NFL Prospects at the 2011 Combine

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 1, 2011

NFL Prospects at the 2011 Combine

A.J. Green

Green is a game-breaking receiver with the skills to be a No. 1 wideout at the next level. He does not possess Calvin Johnson ability but is the best and safest prospect available in April.

Da'Quan Bowers

The Tigers' pass rusher extraordinaire was a force in the ACC from his freshman campaign on. He has all the skills to be an impact lineman at the next level and would do well in a four-man front.

Nick Fairley

Fairley was one of the most dominant defensive players in the country last season after breaking into Auburn's starting lineup. He has the skills to play several positions on the defensive line and can be an immediate starter.

Marcell Dareus

Dareus was the dominant force on the Alabama defensive line, a unit that has put a lot of talent in the NFL the past two drafts.

Cameron Jordan

Jordan finished off a stellar college career by wowing scouts at the Senior Bowl. He's the top senior prospect.

Aldon Smith

Smith suffered through the '10 season with injury, yet at times looked like a one-man wrecking crew. Teams must watch the '09 film to see the explosive Smith at his best or they will be doing themselves a disservice.

Von Miller

He was considered by most as the top 3-4 outside linebacker prospect in the draft. Now Miller ranks as the top 4-3 weak side prospect after a great week at the Senior Bowl.

Robert Quinn

A year ago, many mentioned Quinn's name in the conversation for the first pick in this year's draft, but a season-long suspension pushes him out of the top eight.

Blaine Gabbert

The Missouri junior is a strong-armed QB, but will need time to acclimate himself to a disciplined NFL passing system.

Cam Newton

Newton is all the rage outside of scouting circles but NFL decision-makers are not yet convinced. There's no doubting his physical skills, but many wonder how long it will take Newton to develop into a disciplined NFL-style passer.

Mark Ingram

The '09 Heisman Trophy winner was hobbled by preseason knee surgery and lost an edge on his game last season. Still, Ingram is one of the few complete backs available in this year's draft.

J.J. Watt

The former tight end has been a devastating force since moving to the defensive side of the ball. Watt is athletic, powerful and a defender who viciously sacks the quarterback or chases down running backs in pursuit.

Julio Jones

Jones was a dominant presence from Day 1 at Alabama. Despite his enormous talent he does not consistently play like a number one receiver, which concerns NFL scouts.

Akeem Ayers

Ayers is one of the most complete linebackers available in April's draft. He has the athleticism to be used as a weak-side defender in a conventional alignment as well as the strength to stand up over tackle in a 3-4 system.

Ryan Kerrigan

One of the most polished seniors in the draft, Kerrigan has the skill, character and work ethic that scouts love. His 255-pound frame is a slight concern.

Adrian Clayborn

Scouts graded the Iowa product as one of the highest rated seniors before the season began, but a disappointing campaign in 2010 has caused him to slip.

Derek Sherrod

Sherrod has shot straight up draft boards after a terrific senior campaign. He's one of the few pure left tackles available in the draft.

Ryan Mallett

Mallett is a pure pocket passer and enters April's draft with possibly the strongest arm of any quarterback available. He needs a lot of work on his fundamentals and decision-making.

Nate Solder

The former tight end is considered a project in the works. He has the size and athleticism to start at the all important left tackle spot yet needs to polish his game.

Anthony Castonzo

Castonzo's stock is on the rise after impressing scouts the past five months. He offers potential at both offensive tackle spots.

Muhammad Wilkerson

Wilkerson is one of the most underrated defensive line prospects in April's draft. He's a great combination of size, athleticism and brute force.

Gabe Carimi

Carimi played well against top competition last season and continued the momentum with a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. He's another with possibilities at either tackle positions.

Marvin Austin

The incredibly talented Austin flashed dominance in Carolina yet also displayed a lot of inconsistency and poor judgment in his college career.

Torrey Smith

Smith is one of the few game-breaking receivers available in April. He needs work on the details of his game yet comes with a high upside.

Jake Locker

Locker's physical skills and leadership qualities are early round-one caliber. His poor mechanics, accuracy and often suspect decision-making drops him a full round.

Titus Young

Young is drawing comparisons to DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles. He's a play-making receiver who also breaks games open as a return specialist.

Kendall Hunter

Hunter lacks the size to be a feature runner in the NFL but has the makings of a Leon Washington-type player.

Colin Kaepernick

Kaepernick answered the call at the Senior Bowl and improved his draft stock by a full round. The combine will give him an opportunity to prove it was no fluke.

Jerrell Powe

Powe is a big man who controls the line of scrimmage. He's a dominant force at the top of his game yet has stretches where he disappears from the action.