An Early Look at Ten Top Prospects From the Big Ten

The Big Ten football conference is rich with NFL talent as usual, but is unusually very heavy at the top of most early draft boards available.  The Big Ten might not have the sort of impact on the top ten of the 2011 NFL Draft as the Big 12 did in 2010, but there are certainly some elite level athletes available.  Here is an early look at ten of the best prospects from the smashmouth conference that is the Big Ten.

 
1.  Adrian Clayborn, Defensive Lineman, Iowa, Senior
6'3" 282
 
Clayborn has the look of an ideal defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.  He has unusual quickness for his stout frame, and is always causing havoc in the offensive backfield.  Clayborn has had a couple of off-field issues in his time at Iowa, but there is no question this kid is the type of high motor playmaker any defense will crave.  He is extremely versatile and active around the ball.  He is rarely caught out of place, and is equally as effective in pass rushing situations as he is against the run.  Coming from Iowa, he is coming from a relatively conservative defense in which the front four are often the sole group applying pressure on the quarterback.  Not only has Iowa been one of the Nation's leaders in forcing turnovers, but Clayborn has been a driving force for the Hawkeye defense, and should be primed for a huge senior season.

2.  Cameron Heyward, Defensive Lineman, Ohio State, Senior
6'6" 288

Heyward is just a step behind Clayborn in terms of productivity and being a playmaker in general, but this is another kid who is going to be the prized prospect for a 3-4 defense.  Heyward is an extremely versatile performer on the defensive line who has been a starter for the Buckeyes since he was a freshman.  Due to the fact that 3-4 defensive ends are often hard to find in purebreeds, Heyward will be a hot commodity on draft day.  He and Clayborn are considered by many to be in the top five or six senior prospects in the entire draft regardless or position, and that recognition is well deserved.  Heyward has excellent intangibles, which are recognized by being on the early season Lott Award watch list.

3.  Gabe Carimi, Offensive Lineman, Wisconsin, Senior
6'7" 325
 
Carimi is considered to be the best offensive line prospect in the entire 2011 NFL Draft.  At 6'7" 325 pounds, he is the absolute ideal size, but he couples that with what appears to be elite athleticism, reportedly running the 40 yard dash in under five seconds.  Depending on who is selecting, Carimi could be taken first overall with the high demand for elite left tackles.  The First Team All-Big Ten performer certainly has the physical tools, and if he has a dominant senior season, he will almost certainly be picked in the top five in 2011.

4.  Evan Royster, Running Back, Penn State, Senior
6'1" 213
 
If there is one thing I know about Royster, it's that he has a motor that never stops, and that is something you love in a running back.  He has ideal size, and above average speed for the position.  Royster enters his senior season poised to break the Penn State rushing record, and he looks to bounce back after a somewhat slow junior year where his yards and touchdowns both decreased.  A decent receiver out of the backfield, Royster should find a home on day one of the 2011 NFL Draft depending on the underclassmen that declare at the running back position.  As of now, I would say he is the second best back potentially in the draft behind Alabama's Mark Ingram.

via ericthomas.files.wordpress.com

 
5.  Greg Jones, Linebacker, Michigan State, Senior
6'1" 225

Jones is simply a tackling machine.  He racked up over 150 tackles in 2009, And was an All American selection along with his selection to the All Big Ten squad.  Though he is undersized for a traditional inside linebacker, Jones projects very well to a 4-3 scheme as a guy who will roam around the middle of the field and simply make plays. 

6.  John Moffitt, Offensive Guard, Wisconsin, Senior
6'5" 320
 
A massive offensive guard prospect who is on the early 2010 Lombardi Award Watch List.  Along with Gabe Carimi, Moffitt gives the Badgers one of the most fearsome guard/tackle combinations in all of college football.  His production might go slightly unnoticed because of Carimi on the outside, but Moffitt should find a home no later than day two of the draft.

7.  Ryan Donahue, Punter, Iowa, Senior
6'3" 190

This might seem to be an odd list to find a punter, but Donahue is a prospect who is going to make an impact on the NFL, and his presence will be felt early.  He is an extremely accurate punter who has great power behind his kicks.  Donahue has a booming foot, and will probably be selected higher than many are used to seeing a punter go.  He has great NFL prospects, and will be an instant impact player in the league.

8.  Justin Boren, Offensive Guard, Ohio State, Senior
6'3" 315
 
Nasty guard prospect who will be opening holes for Brandon Saine in 2011, and is on the preliminary watch list for the Lombardi Award.  Nice compact size for a guard, who is extremely powerful in the running game.

9.  Brandon Saine, Running Back, Ohio State, Senior
6'1" 217
 
Saine's combination of great size and speed (4.43 40 yard dash) really intrigue me.  He has yet to really break out from the crowded backfields that Ohio State has had in previous years, but he has made the most of his opportunities to be sure.  I think he will really break out as a senior for the Buckeyes, and is a sleeper name to watch for the 2011 NFL Draft.  There is not much tread on his tires just yet, so whatever NFL team gets Saine is going to be getting a speedy player with excellent size and unlimited potential.

 

via lebrownstown.com

10.  Christian Ballard, Defensive End, Iowa, Senior
6'5" 285
 
This guy will be one to watch for 2011.  Though he often goes unnoticed because of the production of Adrian Clayborn, Ballard has even better size potential and speed off the edge.  Ballard is the second half of what I believe to be college football's best bookend defensive ends.  Ballard is cut from a much similar cloth to his All American teammate, and will be an ideal fit for the 3-4 defensive scheme at the next level.