Part II - Players Ranked 17-32
Part III - Players Ranked 33-48
Part IV - Players Ranked 49-64
List is from NFL Draft aficionado, Neal Olson. Discuss the rankings with Neal by clicking here
1. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
-There is no questioning Mallett's overall physical tools. He is one of the biggest quarterbacks entering the draft and arguably has the biggest arm in this year's draft. However it is no secret that many compare him to a former #1 QB who had all the tools but a terrible work ethic. I don't think Mallett flops like Russell but I would be surprised if teams over draft him based specifically off of tools. However the off the field issues coupled with accuracy concerns are signs for concern and wouldn't be surprised if he winds up in the second round and being surpassed by a QB like Pat Devlin.
2. OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
-I am a bit guilty on this but just don't see elite talent on him from the few games I have seen on him. He is good no doubt, but not top five like I originally anticipated. I think he will battle it out with guys like Anthony Castanzo and Nate Potter but could easily fall to the later part of the first round. Especially if he doesn't show the necessary agility like Potter from Boise. He also is very raw and usually is able to use his strength and size and lose concentration on technique. He is able to get away with it in the college game but a cause for concern at the next level.
3. WR Julio Jones, Alabama
-Much talked about on this board and more about his national perception but needs a big year to keep up with Green and Floyd in my opinion. He has all the physical tools like Mallett but the on field production is lacking. He shows glimpses of his outstanding ability but other times looks like he just isn't in the game. If he has another sub par year, it won't be shocking if he stays in school and decides not to come out but right now a fringe first rounder in my opinion.
4. MLB Greg Jones, Michigan State
-I have had the ability to watch Jones more than others and initially I had him middle of the first round. I am beginning to back off of that more and more and think he could wind up in the second round. He reminds me a bit of DeMeco Ryan who is picture perfect in college but a few concerns about his size keeps him from the first round. There is no denying Jones's ability on the college level and this year is huge for him in terms of playing with more weight. If he is able to keep most of his speed, he will find himself in the first round I believe. If not certainly could slide.
5. OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M
-I am rather high on Miller, but the more and more I watch him the less I am sold on him. There is no doubt he is a heat seeking missile on the field but going over him again, the concerns about his size have to be legitimate. He isn't able to shed blockers at an outstanding clip and sometimes completely driven out of the play. His speed allows him to avoid those battles as much as possible but it could rear its ugly head in the NFL. He is definitely a talented player and may not fall out of the first round but not seeing him as the #1 or even #2 OLB like I originally thought.
6. DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
-I am not as high on Bowers as others and like Jones more of the national perception of people being sold on his athletic ability. There is no doubt that Bowers is one of the most gifted defensive ends, however the production much like Julio Jones doesn't match the physical talents. At this stage Bowers is a middle to late second round guy and not the late first early second round guy I have seen others talk him up as. Certainly is possible he puts it all together this year and breaks out but at this stage doesn't deserve some of the publicity some have given him.
7. RB Evan Royster, Penn State
-Royster is a guy that excites some people and some have labeled him as a first rounder. At the outset of the season, at this stage he can't be more than a mid second rounder in my estimation after watching more guys. He is explosive but certainly not a Chris Johnson type of talent at this stage. He could be a nice pick up for a later round but anyone that has him going before the middle of the second, is reaching quite a bit
8. OT Nate Solder, Colorado
-Much like Carimi he is a guy that has gotten a great deal of publicity to challenge as one of the top tackle prospects. However after watching a handful of his games compared to the others he is quickly going down the list. Definitely not on the level of Castonzo nor Potter and after watching him more closely he has fallen behind DeMarcus Love and Clint Boling. Solder has work to do with his technique as much like Carimi, sheer size isn't going to be enough at the next level.
9. RB DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma
-Murray certainly has the explosive ability to be a top tier prospect, however the injuries have caused much uncertainty in his draft prospects. It is difficult to take any player high after injury questions, however running back has the shortest shelf life in the NFL and a player like Murray is going to be a tough sell for any team come next April. It is a weak draft class for running backs and maybe that is why he has gotten the attention early on in terms of late first round projection. Before the injuries, that is definitely a good spot to have him but durability issues have to be a cause for concern going forward. Interested to see how he comes back this year and how he performs in what hopefully is an injury free year.
10. DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
-I like him at the spot that I have him pegged at currently which is a mid to late second round selection, however have beginning to hear he is a hot name to run with early on and have seen some pegging him as a first rounder. Paea is solid but I don't see the upside nor outstanding technique to get him there in my opinion. He is a nice piece for a 3-4 but not a game changer by any means. But at this point may be getting a touch to much attention than what he is getting.
Tomorrow - Top 10 Most Underrated NFL Draft Prospects
Thursday - 2010 The-Mainboard.com All-American Team
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