http://nflsoup.com/?p=9399
Here's my Top 250 Big Board for April. I'm only able to post some of it here, the rest is on the link above.
1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU*- 6’1 217
Peterson is one of the most special players in this draft. At 6’1 220, he’s a big cornerback who could also play free safety in the NFL. He’s excellent against the run, and he’s got an excellent change of direction ability. Peterson also has the hands of a wide receiver, and is an excellent return man. It’s not often that you see a true cornerback that has top five talent, but Peterson is one of them. Peterson will excel in man coverage, but does need to improve his instincts.
2. Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama*- 6’3 305
Talk about a dominant big man up front, Marcel Dareus is a prototype 3-4 defensive end at the next level. He already plays the position at Alabama and is an impact player. He eats up blockers, and is very strong, often forcing double teams. He moves well laterally, and is a force against the run. With a lot of teams running a 3-4 in the NFL, Dareus will be coveted heavily.
3. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia*- 6’4 212
There’s not much you can’t say about A.J. Green. He’s one of the most talented players in the nation, and has great size at 6’4 192 pounds. Green is a speedy wide receiver who runs excellent routes, with excellent control of his body for making easy and tough catches. He can beat even the fastest of cornerbacks, and gets excellent separation. Some maturity issues are a small concern, but if he really wants to be dominant, then he needs to get stronger and get a bit better fighting for the ball. He’s still a the top option at wide receiver.
4. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn*- 6’5 298
You have to love what Fairley has done in 2010 to solidify his draft status as a first rounder. He is a dominant penetrating defensive tackle with great quickness and first step despite being nearly 300 pounds. Fairley is inexperienced at the NCAA level only starting for one full season in 2010. He has a good motor and doesn’t take plays off. Fairley will most likely be a Top Five pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
5. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri*- 6’5 235
Gabbert is rising on a lot of draft boards, and there’s good reason to. He’s got a pretty strong arm, and is exceptional making passes toward the sidelines. Like Cam Newton, he needs work throwing to the middle of the field, as he isn’t as good at threading the needle, but with improved accuracy, he could be a very good quarterback at the next level. Gabbert also does well making plays with his feet, although he does tend to get happy feet in the pocket. He has an excellent throwing motion and quick release, and is just a year or two from being coaches up to be a top notch quarterback.
6. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn*- 6’6 250
Cam Newton has come out of nowhere to lead a talented Auburn team to the top of the NCAA rankings. What makes Newton special is his versatility. Newton is a threat in the passing game, and he makes huge plays on the run. Most scrambling quarterbacks tend to struggle throwing the ball, but Newton puts good zip on his passes and has surprisingly nice accuracy. When he sets his feet he’s a threat to make a deep throw down field, but he could work on throwing to the middle of the field.
7. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama*- 6’4 220
Jones is the biggest competition for A.J. Green in the top spot. What makes Jones so special is his possession ability. He has excellent size at 6’4 220, and he fights corners for the football. He’s tough after the catch and is fast enough to beat receivers down the field. He’s excellent catching the ball in the middle of the field, as well as making tight sideline catches. His biggest flaw is his concentration. He often drops the easier passes and makes the tougher catches. While his college statistics are nothing to write home about, he suffers thanks to a heavy rushing attack by the Crimson Tide, but Jones always comes through when needed.
8. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska- 6’1 205
That makes two years in a row that we have a Nebraska defender in the top 10 with a name we can’t pronounce. All jokes aside, Amukamara is one of the most talented players on a tough Nebraska defense. He’s very fluid when changing direction, and gets a great jam off of the line of scrimmage. He’s an excellent wrap up tackler, making him an ideal commodity in run support as well. Amukamara and Patrick Peterson are almost right next to each other in terms of overall talent and upside, and you can’t go wrong with either corner.
9. Cameron Jordan, DE, California- 6’4 285
Jordan is a guy who could easily be a top 10 pick, as he has loads of potential as a penetrator in the NFL. He’s played defensive tackle and defensive end at Cal, and has excelled doing both. He’s a strong, bull rusher who can rip through even the better offensive lineman to get into the backfield. He moves well laterally, and should be an option to play as a 3-4 defensive end.
10. Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson*- 6’4 280
Bowers is one of the most athletic 280+ pound players in the NCAA. He’s strong enough for a bull rush on an offensive tackle, and he’s quick enough to get around the edge. He’s strictly a 4-3 defensive end. I do question his ability to play in space, which is why 3-4 outside linebacker is a bit of a reach. Bowers is very tough against the run, and is one of the best penetrators in the nation. His lingering knee issues keeps him from breaking the Top 5.
11. Von Miller, DE, Texas A&M- 6’3 249
Miller is quite the stud, and while he hasn’t been as amazing as he was in 2009, he’s still a surefire 1st round pick. He already played in a 3-4 defense at TAMU, and his pass rushing ability is fantastic. He’s very athletic, and can make plays all over the field. He’s also very underrated against the run, and I have no doubt that he could play 4-3 outside linebacker as well, but he’d be a better fit in the 3-4.
12. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin*- 6’6 292
Watt is a bullying defensive end who really has made a big impact in the run for the Badgers in 2010. He’s not a bad pass rusher, and does a great job getting his arms in the air to bat balls down. Watt is very strong, and gets a good jump off of the ball. For a big guy, he moves down the line well, but is best in forcing double teams. He’s an ideal 3-4 defensive end prospect at the next level.
13. Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama*- 5’10 222
What can you say about the 5’11 215 pound junior running back? Ingram is a tough north/south runner with good acceleration. He’s also an effective blocker in third down situations, and is a true every down back in the NFL. He doesn’t run out of bounds and can take the hard hits, throwing the shoulder into opposing defenders and bruising them. He can break a long touchdown at any time and has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. Ingram’s initial explosiveness is one of the biggest things that makes him such a special runner.
14. Tyron Smith, T, USC*- 6’5 285
Many people have fallen in love with Smith. While some think he should have returned back to school, one can’t fail to see just how big of upside he has. Smith is a bit undersized, but uses excellent athleticism as well as surprising strength to effectively play his position. Physically, he has more room to grow, and is a bit of a workout warrior. Comparisons of 2010 3rd round pick Bruce Campbell arise, in terms of overall athleticism and potential. He’s excellent in pass protection, and doesn’t get a bad push in the run game. He is quite the project in the NFL, but will benefit most in a zone blocking scheme.
15. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina*- 6’5 270
It’s hard to tell how well Quinn will perform after not playing a down in 2010 thanks to the Player/Agent scandal with North Carolina. However, there is no questioning his physical ability. The 6’5 270 pound defensive end has an excellent motor and ACC offensive lineman have had trouble stopping his speed rush. Quinn is one of the most athletic prospects for 2011, and he could really make some noise in the NFL with a little more strength. He looks to be an ideal 3-4 outside linebacker candidate, especially if he can improve in coverage.
16. Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois*- 6’3 290
Liuget is a strong, bull rushing defensive tackle who gets in the backfield and makes tackles. He’s very underrated, and under-appreciated. He’s a force against the run, and is solid when rushing the passer from the inside. He’s a natural two gap penetrating defensive tackle who has played some end. He lost some weight before 2010 season, and improved athletically. Liuget has an excellent motor, and doesn’t give up on plays, however he tends to lose steam as the game progresses. At times he looks unconditioned, and past weight problems could hurt his draft stock.
17. Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia*- 6’3 260
Houston has had a breakout Junior campaign and has been the heart and soul of the Georgia pass rush. Houston looks like he could be a pure pass rusher in a 3-4 defense, but there’s no doubt he can stick to defensive end at the next level. He gets a good push off the ball, often bull rushing his opponent. Houston should go in the Top 20, as he’s very talented, and his stock may not get much higher.
18. Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College- 6’7 308
Castonzo is one of the most athletic tackles in the draft. A four year starter, Castonzo has developed into a dominating tackle in pass protection. His athleticism helps him deal with even the quickest of rushers. He lacks push in the run game as his strength is quite average, but that can be improved with an NFL strength and conditioning program. He looks to be one of the top offensive tackles off the board in April.