Going into the year, there were 10 players I really liked, and unlike others, it didn’t take me 11 games to put these players near the top. Of course, there is some slight movement, and some others have dropped off, but I’ve stayed true for the most part. In this segment of my NFL Draft Coverage, I will list for you my top 10 prospects, and what I think of them all.
A.J. Green
With Luck staying in school, Green is now my top prospect. I absolutely love this guy. If you don’t have a number one receiver and Luck isn’t on the board, you must take A.J. Green. He is a great rout runner, has great size, amazing hands, and can go above everybody to get the ball. If you can’t wait a year to sign Fitzgerald, this is the guy you get.
Da’Quan Bowers
I’ve been all over this guy since the year started. He has perfect size, speed, and explosion for a defensive end. Overall, he is a freak. He will come in from day one and have a huge impact, just like Ndamakong Suh did for the Lions.
Nick Fairley
Fairley says Ndamakong who? This guy has been absolutely dominant in the SEC this year, and I expect him to have a huge impact this upcoming Monday. He has outstanding size and explosion for a down lineman. This guy is more suited for a 4-3 defense, but could also play in a 3-4. We’ve seen a lot of tackles go high and be busts, but this is one guy I know will be an absolute stud for the team that drafts him.
Patrick Peterson
Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee, his name is Patrick Peterson. The size and speed this guy has is unreal. With a frame you typically see in safeties, Peterson can turn those hips and get up field with almost anybody. He is the best corner prospect I have seen in a long time, and will have immediate impact. You can’t forget about his returning ability either. This kid is the total package.
Robert Quinn
At the beginning of the year I had Quinn as my top prospect, and the only reason he has slipped is because he didn’t play. When I think of Quinn, I think of a DeMarcus Ware type force that will put fear into the eyes of the QB. His combination of size and speed is unparalleled for most players at his position. Personally, I think he works best as a rush linebacker, but it wouldn’t surprise me is someone brought him in to be an end.
Marcell Dareus
Whether it’s the 3-4 or the 4-3, this guy will have a place in the NFL. Dareus doesn’t put up mind boggling stats, but he is great at stuffing the run and will be the anchor of a defense, kind of like Luis Castillo was for the Chargers.
Blaine Gabbert
I absolutely loved this guy about two days ago, but then I heard Matt Millen say he is the real deal. Okay, in all seriousness, this guy is great. If he stayed around an extra year it would be between him and Barkley for the top stop in next year’s draft. I love this kid’s athleticism, his size, and his arm. I’ve seen him make some mistakes, but nothing that isn’t fixable. He could go as high as number five to the Cardinals, but he won’t drop any lower than the top 15.
Prince Amukamara
Prince didn’t have any picks this year, but that is because no one challenged him. He doesn’t have the measurables of Patrick Peterson, but he still has very good size and speed for the position. In a league that is more pass happy than ever, teams can’t afford to pass on this guy if they don’t need a QB and have secondary problems.
Adrian Clayborn
To round out my top ten I give you a player I’ve seen a lot of this year. He hasn’t dominated like most thought he would, but I’ve still seen a lot to like. With his combination of size, speed, and strength, he can play the end spot in a 3 man or 4 man front. I prefer him more as a 3-4 guy, but not all are sold that’s his best spot. Either way, he should be a very good player in the league.
Von Miller
Miller squeaks his way into the top 10 after the Luck announcement, and trust me, this is no cheap win for him. Miller is one of the best pass rushers we have seen in this draft, and he is half way decent in coverage as well. At the beginning of the year he wasn’t dominant, but that was because of injury. When he got healthy again, we saw why he is so special.
There you have it, my top 10 players of this upcoming draft. I could be revisiting this soon after the title game, so keep a lookout for further coverage, you will get my first 32 team mock draft when the order is set after the super bowl. A 20 team MD could come any time in the next couple weeks.
– Brent Mullis
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