2010 NFL Draft Coverage

Mock Drafts:  Round One (1-16) | Round One (17-32) | Round Two

Draft Prospects:  Big Board – Top 32 | Position Rankings

Updated 12/09/09

* Denotes underclassman

1. C.J. Spiller – Clemson (5′11″, 195 lbs, 4.37)

Spiller is the most electrifying returner in the college game today, and his running ability on offense isn’t all that bad either. He has lightning quick speed, excellent field awareness, and agility in the open field, but his propensity for fumbling at critical moments will be problematic at the next level.

2. Jahvid Best* – California (5′10″. 194 lbs, 4.37)

At the beginning of the season, Best was the front runner for the Heisman Trophy, but injuries and poor play by the rest of his team down the stretch doomed that prognostication. Still, he’s more than capable of becoming a good RB at the next level, and there is no doubt that he will be drafted fairly high in the process if he has a solid showing in the off-season.

3. Ryan Matthews* – Fresno State (5′11″, 220 lbs, 4.45)

Matthews isn’t well known, but that will all change if he declares and performs well at the combine and his workout next spring. He seems to save his best for games against big time opponents and has put up tremendous numbers this season. His size belies his excellent speed, and he could become a workhorse in the NFL for a team in need of a solid runner from day one.

4. Toby Gerhart – Stanford (6′1″, 232 lbs, 4.58)

Gerhart has been one of the most dominant backs anywhere this fall, scoring in almost every way imaginable and crushing opponents in the process. His lack of speed isn’t as obvious thanks to his tremendous strength and ability to break tackles in the open field. Gerhart has some versatility as well, with his skills as a receiver and blocker, which will be a positive for him next spring.

5. Anthony Dixon – Mississippi State (6′1″, 240 lbs, 4.56)

Dixon is an old school blue collar kind of back that gets the tough yards, catches the ball out of the backfield, and blocks when need be. He doesn’t have the extra gear needed to take it the distance at the next level, but he’ll be a solid back for somebody next fall. His size and strength will be big pluses for him on draft day.

6. Jonathan Dwyer – Georgia Tech (6′0″, 228 lbs, 4.44)

I think Dwyer could become a good runner for an NFL team sooner or later, but he’s definitely going to have to show that he can produce in a pro style offense before teams will be willing to spend a high value pick on him. That said, his measurables will standout in both his workout and the scouting combine, so it’s possible that he’ll be drafted higher based on his potential.

7. Evan Royster* – Penn State (6′1″, 212 lbs, 4.49)

Royster isn’t the flashiest of backs but he gets the job done. His speed is deceptive, with an ability to turn it on when need be, despite having a relatively poor timed 40. His size will be adequate at the next level as well, and given his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, he could get selected in the middle of round three.

8. Charles Scott – LSU (5′11″, 233 lbs, 4.61)

Scott hasn’t had a great senior campaign, but that may be a product of the rest of his team having difficulty moving the ball at times. He has a solid frame and good strength to carry the ball in the trenches, but his lack of speed will hurt him on draft day, as teams will be looking to find a player with the ability to take it the distance.

9. Joe McKnight* – USC (6′0″, 200 lbs, 4.39)

McKnight has been a bit of a disappointment during his time at USC, but his measurables will likely be enough to keep him in the middle of the draft if he decides to declare this year. His versatility will be welcome as well, although he’ll have to show a willingness to block at the next level if he wants to earn a job next fall.

10. Noel Devine* – West Virginia (5′8″, 175 lbs, 4.31)

There’s little chance of Devine actually becoming an every down kind of back, but given the tremendous value that Darren Sproles has brought to the Chargers offense, he could present an intriguing option in the middle of the draft. If he can put forward a solid showing at the combine his stock will rise, possibly up to an early third round selection.

11. DeMarco Murray* – Oklahoma

12. Javarris James – Miami

13. Andre Anderson – Tulane

14. Chris Brown – Oklahoma

15. Keith Toston – Oklahoma State

16. Stafon Johnson – USC

17. LeGarrett Blount – Oregon

18. Michael Smith – Arkansas

19. Keiland Williams – LSU

20. Ben Tate – Auburn

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