interview process.      Prediction: 2^nd Round

4. Tyler Sash, Iowa (6-1, 210): Has elite ball skills as evidenced by his 13 interceptions in 37 games with the Hawkeyes. Does not have great speed, but his instincts keep him in position to make plays. Fills downhill and is fearless in making tackles. Will contribute in special teams, and could be an excellent sleeper pick.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

5. Da’Norris Searcy, UNC (5-10, 223): Does not have ideal size, but has incredible strength, leading all defensive backs with 27 bench press reps at the Combine. Rarely caught chasing receivers in coverage, and has elite route recognition in zone coverage. Might be a bit short, but has incredibly long arms. Not always willing to stick in and make a tackle. Involved in an NCAA investigation at the beginning of the season.     Prediction: 3^rd Round

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