1. Matt Barkley, QB, USC (6-2, 230)While he might get knocked for his overall lack of height — he is generously listed at 6-2 — there is no better passer of the football than Barkley. He is the picture-perfect face of a franchise off the field and in the locker room. Barring a horrific injury, the Trojans will once again have a quarterback selected at No. 12. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU (6-4, 245)*As only a redshirt sophomoe, Montgomery landed on multiple All-American teams after leading his team to the SEC title. He is a freakish off-the-edge prospect who will be a premiere pass rusher this fall for LSU. The Tigers' leading sackmaster (9.0) also posted 49 tackles and 13.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.3. Robert Woods, WR, USC (6-1, 190)*He may not have the freakish measurables of Megatron or Larry Fitzgerald, but there is no more explosive (draft eligible) wide receiver in the nation. He already owns multiple USC and Pac-12 receiving records and is only a junior. In two years, he has 176 catches, 2,084 yards, 21 touchdowns and is a dangerous return man as well.4. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia (6-3, 241)*This do-everything hybrid was a Butkus finalist a year ago after leading the SEC with 13.5 sacks. The former USC transfer found a home in Todd Grantham's NFL-style 3-4 scheme and is poised for another huge season blitzing the passer. He is the most talented, most explosive hybrid player in this class as of today.5. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina (6-0, 220)*There is a running back who stands above all on the college gridiron and his last name is Lattimore. There is no more talented, no more complete player at this position than this Gamecock. He is the only "first round" back in the college game today as it takes a truly special talent to deserve a first-round pick. If he can prove this year that the ACL injury was simply a one-time thing, he will easily be the top back off the board next fall.6. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee (6-6, 213)*He has the NFL frame. He has the NFL arm. He simply needs to mature into the leader Vols fans need this fall to land in the first round. He can make every throw on the field and was on pace to challenge some Tennessee school records (1,328 yards and 14 TDs in four games) before breaking his thumb last fall. Should he stay healthy and lead Big Orange nation to a bowl game, he will grade out higher than names like Jones, Wilson, Smith or Thomas.7. David Amerson, CB, NC State (6-2, 194)*This guy is the complete package: Length, height, speed, instincts, play-making ability and scheme versatility. He led the nation with 13 interceptions last fall, and while he shouldn't come close to that number in 2012, he is all but locked in as the top coverman in next year's draft.8. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas (6-4, 260)Enters his senior season with 21 starts under his belt and there simply aren't many players with his skill set. He is powerful, athletic, quick and productive. He can play the run with ease on early downs and will terrorize passers on third down. A tireless worker, Okafor is a sure-fire first-rounder next fall.9. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal (6-3, 206)*This is a freakish athlete. The No. 1 player in the nation at his position as a recruit has lived up to the hype at Cal. He brings elite speed, agility, ball skills, competitive edge and leaping ability. Do yourself a favor and watch No. 21 for Cal — jaw-dropping is the only word that comes to mind when watching him play. He has 135 catches for 1,751 yards and 11 scores in only 19 starts.10. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin (6-6, 322)Gabe Carimi, Kevin Zeitler, Peter Konz, John Moffitt, Kraig Urbik, and Bill Nagy are the Badgers' offensive lineman who have been drafted since 2009. Wagner is the next in a long line of bookend tackles from Madison.11. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas (6-5, 250)*The son of NFLer Jim Jeffcoat, Jackson exhibits extreme polish and high football IQ for a player of his age. In his first full season as the starter, he posted 54 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks as only a sophomore. He and Okafor should give Texas the top defense in the Big 12. 12. Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn (6-4, 240)*An elite recruit coming out of high school, Lemonier broke out on a bad defense as only a sophomore. He posted 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks and forced five fumbles. He can get to the passer in a hurry and NFL scouts will love his measurables. He should fit extremely well into new coordinator Brian VanGorder's NFL scheme, which should only help his draft stock.13. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame (6-2, 255)This position, like safety or guard, generally isn't a top ten overall position. But Te'o is the best option in this class and he will likely finish his career with incredible statistics. He has the sideline-to-sideline ability needed to stay on the field all three downs and is a natural leader. A truly great year in South Bend will solidify Te'o as this class' top linebacker.14. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama (6-5, 302)Jones has been an All-SEC-type performer at literally every position on the offensive line. He has already excelled as a guard, won the Outland Trophy at left tackle and will be an All-American candidate at center this season. While he won't get drafted this highly if he lands at guard or center, he could go even higher if he eventually projects as a tackle. There may not be a better all-around football player in the nation than Jones this fall.15. Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma (5-10, 200)*This stellar athlete has played a hybrid S/OLB role for the first two years of his career in Norman. Now, with new coordinators Tim Kish and Mike Stoops calling the shots, scouts should expect a huge season from the Sooners safety. He is a freakish athlete who has as much range as any player in the nation. He is physical, a leader and simply makes plays. He has six interceptions, 6.5 sacks, 139 total tackles and 14.5 tackles for a loss — as a defensive back. Expect huge things from Jefferson this fall.16. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia (6-3, 215)The first thing scouts will notice about Smith will be his arm. He has a massive arm that is lightning quick and powerful enough to make every throw. He has the size to grade out as a first-rounder and has been incredibly productive in the same system that just produced Brandon Weeden. He will likely break most major West Virginia passing records this season.17. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State (6-4, 317)*As only a sophomore, Hankins emerged as one of the Buckeyes' most talented D-Liners. The massive tackle was all over the field with 67 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss and three sacks last fall. Hankins will be the first of many Urban Meyer first-round defensive lineman, something he was known for at Florida. This big fella will be one of two potential OSU first-round defensive lineman, along with John Simon, in next year's draft. This is one stock that could sky-rocket over the next six months.18. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama (6-6, 335)*The measurables are off the charts for big Fluker. He will need to prove his talents this season and he will get knocked for playing alongside so many talented blockers. But he will wow scouts at the combine and his team is a lock for success in 2012. There is still much to be proven for Fluker, but his raw talents are obvious.19. T.J. McDonald, S, USC (6-3, 205)The long-time stabilizing force of the Trojan defense will finally have to depart USC's secondary after 2012. But his resume, after enduring two sanction-riddled seasons, should be as complete as possible (especially, if USC plays for the national title). He has the size, physicality, speed, intangibles and statistics. He has posted 146 tackles and six interceptions over the last two seasons.20. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas (6-3, 220)In his first season as the starter, Wilson finished second in the SEC in passing efficiency and posted an incredible 24:6 touchdown-to-interception rate. He has a solid arm, solid size and solid all-around skill set for the next level. However, he needs to prove his talents against the best defenses college has to offer — LSU and Alabama. He threw for 196.0 yards per game, with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the Razorbacks' 77-31 combined losses to the Tigers and Tide last year. He has the skills needed to succeed in the NFL, but proving his mettle without Bobby Petrino on the sideline will go a long way to securing a first round pick.21. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah (6-4, 325)This monstrosity is one name that could land in the top ten with a soild year in Salt Lake City. He claimed the Morris Trophy, given to the Pac-12's top defensive lineman, a year ago after collecting 44 tackles and 9.0 tackles for a loss. He is impossible to double team and can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme.22. Barkevious Mingo, OLB/DE, LSU (6-5, 240)*Mingo doesn't get the same pub his teammate Montgomery gets, but his talents aren't too far behind. He is a bit bigger than Montgomery but not quite as explosive. Otherwise, their skill sets are very similar. He has the ability to play in a 3-4 as that coveted hybrid OLB/DE position. He won't have the same grade as the best player at his position (Jarvis Jones) but has first-round talent.23. John Simon, DE, Ohio State (6-2, 260)He is a bit undersized and will likely have to play outisde rush backer in a 3-4 or a more traditional end role in a 4-3. But there may not be a stronger player in this draft than Simon. He is an extremely physical, powerful player whose motor never shuts off. He is an all-around football player who should play a long time in the NFL.24. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State (6-2, 185)Banks, like Amerson, has excellent size and toughness for the cornerback position. He is a sure tackler, has excellent open space agility and led his team in interceptions a year ago with five. He posted eight tackles for a loss, a rarity for a coverman.25. Eric Reid, S, LSU (6-2, 210)*This superstar not only made the biggest play of the regular season last year but has more superior athletic ability than nearly every player at his position. He is a monster factor at the backend of the Bayou defense as he led this loaded roster in tackles a year ago (76). He has the size, speed, range, instincts and tackling skill to easily land in the first round.26. Johnny Adams, CB, Michigan State (5-11, 175)A fixture in the Spartans' Big Ten-leading defense, Adams has played in 42 games and started 28 before the start of his final season. His has adequate size, is extremely well coached, and, as corners have risen into the first round more often of late, should hear his name called in round one next spring.27. Matt Elam, S, Florida (5-10, 210)*This electric athlete was a well-known commodity as a high schooler when he came to Florida as the top safety prospect in the nation. He emerged as a sophomore as the Gators' team leader in tackles for a loss (11.0), forced fumbles (2) and pass breakups (7). With a good year under former safety Will Muschamp, it will be hard to keep him out of the first round.28. Oday Aboushi, OL, Virginia (6-6, 310)Mike London has reestablished the UVa brand name in football circles and Aboushi, with another stellar season along the line, will hear his name called very early in the 2013 draft. He will be packaged with fellow NFL prospect Morgan Moses on one of the ACC's top blocking units in 2012.29. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina (6-8, 267)His measurables are off the charts (if not a bit overzealous on the official school site), and the NFL scouts will love him when he gets to the combine. He is a play-maker with ideal size for the NFL defensive line. He has started 32 games in the SEC heading into his final year and has 15.5 career sacks.30. Alex Hurst, OT, LSU (6-6, 340)This big fella will lead what could be the natin's best team in 2012. He has the size, coaching, experience and overall athleticism to be a first-round pick. He should finish his career with nearly 50 games of experience and potentially 36 starts against the best NCAA football defensive lines have to offer in the SEC.31. Kwame Geathers, DT, Georgia (6-6, 350)*He is huge. He is powerful. He plays for an NFL 3-4 scheme. Geathers could easily find his way into the top ten if he plays as well as expected this fall. He will be one of the country's biggest prospects at 6-6 and 350 pounds. He is immovable at times and NFL scouts tend to like that. Fellow tackle John Jenkins might also be good enough to play his way onto this list as well. Good luck trying to move the interior of the UGA line this fall.32. Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU (5-9, 175)*The Honey Bagder is one of the more controversial propects in the nation. He is small. He isn't a truly great coverman. But he makes big plays on special teams and plays extremely hard. It will be very interesting to see if he lands in the first round.The Best of the Rest:33. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame34. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue35. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State*36. Jelani Jenkins, LB, Florida*37. Khaled Holmes, C, USC38. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin39. Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami40. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee*41. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina42. Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas*43. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma44. Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA45. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M46. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia47. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan48. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M49. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State50. Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
They're all mediocre and Buffalo and Arizona are crazy.If I had to guess, I'd say it ranks as 1. Barkley2. Glennon3. Wilson4. Smith
But seriously, it's going to be interesting to see how/if they make the transition to a 4-3.
Oh goody! what'd I win? what'd I win?
