Talent and Tenacity Abounds in the 2010 NFL Draft

Most anyone would feel cowed to walk into a room and be confronted with Ndamukong Suh's behemoth 6'4", 307 lb. frame. Over the next decade, it's likely that many offensive lineman will have to spend hours studying his film as they try to prepare to stop the tsunami-like force that he brings to the defensive tackle position. Then there's Eric Berry, Tennessee's 6'0", 211 lb heat-seeking missile who roams the defensive backfield with an alarming sense of awareness and a viscous vendetta. The wide receiver pool features the troubled, but outrageously talented Dez Bryant. And of course, everyone knows about the quarterbacks.

Even upon closer examination, the list goes on for quite a while.

With such a deep draft class this year, it's helpful to briefly analyze some of the top talent at each skill position. In just a few days, this talent will be divvied up and fans all across the country will be excited about the potential of their new rookies. Let's take a look at what they have to be excited about.

QUARTERBACK

Sam Bradford, 6'4", 236 lbs, Oklahoma -- Despite having his AC joint in his shoulder reconstructed during the 2009 NCAA season, the former Heisman winner is considered by some to be the top quarterback of the draft class. Numerous teams have analyzed Bradford's shoulder and the consensus is that it's completely healed. During his workout at Oklahoma, Bradford completed 62 out of 63 passes, demonstrating fluidity, accuracy, and power in his throwing motion. Coaches in attendance could not stop singing his praises after his impressive performance. Moreover, the game film of Bradford when he was healthy at Oklahoma is enough to make any QB connoisseur salivate. NFL.com's scouting report on Bradford, however, cautions that he needs to bulk up and not hold on to the ball too long.

Jimmy Clausen, 6,3", 222 lbs, Notre Dame -- Despite Bradford's raw talent, the case can be made for Jimmy Clausen as the best QB of this draft. Since Notre Dame runs a more traditional pro-style offense as opposed to a spread offense, Clausen has more experience taking snaps under center. Moreover, he is a smart quarterback who can identify coverages and use his feet to buy time. Therefore, NFL analyst, Pat Kirwan said in a recent article that "Clausen won't struggle because he comes from a traditional NFL-type offense, and the more prepared a QB is when he first steps on the field goes a long way to creating a path for success." However, while Clausen has decent arm strength, he won't wow NFL scouts with the velocity of his throws.

Colt McCoy, 6'1", 216 lbs, Texas -- McCoy is an intelligent quarterback that played well in the Texas system, although right now scouts don't rank him as high as either Bradford or Clausen. However, during his pro day, he threw 55 passes, all of which were completions. Like Bradford, McCoy is coming off of shoulder injury which does not help the concerns that some teams have about his arm strength. McCoy might very well emerge as a solid NFL starter, but probably as a late 1st or even as a 2nd round pick.

Tim Tebow, 6,3", 236 lbs, Florida -- The former Heisman winner has as much going for him as against him. Few QBs have had such a dramatic impact on college football. His raw talent is definitely attractive and if it can be harnessed by a good QB coach in the NFL, Tebow will be a very good NFL player. Moreover, he's a strong Christian who lives out his faith with character, so there's no off-the-field concerns with him. However, he did not play in a system where he had to read defenses and he has trouble with accuracy.

RUNNINGBACK

C.J. Spiller, 5'11", 196 lbs, Clemson -- Despite being slated as a first round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, C.J. Spiller stayed in college to finish his degree and rack up more experience. The decision paid off and he now might be a top-10 pick of the very deep 2010 draft. Spiller ran for 3,480 yards in his four years at Clemson with 31 TDs and he also is a good receiver out of the backfield as evidenced by his 1,362 receiving yards and 11 TDs. However, he's built to compete like a Reggie Bush type back. Whoever drafts him will have a runningback who has the potential to score anytime he touches the ball due to his lightning speed, but he's not a workhorse back.

Jahvid Best, 5'10", 199 lbs, California -- Best is a lot like Spiller, having the speed and determination to dart through small holes and turn short runs into long gains. After three years with Cal, he ran for 2,668 yards and scored 29 TDs. He brings speed, quickness and explosiveness to the backfield, running a 4.35 40-yard dash at the Combine. However, NFL.com's scouting report on Best warns, "Durability is a real concern after missing time due to various ailments throughout career. Is not a power runner. Will need to improve his blocking ability in the passing game."

Jonathan Dwyer, 5'11", 229 lbs, Georgia Tech -- Unlike Best and Spiller, Dwyer brings a speedy, grinding force to the backfield that gives him the potential to be an every-down back. He's built like a bull and will muscle through defenders for the extra yards and he's a decent blocker. However, because of his size, he gives up some elusiveness and quickness. Moreover, he ran in an option style offense in Georgia Tech that's not indicative of a pro-style offense. Ultimately, though, he's an intriguing pick at the runningback position that gives some teams options outside of the Best-Spiller type of back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Dez Bryant, 6'2", 225 lbs, Oklahoma State -- Bryant embodies the typical modern NFL wide receiver with his outrageous skill coupled with concerns about his maturity. According to Dez Bryant's profile on ESPN, he caught 147 balls for 2,425 yards and 29 TDs. However, because of violating an NCAA bylaw, Bryant was ruled ineligible to finish out the 2009 NCAA season after only three games. Physically, Bryant is as gifted as they come and has drawn comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald for his physicality and for his ability to out-jump defenders. These physical abilities and Bryant's game film ultimately are helping his stock rise as we approach the NFL draft, despite maturity concerns. Perhaps Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings has helped Bryant's stock by showing what happens when teams passed on a highly talented but potentially troubled wide receiver.

Golden Tate, 5'10", 199 lbs, Notre Dame -- Tate is a solid wide receiver in many different facets of the game, making him a safe and reliable pick. He aggressively goes for the ball, using his body well to shield defenders. Moreover, he is a high-character player with a good work ethic. However, scouts are concerned because of his top end speed and quickness, which are surprisingly lacking from such a small receiver.

Demaryius Thomas, 6,3", 229 lbs, Georgia Tech -- Although probably only a 2nd or 3rd round pick, Thomas provides intriguing upside at the wide receiver position. He broke his foot at a workout in early February, so he needs to come back healthy from that, but otherwise, he does have a good mix of physical skill and speed to make for a good NFL wide receiver. Based on his game film, he's a competitor who shows up to play especially during the big games when it counts. According to a USA Today article on draft prospects, "What they'll see is an exceptional big-play star, as evidenced last season when he grabbed 46 passes for 1,154 yards, a 25.1-yard a catch average. Thomas is a huge target with large hands and can make tough catches. He shows surprising turn-and-go speed, and if he is able to put it all together, he should be a star in the NFL."

TIGHT END

Jermaine Gresham, 6'5", 261 lbs, Oklahoma -- Gresham has injury concerns due to a season ending knee injury that caused him to miss the entire 2009 season. He also has questionable blocking skills for a tight end, although he can be a good downfield blocker. However, Gresham is an athletic specimen who can be an impact receiving tight end and will be one of the top tight end picks in this draft. He caught 25 touchdown passes in his last two seasons at Oklahoma.

Rob Gronkowski, 6'6", 264 lbs, Arizona -- Gronkowski is a solid option at the tight end position. However, he does have injury concerns due to back surgery that caused him to miss the 2009 season. He also isn't going to stretch the field from the tight end position. However, when healthy, he's a solid and reliable receiving threat. According to the USA Today article previously cited, "But he has the perfect size, athleticism, strength and soft hands that scouts want. In a little less than two seasons, Gronkowski became Arizona's career leading tight end in multiple receiving categories."

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Maurkice Pouncey, C, 6'5", 318 lbs, Florida -- Pouncey is a gritty and intelligent player that can anchor a line from the center. He plays with ferocity, but backs it up with awareness and savvy. Probably won't go until the later part of the 1st round or the early part of the 2nd round, where he will be excellent value for a team that's lacking a good center. Can be a little more consistent with finishing off his blocks and he did undergo surgery for a torn labrum. However, durability shouldn't be too much of a concern due to Pouncey's toughness.

Russell Okung, OT, 6'5", 307 lbs, Oklahoma State -- Russell Okung is probably the best offensive lineman in this year's draft. Has the talent to be a reliable blindside protector for a franchise quarterback. USA Today reports that, "In 2008, scouts noted his ability to neutralize Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, the Big 12 defensive player of the year and a Pro Bowler as a rookie for the Washington Redskins in 2009." Ultimately, he plays fundamental football, with one of his few weaknesses being that he sometimes plays tall. Should be a top-5 pick come draft day.

Bruce Campbell, OT, 6'6", 314 lbs, Maryland -- Campbell's major concerns are related to injuries. According to NFL.com's scouting report, he even has had issues with an injury to his brain. However, he's a competitive and fierce tackle who finishes his blocks well and if a team thinks he's overcome his health issues enough, he will be a solid contributor at tackle.

Trent Williams, OT, 6'5", 315 lbs, Oklahoma -- Williams will probably be a 1st round pick who will contribute to whoever drafts him to play in the NFL. He has excellent balance and footwork that is perfect for dealing with speedy, finesse defensive ends and outside linebackers that have become popular in the NFL these days. However, despite his size, he could still bulk up a bit to help him handle the power rushers that are particularly prevalent in 3-4 defenses.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Ndamukong Suh, DT, 6'4", 307 lbs, Nebraska -- Suh is arguably the best player in the 2010 NFL draft. Through four years at Nebraska, he played 54 games, made 214 tackles (125 solo), 24 sacks, and 41 hurries. Everything lines up for Suh to be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL, right next to names like Kris Jenkins and Haloti Ngata. The only minor concern is that Suh has sustained 2 minor knee injuries in the past, but there's nothing too worrisome here. NFL.com's scouting report lists Suh's strengths as: "Suh has a supreme blend of power and explosiveness from the defensive tackle spot. Possesses great size and strength to hold up at the point of attack in the running game or bull rush the pocket. Uses his athleticism and instincts to chase down running plays. Highly-competitive performer with a big-time motor. Terrific hand use to disengage against the run. Suh's been a highly-productive and versatile player during his career."

Gerald McCoy, DT, 6'4", 295 lbs, Oklahoma -- McCoy is a 4-3 defensive tackle with a high-powered game. A few predict he might be drafted ahead of Suh, though that is not likely. He has immense talent and physical skill, but he also complements those attributes with good leadership skills. Has the potential to be a top 5 pick in this draft and will be an immediate contributor in whichever 4-3 system that drafts him.

Terrence Cody, DT, 6'4", 354 lbs, Alabama -- Cody gives 3-4 teams an option for tackle that Suh and McCoy aren't necessarily suited for. With such a big frame, he will be a huge run stopper in the interior of any 3-4 line. However, endurance is a potential problem with Cody as he tends to get tired later on in games. Doesn't have great quickness and won't chase down players that get by him. As long as the play stays in front of him, he will be a force, but will need to make sure he can draw some blockers to free up linebackers behind him to make the plays.

LINEBACKERS

Rolando McClain, ILB, 6'3", 254 lbs, Alabama -- Rolando McClain is the captain of the Crimson Tide defense, which runs a complex, 3-4 pro-styled scheme. He plays smart and tough, knowing where to be at the right time while making sure tackles. He's not extremely quick, so man-to-man coverage can be a problem. Some say that he might have also benefited from playing behind Terrence Cody, but at least it shows he can take advantage of the opportunities he's given. Otherwise, he's a highly talented linebacker that will bring heady play and reliable tackling to whatever defense he joins.

Brandon Spikes, ILB, 6'3", 249 lbs, Florida -- Spikes is a ferocious tackler that goes for the big hits. He plays with a big heart and and even bigger motor. Although he's not terribly fast over long distances and can be beaten by counter plays due to slow change-of-direction speed, he diagnoses plays quickly, giving him the ability to blow up plays with highlight level tackles. However, his aggressiveness can be a downfall when he overpursues and could be a big reason why he's a 1st - 2nd round pick.

Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, 6'1", 239 lbs, Missouri-- McClain gives teams looking for an outside linebacker a reliable option, however, he can be a little slow at times and can misdiagnose plays leading to the giving up of big plays. According to NFL.com's scouting report, "Weatherspoon's a highly-productive linebacker. He possesses a great combination of size, strength and athleticism. Displays very good range against the run and dropping in coverage. Plays with good intelligence and has proven to be an outstanding leader. Has displayed the toughness to play through injuries. Durable performer in college."

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Joe Haden, CB, 5'11", 193 lbs, Florida -- A truly talented cornerback, Haden has the skillset to be a complete corner in the NFL. He shows excellent skills in coverage and roams the secondary like a ballhawk, bringing in his fair share of interceptions and knock downs. Of course, his ball hawking sometimes leads to gambling on some passes which he sometimes loses, however that's to be expected. Playing in the highly competitive SEC should be extremely helpful in his transition to the NFL and he should be solidly a 1st round pick.

Eric Berry, SS, 6'0", 211 lbs, Tennessee -- According to some scouts, Berry has the coverage skills to play corner, but his intensity and free roaming, ball hawking skills make him an ideal safety as well. That's where he'll probably end up at the NFL level. Has a few minor shoulder concerns, but otherwise plays at a high level. In three years at Tennessee, Berry racked up 214 tackles and 14 interceptions. Could be a top 5 pick in the draft and will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he ends up.

Earl Thomas, SS, 5'10" 208 lbs, Texas -- Even smaller than Berry, Thomas might be a little undersized to play safety in the NFL. Then again, that's what people said about Bob Sanders. He tackles well for his size and anticipates routes/ball placement in order to break up plays or make big interceptions. Perhaps he may get some time at cornerback or he'll be able to hold up and be a solid safety. Regardless, he should be an asset.

Taylor Mays, FS, 6'3", 230 lbs, Southern California -- Mays is even bigger than the late Sean Taylor, but it doesn't hamper his speed or his ability to patrol the last line of defense in the defensive backfield. He's probably the most athletic defensive back in this draft and should be a first round pick. Also like the late Taylor, Mays will sometimes try to go for the highlight hit or the big interception which leads to some slovenly techniques that can prove costly, especially in big games. Good coaching, however, should discipline him and help him combine his freakish athleticism with some smart play.