
While the draft prospects for this year’s NFL Draft may not be as talented as last year’s stacked selection, there are still a few diamonds in the rough. Any team would be lucky to gain the talents of these top players.
10. Brian Orakpo: Nicknamed “O-Sack-Po”, offensive lines in college feared this man with good reason. He won both the Lombardi Award as the nation’s best lineman and the Nagurski Trophy, which is given to the nation’s top defensive player. He has performed extremely well in NFL workouts and will be an excellent pass rusher at the next level.
9. Mark Sanchez: Going pro as a Junior is not something you see from Quarterbacks very often. But by blowing out Penn State, Sanchez showed the world that he is prepped for the next level. Will he surpass Leinhart and actually get to play a whole season or two? Time will tell. I think he’s got a great arm with decent accuracy and teams like the Vikings or 49ers could use a guy like this.
8. Jeremy Maclin: While I’ve been impressed with this kid’s speed and agility, I’m not sure if he’s got the strength or toughness to have a bright career in the NFL. He may be an excellent returner on special teams kickoffs but he doesn’t have the height to be one of the elite wide receivers. He might be worth a gamble though.
7. Jason Smith: An offensive tackle from Baylor whose main feature is his pass blocking. He has a lot of potential and is ready to be brought to the next level. Cincinnati or Jacksonville could definitely use better protection for their quarterbacks, even if it takes a year to develop him.
6. Andre Smith: Another offensive tackle, but this big guy is from Alabama where o-line men are forged in steel. This beast can hold his own against some of the premiere pass rushers. He could go in the first 5 picks or drop down to the 6-10 range. You’d be foolish not to add this guy to your roster.
5. Malcolm Jenkins: An Ohio State cornerback, great size, and the top corner in the draft. Has good experience and played in tough competition in the Big Ten. Would be a great fit for the Browns as they lack in the defensive back area. Also was playing ball across the street in Columbus so he would already garner Cleveland fan’s attention.
4. Michael Crabtree: WR out of Texas Tech, I believe he has the most hype and expectations laid before him. Can he be better than Larry Fitzgerald or Randy Moss, it is possible. I think it will take two or three years to get him adjusted to the hard hits of the NFL. If he can stay injury free and has a good QB throwing to him, his future will shine.
3. Aaron Curry: Wake Forest linebackers don’t get much respect, but Curry deserves some. A great all-around linebacker who can stuff the run, drop into coverage and rush the passer, Curry is also versatile enough to play outside or inside in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive scheme. Whatever team he goes to he will be a huge addition to their front seven.
2. Eugene Monroe: Virginia’s offensive tackle is good at blocking the run and the pass. Is very durable and has the strength to be a top prospect in this draft. He really shouldn’t drop past the 4th pick, if that. He isn’t very flashy, but not a lot of o-lineman are. A team like the Rams could use him very dearly.
1. Matt Stafford: QB from Georgia, while the bulldogs didn’t perform as everyone thought they would, they were in one of the toughest conferences in college football history arguably. Stafford has a cannon for an arm and can also put it right on the money. Honestly reminds me of an Elway or Manning. He is the quintessential quarterback and should be the first pick of the draft.