NFL Big Board

The NFL Draft is coming up at the end of April, so I decided to make my own "big board" of future NFL players. This isn't where I think they will be drafted, but who I think are the best twenty-five prospects.

1. Patrick Peterson - DB - LSU
Not only is he one of the best college corners I've seen in a long time, but he could also project at safety at the next level, and is a great returner as well. Don't think he'll be the # 1 pick, but I think he's definitely the number one talent.

2. Marcell Dareus - DT - Alabama
With the ability to play a 1, 3, or 5 technique, Dareus brings a lot of flexibility to any defense. He could be dominant in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme, and if he can build his stamina to be an every down player, he could be downright unstoppable at the next level. Biggest selling point to NFL teams will be his quickness, and ability to get off the ball quicker than a lot of d-linemen.

3. Nick Fairley - DT - Auburn
Fairley has been considered dirty by a lot of people, but there is one thing that he brings every time he plays: a motor. He plays hard from whistle to whistle, and he too has the flexibility to play a couple of different positions along the defensive front.

4. Von Miller - LB Texas A&M
Recorded 10.5 sacks in 2010 while switching to outside linebacker for the first time in his career, and playing with a nagging foot injury for most of the season. Miller is a unbelievably athletic linebacker, who I feel is a can't miss for any team, no matter their defensive scheme.

5. A.J. Green - WR - Georgia
Green has put up huge numbers for Georgia since he was a freshman, and on a team where he was the focal point for every defense. To me, Green's best attribute is his ability to run great routes, locate the ball early, and out bid almost all DB's for it.

6. DaQuan Bowers - DE - Clemson
Tremendous athleticism, with tremendous upside. Was the #1 high school player in the country when he came out. Was a beast at times at Clemson, but he too has the tendency to take plays off. If he learns to play with a chip on his shoulder play in and play out, he could be in the same sentence as Julius Peppers.

7. Nate Solder - OT - Colorado
Prototypical left tackle. Finalist for the Outland Trophy. At 6'9'' 315 pounds, if he gets his hands on you, you're done. Played against good competition in college, and is not only a big body, but a good athlete, with great feet.

8. Blaine Gabbert - QB - Mizzou
Not talked about a lot in college, but at 6'4'', he is a great size for a pro style quarterback. Played behind Chase Daniel, and learned a lot about the tigers system early on. Even though he was asked to do a lot at the colegiate level, he still managed to only throw 7 interceptions. He can also beat you with his feet when needed.

9. Julio Jones - WR - Alabama
Specimen. Great size, speed, and strength. Devestating blocker, and the kind of athlete that scouts drool over. (No homo) Dominated in college, in a system that prodominately ran the ball, and produced a heisman winner at running back. Can line up out wide, or in the slot, and is a coverage nightmare at either one. Has to prove he can stay healthy, and improve on securing the catch before looking to run.

10. Prince Amukamara - CB - Nebraska
Fast. Ran a 4.37 forty at the combine last week, and has great ball skills. Very cerebral player, and is a stud in man coverage, but excels at zone coverage as well. On top of being a great cover corner, he is also one of the best tackling corners in the nation.

11. Akeem Ayers - LB- UCLA
Big, fast, and physical. Great cover linebacker, collecting 6 interceptions in a 3 year career at UCLA.

12. Cam Newton - QB- Auburn
Great athlete, good quarterback. Has shown the ability to throw the ball downfield, but has been inconsistent in doing so. If he can prove he can throw from the pocket, and be a leader at the quarterback position, he will more than likely not make it past the first 5 picks.

13. Mike Pouncey - G/C - Florida
Struggled at times at Florida after being moved to center, to replace his brother. Will more than likely play guard at the next level, and with great strength and footwork, he should be a great one.

14. Mark Ingram - RB - Alabama
Consensus # 1 running back in this years draft class. Has good speed, and great strength and vision. Good leader, and has a great work ethic. Will impress, and be successful wherever he lands.

15. Adrian Clayborn - DE - Iowa
Big physical d-end who has shown the ability to get to the quarterback, but plays the run as well, if not better. Can play in either the 4-3 or 3-4. Needs to learn to get off the ball a little quicker, and be a little faster at the point of attack.

16. Robert Quinn - DE - North Carolina
Suspended by the NCAA in 2010, but still a phenomenal athlete. Should come off the board in the first round.

17. J.J. Watt - DE – Wisconsin
Big, physical d-lineman that can play multiple positions. Sneaky athletic. Good motor, relentless.

18. Stephen Paea – DT – Arizona State
Great at playing the run, while being able to get into the backfield at times as well. Broke the combine record for most bench reps with 49. Demands a double team in the gap, and should be able to contribute early.

19 . Aldon Smith – DE – Mizzou
Will be a great 4-3 end at the next level. Brings great speed off the edge, but needs to improve in the run game.

20. Gabe Carimi – OL – Wisconsin
2010 Outland trophy winner. Plays with a mean streak, and is a beast in the running game.

21. Cam Jordan – DE – Cal
Big and physical. Would be a great 5 technique at the next level. Needs to improve in ball speed, and pass rushing.

22. Anthony Castonzo – OT – Boston College
At 6’9’’ 295 pounds, Castonzo is a guy that can play either tackle or guard spot in the league. Great athleticism, and extremely smart.

23. Justin Houston – LB – Georgia
Perfect fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Quick off the edge, but strong enough to play inside if needed. Great speed, and pursuit.

24. Aaron Williams – CB – Texas
Not great in space, but could excel as a nickle corner in the league. Great speed, and hands, and is an above average tackler as well.

25. Muhammad Wilkerson – DT – Temple
Great 3-4 end, and excels in getting off blocks. Great against the run, and can play weakside as well, great speed and pursuit.


Others: Tyron Smith OT USC, Jake Locker QB Washington, Christian Ballard DE Iowa, Phil Taylor DT Baylor, Derek Sherrod OT Miss. State, Jimmy Smith CB Colorado, Jon Baldwin WR Pitt, Bruce Carter LB North Carolina, Ryan Mallett QB Arkansas, Brandon Harris CB Miami, Kyle Rudolph TE Notre Dame