Yesterday I posted a list of prospects that I believe will be solid pros in the NFL, but look to be taken after the first round of the upcoming. Today is for the defense. A number of these players have been placed in the first round of previous mock drafts, so there is talent and potential aplenty to go around. So here is my list of post-first round defensive prospects:
Defensive End: Allen Bailey
Defensive End: Sam Acho
Defensive Tackle: Drake Nevis
Defensive Tackle: Christian Ballard
Outside Linebacker: Bruce Carter
Outside Linebacker: Dontay Moch
Inside Linebacker: Colin McCarthy
Cornerback: Ras-I Dowling
Cornerback: Brandon Burton
Safety: Marcus Gilchrist
Safety: Quinton Carter
Bailey is a versatile lineman who can play inside or outside, and is seen as a better inside pass rusher. You are not going to find a better student-athlete than Acho, and his game on the field has drawn comparisons to fellow Longhorn Brian Orakpo. Nevis and Ballard both need to bulk up some to play in the middle but are athletic enough to play end as well. Carter is coming off of a knee injury late in 2010, but when healthy he showed good range against the run and pass. Moch has tremendous speed who is a disruptive force in the backfield. McCarthy can play inside and outside and has a nose for the football. Dowling has the size to cover bigger receivers and Burton has the speed to run with the fastest on the outside. Gilchrist and Carter are both physical presences in the secondary and should be instant contributors on special teams.
It is three days until the 2011 NFL Draft. The stars are at the top of everyone's draft boards, but it is the picks on days two and three that will determine whether a teams' draft is a success.
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