It’s not lonely at the top. While this year’s NFL draft doesn’t have the can’t-miss franchise quarterback leading the way, there is a group of elite, blue-chip players who lean decidedly toward defense.
“I think it’s as good a group of defensive linemen overall as I have ever seen,” Broncos coach John Fox said. “We’re at No. 2, so we know we’re going to get a good, good player with that pick. Some years you wouldn’t want to be up there, but this isn’t one of those years. This year, whoever you pick there will be worth that pick.”
The defensive posture of this draft has been evident for the past six months as NFL reporter Jeff Legwold sifted through video; interviewed a bevy of general managers, coaches and scouts; and attended the Senior Bowl and the scouting combine to put together the top 100 players of this year’s draft. Players are ranked not only on the basis of their college production but their pro potential.
1. Patrick Peterson
Elite defender, elite returner and next-level skills put him at the top of the board.
2. Von Miller
LB, Texas A&M, 6-3, 246
Led nation in sacks in 2009 with 17, had 27 1/2 sacks over past two sea-
sons.
3. A.J. Green
WR, Georgia, 6-4, 211
Junior had three seasons with at least 50 catches and knows how to get the ball in a crowd.
4. Marcell Dareus
DT, Alabama, 6-3, 319
A Nick Saban-coached interior lineman who plays multiple spots in multiple schemes.
5. Blaine Gabbert
QB, Missouri, 6-4 1/2, 243
His 16 touchdown passes in 2010 worth a pause, but he has the skills for more.
6. Nick Fairley
DT, Auburn, 6-4, 291
He is disruptive (his 11 1/2 sacks led DTs in 2010), but many wonder about consistent effort.
7. Prince Amukamara
CB, Nebraska, 6-0, 206
Surrendered only 18 completions this past season and earned his degree in seven semesters.
8. Julio Jones
WR, Alabama, 6-3, 220
Fractured foot doesn’t concern many, especially because he ran a 4.38 40 at the combine.
9. Cameron Jordan
DE, California, 6-4, 287
Has moved up the board since the end of the season; played 50 games in career.
10. Nate Solder
OT, Colorado, 6-8, 319
Most won’t have him as the top tackle, but his flexibility and athleticism make him the best long-term prospect.
11. Tyron Smith
OT, USC, 6-5, 307
Has a huge reach and plenty of upside. Started two years at right tackle, but is prospect at left tackle.
12. Ryan Kerrigan
DE, Purdue, 6-4, 267
A fierce competitor who is tough to block; set Big Ten record with 14 forced fumbles.
13. Robert Quinn
DE, North Carolina, 6-4, 265
Explosive player who broke Julius Peppers’ 40-yard dash record for defensive linemen at the school.
14. J.J. Watt
DE, Wisconsin, 6-5, 290
A Central Michigan transfer who had 21 tackles for loss in 2010 and blocked three kicks.
15. Mark Ingram
RB, Alabama, 5-9, 215
Elusive in traffic and will contribute immediately.
16. Cam Newton
QB, Auburn, 6-5, 248
Could be first pick of the draft, but ranked here because of questions about accuracy and inexperience.
17. Aldon Smith
DE, Missouri, 6-4 1/2, 263
Played in only 23 games in college career but had 17 sacks.
18. Anthony Castonzo
OT, Boston College, 6-7, 311
Some teams have him at the top of the position group, and history says his 54 starts mean a long NFL career.
19. Muhammad Wilkerson
DT, Temple, 6-4, 315
Raw, with plenty of rough edges, but had 70 tackles in 2010 from his inside spot, including 13 for loss.
20. Phil Taylor
DT, Baylor, 6-3, 334
Powerful player who finished with 62 tackles this past season, including 10 in Texas Bowl to close out the season.
21. Gabe Carimi
OT, Wisconsin, 6-7, 314
Outland Trophy winner started 49 games at left tackle.
22. Jake Locker
QB, Washington, 6-3 1/2, 231
Drafted by the Angels twice and likely would have been considered for top pick in NFL draft in 2009.
23. Adrian Clayborn
DE, Iowa, 6-3, 281
Had three 50-tackle seasons and understands how to get to the quarterback.
24. Derek Sherrod
OT, Mississippi St., 6-5 1/2, 321
Three-year starter has faced plenty of speed rushers and fared well.
25. Corey Liuget
DT, Illinois, 6-2, 298
Popular because he has ability to create pass pressure at nose tackle or in more traditional DT spot.
26. Danny Watkins
C-G, Baylor, 6-3 1/2, 310
Having taken the long road to the draft, he’s 26 and plays with exceptional tenacity.
27. Da’Quan Bowers
DE, Clemson, 6-3 1/2, 280
Likely doesn’t drop this far, but it will be a surprise if he doesn’t have knee troubles.
28. Aaron Williams
CB, Texas, 6-0, 204
Blocked more punts in his career — five — than he had interceptions — four.
29. Cameron Heyward
DT-DE, Ohio State, 6-4 1/2, 294
Had Tommy John surgery to repair his elbow, but also had 33 tackles for loss in his final 25 college games.
30. Mike Pouncey
G-C, Florida, 6-5, 303
Four starts on defensive line as a freshman before finishing with 13 starts at center, 28 at guard.
31. Akeem Ayers
LB, UCLA, 6-2 1/2, 254
Comfortable dropping into coverage, playing in run defense or blitzing the quarterback.
32. Kyle Rudolph
TE, Notre Dame, 6-6, 259
Played only six games in 2010 because of torn hamstring, but best prospect at the position.
33. Jimmy Smith
CB, Colorado, 6-2, 211
“Freakish” athlete, but has off-field baggage including a failed drug test.
34. Christian Ponder
QB, Florida State, 6-2, 229
Smart, tough with plenty of upside, but had two elbow surgeries to close out season.
35. Brandon Harris
CB, Miami, 5-9 1/2, 191
Consistently gets to the ball. Broke up 10 passes in 2010 and led ACC with 15 in 2009.
36. Martez Wilson
LB, Illinois, 6-4, 250
Some say he plays slower than he should because of poor instincts, but he still had 112 tackles last season.
37. Stephen Paea
DT, Oregon St., 6-1, 303
Powerful inside player who gets up the field. Is coming off a knee injury suffered at the Senior Bowl.
38. Torrey Smith
WR, Maryland, 6-1, 204
Big-time speed. Had 12 touchdowns last season when no other receiver on his team had more than three.
39. Mikel Leshoure
RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
Averaged at least 6 yards a carry in the past two seasons. Finished with 1,697 yards rushing in 2010.
40. Jonathan Baldwin
WR, Pitt, 6-4 1/2, 228
Huge target with good body control. Also a willing blocker in the run game.
41. Marvin Austin
DT, North Carolina, 6-2, 309
One of the Tar Heels suspended for 2010, but a physical player who finishes tackles with pop.
42. Ryan Mallett
QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 253
Arm more than NFL worthy, but questions about his decision-making.
43. Justin Houston
LB, Georgia, 6-3, 270
The league’s 3-4 teams interested in him with 18 1/2 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 44 quarterback pressures in 2010.
44. Ras-I Dowling
CB, Virginia, 6-1 1/2, 198
Played in only five games this season because of knee, ankle and hamstring injuries, but is an intriguing prospect.
45. Colin Kaepernick
QB, Nevada, 6-4 1/2, 233
Threw for at least 20 touchdowns and rushed for at least 1,130 yards in three of his seasons.
46. Daniel Thomas
RB, Kansas St., 6-0, 230
Came to K-State as a quarterback hopeful and finished two years there as the school’s second all-time rusher.
47. Ben Ijalana
OT, Villanova, 6-3 1/2, 317
Limited in workout season because of December surgery to repair hernia.
48. Allen Bailey
DE, Miami, 6-5, 285
Played in 50 games for Hurricanes, starting 27 after starting out as a linebacker.
49. Randall Cobb
WR, Kentucky, 5-10, 191
Played five positions — quarterback, wide receiver, kick returner, punt returner and was the holder.
50. Colin McCarthy
LB, Miami, 6-1 1/2, 238
Closed career with back-to-back 100-tackle seasons.
51. Bruce Carter
LB, North Carolina, 6-1 1/2, 241
Phenomenal athlete, but had surgery to repair left ACL in December.
52. Kendall Hunter
RB, Oklahoma St., 5-7, 199
Too small for some, but averaged at least 5.7 yards per carry in three of his seasons.
53. Jurrell Casey
DT, USC, 6- 1/2, 300
Also can play nose tackle in some schemes.
54. Marcus Cannon
OT-G, TCU, 6-5, 358
Three-year starter and bruiser in the run game, he did not allow a sack in 2009.
55. Brooks Reed
DE-OLB, Arizona, 6-2 1/2, 263
Former H-back is considered a high-motor player who easily could find a home in a 3-4 scheme.
56. Ryan Williams
RB, Virginia Tech, 5-9 1/2, 212
Injuries derailed his season in 2010, but some teams still give him a first-round grade.
57. Clint Boling
OT-G, Georgia, 6-5, 310
Started 49 games, including last 39 in a row, and made those starts at three positions.
58. Jabaal Sheard
DE, Pitt, 6-3, 264
Three-year starter who was the Big East’s defensive player of the year. Had left elbow surgery to close out 2010.
59. Andy Dalton
QB, TCU, 6-3, 220
A little undersized, but 41 career victories as a starter makes him look pretty tall.
60. Rahim Moore
S, UCLA, 6-0, 202
Should be the first safety off the board.
61. Orlando Franklin
OT-G, Miami, 6-5 1/2, 316
Played in 51 games, starting at left tackle and left guard.
62. Christian Ballard
DT-DE, Iowa, 6-4, 283
Played end and tackle as a three-year starter.
63. Titus Young
WR, Boise State, 5-11 1/2, 174
Was suspended multiple times, but has top-shelf speed and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
64. Dontay Moch
LB, Nevada, 6-1 1/2, 248
Elite athlete who had 57 tackles for loss in his final three seasons.
65. Jerrell Jernigan
WR-KR, Troy, 5-9, 185
Scored TDs five ways in 2010 — rushing, receiving, passing, kickoff return, punt return.
66. Sam Acho
DE-LB, Texas, 6-3, 260
Smart, aggressive, upfield player who had 19 sacks and 31 tackles for loss in last two seasons combined.
67. Davon House
CB, New Mexico St., 6-0 1/2, 200
Four-year starter intercepted 11 passes in career and returned three for TDs.
68. Jarvis Jenkins
DT, Clemson, 6-4, 310
Quality run defender who also blocked four kicks in his career.
69. Lance Kendricks
TE, Wisconsin, 6-3, 243
Former wide receiver plays bigger than he is and averaged 15.4 yards per catch this past season.
70. Stefen Wisniewski
G-C, Penn State, 6-3, 313
Some see him as a limited athlete, but is a high-character guy who started 39 games.
71. Quan Sturdivant
LB, North Carolina, 6-1, 241
Missed five games with a hamstring pull in 2010. Still finished with 61 tackles.
72. Chris Carter
LB, Fresno State, 6-2, 248
A huge reach and had 11 sacks this past season for the Bulldogs.
73. James Carpenter
OT, Alabama, 6-4 1/2, 321
People love Nick Saban’s players, and this one started 27 games in two seasons.
74. DeMarco Murray
RB, Oklahoma, 5-11 1/2, 213
Some worried about his durability, but had 13 100-yard rushing games and 157 career catches.
75. Drake Nevis
DT, LSU, 6- 1/2, 294
Has had some foot issues, but had 13 tackles for loss and six sacks last season.
76. Rodney Hudson
G, Florida State, 6-2 1/2, 299
First lineman in ACC history to be named all-conference four times.
77. Will Rackley
G, Lehigh, 6-3, 309
Started at left tackle for three seasons, but may project as a guard.
78. Greg Little
WR, North Carolina, 6-2 1/2, 231
Did not play in 2010 because of suspension.
79. Curtis Brown
CB, Texas, 5-11 1/2, 185
Slightly undersized, but played in 52 games and is an accomplished special-teams player.
80. Terrell McClain
DT, South Florida, 6-1 1/2, 297
Explosive player with good inside quickness who could be taken before this spot.
81. Tyler Sash
S, Iowa, 6-0, 211
Had 13 career interceptions and played his best in big games.
82. James Brewer
OT, Indiana, 6-6, 323
Had foot and ankle injuries, but considered a proficient pass blocker.
83. Kenrick Ellis
DT, Hampton, 6-5, 346
Has some off-the-field baggage, but also one of the biggest defensive players on the board.
84. Shane Vereen
RB, California, 5-10, 210
Game doesn’t have many holes, has good vision, a patient runner.
85. Edmond Gates
WR, Abilene Christian, 6-0, 194
Might be fastest player available, but few DBs in his conference challenged him in bump coverage.
86. Ricky Stanzi
QB, Iowa, 6-4 1/2, 223
Was 26-9 as a starter and had at least one TD pass in 21 consecutive games.
87. Chimdi Chekwa
CB, Ohio State, 6-0, 191
Dislocated wrist in his last game, but has top-end speed and 38 career starts.
88. Casey Matthews
LB, Oregon, 6-1, 231
Blitzed plenty in the Ducks’ scheme, but will have to play it straight far more as a pro.
89. Greg Jones
LB, Michigan State, 6-1, 242
Plays better than he tests and finished career with 46 1/2 tackles for loss.
90. Cedric Thornton
DT, Southern Arkansas, 6-3, 309
Showed at the Senior Bowl practices he wasn’t afraid to mix it up with the big-name guys.
91. Ricardo Lockette
WR, Fort Valley State, 6-2, 211
Potential over production here. Missed an entire season because of academic troubles.
92. Chris Culliver
CB, South Carolina, 6- 1/2, 199
Is coming off a torn pectoral muscle, but ran in the 4.4s in workouts and was an All-SEC safety.
93. Luke Stocker
TE, Tennessee, 6-5, 258
Some worried about his one-catch effort against Oregon in 2010, but a good blocker-receiver combination.
94. Brandon Burton
CB, Utah, 5-11 1/2, 190
His lock-it-down effort against Pitt’s Baldwin showed his potential.
95. Marcus Gilchrist
CB, Clemson, 5-10, 195
Showed good speed in workouts and is one of the strongest defensive backs.
96. Lawrence Guy
DT, Arizona State, 6-4, 305
Could have really improved his stock if he would have stayed for senior year, but fits the mold for interior player.
97. Kelvin Sheppard
LB, LSU, 6-2, 250
Didn’t test well at pro day coming off hamstring injury, but topped 300 tackles in his career in very competitive SEC.
98. Johnny Patrick
CB, Louisville, 5-10 1/2, 191
When quarterbacks challenged him, he consistently made plays.
99. Jalil Brown
CB, Colorado, 6-0 1/2, 204
Brown showed well at the Senior Bowl and kept that momentum.
100. Jah Reid
OT, Central Florida, 6-7, 327
Right tackle prospect who dominates in the run game, consistently driving his man off the line of scrimmage.
