2010 NFL Draft Rankings

Before our Mock Draft takes shape, we thought it would be best to recap our NFL Draft Rankings. Below you'll find links to our Top 5 players at each position - and no, kickers and punters don't count. In each list we'll also share with you a couple players to watch that may be picked in the later rounds. These players might not be the Top 5 picks at their positions, but are the ones that we think will have the best NFL careers.

Top 5 Quarterbacks

Top 5 Running Backs

Top 5 Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Top 5 Offensive Linemen

Top 5 Defensive Linemen

Top 5 Linebackers

Top 5 Defensive Backs

2010 NFL Draft Preview - Secondary

Well loyal readers, the last installment of my 2010 NFL Draft Preview Series is upon us and we conclude with the secondary. There is sure to be some gems to be found when teams are looking to upgrade their secondary so let us find out who is the cream of the crop. Let's Get
It On!

1. Eric Berry (Tenn)

Eric Berry is the best defensive player in this year's draft next to Ndamukong Suh. He was explosive and a playmaker for Lane Kiffin's Vol defense in 2009. He was all over the SEC gridiron making tackles, deflecting passes and picking off
passes. Berry has the allure of a great safety and may become the highest picked safety since one of my personal favorite Cleveland Browns, Eric Turner (2nd overall) and should produce for the lucky team (fingers crossed for the Browns).
Berry has been known to be reckless on the field and may have injury troubles but that wouldn't shy me away a bit from taking him. Berry is a can't miss, diamond, blue chip prospect.

Projection: Top 5

2. Joe Haden (UF)

Haden is the most complete cornerback and is the closest thing to a shut-down corner in this class. He was a ball-hawk at Florida and showed great reaction time when defending receivers. His moves were smooth and he was very polished in his technique so the transition to a pro-style defense shouldn't be too big of an impairment. His 40-time however (4.50 + at the combine) is going to take some teams out of the running for fear he won't be able to keep up with speedy receivers in the NFL. I've never been a big fan of the 40 yard dash and wouldn't be angry with Haden for my Brownies (see a trend here with who I'd want to see in Orange and Brown).

Projection: 7-15 overall

3. Earl Thomas (Texas)

Some pundits have Thomas ranked ahead of Berry at the Safety position but not me. Thomas is versatile and showed at Texas he had the instincts to dissect plays at the line. Thomas played the ball in the air like a cornerback and was able to take on receivers one-on-one, unlike many safeties. Thomas could be converted to cornerback he is so good. However, looking at game film Thomas had trouble back against Michael Crabtree as well as Alabama in the National Title Game. That may make some teams cautious but shouldn't hurt his stock that much.

Projection: Top 25

4. Taylor Mays (USC)

Mays is ranked 4th for me but he could just as well be 2nd in my Top 5. Mays is a unique combination of size (6'3" and 230+lbs) and speed (40-time reported as low as 4.3) and is going to make some coaches drool at his potential. Mays was a great player for Carroll and his great defensive schemes and should translate well to the NFL. There is some concern in his ability to be in position. Mays took bad angles sometimes at plays and was only really reliable when the play was right in front of him. He is going to have to look at was of improving his ball playing abilities to excel in the NFL.

Projection: Top 15-30

5. Devin McCourty (Rutgers)

McCourty could be the most cerebral CB in this year's draft. He is able to read plays before they are ran and decide how to best attack the play to make the stop. His athletic ability allowed him to stand out against the offenses of the Big East and round out my rankings. McCourty will have to work on his focus and ability to play proper distancing from receivers to keep them in front of him to pounce.

Projection: Middle 2nd

Sleeper: Myron Rolle (FSU)

A Rhodes Scholer, Rolle left his last year at FSU to go study at Oxford. Rolle was thought to have lost some of his ability but when he worked out at the Combine he did quite well and ensured his chances of being drafted. Although he won't get his name called until around the 4th round he has a great chance to play well for any NFL team.

Well folks, it has been a pleasure to divulge my top NFL prospects heading toward the April 22 draft. No matter what the pundits want you to believe remember what I have told thee and you will not be misled. Be careful out there!!

Yoders' Ones To Watch

Larry Asante (S) - Nebraska

-Asante is a 3 year starter for the Cornhuskers, and along with Ndamukong Suh, he was a major driving force behind the rebirth of the blackshirts. He ran a disappointing 40 time at the combine, but got into the 4.5 range at Nebraska's Pro Day. He might be able to play either safety position in the NFL, but might fit at SS the best. If Asante is available for the first pick of Da Bears in Round 3, he could follow Mike Brown as another great Bears safety from Nebraska and solve one of their biggest problems.

Kurt Coleman (S) - Ohio St.

-Living in BuckNut land, Kurt Coleman was always one of the guys that caused the most discussion and debate for the Rose Bowl Champs. The hard hitting SS played on the edge (including being suspended for one game earlier this year), and seemed to give up the big play as frequently as he made the big play. His role as the passionate leader of one of the best defenses in the country can't be underestimated though. I'm not the biggest fan of Coleman's game - he's a little too aggressive from his safety position and misses some tackles. But, as a late round pick, if he can get on a team with a good defense around him, he can become a solid pro.

We hope you've enjoyed our NFL positional rankings. We'll be back as April rolls around with our first ever RSS Mock Draft! Bye for now...

2010 NFL Draft Preview - Linebackers

Linebacker tends to be one of the "make or break" decisions for a team and is the one position where there is so much altering and changing. Many prospects have made the change from down lineman to linebacker in the NFL and there are a few this year who will have that chance. Any of them in my top 5? Read on to find out. Let's get it on!

1. Rolando McClain ('Bama)

McClain was the leader of the National Championship defense this past season and really flourished under the watchful eye of Coach Saban. He was the Ray Lewis of their defense this year and should transition to the NFL nicely. The only concern that some may have would be his demeanor during his combine interviews as being quiet and reserved. Although hes quiet as a mouse his play should roar like a lion.

Projection: Top 15

2. Sergio Kindle (Texas)

Sergio Kindle was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best LB in the Big 12 this season. He streaked across the field to make tackles in pursuit and was able to stop offenses at the point of attack. Deemed an athletic freak he will be tantalizing for any coach to get and mold into the prototypical LB. However, Kindle has a history of injuries and an incident of texting while driving that gave him a concussion. Harnessing him will be key and I'll chalk up the texting to young ignorance.

Projection: Top 20

3. Sean Weatherspoon (Mizzou)

Mr. Yoder I should love this shout out to what has to be one of his favorite Tiger's this past season. Weatherspoon showed flashes of greatness this season leading the Big 12 in many statistical categories and earning Alamo Bowl MVP. He is intelligent and will be a great cerebral LB in the mold of Singletary, except on the outside most likely. His size, at only 239 will make some wonder if his body will be able to take the pounding; some weight room visits and eating should fix that.

Projection: Late 1st

4. Ricky Sapp (Clemson)

Sapp was a bright spot on the Clemson Tiger's season showing the NFL potential he has. His playmaking ability as well as toughness (played much of the season with a knee injury) will make him look worthy of a selection to any team. However, his knee injury as well as raw ability from moving from the line to the linebacker position will make some wonder; he may be better suited in pass-rushing situations and not an every down linebacker.

Projection: First 1/3 of 2nd round

5. Daryl Washington (TCU)

Washington was an integral part of the Hornfrog success this past season, leading his team to the Fiesta Bowl vs. Boise State. He had over 100 tackles and showed great potential to NFL scouts. However, his short time playing LB and his lack of instincts and ability to execute assignments may relegate him to rushing downs.

Projection: Later 1/3 of 2nd round

Sleeper: Thaddeus Gibson (Ohio State)

Gibson has the size to be a great LB, more than likely ILB given he doesn't have the optimal speed to rush from the side. Gibson had great gap recognition and ability to stay home on the Buckeye line and should be able to do the same in the pros. He will be raw in moving to LB but the right coaching will workout well for him. Look for Gibson to go mid-3rd round at the earliest and not to last too far into the 4th round.

The Yoders' Ones to Watch

Y1: Jerry Hughes of TCU was one of the stars of the combine. The OLB out of TCU shined in every drill and ran a sub-4.6 40 time. Hughes is more of a 3-4 pass rushing OLB, but if he's there at the end of Round 1 for the New Orleans Saints and Sean Weatherspoon is gone, Hughes would look very nice in the black and gold. Plus, he played for one of the consistently best defenses in college football at TCU.

Y2: Brandon Spikes is one of the most decorated linebackers in this year's draft. He played for a National Champion at Florida. But, his 40 time north of 5 seconds has teams running away from Spikes at even faster speeds. Before the 40 time, he was a 2nd round pick and now he's projected in the 4th or 5th round. Yes, that time is atrocious, but anyone who watched the Gators play knows this guy can play football.

2010 NFL Draft Preview - Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Our ongoing NFL Draft Preview takes us to the remainder of the skill positions, wide receivers and tight ends. In one of the most talented draft classes ever, this seems to be one of the weaker position groups. So who does Brother Yohey tab to be the stars of tomorrow? Who do we think are some hidden gems? Let's find out!

While the punditry of the NFL Scouting Combine and the Draftniks have been knocking the WR's and TE's this has the potential to be an underrated class with some strong pro prospects. Let's get it on!

1. Dez Bryant (Ok. St)

Dez Bryant is the unquestioned #1 WR in this year's draft. He is a great combination of size and athleticism. His impact on the Cowboys this past season was seen once he was suspended by the NCAA for the seaon. OK State trudged along and kept their heads above water but if Bryant was in there they would have been a BCS Bowl contender; that is the amount of talent he has. Teams may shy away from him due to his speed, given he clocked in about 4.5 seconds doing the 40 yard dash so he may not be able to stretch the field as much but he will be an impact player for any team that takes him. A can't miss prospect

Reminds me of: Andre Johnson

Best fit: Jaguars, Bears, Browns, really any team!

Projection: Top 15

2. Golden Tate (ND)

The Biletnikoff Award winner this year intends to make a big impact in the NFL. Tate showed flashes of brilliance and the ability to shake off a defender and blow right past him down the field. Clausen's favorite target got a lot of exposure nationally this year and many NFL scouts have taken notice. Tate has some issues with not picking the ball out of the air and body catching and his size will take him out of the role of a #1 receiver who has a combination of size and speed. Tate will be the perfect slot receiver for a team and his return ability is a plus that he shares with Mardy Gilyard & Jordan Shipley.

Reminds me of: Steve Smith (Carolina)

Best fit: There is no bad fit

Projection: 16-25

3. Damian Williams (USC)

USC's top WR this season showed skills that thrilled scouts in the Emerald Bowl. He has great run after catch skills couple with the ability to catch the ball almost like a magnet. Williams was the deep threat for USC but won't transition to that in the NFL. He doesn't have the blazing speed many no. 2 deep threat receivers have and his elusiveness isn't optimal. Any team that takes Williams will get a slot/possession receiver and his talent will enable him to fit either role nicely.

Reminds me of: Antonio Bryant

Best fit: Rams, Bears, Jaguars, Chiefs, Dolphins

Projection: Mid 2nd

4. Demaryius Thomas (GT)

Thomas is best dubbed as Calvin Johnson Lite. He has great size at 6'3" and 225+ so he will give any defensive back in the NFL troubles. He has great speed to cut, streak and catch and go without any wasted motion. However, Thomas is overcoming an injury suffered earlier in February which will cause him to miss draft workouts. If Thomas was healthy and his picture was more rosy he would be rated higher, however, teams will have to go off his film from this past season. Isn't that how any team should truly judge a player though?

Reminds me of: Michael Crabtree

Best fit: Browns, Bears, Jaguars

Projection: 2nd round to middle 3rd (injury dependent)

5. Brandon LaFell (LSU)

At 6'3" 206 Lafell has the size and he was thoughf of as the top WR heading into the 2009 FBS season. However, glaring weaknesses were seen in his game regarding his ability to gain separation from defenders. Having issues with this in college is going to spell trouble in the NFL when the defenders are light-years better. For being a 4-year starter his stats aren't what you would expect: 175 catches, 2,517 yards and 25 TD's. He did show potential to warrant a top WR ranking heading into 2009 and he couldn't have lost all that but he wil have a lot to show.

Reminds me of: Lance Moore

Best fit: Bears, Jaguars, Bucs, Titans

Projection: 2nd to 4th rounds

Best of the rest: Jordan Shipley (UT) & Mardy Gilyard (UC). Both men were their QB's top target and show great potential due to their hands as well as return specialist skills. Their size may play into their draft statuses but they will help whomever selects them.

Rip Van Winkle Sleeper Special: Dexter McCluster (Miss). While the Yoders see him as a Darren Sproles-esque 3rd Down RB, Dex has shown an ability to catch the ball and exhibits great hands. He could be a Sinorice Moss/Roscoe Parrish type player for whomever takes him if he doesn't fit as an every down back.

TE's

1. Jermaine Gresham (OU)

Gresham was a dynamic player for OU and his loss this season hurt the Sooner offense. He was one of Bradford's top targets and showed what he can do in 2008 when he had close to 1,000 yards and 14 TD's. Gresham can get off the line quick and is a great route runner. His torn knee ligaments will weigh on team's minds and may put his draft status into the late first round but he will be a first round selction and will upgrade any teams receiving corps. His blocking hasn't been tested yet and his utilization will derive from that a lot in the NFL.

Reminds me of: Heath Miller

Best Fit: Bengals, Browns, Bills, Titans, Redskins

Projection: Late 1st

2. Rob Gronkowski (UA)

Although injuries caused him to miss this past season the kid has the necessary attributes to be a great TE. At 6'6" and 260+ he will be a load to move and will give safeties and LB's trouble in coverage. His hands are soft like a baby's bottom and his ability to block, although limited, was good to see in helping his status. The injuries will be a concern and have to be and this will cause him to slip in the draft, meaning Aaron Hernandez will more than likely go before him, although Hernandez is not better than him.

Reminds me of: Owen Daniels

Best Fit: Bengals, Browns, Bills, Titans

Projection: Early-late 2nd.

Aaron Hernandez Special Comment: The kid was dynamic at UF and he will be a servicable NFL player, but in the pure TE sense he is too small. He is only 6'2" and just over 220 lbs. He won't be a great blocking TE and is more Kellen Winslow than a true TE. He will be a split end or line up at TE but be a WR. Hernandez is a WR to me and that is why he doesn't get mention (except here).

Mr. Yoder I's Picks

-For me, the two potential steals at the WR position both come from the Big 12. Both Dezmon Briscoe (Kansas) and Danario Alexander (Mizzou) were productive throughout their careers. In this year's Border War Game, Briscoe and Alexander had one of the best combined WR performances in CFB history. Here's the numbers...

Briscoe: 14 catches, 242 yards, 2 TDs

Alexander: 15 catches, 233 yards, 1 TD

Those players had those performances in their team's biggest game of the season! A combined 29 catches for 455 yards! Granted Big XII defenses aren't spectacular, but both of these guys have great physical tools with their size and speed (think Marques Colston). Briscoe is 6'3 and Alexander is 6'5". Alexander had injury issues in college, but both players have special big play ability and could develop into #1 NFL WRs.

Mr. Yoder II's Picks

-Sometimes, the draft makes teams overthink the process. The prime example in this year's class could be Illinois WR Arrelious Benn. If Benn had been able to come out of school after his sophmore season, he'd be a sure first-round pick. But after playing on a terrible Illinois team, it seems as if Benn is being forgotten. His talent though is undeniable and could blossom in the right offense as an all-around player the likes of a Larry Fitzgerald, that's how special Benn's abilities are. On the TE side, another Big Ten pro prospect who might be overlooked is Wisconsin's Garrett Graham. While Graham doesn't have the natural receiving ability of Hernandez or Gresham, Graham has the best balance of incoming TE's in terms of catching and blocking.

2010 NFL Draft Preview - Running Backs

Time to welcome back our pal Brother Yohey for his look at the Top 5 Running Backs of the Class of 2010. Running backs are in the news with the release of LT and Brian Westbrook the last two days. As George Jones would ask, "who's gonna fill their shoes?" Over the next couple weeks stay tuned to RSS as we'll go through our position group breakdowns as we approach the combine and the excitement of the NFL Draft!

This time around, I judge the best in the backfield to see what RBs stand above the rest in the 2010 NFL Draft. Similar format to the QB rankings. As a reminder, these aren't the first 5 running backs that will be selected, but rather the 5 running backs who will have the best pro careers. Let's get it on!

1. C.J. Spiller (Clemson)

Strengths: Spiller was the best RB in the nation this past season. His versatility running the ball, receiving and even throwing the ball (1 Passing TD) showed the skill he has. Not to mention his return skills being second to none in the college game. Spiller will be a dynamic addition to any team and make their offense dangerous.

Weaknesses: At 5'11" and 195 Spiller doesn't have the prototypical "big back" build that many teams look for. Although he wasn't an oft-injured back in college teams may be cautiousas to the wear and tear his body would have to take. Also, Spiller will have to show that he can block for his QB, otherwise he won't be on the field in many passing situations, which will not allow him to showcase his receiving skills.

Reminds me of: Maurice Jones-Drew

Best Fit: Bucs, Redskins, Texans

Projection: Top 15

2. Jonathan Dwyer (GT)

Strengths: At 5'11 and 235 lbs. Dwyer is the type of back which many teams drool over; powerful yet quick. Dwyer racked up almost 1,400 yards and 10+ TDs last season helping GT advance to the Orange Bowl. He was an integral part of their option attack. The scary thing to ponder is that he put up those numbers in an offense where he didn't get an overwhelming majority of the calls on running plays. The kid has a bright future.

Weaknesses: Dwyer will have to show that he can be a servicable back in the passing game with blocking and catching. He was never able to showcase that in college and you can be sure that teams will poke and prod this aspect of his game at the combine. If he can perform well he can assure himself a draft choice in the top 20.

Reminds me of: Michael Turner

Best Fit: Texans, Chargers, Patriots, Browns

Projection: Late 1st - Early 2nd

3. Anthony Dixon (Miss. St.)

Strengths: At 6'1" and 245 he is the big boy of this years draft class, and he has athleticism as well....

Anytime you have that size/athleticism combo, with a 5+ YPC, almost 1,400 yards and 10+ TD you are going to turn heads. With 42 TD's in his career, Dixon has a knack to sniff out the endzone and teams will certainly hope that translates to the NFL. Leading the SEC in rushing is no easy achievement either.

Weaknesses: With his size Dixon isn't going to burn anyone running downfield and he more than likely will have trouble changing direction easily. His prior DUI and questionable work ethic will make some teams shy away and pass on a gifted runner. The boom or bust pick of the RB crop.

Reminds me of: Jonathan Stewart

Best Fit: Vikings (if Chester Taylor leaves), Jaguars, Patriots, Browns

Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

4. Joe McKnight (USC)

Strengths: Speedy and elusive he will give many defenders issues when they go to tackle him one-on-one. He can cut and move on a dime and hits holes with ferocity. He can see the field well coming throught the line and can catch the ball out of the backfield with regularity.

Weaknesses: The investigations into inpropriety will hurt him. He doesn't have Reggie Bush stats to make teams cast aside those indiscretions. He never really lived up to the hype at SC and impressed running the ball consistently. He also runs a little too upright and doesn't show great ball security.

Reminds me of: Reggie Bush... the New Orleans version

Best Fit: Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, Packers

Projection: Late 2nd - Mid 3rd

5. Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

Strengths: Gerhart had an amazing season (5+ YPC, 20+ TDs) and almost won the Heisman. Although he doesn't have blazing speed he is a true north-south runner who hits and likes to be hit. Gerhart's game gets better the longer the game goes on and the more carries he gets. Toward the end of the season Harbaugh kept giving him the ball and it worked (see Notre Dame game). Gerhart will flourish in the NFL if used in short yardage packages or to compliment a speedy RB.

Weaknesses: Gerhart doesn't have the speed to elude many defeneders and can be caught from behind. Some wonder if he should have stayed another year to show consitency by putting up the same numbers this upcoming season. He can hit all day but in the NFL that doesn't make for a long career, so he will have to work on other parts of his game to ensure sustainability.

Reminds me of: "Touchdown" Tommy Vardell, have to get my Browns comparison in at some time... and no, that's not just because he's a white RB or anything, at least I didn't say Brock Forsey...

Best Fit: Browns, Bucs, Steelers, Bears

Projection: 3rd Round

Sleeper

LaGarrette Blount (Oregon) - If not for the "punch heard 'round the world" in the opening game we may be talking about Blount being a 1st rounder. He didn't play much during the 2009 season and that has to hurt in some regards. However, he has shown that he may be past the incident and has worked on his character issues. Some team will get a late-round bargain getting this kid who could be something special.

There you have it, folks. The best of the best in the 2010 NFL Draft RB class. There is a little bit of everything with this class (speed and power). The task will be to get the best of both. Until next time, be careful out there!

Mr. Yoder I's Ones to Watch

Stafon Johnson (USC) - One of the best stories in this year's draft considering his career and general health were in serious jeopardy after a freak weightlifting accident. He'll certainly have rust as well as talent that teams covet. He was the best all-around back in his time at USC, but didn't get a ton of carries because of the abundance at that position. If he does well at the combine, someone might take a chance in the 4th or 5th round and be rewarded.

Javhid Best (Cal)

-Best has 1st round capabilities, but durability must be a concern. At times he lit up college football this season with his speed and elusivity. His scary head injury and slight frame might scare off teams. Seeing Reggie Bush's role in New Orleans might slot Best as a tweener RB/WR in the NFL. He might not have the frame to be an every round back, but teams in desperate need of playmakers should give him a look. If he stays healthy, he's as good as Dwyer or Spiller.

Mr. Yoder II's Two Points

Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss) - Like Best, McCluster would fit nicely somewhere as a situational back ala Darren Sproles in San Diego. With his performances at the Senior Bowl he has been rocketing up draft boards. And with the success of another pure speed back (Chris Johnson) expect some team to take a chance on McCluster early in the draft. He could very well be a 2nd round pick that would be a good additional weapon for a playoff team like Minnesota or Cincinnati.

Ryan Mathews (Fresno St) - Mathews has the physical attributes and playmaking ability that can make him a contributor from Day 1 as a probable 2nd round pick. He won't be a starter right away, but is polished enough to be the 1A type of back that rookies Donald Brown, LeSean McCoy, and Shonn Greene were this past year. Remember Matt Forte's rookie year? So do Bears fans like me. Don't worry I'm sure Mike Martz will establish the run in Chicago next year, le sigh. Anyways, Mathews can have a similarly great rookie season like Forte if he lands in the right spot. Hopefully the rest of the offense doesn't subsequently abandon him in his 2nd season.

2010 NFL Draft Preview - Quarterbacks

With the excitement of the Super Bowl (and the Saints victory) behind us, it's time to look at the increasingly intriguing NFL offseason. One of our great passions has always been the NFL Draft, and it'll be a thrill for us to bring you extensive NFL offseason coverage focusing on the NFL Draft. First up, the top QBs for the Class of 2010. Brother Yohey will help us out with his expertise and his Top 5 QBs heading into the draft. I'll come in with thoughts on some other QBs to watch below, take it away Yohey!

In this entry, I will divulge my list of the top 5 QB's entering this year's Draft. This year will be nowhere close to the 1983 QB Class, nor 2004 for that matter. There are the solid #1 and #2 QB's, followed by a lot of indecision. No indecision here though - forget Mel "Toupee" Kiper or Todd McSham. Brother Yohey is here to give you the only ranking of QB's you will need. Let's Get It on!

1. Sam Bradford (OU)

Strengths: Sam Bradford has started at OU since his freshman year and has grown into an elite FBS QB. Bradford is the most accurate passer in this year's draft. He can make all the throws and anticipates routes very well to put the ball where it needs to go so only his receiver comes down with it. Not to mention he is a Heisman Trophy winner. Working under an offense with pro tendencies will help Bradford develop into a quality QB for the NFL team that selects him. He is a stand up kid who has a tireless work ethic and next to JC QB is the prospect with the highest character.

Weaknesses: Bradford doesn't have a great build for QB. He is somewhat lanky and has an issue with is throwing shoulder that he seems to have overcome, but you never know when Ray Lewis or any defensive player gets a hit on him if it will cause re-injury. Bradford also never really had to play against any team with great defensive speed that he will see in the NFL. There are no SEC defenses in the Big 12 and Bradford will have to overcome that to succeed.

Reminds me of: Peyton Manning.

Best Fit: Rams - Bulger is done and the sooner Knull gets out of uniform the better there for everybody. Steve Spagnuolo will get the chance to put his stamp on this team and get them a young QB to build around. Bradford, Avery and Jackson could be a long lasting relationship for St. Louis try to rekindle the "Greatest Show on Turf."

Projection: Top 5 Pick

2. Jimmy Clausen (ND)

Strengths: Started under Charlie Weis in a Pro-Style offense through and through. Clausen can take the snaps from under center, shotgun, handle the 3-5-7 step drops and get the ball out quickly. He shows good pocket awareness and puts good spin on the ball. I remember watching ND games and being amazed at the ball coming out of his hands; there is nothing better to me than to see a football thrown that has a tight spiral. Clausen has the ability to air the ball out and put it in front of a speedy receiver to run under. A great talent that has limitless potential in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Clausen can throw some beautiful fades, however, they sometimes have too much air under them. He has to get that under control because with fades, the WR can't wait for the ball to come down in the endzone. They have to get it at its highest point and bring it down. Clausen almost has a mechanical way in which he throws; seems forced and not real natural. He also hasn't had the best performances in big games. The only negative against him is his non-physical attributes and Brady Quinn's lack of success from Nore Dame (and it pains me to say this as a Browns fan). Clausen may have those problems and will have to break the Weis curse.

Reminds me of: Philip Rivers.

Best Fit: Not as clean cut as Bradford. He could equally go to Oakland, Washington or Buffalo. JaMarcus Russell is a burnt out bulb and unless Al Davis has gotten more senile he will be gone, Mike Shannahan may fall in love with him but you never know and Buffalo has been hurting for a QB since Jim Kelly left (remember Rob Johnson??!!??). It will all depend with Washington at #4.

Projection: Top 10 Pick

3. Jarrett Brown (WVU)

Strengths: Freakish athletic ability. Brown can move around in the pocket and scramble when he wants to and put the ball out there with some zip to the receivers. Although he only has one year under his belt he made many people remember the days of Pat White, although Brown fits the NFL QB mold more. White is being used in the Wildcat packages, where Brown can get under center and take the snaps every play. Brown can throw the outs with velocity on them and has displayed some nice touch in the intermediate routes. He showed that he could run the South offense in the Senior Bowl and the coaches, you can be assured, took notice.

Weaknesses: Is he this draft's Akili Smith; one year wonder? Time will tell if he is Akili or McNabb but whoever drafts him will have to be patient. Past Bradford and Clausen you aren't getting someone you can plug right in and expect wins. Brown will have to be a project to get more experience under his belt. Teams will have to wonder if his run-first mentality will kick in and he won't have the patience to let plays develops.

Reminds me of: David Garrard

Best Fit: Somewhere where he can sit and develop. Minnesota, Jacksonville and Arizona leap to mind.

Projection: Mid-3rd Round

4. Colt McCoy (UT)

Strengths: The QB in this year's draft with the most experience, which should bode well for Colt. He had to take the reigns of Mack Brown's National Title team after VY left and he did not disapoint. 45 wins during his tenure is exceptional and the kid knows what it takes to be a winner. Colt played big in big games and was one of the best in the FBS when hitting the intermediate throws. The chemistry he had with Jordan Shipley showed the type of QB he can be as well as the type of teammate. Colt is a great character player for any team to have and will be a great locker room addition. The game against Texas A&M showed what Colt can do when a play breaks down and he has to use his feet. He is sufficiently mobile and has great pocket awareness.

Weaknesses: How is the shoulder? That will surely be tested at the combine. Also, Colt is exceptional throwing the intermediate routes but hasn't shown exceptional ability to air the ball out. Teams are going to have to find out if he can hit the WR streaking 40 yards down the field or if he can drop the ball into their hands when they are running up the seam. All the throws that are necessary, Colt is going to have to show he can make.

Reminds me of: Matt Schaub

Best Fit: Tennessee. I know that VY showed his skills this season but can he be trusted to run the team for the next decade? Not only would this bring two of UT's greatest QBs together but will allow Tennessee to let Colt sit and learn while Vince plays, since you never know when something may come up with Vince. If Colt would have to he could step in and take hold, much like he did at UT.

Projection: Late 2nd - Early 3rd

5. Tony Pike (UC)

Strengths: The man who got Brian Kelly to ND takes his game to the NFL. Pike, at 6'6" has no trouble with field vision and watching plays develop. Being able to see over the linemen will be key in his ability to make decisions and adjust to what the defenses are going to throw at him. The game to me that showed Pike's ability to be an NFL QB was against Pittsburgh for the Big East Title. His game winning TD pass to Armon Binns in the endzone made me just say, "wow". This kid could be something special and his rocket arm coupled with his size makes him an alluring prospect for an NFL team.

Weaknesses: I hate, HATE to use two Cleveland Browns QB's for my negatives, but Pike could be the next Derek Anderson. He can sometimes make the most beautiful touch passes and zip that ball in to a tight window but then makes some WTF throws. Anderson has tremendous trouble with the intermediate routes, floating the ball over between the LB and S. Pike may have these troubles and he will have to expand his throwing repertoire and not rely on the heater all the time. His wrist injuries on his non throwing hand leave many to wonder if it will be able to sustain a hit.

Reminds me of: Derek Anderson

Best Fit: Cincinnati. Palmer is regressing and hasn't been the same since the Kimo hit in '05. Palmer probably has 3-4 years left and that would be sufficient time to allow Pike to sit and learn for the hometown team.

Projection: Early-Mid 3rd

Brother Yohey Sleeper: Mike Kafka (NU)

There's just something about this kid. He can run the spread but during the Senior Bowl took snaps under center and displayed a great ability to handle that. His intellect coupled with is athleticism he will be something to watch. He won't go any sooner than the mid-5th round but he will be a find for any NFL team he lands with. Seems to have a Tom Brady-esque quality to him.

This class is no 1983 or 2004 class like I stated before but it beats the 2005 draft class. Besides the top two it is a toss up but there are some diamonds in the rough to be found.

Mr. Yoder I's Ones To Watch

Tim Tebow (FLA) - Duhh!! While he's not in Yohey's Top 5, Tebow will have all the attention on him at draft day. The experts pick apart his technique and ability to translate to the pro game, but the guy has off the chart intangibles. One note about Tebow is that he succeeded against the vaunted SEC defenses that are always touted ad nauseum. Yet, that's conveniently forgotten in Tebow's case - folks say he won't be able to handle fast NFL defenses with his delivery flaws, but he did for 4 years at Florida. Make no mistake, somebody will take a chance on him in Round 1 (maybe via trade) thinking that Tebow can be the next Drew Brees - an unbelievable leader with physical limitations, but one who gets the job done. With everyone picking against him, he has the will to succeed.

Dan LeFevour (CMU) -

The all-time FBS TD leader and the under the radar QB of this year's draft (Jarrett Brown aside, Yohey!). Yes, it's LeFevour and not Tebow who is the all-time TD leader at 150. News came today that LeFevour wouldn't throw at the combine, which might hurt his draft stock slightly. The CMU gunslinger impressed as a Senior Bowl MOP and has all of the physical tools necessary. LeFevour is in that McCoy/Pike category of 2nd-3rd round picks that could provide a huge return if given the right situation. Some might look at these QBs like LeFevour as "system guys" but it would be a mistake to not give a chance to QBs that have produced so much in college. If a team like Seattle or Arizona gives LeFevour a chance to learn the pro game, he could be a future Pro Bowler.

That's it for our look at the QBs for the Class of 2010, and with USA curling piling up the wins and USA-Canada hockey tomorrow, we'll check back with our Olympic coverage very soon here at RSS!