As I completed yesterday’s column, of the Top Offensive Prospects for the 2011 NFL Draft, I was gathering my thoughts and comparing current NFL players vs. College prospects, I noticed a few acronyms I attached to some prospects that need explaining. (ATH) = Athlete; A player with outstanding athletic ability that has a chance to play another position. (RS) = Return Specialist; A player (Running Back, Wide Receiver, Defensive Back) that has the skills, speed and production to return both Punts and Kickoff Returns.
As I developed the list of Top Defensive prospects, keep in mind these are the players that I have evaluated to this point and will add more prospects as I receive tape. Prospects are listed alpha by position.
CORNERS:
Curtis Brown Texas
Ras- I Dowling Virginia
Marcus Gilchrist Clemson
Devon House New Mexico
Brandon Hogan West Virginia
Johnny Patrick Louisville
Jimmy Smith Colorado
SAFETIES:
Ahmad Black Florida
Quinton Carter Oklahoma
Jeron Johnson Boise State
Deunta Williams North Carolina
LINEBACKERS:
Inside side:
Greg Jones Michigan State
Colin McCarty Miami
Kelvin Sheppard LSU
Quan Sturdivant North Carolina
Outside:
Bruce Carter North Carolina
Jermey Beal Oklahoma
Mark Herzlich Boston College
Von Miller Texas A&M
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:
Tackles:
Marvin Austin North Carolina
Kendrick Ellis Hampton
Jarvis Jenkins Clemson
Stephen Paea Oregon State
Ends:
Allen Bailey Miami
Adrian Clayborn Iowa
Ryan Kerrigan Purdue
Look for tomorrows column, I will list what I feel are the top Underclassmen that are heavily rumored of declaring for the 2011 draft. Underclassmen are Juniors (three years removed from High School), or Red-Shirt Sophomores (red-shirt; means the prospect sat out a season for growth, medical, or academics and did not participate in games, but was allowed to practice).
