A familiar name tops our list of seniors worth watching next season. Wes Bunting
With the 2010 NFL Draft wrapped up, it’s time to turn our attention to 2011 and take a look at some of the top prospects for next season. This week, I’ll be doing a six-part series identifying my top 100 senior prospects. Remember this is only a preliminary look. Here are my prospects ranked 1-10.
1. QB Jake Locker, Washington (6-3, 226)
A favorite of the National Football Post who spent most of the 2009 season ranked at the top the NFP’s Super 30. He’s a tough, strong-armed kid who can make all the throws as well as create with his feet once he breaks containment. I expect him to continue maturing in the intricacies of the pass game next season under Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian and make a legit run for the top overall spot in 2011. The only real concern I have is whether Locker fully loves the game of football or sees himself playing baseball at the next level.
2. DL Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (6-5, 288)
There isn’t much this guy can’t do. He’s strong enough to anchor at the point of attack as both a 3-4 or 4-3 DE and also possesses the get-off burst to shoot gaps and penetrate inside. He will likely end up being on just about every team’s draft board and looks like a potential blue-chip defensive lineman in any scheme.
3. DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa (6-3, 282)
Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh and Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy were the two most dominant defensive linemen I saw on tape last year. However, I could easily make the case that No. 3 was Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn. He’s not an explosive, quick-twitch edge rusher, but the guy plays with tremendous power, knows how to use his long arms and powerful hands to shed blocks and has a great feel for both the run and pass game. Projects as a very good three-down lineman in the NFL.
4. OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin (6-7, 325)
Carimi is a tall, long-armed offensive tackle who showcases a real mean streak in the run game and impressive overall range and athleticism vs. the pass. He still needs to tighten up his overall footwork off the edge as he has a tendency to get a bit overextended on his kick-slide, but the tools are there for him to be the top offensive tackle off the board next April.
5. OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M (6-2, 240)
You can say what you want about his size, but Miller was one of the most natural pass rushers I saw on tape last season. He not only was able to consistently fire off the edge and cleanly reach the corner, he also was so sudden and fluid even at top speed that he would routinely sidestep blocks and accelerate toward the quarterback. Looks like potential impact-caliber pass-rushing outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
6. FS Deunta Williams, North Carolina (6-2, 210)
A great looking safety prospect who exhibits impressive range and power vs. both the run and pass game. However, it’s his fluidity, balance and change-of-direction skills for a safety of his size that have me so intrigued. Williams still has a tendency to gamble at times and will take himself out of some plays, but as a senior I really expect him to showcase more discipline in the deep half and mature into one of the nation’s top ball-hawks.
7. CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska (6-1, 200)
He’s tall, he’s long, and most impressive of all, he has the body control to consistently win in press coverage. Amukamara looks natural getting his hands on receivers, re-routing them off the line and making it extremely tough for them to get into their routes. He has the size/strength to handle the bigger receivers he faces in the Big 12, plus the coordination/balance to also cleanly get out of his breaks and flip his hips vs. off man. Possesses a game tailor-made for the NFL
8. DT Marvin Austin, North Carolina (6-3, 305)
From a physical standpoint, this guy has it all. He’s a natural bender with a thick base who’s tough to move off the ball. Plus, he possesses a good first step for his size with the range to run sideline to sideline and track the football. However, he simply has not put it all together yet. He has yet to learn how to use his hands properly to consistently disengage from blocks and hasn’t become a legitimate big-time playmaker inside. He did come back for his senior season, so obviously Austin wants to make sure he’s as NFL-ready as he can be. It will be interesting to see how he develops from a technical standpoint this offseason.
9. NT Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss (6-2, 340)
I know this might be a little high for Powe, but I honestly think he projects as one of the best pure nose tackles in the class. He possesses a skill set similar to that of former Boston College standout B.J. Raji as he’s tough to move off the ball and showcases impressive athleticism for his size. Ultimately, I think he could be someone you might build your defense around inside at the next level.
10. DL Allen Bailey, Miami (6-4, 288)
After watching tape of Bailey in 2009, the guy flashes downright dominant ability. He’s explosive off the ball, is extremely powerful and strong for his size and has the kind of length to consistently fight his way off blocks. However, he’s still learning the position and hasn’t quite put it all together matching his technique with his physical ability. Nevertheless, he was productive in ’09, and if he continues to work hard and develop, the sky really is the limit for an athlete of his caliber.
Follow me on Twitter: WesBunting
Locker makes awful decisions when under pressure. Simply awful. And his mechanics are not refined. He's a great athlete but needs work as a (passing) QB.
I'm not a west coast guy and don't have much exposure to Locker. I will say it's getting harder and harder for the QB position with all the tapes and analysis. Many of the QBs I grew up with were fundamentally fugly. Would guys like Fouts, Staubach, and Stabler even get the opportunity today?
Those three guys? In a word, yes.
In Fouts's case, he said that Bill Walsh had to rebuild his game from the ground up. So, if Walsh never goes to San Diego, I wonder if Fouts ever realizes his potential. Joe Montana owes a lot to Walsh as well.
Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas.
Allen Bailey is a great pass rusher. He will draft at a higher selection this season, as compared to leaving early in a deep class for the past draft.Scary quick off the ball.
i think the top 2 prospects are locker and andrew luck who a RS sophomore.im not ready yet to call marvin austin a top 10 prospect.
I just don't get the Locker euphoria. Granted I don't see him play much-one game in person in 2009 in which Oregon State killed the Huskies and some others on TV-but what I saw was, well nothing. Locker is not as tall as advertised, average arm strength, average speed, just average. There's no wow factor for someone who's being touted as highly as he is. I just don't get it. Is he the product of a down and out college program that's re-building and hyping him as the savior?
nerve tonic -- No. He is that good.
nerve tonic -- No. He is that good.
I also think Locker is overrated a little. He's faster and more mobile than nerve tonic is giving credit for. I also don't think his passion for football is that big of a question. Or he'd already be a rich man playing baseball.
I do question his passing ability (particularly his accuracy) though. I think that could hold his potential back quite a bit.
Wes,
Though I hate the label, I'm surprised that of your top 10 there is only one so-called "skill player" with Jake Locker at QB. I can understand no RBs or TEs because there aren't projected to be any elite prospects, but it seems to me that a WR like A.J. Green or another QB like Ryan Mallett would be a better prospect than somebody like Jerrell Powe or even Deunta Williams.
The Lung:
It's only a list of the top 100 seniors....therefore, I did not include Green, Mallett, Luck, Ingram...or any others
"average arm strength, average speed, just average."
Oh, cut it out. Know it off. Shut up. Go look up the quotes from the defenders who have played against Locker regarding his speed. Watch a video on youtube. Don't sit there and stare at his legs, he doesn't look as speedy as he is (but he doesn't loo average either). Look at everything going on around him. But facts are facts, man. He's really fast. He's really strong. There is NO doubt about those things.
Knock it off. Hate if you want, but hate with reason.
Ummm yeah I agree with blue cut that out. My cousin plays with Locker on UW right now and Ive met him personally. hes a legit 6'2. 225 to 230. I know he benches around 350lbs and runs a legit 4.5. Dude im not even a UW fan not even close but u give credit where credit is due. His only question mark is accuracy period.
Locker ran an electronic 4.39 last year. Im sure you could find that if you take a second and look it up. If Locker runs in the combine next year if he doesn't run at least a low 4.4 I would be shocked. He was able to run away from USC corners as a freshman.
The thing I really don't get is how often people are questioning Locker's speed and mobility. It is so clear if you watch him play. He ran for nearly 1000 yards his freshman season when they were willing to let him loose. There are not many defenders that can catch Locker if he gets in the open field, period.
The thing I really don't get is how often people are questioning Locker's speed and mobility. It is so clear if you watch him play. He ran for nearly 1000 yards his freshman season when they were willing to let him loose. There are not many defenders that can catch Locker if he gets in the open field, period.
The thing I really don't get is how often people are questioning Locker's speed and mobility. It is so clear if you watch him play. He ran for nearly 1000 yards his freshman season when they were willing to let him loose. There are not many defenders that can catch Locker if he gets in the open field, period.
I have Husky season tickets so i've seen Jake Locker quite a bit. When the bills are on the clock with the number one pick next year they will be making a big mistake if they take locker. He has huge accuracy issues and won't stay in the pocket. He is very similar to Vick and Young loads of talent but not an elite NFL QB. He could win games for a team like those guys but not championships, The number one QB prospect for next year is Andrew Luck.
Do you even watch football? You dont have Ryan Mallett anywhere. He will be the best QB in the draft!!!! Locker plays in the PAC-10, you might as well call it the football subdivision of confernces in this country! You need to watch the SEC and redo your rankings!!!!! That is crazy, do you flat out not like the razorbacks or what!! There is a number of players on that team that are freaking awesome!
LoL - This list is not bad, at all. Except you CLEARLY cannot judge QB's. Jake Locker has proven nothing in his college career that would make someone say "he will succeed in the NFL," yet everyone has him at #1. It's a joke. His accuracy is flat out laughable. He makes bad decisions and he is not efficient at all. Christian Ponder that high? No shot...none at all. I know this was seniors only, but Mallett >> Locker with absolute ease.
How can you not have Arkansas Quarterback Ryan Mallet on your list? The kid has a cannon foor an arm, has the size to be a great QB, and should be the top QB in the SEC. I know the Razorbacks don't get the respect they deserve, Darren McFadden is a prime example to that.
Bryan & Carl - Wes clearly states that his list is for the top 100 SENIORS. Ryan Mallett is a JUNIOR, so he doesn't qualify for this list.
Would guys like Fouts, Staubach, and Stabler even get the opportunity today?
I see Vidal Hazelton #7 on the Cincinnati Bearcats being a 1st round pick. By far he is the BEST receiver I’ve seen. Obviously he has not played for 2 years. But the NFL Scouts don’t buy the hype. They will do the homework and see that this guy is the real deal. He is a very physical player. Reminds me of Anquan Boldin and Blocks like Hines Ward. Those who have seen him knows he is a contender that will move up draft boards. Believe it or not. This guy was ranked higher than Percy Harvin, Matt Stafford and a number of high profile players coming out of high school. According to Mike Farrell and Bob Litchenfel of both Rivals and Scout.com. He was the best WR at the 2006 Army All American game. Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow, Mathew Stafford, Chris “Beenie” Wells, Gerald McCoy and Andre Smith all played in that game. Hazelton was ranked the #1 WR in the Nation by Scout.com and the # 3 player overall by ESPN in 2006. This is not by coincidence. Several reputable football authorities saw the same things in this playmaker. I see great things for this NFL prospect. DJ Woods is another player that people are sleeping on. He will rocket up draft boards as well. Hazelton is definitely helping the UC recruiting.
USF will be the new U. Already have a Pro Bowler in a program not even 15 years old. 5 players in this draft. Future so bright, gotta wear shades.
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May 10, 2010
02:29 PM
If all you are worried about with Locker is whether or not he has love for football over baseball, here is a quote and link from an interview he did with Bruce Feldman @ ESPN.com
Baseball vs. football:
"I love playing football," said the younger Locker. "That's why I chose playing football out of high school. I have a passion for playing this game. It's what I want to be doing. That's where my focus is. I've said that ever since I got out of high school and that hasn't changed.
"I didn't tell [the Angels] anything different than I haven't told you. I want to play football. That is my goal. But I also told them that if it doesn't work out, I'd rather play a sport for a living than do something else. I would definitely give baseball a shot at that point."