2010 NFL Draft prospects playing in Florida-Bama SEC Championship

The SEC Championship Game between Florida and Alabama will be played Saturday, giving the country a preview of some of the players who will be competing on Sundays a year from now. Here's a look at the top NFL prospects playing in the title game, listed as they rank on the 2010 NFL Draft board today (*denotes underclassmen):

Joe Haden*/CB: Haden is the most complete cornerback in the nation. He offers terrific ball skills with the ability to shut down opponents and hold his own in run defense. He's expected to be the first cornerback selected. Middle of the first round.

Brandon Spikes/LB: Spikes is one of the most forceful linebackers in the nation and plays with a nastiness that's not been witnessed in a while. The versatility to be used at several spots in the front seven only enhances his value. Middle first round

Carlos Dunlap*/DE: The defensive end is an imposing figure with the physical skills to take over games. Problem is, Dunlap does not consistently play to his potential and has been known to have motivational concerns. His recent off-the-field transgressions, which will keep him from playing Saturday, will cause him to further slip in next April's draft, which he's expected to enter. Late first round

Maurkice Pouncey*/C: Pouncey is one of the most dominant centers in the nation. He clears the middle of the field with brute strength while also displaying the agility to destroy opponents while blocking in motion. He could be the first center selected if he leaves for the NFL. Late first round

Tim Tebow/QB: Tebow ends his career at Florida as one of the top college players of the past half-century. He has the physical skills and intangibles to lead a franchise if a team patiently develops his skills. Second round

Jermaine Cunningham/DE: Cunningham does not receive the notoriety many of his teammates get yet has done nothing but make plays the past two seasons. He's a disruptive pass rusher who lacks the size to play defensive end at the next level. He may shift to outside linebacker. Middle second round

Aaron Hernandez*/TE: Hernandez is another junior most think will enter April's draft. He's a terrific pass catcher who holds his own as a blocker. He will not blow scouts away with his size and speed, but his football skills are evident on film. Late second round

Ahmad Black*/S: Black is a terrific run defender who lays it on the line to stop ball carriers. He lacks classic safety size yet plays big and physical. Black showed significant improvement in his game this season and is believed to be considering a jump to the NFL. Third round

Michael Pouncey*/G: Pouncey has rounded into a solid lineman as both a run blocker and pass protector. He lacks the upside and versatility of his twin brother, Maurkice, but is still a legitimate NFL prospect. Fourth round

Riley Cooper/WR: Cooper is coming off a terrific season in which he put up career numbers. He's a smart, tough football player with a nose for the end zone. Cooper projects as a possession receiver and could nicely fit in as a third or fourth wideout for an NFL team. Fourth round

Rolando McClain*/LB: McClain plays a more cerebral brand of football compared to Florida's Spikes and also creates opportunities for his team. He's a dominant run defender who also displays skill in pass coverage. McClain is expected to enter the draft and has immediate starting potential at the next level. Middle first round

Terrence Cody/DT: NFL scouts have wide ranging opinions on where Cody will be selected. There's no doubting he's a dominant interior player who controls the line of scrimmage when his motor's running. Such players are usually selected earlier than most predict. Middle first round

Kareem Jackson*/CB: Jackson is swiftly moving up draft boards and most think the junior is headed to the NFL after the season. He's been a shutdown corner for the Tide since his freshman season and is a productive special teams player. Second round

Javier Arenas/CB: Arenas has been a reliable starter in the Tide's secondary the past two seasons, yet his real value at the next level will be on special teams. He's a terrific return specialist on punts and kicks. Third round

Colin Peek/TE: Peek has been one of the surprise performers this season. He's developing into an all-around tight end and has exceeded the expectations of NFL scouts. Peek has elevated himself from a free-agent prospect to a draftee. Fourth round