The Big 12 has been full of outstanding prospects the past few seasons. Five of the first six draft picks in the 2010 NFL Draft were from the Big 12, and the conference has been stacked with quarterbacks, lineman, and defensive backs.
While this season doesn’t look to have a Top 10 pick hail from the conference as of now, a few of these prospects really could outshine their current standing and develop into mid to high 1st round selections, along with the usual Big 12 depth.
1. Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma (JR)
-Great athlete, moves well, he has the potential to be a great weakside linebacker
2. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (RS SO)
-Lots of potential to develop his arm with coach Gary Pinkel, he could be a 1st rounder
3. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
-Played very well most of last season, he’s the near consensus top cornerback ’11.
4. Blake Giddeon, S, Texas
-Overshadowed by Earl Thomas last year, Giddeon has the size to be an effective safety.
5. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
-Has been limited by injuries and inconsistency, he has a chance to really break out.
6. Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
-Great athlete off the edge, he’s the most pro ready 3-4 outside linebacker in this class.
7. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
-Very raw in the mold of Tony Ugoh, he has the potential to be a franchise left tackle
8. Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
-Power back who surprised last season, another big year could put him in round 2.
9. Kyle Hix, OT, Texas
-Not a great athlete, he’s an effective blocker and could be an NFL right tackle.
10. Jeremy Beal, DT, Oklahoma
-Not as elite as past Sooner defensive lineman, he needs to show more explosiveness.
11. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
-Already has fans excited and getting past Suh, Crick has the motor and instincts.
12. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas (JR)
-A favorite of Mack Brown’s, he needs more consistency and physicality.
13. Roy Helu Jr, RB, Nebraska
-Another productive Cornhusker, Helu lacks elite skills, but could be a starter in the pros.
14. Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
-Not as physically gifted as Williams, he’s a stable corner who could be a nickel in NFL.
15. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor (JR)
-Amazing athlete/track star, if he bulks up and works on accuracy, he could fly up boards.
16. Derrick Washington, RB, Missouri
-Rotational back for the pros, he has experience in pass blocking and catching the ball.
17. Danny Watkins, OT, Baylor
-Still a bit of a raw tackle, he may max out as a solid right tackle at the next level.
18. Sam Acho, DE, Texas
-Has the motor to be a solid pro, but he’s no Sergio Kindle or Brian Orakpo.
19. Detron Lewis, WR, Texas Tech
-Coming from the spread, it’s hard to get real excited, but he has the skills and size.
20. Jerod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M
-Came on very strong to end 2010, if he can develop under Mike Sherman, he’ll go high.
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