NFP Prospects 2010: Part II

FROM WES BUNTING:

In day two of our 2010 draft preview, I take a look at the next group on our top-100 board. We started with Nos. 1-20 Thursday. Here’s a breakdown of the next best 20 prospects, ranked 21-40.

Click HERE to read about the Top 20.

21.  RB Jahvid Best, California

Best is one of the most explosive running backs to come along in years. He has a rare combination of speed, body control and wiggle in the open field and has improved his vision between the tackles. He’s a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball.

22.  OLB Mark Herzlich, Boston College

The ACC’s 2008 defensive player of the year is very comfortable playing the run and also has the versatility to rush off the edge. He’s a tough, instinctive B.C. kind of linebacker who consistently knows how to find the football.

23.  RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech

A big, physical runner who has an impressive combination of burst, speed and vision at the line of scrimmage. He was very productive this past year in the Georgia Tech triple-option offense, and I think he has a skill set that will translate nicely to the NFL.

24.  WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

LaFell was LSU’s top wideout last season, and I expect him to be even more productive as a senior. He’s big with good body control and footwork in and out of his breaks. He possesses the coordination to go up and get the ball and makes a catch in almost every game that makes you say, “Wow.” He should be the first senior wide receiver to see his name come off the board.

25.  RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson

Spiller surprised some people last year when he decided to stay at Clemson, but he now has his eyes set on becoming the first running back off the board in 2010. He’s a versatile athlete who isn’t only a home run threat in the run game, he also catches the ball well out of the backfield and can help on special teams.

26.  WR Damian Williams, Southern California

Williams had his coming-out party last season at USC and now looks to take his game to the next level. He’s a clean, precise route runner who understands how to set up corners and separate out of his breaks. He runs well for his size and has the makings of a No. 1-type wideout in the NFL.

27.  TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona

Gronkowski, a third team All-America in 2008, could be poised for an even bigger year. He doesn’t possess the same type of athleticism of TE Jermaine Gresham, but he’s a better route runner who uses his body and coordination to consistently go up and make the play. He does a great job fighting for the ball, and his 10 touchdowns last season were a direct result of that.

28.  DT Brian Price, UCLA

Price has never received much attention, but trust me, all the guy does is shoot gaps and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a low-cut defender who does a nice job firing off the ball and gaining initial leverage. He has a powerful base, is very sudden to shed blocks and is an ideal fit for a one-gap scheme.

29.  DE/OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

Kindle is going to be a very attractive option to all those 3-4 defense in the NFL. He’s listed as an outside linebacker, but at 6-4 and 254 pounds, he also has the size to put his hand on the group and rush off the edge. He possesses an explosive first step, a strong lower body and looks like an ideal rush linebacker.

30.  OT Ciron Black, LSU

Black is a massive offensive lineman (6-5, 325) but moves surprisingly well for his size. He showcases very light, agile footwork and is comfortable changing directions in space. He also has a powerful base and the versatility to play on the right or left side.

31.  QB Colt McCoy, Texas

A Heisman Trophy favorite who will definitely put up big numbers through the air and on the ground in 2009. He’s gifted run/pass quarterback threat, but I worry about his game translating to the next level.

32.  CB Javier Arenas, Alabama

A tough, confident SEC corner who possesses the type of body control and fluidity needed to handle NFL receivers. He’s a bit undersized at only 5-9 but has a strong 200-pound frame and isn’t afraid to mix it up. Plus, he can also help out in the return game.

33.  OT Lee Ziemba, Auburn

Ziemba possesses a long, intriguing frame at 6-8, 305 pounds and moves extremely well for his size. He has started in 24 consecutive games during his two-year career at Auburn, and I expect him to take his game to the next level. He has all the tools to develop into a big-time left tackle prospect. 

34.  QB Tim Tebow, Florida

I’m in the minority here as I think Tebow has the ability to develop into a bonafide NFL passer. But he’s raw, needs to learn to take snaps from center and dramatically shorten his throwing motion. Still, he has that “it” factor and will find a way to be successful in some way at the next level. 

35.  DT DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma

A guy who I thought had the potential to be the next big-time defensive tackle out of Oklahoma. Unfortunately for Granger, he suffered through an injury-plagued 2008 and has battled some off-the-field issues. However, he’s a tough run defender who knows how to shed blocks and make plays at the point of attack. If he’s 100 percent healthy and prepared to play, he has as much ability as any lineman on this list. 

36.  OLB/DE Antonio Coleman, Auburn

Another strapping SEC defensive end/outside linebacker tweener who makes a living in opponents’ backfields. Coleman finished 2008 with 10½ tackles for loss and six sacks and looks like an ideal fit as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

37.  OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State

Bowman looks like the next legitimate Penn State linebacker prospect, as he possesses an intriguing combination of athleticism, fluidity and range in the open field. He might be falling down some draft boards because of character concerns, but his play on the field warrants a lofty grade.

38.  DE Corey Wootton, Northwestern

A tall, long-armed defensive end who does a nice job using his length and suddenness to shed blocks and make plays away from his frame. He’s coming off a severe knee injury, so it will be interesting to see how well he rebounds.

39.  WR Jacoby Ford, Clemson

Ford is a bit undersized at 5-10, 188 pounds, but I love his athletic skill set and body control as a receiver. He has the tools to become a consistent vertical threat at the next level and possesses the quickness and balance to develop into a gifted route runner. He’s also dangerous with the ball in his hands.

40.  DE Willie Young, North Carolina State

A tall, slender defensive end who relies on his length and first step to consistently reach the corner. He definitely needs to add girth to his 245-pound frame if he has any hopes of becoming an every-down defensive end, but the guy knows how to get after the quarterback.

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