Gil Brandt's Top 100

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

Hell, I picked 8 players out of the top 10 players. Of course I got Aluala wrong

Gosselin may only be a writer, but he obviously has very good sources as historically he's been very accurate...and yes, Mel Kiper is very annoying.

and what, you didn't get Tyson Alualu right? c'mon man, he's a Hawaii boy!

[grotonsteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

well he has rated Jimmy Smith higher than Prince Akumara(sp chk) which i completely agree with.

I believe Jimmy Smith is a better CB than Prince.

Also he confirms what i was thinking about Ras-I-Dowling. He thinks he is a safety at next level. I really need to see Ras-I-Dowling 40 time at the combine.

That rating could have Smith at #20 & Prince at #21 so not much of a drop off if any.

I'm interested to see what Dowling runs at combine in his cones. If he runs low 4.5s with solid cones, I think he still plays CB if he shows good hips in position drills. At 6'2" with a 38" plus vertical...You won't see a 4.4 difference 4.5 on the field. What you will see if the physicality he brings when in bump and if a WR can't get a free release...Doesn't matter if he is Mike Wallace...QB doesn't have enough time to get an accurate vertical throw.

Next questions is his health. Is he 100% for the combine. That's a question I'm asking in the interview before the workouts. So come his Pro-Day or Private workouts I'm asking him the same question.

Of course if he's running high 4.5s & low 4.6s and putting up cone times like Ss & LBs...Well you know the saying....If it looks like a duck? But even on tape, he's value at the end of the 2nd at FS for the Steelers.

If he is a FS at next level and available at Rd 2 then one definitely does not want Rahim Moore in Rd 1.


I would not mind a CB in Rd 1 and FS at Rd 2. I would prefer DeAndre McDaniel over Ras-I-Dowling but his off field character issues is a big red flag.

I would be happy as long as Steelers draft CB and FS in this draft or get a FA CB which is highly unlikely.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I would not mind a CB in Rd 1 and FS at Rd 2. I would prefer DeAndre McDaniel over Ras-I-Dowling but his off field character issues is a big red flag.

I would be happy as long as Steelers draft CB and FS in this draft or get a FA CB which is highly unlikely.

hey groton, just curious...

how come you don't have the Steelers selecting a CB in your mock draft?

[grotonsteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I would not mind a CB in Rd 1 and FS at Rd 2. I would prefer DeAndre McDaniel over Ras-I-Dowling but his off field character issues is a big red flag.

I would be happy as long as Steelers draft CB and FS in this draft or get a FA CB which is highly unlikely.

hey groton, just curious...

how come you don't have the Steelers selecting a CB in your mock draft?

Jimmy Smith will be my pick if he is available...but i think he shoot up the board after the combine. I want Steelers to draft a corner who for a change has great footwork, quickness, speed, and football instincts. I want CB who can play man-to-man coverage.


I am not sure if there any other corners who i would like to pick in Rd 2. I might look for a project CB in later round. I think Safety position is also a need though. Ryan Clark is a liability in coverage and i think it will bit easier to upgrade the Safety position through draft.Maybe DeAndre McDaniel might not be the correct choice but i will be looking for a Safety in the draft.

I am hoping Steelers sign a FA CB. Jonathan Joseph would be great but costly. I would not mind Steelers signing Ike v2.0 Carlos Roger. I know without CBA one cannot sign a FA but once the issues are resolved i want Steelers to sign Carlos Rodgers or maybe Richard Marshall.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I would prefer DeAndre McDaniel over Ras-I-Dowling but his off field character issues is a big red flag.

This IMO is the greatest benefit of the combine - the chance to sit down and talk with a prospect.

All the workouts might bump players up and down a few spots on a draft board, but the interview can knock a player completely off a board or garner interest from a team who would have otherwise shied away.

A good interview with McDaniel could make him a second round prospect for the Steelers.

[steelz09]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I still would like to see the Steelers seriously consider Brandon Harris.

[papillon]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

personally, I think the combine is what has caused many teams to make mistakes in the draft. The scouting departments have been watching players, grading players and reviewing tape of players and have an idea what a kid can do based on what they see. Then they come to the combine and a CB runs a 4.55 instead of 4.48 or some stupid $h1t and all of a sudden he can't play. Or, even worse, you have players come to the combine and go nuts in shorts posting sick 40 times, unreal verts and cone drills and all of a sudden a guy you watched and graded as a 3rd round pick becomes a late first or early second.

Then comes draft day and the workout warriors are all the buzz and teams don't want to miss on a potential super star because he looked good in shorts and T-shirt and they over draft players. The only reason I would go to the combine is to interview players and get a feel for their passion, football acumen and character. The rest is window dressing.

I believe the Steelers are successful because they don't deviate from what they "see" on film and in person. I never want them to draft a workout warrior, unless, of course, he was graded high to begin with.

Pappy

[aggiebones]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I was really commenting on him tiering guys in groups of ten. That's kind of weak.
Group them according to skill level. If the top tier has 6, 8 or 12, then go with that number.
Always having 10 in a tier doesn't give you an idea who he really thinks as highly of on the edges of the tiers.
His 9th guy may be closer to the 13th guy than the 8th guy, but with his style, you don't know.
I was joking about the rest and do think sitting with him and talking you might get a better idea of his football brain. I just think he missed on some ability to be creative in the display of his thoughts.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I was really commenting on him tiering guys in groups of ten. That's kind of weak.
Group them according to skill level. If the top tier has 6, 8 or 12, then go with that number.
Always having 10 in a tier doesn't give you an idea who he really thinks as highly of on the edges of the tiers.
His 9th guy may be closer to the 13th guy than the 8th guy, but with his style, you don't know.
I was joking about the rest and do think sitting with him and talking you might get a better idea of his football brain. I just think he missed on some ability to be creative in the display of his thoughts.

I see what you are saying, but since there are 32 teams in the league, tiering by 10's gives you an at-a-glance idea of who Brandt thinks should be an early-first, mid-first, late-first, early-second, etc. prospect.

As for the players themselves, I was surprised at how low he had Prince Amukamara (3rd tier when many are projecting him in the top 10) plus Brandon Harris and Derek Sherrod (6th tier when many are projecting them in the late first round).

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

2.0: Out with old, in with new top prospects after combine

By Gil Brandt NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Published: March 2, 2011


The NFL Scouting Combine never ceases to amaze me. It gets bigger each time around. We get more players to participate every year. It's such an impressive, well-run event.

Being in Indianapolis allowed me to revisit my "Hot 100" prospects, and you'll notice some significant changes: Players who helped their stock, guys who hurt themselves, and those who fell off the list altogether.

You'll notice that Julio Jones elevated himself to Tier 1, despite his foot injury (remember, this isn't taking medical conditions into account). Colin Kaepernick, the quarterback from Nevada, wasn't on the list initially, but he was impressive at the combine. As was Fort Valley State receiver Ricardo Lockette, who is making his debut because he had such great speed and burst.

For those players no longer on the list, they'll get a chance to make it again during pro days. This is a continuation of the evaluation all the way up until the draft at the end of April.

Note: Tiers are listed alphabetically; * denotes early entrant.

Tier 1
Da'Quan Bowers*, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 276
Can get after the quarterback. Had 15.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2010. Has very good speed for position.

Marcell Dareus*, DT, Alabama
Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Had 4.5 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2010. Plays hard every play.

Nick Fairley*, DT, Auburn, 6-5, 300
Only played two years at Auburn after spending first two years at junior college. Had 11.5 sacks for Tigers in 2010.

Blaine Gabbert*, QB, Missouri, 6-4, 235
Two-year starter. Mobility a strength. Completed 63.4 percent of his passes in 2010. Works best out of the shotgun.

A.J. Green*, WR, Georgia, 6-3, 212
Was suspended four games in 2010 by NCAA for sale of a bowl jersey. Still finished with 57 catches and nine TDs.

Julio Jones*, WR, Alabama, 6-4, 211
Able to return kicks. Had 78 catches for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M, 6-2, 240
Led the nation in sacks as a junior and even had 10.5 last year despite an early-season injury.

Cam Newton*, QB, Auburn, 6-5, 245
Only a one-year college player, but he passed for 30 TDs and ran for 20, with a 66.1 completion percentage.

Patrick Peterson*, DB, LSU, 6-0, 215
Very good return man. Able to cover the pass and play strong against the run.

Robert Quinn*, DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 254
Missed the entire 2010 season after violating NCAA rules. In 2009, he had 11 sacks.

Tier 2
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 205
Four-year college player, two-year starter. Had five INTs in 2009, but none in 2010.

Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College, 6-7, 308
He started all four years for the Eagles. Played left guard at the Senior Bowl.

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6-4, 285
Only had 3.5 sacks last year, down from the year before. Watch the Penn State film to see him at his best.

Mark Ingram*, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 215
Injured and shared time in 2010. A good inside runner, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season.

Cameron Jordan, DE, California, 6-4, 283
Father, Steve, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 years. Cameron had 5.5 sacks in 2010.

Aldon Smith*, DE, Missouri, 6-5, 260
Missed some games with injuries last season. In 2009, he had 11.5 sacks.

Jimmy Smith*, DB, Colorado, 6-2, 205
Tall and has long arms. Has good speed. Why no interceptions in 2010?

Tyron Smith*, OT, USC
He's a natural fit at right tackle. Has long arms and is very athletic for his size.

Nate Solder, OL, Colorado, 6-9, 315
High school tight end, who moved to OT after his freshman year at Colorado. Has great feet and long arms.

J.J. Watt*, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 279
Transferred from Central Michigan, where he played TE. Seven sacks in 2010. Shined against Ohio State.

Tier 3
Akeem Ayers*, OLB, UCLA, 6-4, 249
Had four sacks and two INTs in 2010. Has speed and can blitz or play in space.

Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin, 6-7, 327
Four-year starter. Can he play left tackle in the NFL? Or is he only a right tackle?

Brandon Harris, DB, Miami, 5-9, 191
He's good in man coverage. Smart player who is tough against the run.

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6-4, 263
Lacks the size (weight) as a defensive end, but he has quickness. Had 12.5 sacks in 2010.

Corey Liuget*, DT, Illinois, 6-3, 300
Had 63 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010. Was named All-Big Ten Second Team.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6-3, 230
Very athletic with good speed. Needs to improve his accuracy.

Ryan Mallet*, QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238
Threw 32 TD passes in 2010, completing 64.7 percent of his passes. We'll know more after his March 8 pro day.

Kyle Rudolph*, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 253
Only played six games last year. Had 28 catches and three touchdowns. Lots of upside.

Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor, 6-4, 337
Transferred from Penn State. Needs to improve stamina. Was named All-Big 12 Second Team.

Muhammad Wilkerson*, DT, Temple, 6-5, 295
Very good production. 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Lots of upside.

Tier 4
Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
Limited by injuries in 2010. Grading him as a safety, rather than cornerback.

Cam Heyward, DT, Ohio State, 6-5, 288
Played well in the Sugar Bowl. Made move inside to tackle. His father, "Ironhead" Heyward, played in the NFL.

Justin Houston*, LB, Georgia, 6-3, 254
All-SEC First Team selection. Had 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Can he play in space?

Mikel Leshoure*, RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
Had a fantastic season in 2010, with 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total TDs (17 rushing, three receiving).

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State, 6-1, 311
Good inside pass rusher. Had six sacks in 2010. All-Pac 10 First Team selection.

Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida, 6-5, 315
Brother, Maurkice, made Pro Bowl as rookie with Steelers. Mike stayed a fourth year with Gators.

Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi State, 6-5, 321
Has good length and good feet. Great instincts as a run blocker.

Torrey Smith*, WR, Maryland, 6-0, 202
Has outstanding speed. Named All-ACC First Team. Had 67 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2010.

Aaron Williams*, DB, Texas, 6-1, 192
Has the height every scout looks for. No INTs last season. All-Big 12 Second Team selection.

Martez Wilson*, OLB, Illinois, 6-4, 240
Had 112 tackles in 2010. He's an athletic player. All-Big Ten Second Team selection.

Tier 5
Allen Bailey, DL, Miami, 6-4, 285
Has speed for his position. Seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2010. All-ACC Second Team.

Jonathan Baldwin*, WR, Pittsburgh,6-5, 224
Had 53 catches and five touchdowns in 2010. Was named All-Big East First Team.

Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina, 6-3, 235
Can play the run or play in space. Good special teams player, too.

Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky, 5-10, 191
Catches the ball well. Returns kicks and is very athletic. He was a high school QB.

Ben Ijalana, OL, Villanova, 6-4, 317
Did not run or lift at combine. Very long arms. Blue-collar player who should play for a long time.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada, 6-5, 233
Very strong arm. Needs work, because he has not been under center. Very good runner. Lots of upside.

Rahim Moore*, DB, UCLA, 6-1, 196
All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Has good range and good ball skills.

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State, 6-2, 229
Smart and very athletic. Threw 20 TDs and 8 ints in 2010. He is ready for the NFL.

Tyler Sash*, SS, Iowa, 6-1, 210
Two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Had 13 INTs the past two years. Fine athlete.

Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor, 6-3, 310
Older player. Works as fireman in Waco, Texas. Tough player. Should be a good guard.

Tier 6
Marvin Austin* (DL, North Carolina), Marcus Cannon (OL, TCU), James Carpenter (OL, Alabama), Jurrell Casey (DL, USC), Chimdi Chekwa (DB, Ohio State), Orlando Franklin (OL, Miami), Greg Little (WR, North Carolina), DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma), Jabaal Sheard (DL, Pittsburgh), Ryan Williams (RB, Virginia Tech).

Tier 7
Sam Acho, Clint Boling (OL, Georgia), James Brewer (OL, Indiana), Rodney Hudson (OL, Florida State), Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), Ricardo Lockette (WR, Fort Valley State), Drake Nevis (DL, LSU), Williams Rackley (OL Lehigh), K.J. Wright (LB, Mississippi State).

Tier 8
Brandon Burton (DB, Utah), Chris Carter (DL, Fresno State), Quinton Carter (DB, Oklahoma), Andrew Dalton (QB, TCU), Marcus Gilbert (OL, Florida), Lawrence Guy (DT, Arizona State), Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami), Jarvis Jenkins (DL, Clemson), Shane Vereen (RB, California), D.J. Williams (TE, Arkansas).

Tier 9
Christian Ballard (DL, Iowa), Jordan Cameron (TE, USC), Kenrick Ellis (DL, Hampton), Jerrell Jernigan (WR, Troy), Colin McCarthy (LB, Miami), Dontay Moch (LB, Nevada), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Robert Sands (DB, West Virginia), Kelvin Sheppard (LB, LSU).

Tier 10
Curtis Brown (DB, Texas), Jalil Brown (DB, Colorado), Chris Culliver (DB, South Carolina), Davon House (DB, New Mexico State), Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska), Da'Norris Searcy (DB, North Carolina), Brooks Reed (DL, Arizona), Stefen Wisniewski (OL, Penn State), Titus Young (WR, Boise State), Daniel Ziemba (OL, Auburn).

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81e93b06/article/20-out-with-old-in-with-new-top-prospects-after-combine?module=HP_cp2"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... ule=HP_cp2[/url]

[steelerkeylargo]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

I will say Gil Brandt has been one of the best for years. However, I ran into him at the players hotel in Indy and the dude looks ancient.

[Blockhead]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

Just saw Culliver on that top 100 list. He'd be a nice third rounder.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Gil Brandt's Top 100

here's Gil Brandt's latest updated Top 100 list:


Pro days results tweak latest top-prospects list

By Gil Brandt NFL.com
Senior Analyst
Published: April 10, 2011


Well, the pro days portion of the offseason came and went in a flash, and now we're down to the final parts of the evaluation process before the NFL draft begins April 28.

I've seen my fair share of workouts first-hand and have spoken with countless scouts and coaches before compiling this third version of the Hot 100 prospects. And in seeing so much and speaking with so many personnel folks, I have re-examined everything. I even had a great conversation with Bill Parcells about a certain player and included him (sorry, but I won't share who) after watching some tape.

When you evaluate guys this late in the process, the numbers are important in certain areas, but not everything. One that still stands out for me, though, is the 3-cone drill, which measures speed and agility. It's the key pro day component that tells me if I am correct in my evaluation or if I might need to rethink things.

A few players who have stood out during the past month are TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, USC tight end Jordan Cameron and Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Dalton impressed the heck out of me when I saw him at his pro day, and Cameron validated himself with a solid performance at his. Meanwhile, Stanzi, who altered his throwing motion at the NFL Scouting Combine, went back to his old way at his pro day and looked pretty darn good.

Trying to rate these kids to compile a "Hot 100" is an inexact science, but the only change in my Tier 1 is USC OT Tyron Smith moving up while Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers drops down due to looming concerns about his knee.

Note: Tiers are listed alphabetically

Tier 1
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Can play in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Had 4.5 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2010. Plays hard every play. Ran a faster first 10 yards of the 40-yard dash than Nick Fairley.

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn, 6-5, 300
Only played two seasons at Auburn after spending first two years at junior college. Had 11.5 sacks for Tigers in 2010.

Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri, 6-4, 235
Two-year starter. Mobility a strength. Completed 63.4 percent of his passes in 2010. He had an outstanding workout at Missouri's pro day, taking snaps from under center and completing his first 35 throws.

A.J. Green, WR, Georgia, 6-3, 212
Was suspended four games in 2010 by NCAA for sale of a bowl jersey. Still finished with 57 catches and nine TDs. His pro day workout was impressive, running a 4.49 40-yard dash and looking good in drills.

Julio Jones, WR, Alabama, 6-4, 211
Able to return kicks. Had 78 catches for 1,133 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Had same injury as Michael Crabtree two years ago, but still went through the combine workouts and ran 4.42. Kid looks like he'll be good.

Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M, 6-2, 240
Led the nation in sacks as a junior and even had 10.5 last year despite an early-season injury. Had a great pro day workout, running 4.47 in the 40 and posting 21 bench presses at 225 pounds.

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn, 6-5, 245
Only a one-year college player, but he passed for 30 TDs and ran for 20, with a 66.1 completion percentage. At combine, he threw the ball at 56 miles per hour. Had a good pro day on March 7, missing just six of 50 passes in very windy conditions.

Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU, 6-0, 215
Very good return man. Able to cover the pass and play strong against the run. Player with least risk in first round.

Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 254
Missed the entire 2010 season after violating NCAA rules. In 2009, he had 11 sacks. Ran 4.60 and 4.65 at his pro day on March 31.

Tyron Smith, OT, USC
He's a natural fit on the right side but can play left tackle without any question. Worked out at pro day with former NFL coach Alex Gibbs, who says Smith will be a Pro Bowl tackle.

Tier 2
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 205
Four-year college player, two-year starter. Had five INTs in 2009, but none in 2010. He can play press or off coverage.

Anthony Castonzo, OL, Boston College, 6-7, 308
He started all four years for the Eagles. Played left guard at the Senior Bowl. He's got long arms and big hands, which should make him solid in the NFL.

Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6-4, 285
Only had 3.5 sacks last year, down from the year before. Watch the Penn State film to see him at his best. Plays only on the right side. He's an outstanding person and plays hard every down.

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama, 5-10, 215
Injured and shared time in 2010. A good inside runner, who rushed for 13 touchdowns last season. Ingram ran a 4.51 40 on his pro day and had 21 lifts. Ran a 6.74 3-cone drill, which says something about his quickness.

Cameron Jordan, DE, California, 6-4, 283
Father, Steve, played tight end for the Vikings for 13 years. Cameron had 5.5 sacks in 2010. This kid can play with his hand on the ground or drop into space.

Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue, 6-4, 263
Has outstanding quickness and plays hard every down. He had 12.5 sacks in 2010 and is known for making a lot of impact plays.

Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri, 6-5, 260
Missed some games with injuries last season. In 2009, he had 11.5 sacks. Ran a 4.75 40 and had a very good pro day March 17.

Jimmy Smith, DB, Colorado, 6-2, 205
Tall and has long arms. Has good speed. One former head coach and general manager thinks he is the best corner in the draft.

Phil Taylor, DL, Baylor, 6-4, 337
Transferred from Penn State. Needs to boost stamina. He has improved a lot with his weight loss. Had a great pro day March 3.

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 279
Transferred from Central Michigan, where he played TE. Seven sacks in 2010. Shined against Ohio State. Runs a 4.88 40.

Tier 3
Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA, 6-4, 249
Had four sacks and two INTs in 2010. Has speed and can blitz or play in space, which he showed with a good pro day.

Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 276
Can get after the quarterback. Had 15.5 sacks for the Tigers in 2010. Questions still exist about his knee after his personal pro day, which probably isn't indicative of what he is capable of doing.

Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin, 6-7, 327
Four-year starter. Can he play left tackle or is he only a right tackle? Has shown his dedication by already outlining for teams how he won't miss any games during the next 15 years because of Yom Kippur.

Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois, 6-3, 300
Had 63 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2010. Was named All-Big Ten Second Team. Had a very good pro day that probably moved him up into Round 1.

Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6-3, 230
Very athletic with good speed. Last time I said he needed to improve his accuracy. He showed that he did at his pro day.

Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238
Threw 32 TD passes in 2010, completing 64.7 percent of his passes. He did not run well at his pro day (5.37 40), but showed that he has outstanding talent. His character is the main issue.

Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida, 6-5, 315
Brother, Maurkice, made Pro Bowl as rookie with Steelers. Mike stayed a fourth year with Gators. He can play guard or center and will do so for a long time in the NFL.

Derek Sherrod, OL, Mississippi State, 6-5, 321
Has good length and is light on his feet. Great instincts as a run blocker. He moved up from Tier 4 because he is improved and showed it as his pro day.

Nate Solder, OL, Colorado, 6-9, 315
A high school tight end, he moved to OT after his freshman year at Colorado. Has great feet and long arms. Very athletic but needs more strength.

Danny Watkins, OL, Baylor, 6-3, 310
Older player. Works as fireman in Waco, Texas. Tough guy who gives great effort to go with his skills. He's an outstanding person.

Tier 4
Brandon Harris, DB, Miami, 5-9, 191
He's good in man coverage. Smart player who is tough against the run.

Cam Heyward, DT, Ohio State, 6-5, 288
Played well in the Sugar Bowl. Made move inside to tackle. His father, "Ironhead" Heyward, played in the NFL.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois, 6-0, 227
Had a fantastic season in 2010, with 1,697 rushing yards and 20 total TDs (17 rushing, three receiving).

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State, 6-1, 311
Good inside pass rusher. Had six sacks in 2010. All-Pac 10 First Team selection.

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State, 6-2, 229
Smart and very athletic. Threw 20 TDs and eight picks in 2010. He is ready for the NFL.

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 6-5, 253
Only played six games last year. Had 28 catches and three touchdowns. Lots of upside.

Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland, 6-0, 202
Has outstanding speed. Named All-ACC First Team. Had 67 catches and 12 touchdowns in 2010.

Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple, 6-5, 295
Very good production. 70 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Lots of upside.

Aaron Williams, DB, Texas, 6-1, 192
Has the height every scout wants. No INTs last season. All-Big 12 Second Team selection.

Martez Wilson, OLB, Illinois, 6-4, 240
Had 112 tackles in 2010. He's an athletic player. All-Big Ten Second Team selection.

Tier 5
Marvin Austin, DL, North Carolina, 6-2, 309
Didn't play in 2010 because of suspension. Has great skills but needs consistent effort. Character is a big question. Big reward if a team hits on him.

Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh,6-5, 224
Had 53 catches and five touchdowns in 2010. Was named All-Big East First Team. He's a long strider who has great athletic ability.

Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU, 6-5, 358
Two-time All-Mountain West Conference selection. He needs to keep his weight down. He played tackle in college but might be best as a guard in the NFL.

Jurrell Casey, DL, USC, 6-1, 300
First team All-Pac 10. His best position might be as a nose tackle, although he does have some pass-rush skills.

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU, 6-2, 215
Started 49 games for TCU. Has great intangibles. He had a very good pro day. Raw, but he could be developed.

Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia, 6-2, 200
Highly rated player heading into 2010 but was limited by injuries. Had an outstanding pro day and looked every bit the part. If he can play CB, he might be taken late first or early second round.

Ben Ijalana, OL, Villanova, 6-4, 317
Had operation in late December because of a sports hernia. Held a pro day April 6 but did not lift. Has long arms and is a blue-collar player.

Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada, 6-5, 233
Very strong arm. Needs work, because he has not been under center. Good runner. Lots of upside.

Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA, 6-1, 196
All-Pac 10 First Team selection. Has good range and ball skills, but needs more strength (just 11 lifts).

Jabaal Sheard, DL, Pittsburgh, 6-3, 264
Started 38 games over past three years. Had elbow surgery and missed Pitt's bowl game. He had nine sacks in 2010 and has pass-rush ability at the next level. Character could come into question.

Tier 6
Allen Bailey (DL, Miami), Christian Ballard (DL, Iowa), Bruce Carter (LB, North Carolina), Randall Cobb (WR, Kentucky), Orlando Franklin (OL, Miami), Justin Houston (LB, Georgia), Brooks Reed (DL, Arizona), Ricky Stanzi (QB, Iowa), Ryan Williams (RB, Virginia Tech), Titus Young (WR, Boise State).

Tier 7
Sam Acho (DL, Texas), James Brewer (OL, Indiana), James Carpenter (OL, Alabama), Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami), Lance Kendricks (TE, Wisconsin), Greg Little (WR, North Carolina), DeMarco Murray (RB, Oklahoma), Tyler Sash (DB, Iowa), Daniel Thomas (RB, Kansas State), Demarcus Van Dyke (DB, Miami).

Tier 8
Davon House (DB, New Mexico State), Rodney Hudson (OL, Florida State), Kendall Hunter (RB, Oklahoma State), Jarvis Jenkins (DL, Clemson), Jerrell Jernigan (WR/KR, Troy), Colin McCarthy (LB, Miami), Dontay Moch (Nevada, LB), Drake Nevis (DL, LSU), Johnny Patrick (DB, Louisville), Will Rackley (OL, Lehigh).

Tier 9
Curtis Brown (DB, Texas), Jordan Cameron (TE, USC), Chris Carter (LB, Fresno State), Kenrick Ellis (DT, Hampton), Edmond Gates (WR, Abilene Christian), Lawrence Guy (DL, Arizona State), Terrell McClain (DL, South Florida), Quan Sturdivant (LB, North Carolina), Cedric Thornton (DL, Southern Arkansas), K.J. Wright (LB, Mississippi State).

Tier 10
Clint Boling (OL, Georgia), Jalil Brown (DB, Colorado), Brandon Burton (DB, Utah), Quinton Carter (DB, Oklahoma), Chimdi Chekwa (DB, Ohio State), Chris Culliver (DB, South Carolina), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), Ricardo Lockette (WR, Fort Valley State), Casey Matthews (LB, Oregon), Shane Vereen (RB, California).

[url="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81f2ce4b/article/pro-days-results-tweak-latest-topprospects-list?module=HP_spotlight"]http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8 ... _spotlight[/url]