NFP’s 2009 Big Ten all-prospect team

In our continuing look at the top draft-eligible prospects from each conference, the National Football Post checks out the Big Ten.

The NFP’s 2009 SEC all-prospect team

The NFP’s 2009 Pac-10 all-prospect team

Offense

QB Mike Kafka, Northwestern

This isn’t exactly a glowing review of Kafka, but he’s a good athlete with an intriguing skill set and should at least warrant a spot on an NFL roster as a developmental-type guy.

RB Evan Royster, Penn State

A tough, hard-nosed back but isn’t real dynamic in any area of the game. However, he possesses the type of instincts and vision needed to work his way into a running back rotation in the NFL.

TE Garrett Graham, Wisconsin

A natural receiver who showcases great body control and hands in the pass game and knows how to track the football down the field. Is a deceiving athlete and will find a way to contribute to an NFL offense.

TE Tony Moeaki, Iowa

One of the nation’s best blocking tight ends and has the ability to consistently handle defensive ends in the run game. Looks like an eventual starter at the next level.

WR Eric Decker: Minnesota

A coordinated receiver who knows how to set up defenders, use his big frame and attack the football. Looks like an ideal possession-type wideout.

WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois

Struggled along with the rest of the Illinois offense this season. But he’s as physical as they come after the catch and has a skill set similar to the Cardinals’ Anquan Boldin.

OL Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

One of the nation’s premier offensive tackle prospects. Has the ability to anchor the blind side of an NFL offensive line for the next 10 years.

OL John Moffitt, Wisconsin

A pure road grader who generates impressive power off the snap and knows how to maul defenders in the run game. An ideal fit for an in-line run scheme.

OL Stephen Schilling, Michigan

A flexible athlete who does a great job when asked to get out in space and seal defenders at the second level. Plus, he has the lateral mobility and anchor to consistently win in the pass game. Will end up being one of the nation’s top guard prospects when he decides to declare for the draft.

OL Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State

A technically sound center who plays a lot stronger than his frame would indicate and does a great job sticking to blocks in the run game. Looks like an eventual starting pivot in the NFL.

OL Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin

Possesses an impressive combination of power and athleticism for his size and looks like a potential starting left tackle.

Defense

DL Brandon Graham, Michigan

Plays with impressive power and leverage on contact and possesses the ability to consistently overwhelm on his bull-rush and shed blocks off the edge. Exhibits good length and body control for his size and looks like a three-down defensive end in the NFL.

DL Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

Exhibits a remarkable combination of strength and lateral quickness when kicked inside as a pass rusher and possesses the type of versatility to play all over a defensive front at the next level.

DL Jared Odrick, Penn State

Showcases impressive power and anchor strength for his size (6-4, 298) and does a great job finding the football and collapsing run lanes inside. Looks like a potential impact defensive lineman.

DL Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

Knows how to anchor on contact and possesses the length and suddenness to consistently shed blocks and make his way to the ball carrier. Is another Big Ten defensive lineman who has the makings of a three-down defender in the NFL.

LB Greg Jones, Michigan State

A rangy middle linebacker with a nose for the football and good closing speed in pursuit. Is a sound wrap-up tackler in space, but he might need to make the move outside at the next level.

LB Navorro Bowman, Penn State

A gifted athlete with impressive fluidity in coverage and a real feel for the pass game. With some added strength, he looks like a guy who should win a starting job at weak side linebacker.

LB A.J. Edds, Iowa

A tough, instinctive strong-side backer you can win with in the NFL. Isn’t the most gifted athlete, but he can beat blocks in the run game and set the edge on the outside.

DB Nick Polk, Indiana

Doesn’t get anywhere near the love he deserves, but the guy is a physical, hard-hitting safety with a nose for the ball and good body control in coverage. Has the ability to play in an NFL secondary.

DB Amari Spievey, Iowa

A tall, well-built corner who possesses the size and strength to get up in the face of receivers and re-route them off the line. Lacks ideal top-end speed, but exhibits good body control and phyciality.

DB Donovan Warren, Michigan

Looks like the next cornerback at Michigan to enter the NFL and quickly lock down a starting job.

DB Tyler Sash, Iowa

Is only a redshirt sophomore but possesses some of the best instincts of any defender in the Big Ten. All he does is make plays on the football.

Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting

Comments

Add a Comment