Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Draft Prospects
Top 5 By Position - Offense

These rankings do not reflect where these players will go in the draft or how I think they will fall in the draft. It is just how good I think these players are on my personal draft board.

I have a key to better understand my star system:
: Elite Prospect
: Top 8 Prospect
: Solid First-Round Prospect
: Fringe First-Round Prospect; Very Strong Round 2 Prospect
: Second-Round Prospect
: Third-Round Prospect
: 4th-5th Round Prospect
: Late Round/Undrafted Free Agent



Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Draft Prospects:
Top Five Defensive Players By Position

Nov. 4, 2009

Quarterbacks

1. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
   Clausen has been absolutely awesome this season - period. He has very good arm strength and has shown very impressive accuracy and leadership. He is a competitor. Clausen has thrown for 68 percent completions, 10.5 YPA, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. If his receiver didn't quit on him, he would have pulled the win in Michigan. Clausen is looking like he - not Bradford nor Snead - will be the first quarterback selected next April.
   
   
2. Jake Locker, Washington
   Locker has thrown four interceptions in his last two games. The talent is so bad around him that I won't hold it all against him, but to say he is a better quarterback than Clausen is really going out on a limb considering his limited experience in the West Coast offense.
   
   
3. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
   Bradford has far more questions than answers at this point. Does he have the confidence to lead a team in the league? Does he have the arm strength to fit balls into tight windows? Can he transition to a pro-style offense? Is he mentally tough?
   
   
4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
   Mallett's footwork is as raw as most high school quarterbacks coming into college. He is a project.
   
   
5. Tony Pike, Cincinnati
   Pike has below-average arm strength, but is very decisive and intelligent under center. I like his accuracy.
   
   

Running Backs

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson
   I rank Spiller above Best because he is more well-rounded. He has elite speed, but he is also a punt returner and has improved his pass blocking from a season ago.
   
   
2. Jahvid Best, California
   Best is a downhill running back, but lacks the size to be a No. 1 in the NFL. He has elite athletic ability and will be a home run threat in the league. What hurts Best the most is he can't be trusted on third down in pass protection.
   
   
3. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
   Dwyer lacks a second gear and some vision. He's a solid running back, but I doubt he will be a star in the league.
   
   
4. Anthony Dixon, Mississippi State
   Dixon is a powerful runner and has good agility. I love what I saw on his tape against Kentucky. He runs with good pad level and keeps his legs pumping after contact.
   
   
5. Evan Royster, Penn State
   Royster puts out inconsistent effort, and has mediocre size and speed. He is very tough and is a good receiver, but he doesn't project as a No. 1 back. He looks like an average third-down back.
   
   

Fullbacks

1. Tim Tebow, Florida
   Tebow's best quality is his ability to lower his shoulders and get yardage after contact. These are fullback qualities - not quarterback qualities.
   
   
2. Rashawn Jackson, Virginia
   Jackson is athletic and brings some versatility at fullback.
   
   
3. John Conner, Kentucky
   Conner is an old-school back who is an elite blocker. He isn't that athletic, but he has consistent hands.
   
   

Wide Receivers

1. Damian Williams, USC
   Williams is an elite route runner who will have a smooth transition into the league. I love his hands and damage after the catch. Williams does profile as a No. 1 receiver, but not on the level of the Johnson brothers (Calvin and Andre).
   
   
2. Brandon LaFell, LSU
   LaFell has played amazing ball this season showing great run after the catch, route running, blocking, and focus. He has sneaky athleticism and will likely be a first-rounder like Dwayne Bowe.
   
   
3. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
   Bryant lacks speed to stretch a defense, but he does have very quick lateral movement. Missing the rest of the season won't have a huge affect on this draft stock unless it becomes known that he has a very diva attitude.
   
   
4. Arrelious Benn, Illinois
   Benn has some underrated speed and is a solid route runner. Juice Williams has really hurt his draft stock this season, but Benn has dropped a few balls.
   
   
5. Eric Decker, Minnesota
   Decker will be a very solid No. 2 possession receiver in the NFL. He has great concentration and toughness.
   
   

Tight Ends

1. Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
   Despite the injury, I still consider Gresham a first-round talent because of his physical tools.
   
   
2. Ed Dickson, Oregon
   Dickson is a solid receiver with good athleticism after the catch. His blocking will go under microscope.
   
   
3. Weslye Saunders, South Carolina
   Saunders is a huge target and is looking to break out this season. He needs more performances such as his game against Georgia.
   
   
4. Dedrick Epps, Miami
   Epps has good athletic ability and might be an H-back in the NFL.
   
   
5. Anthony McCoy, USC
   McCoy's athletic ability is greatly overrated at this point; an inconsistent blocker.
   
   

Offensive Tackles

1. Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
   Okung is getting close to my highly valued 5-star rating.
   
   
2. Bruce Campbell, Maryland
   Campbell is a freak of nature athletically and has very good footwork. He's a likely top-10 pick.
   
   
3. Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
   Bulaga's instincts are questionable and he doesn't have elite agility or knee flexion, but he is a great run blocker and has solid footwork. He is a likely top-20 pick for some team at right tackle.
   
   
4. Charles Brown, USC
   Brown made my Top 25 Big Board this preseason, and he backed up that projection by being an elite pass protector for the Trojans. Can a sub-300 pound tackle go in the first round? We'll find out.
   
   
5. Trent Williams, Oklahoma
   Williams has been Mr. Inconsistent this year and scouts might tear him apart. Don't be shocked if he is a second rounder when all is said and done.
   
   

Guards

1. Mike Pouncey, Florida
   Pouncey has great size and strength with solid athletic ability and body control. He needs to polish up his technique as he has a tendency to bend at the waist too much.
   
   
2. Mike Iupati, Idaho
   I'm giving Iupati a conservative grade until I see him at the Senior Bowl in Mobile.
   
   
3. Jon Asamoah, Illinois
   Asamoah is athletic and plays with solid technique. Good all-around player.
   
   

Centers

1. Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State
   Wisniewki will be highly regarded by zone-blocking teams. He reminds me of Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jeff Faine with his technique and athleticism.
   
   
2. Kris O'Dowd, USC
   O'Dowd has good mobility to get to the second level, but I want to see that killer instinct.
   
   
3. J.D. Walton, Baylor
   Walton brings the lunch pail to work on Saturdays. Love his physicality.
   
   

Matt McGuire's 2010 NFL Draft Prospects:
Top Five Defensive Players By Position

Matt McGuire's 2009 NFL Draft Prospects:
Top Five Offensive Players By Position

Matt McGuire's 2008 NFL Draft Prospects:
Top Five Offensive Players By Position




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