SEC East NFL Draft prospect preview

This is going to be a down season for the SEC East in terms of NFL Draft prospects. After producing so many players for the early portion of this year's draft, A.J. Green of Georgia is the only first-round lock for the division. Regardless, here's a look at the best players in the SEC East. Juniors have an asterisk after their name.

A.J. Green | 6'4, 200 pounds | WR | Georgia *
Easily one of the best wide receiver prospects in a while and the best player at a stacked position. Green could be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL right now. He gets good separation on all routes and has the quickness of a smaller receiver.

Ahmad Black | 5'9, 185 pounds | SS | Florida
Black considered entering the 2010 draft but wisely returned for his senior year. Had he come out, he probably would have been a fifth-round pick. As a senior, he has the chance to show he can cover well enough to be considered a solid nickel or dime defensive back. Has played cornerback and safety. Not the biggest playmaker. Plays with solid discipline and intelligence.

Will Hill | 6'1, 200 pounds | FS | Florida *
In the short time Hill has seen the field, he's looked like a future star. But because of his overall lack of production, it should take a monster 2010 season for him to consider the NFL. In pass coverage, Hill is excellent. He's instinctual and knows how to time his jumps properly to break up passes. He moves around well for a player of decent size and changes direction fairly well. Could be faster diagnosing the run.

Janoris Jenkins | 5'11, 186 pounds | CB | Florida *
Jenkins has the traits of a No. 1 cornerback. Already with 25 starts entering the 2010 season, he's experienced as well. Jenkins' backpedal is better than most at the college level and he quickly flips his hips to run with receivers. He doesn't give up a lot of ground, but when he does he has a good closing burst. Gets a nice break on the ball when it comes out of the quarterback's hand. Has some character issues – arrested following a fight in 2009 and charged with resisting arrest.

Mike Pouncey | 6'5, 320 pounds | G/C | Florida
Invariably, Pouncey will be compared to his brother Maurkice, who was selected by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Mike Pouncey is the more aggressive of the two and does a great job finishing plays. He's average as a pulling lineman, but not totally unreliable in that area. Is rarely out of position to make a block. Could be a little more stout in his lower body as he'll sometimes get pushed backward.

Brandon Boykin | 5'10, 185 pounds | CB | Georgia *
After bursting on the scene in 2009 by shutting down Dez Bryant, Boykin has shown he's a legit prospect. Although his size might not be especially impressive, he plays above it. He's good at jamming and has enough speed to keep up on vertical routes. Boykin needs to show as a junior improved route recognition and he could emerge as a top talent.

Clint Boling | 6'5, 297 pounds | OT | Georgia
A mutt of an offensive lineman, Boling can line up at every spot except center. There's something to be said for that versatility. However, he'll have to be put in the right scheme. He's more of a finesse blocker with quick feet and long arms. He struggles at times in rub blocking in the phone booth. Good on pulling, though.

Weslye Saunders | 6'5, 280 pounds | TE | South Carolina
Check back to MTD soon for more on Saunders as he is currently suspended indefinitely.

Luke Stocker | 6'6, 240 pounds | TE | Tennessee
Perhaps not the best athlete, Stocker is a decent all-around tight end prospect. He won't get alot of separation on man-to-man coverage, but his size makes him and excellent red zone and short yardage target. Won't do a lot of damage after the catch and isn't especially elusive. In the age of the spread, Stocker is rare in that he can come out of the three-point stance and still be effective.


Other senior prospects to watch:
Brandon Hicks | 6'2, 224 pounds | MLB | Florida
Lawrence Marsh | 6'5, 290 pounds | DT | Florida
Emmanuel Moody | 6'0, 210 pounds | RB | Florida
Derrick Locke | 5'9, 182 pounds | RB | Kentucky
Cliff Matthews | 6'4, 250 pounds | DE | South Carolina
Jarriel King | 6'5, 310 pounds | OT | South Carolina