The end of bowl season is drawing near and the Jan. 15 deadline for underclassman to commit to the draft is right around the corner. Here is an early look at how the top ten prospects stack up.
1. Matthew Stafford, QB GA
Is Stafford truly the top prospect? I’m not totally convinced, but the NFL is a quarterback’s league and the cornerstone of all rebuilding projects is a franchise signal caller. Stafford has the pedigree to be at the head of the class. His critics cite a failure to realize his true potential with any kind of consistency, while supporters attribute erratic play to a lesser supporting cast compared to his rivals at the position. The teams with the top three picks, all desperate for a long-term solution at QB, will be searching for the next Matt Ryan. I’m not sure Stafford is the guy, but whoever emerges as the can’t miss-QB is the favorite to claim top-prospect status.
2. Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forest
Curry isn’t the flashiest top five prospect to ever come along, but he sits firmly as the top defensive prospect because he is solid. He doesn’t have drool-inspiring, revolutionize-his-position potential, but some scouts have said they have trouble finding weaknesses in his game. His physical make-up is NFL ready. With the size and quickness to fit into either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, the team that selects him can expect positive contributions now. In an era where college strong-side linebackers often struggle to translate to the professional level, Curry will be a hot commodity on draft day.
3. Andre Smith, OT Alabama
The behemoth blocker from Alabama is the lineman considered to have the most potential. His strength is run-blocking, but he shows some weakness against speed pass rushers. If the 340 lb junior declares himself draft eligible, he is a shoe-in top 5 pick.
4. Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
Depending on who you talk to, the top OT prospect could be any of four players. A three-year starter at ‘Ole Miss, Oher boasts long arms and excels in pass protection. Some think inconsistent effort while run-blocking will knock him a notch below the other OT’s, but whoever emerges will be the dark horse to become the number one overall pick.
5. Jason Smith, OT Baylor
One of the fastest rising prospects in this year’s draft class, Smith is a tenacious whistle-to-whistle blocker with good strength. As a converted tight end, his lack of ideal size will probably keep him from claiming the top OT slot. However, his standout 2008 campaign showed enough promise to make him a strong candidate to become a top 10 pick.
6. Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
Monroe could make four OT’s in the top half of the first round. He is a solid all-around blocker from a program beginning to earn a reputation for churning out top OT prospects.
7. Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
Crabtree is a strong receiver with good size and elite playmaking skills. The lone WR likely to go in the top half of the first round, he most likely fits in as a top ten pick. The only question mark is whether he has the elite speed to stretch defenses at the next level. If he posts a sub 4.4 forty at the combine he could squeeze into the top 5.
8. Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
A big physical runner. He kind of reminds you of Eddie George with more potential to break the big run. Talent-wise he should grade out in the top 5, but most teams picking that high simply have too many needs greater than RB to pick him. Does he have enough toughness and durability to succeed on Sundays?
9. Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
A top prospect a year ago, Jenkins has done nothing to weaken his reputation in his senior year. Strong work ethic and good speed place him solidly in the top ten. He is a little lean right now to avoid questions about whether he can match up physically at the next level, and some have concerns about his instincts playing against the run.
10. Rey Maualuga, LB USC
Great size and intensity should slot Maualuga directly into the middle of just about any NFL defense. He is an intriguing prospect because he flashes the ability to take games over single handedly. Yet, Maualuga’s value is downgraded by his lack of discipline and tendency to over commit.
