sbk92

2
Messages
12,134
Reaction score
6
By Russ Lande
Sporting News


Sporting News draft expert Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts identify the prospects likely to be in the 2011 draft who are most NFL-ready:

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Luck is advanced in terms of poise and pocket presence, especially surprising for a redshirt sophomore. He has all the physical tools, yes, but he also has everything above the shoulders an NFL quarterback must possess. He goes through his progressions, moves defenders with his eyes and makes great decisions. He also has been in Stanford's pro-style offense for three years, making him more prepared than most college quarterbacks to enter the NFL. He is reminiscent of the Colts' Peyton Manning and the Falcons' Matt Ryan when they entered the league.

2. Da'quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Many defensive linemen struggle during their rookie seasons, but Bowers has uncommon athleticism, size and strength. Bowers, a junior, also shows surprisingly advanced hand usage and technique. He has improved with every season and is a consistent playmaker. He has the pass-rush skills to make an instant impact as a 4-3 end and also has the frame to be a productive 3-4 end. Most young pass rushers win with either speed or power, but Bowers already can beat NFL blockers with both.

3. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
He lacks jaw-dropping speed and could struggle early against elite speed receivers, but his technique, instincts and coverage skills should allow him to neutralize most NFL receivers. Amukamara has been assigned to every No. 1 receiver Nebraska has faced for years, so he is prepared. Some evaluators will bad-mouth him for that lack of elite speed, but he is certain to be a top-line NFL starter early in his career.

4. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Clayborn lacks the explosiveness to be a dominant pass rusher, but he has the height at 6-3, long arms, athleticism, strength and competitiveness to be a productive 3-4 end. He won't get much publicity because 3-4 ends never become stars, but he will be a strong and consistently productive NFL player from Day 1, especially against the run.

5. Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College
Many rookie tackles play right away in the NFL, and Castonzo has the tools to do the same. He is quick and has top-level athleticism to slide outside and protect the edge against NFL speed rushers. He is technically sound and should be a productive pass protector as a rookie. In comparison to some recently successful high picks, Castonzo is more athletic than the Miami Dolphins' Jake Long, the Atlanta Falcons' Sam Baker and the Green Bay Packers' Bryan Bulaga, and has better technique than the San Francisco 49ers' Joe Staley.

6. Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
Carter isn't an explosive edge rusher in the class of Robert Quinn or Von Miller, but he is more prepared to make an immediate impact. Carter has the athleticism and speed to chase down ballcarriers all over the field. He also is strong and uses his hands well to shed blockers. He has the instincts to read plays quickly. He will rack up tackles as a rookie -- he just won't make many game-changing plays. He will remind some of the Kansas City Chiefs' Derrick Johnson and the Houston Texans' Brian Cushing.

7. Stefan Wisniewski, C, Penn State
Wisniewski is super smart and technically sound with the athleticism to start at center or guard as a rookie. He handled several big and strong Big Ten defensive tackles, which should prepare him well for life in the NFL. Unlike many college centers, Wisniewski is a good athlete who blocks effectively in the open field and as a pass protector. Wisniewski will need to get stronger, however, to become a dominant blocker.
 
Top Bottom