Now viewed as one of the worse conferences in the BCS, the Big Ten has been dominated in the draft by Buckeyes and lineman for the past few seasons..
And while this year’s crop still has loads of Ohio State players and defensive and offensive lineman, some possible developmental quarterbacks and other position players have a chance to showcase their skills this upcoming Big Ten season.
1. Cameron Heyward, Defensive End/Tackle, Ohio State
-Has tremendous size and quickness for a defensive end, and his versatility definitely adds to his potential.
2. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa
-After Suh, Clayborn was the most consistent defensive playmaker in the country, and has some upside.
3. Gabe Carimi, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
-In what looks to be a down year for left tackles in the upcoming draft, Carimi has the size and footwork to be one.
4. Greg Jones, Inside Linebacker, Michigan State
-Could have been a fringe 1st rounder last year, Jones moves well and is a punishing tackler.
5. Evan Royster, Running Back, Penn State
-A guy who does everything well, but nothing outstanding, Royster is consistent and smart enough to be an NFL starter.
6. Jack Crawford, Defensive End, Penn State (JR)
-One of my favorite sleepers leading up to the start of the season, Crawford has great talent and can be dominating.
7. Terrelle Pryor, Quarterback, Ohio State (JR)
-While some have already given up on Pryor, he showed flashes of great play in ’09. This could be a breakout year.
8. Ryan Kerrigan , Defensive End, Purdue
-Solid player on the outside, he’ll have to overcome what most Purdue NFL prospects do: average defenses around him.
9. Chimdi Checkwa, Cornerback, Ohio State
-Still raw as a cornerback, he’ll have to show he’s developed in his dropbacks and utilizing his skills on the field.
10. Stefen Wisniewski, Center, Penn State
-A consistent and experienced center, he’s not a 1st round possible guy now, but has starting potential for sure.
11. Charlie Gantt, Tight End, Michigan State
-Extreamly talented tight end with lots of potential, he showed signs of being polished last year and needs to build on it.
12. Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Michigan State (JR)
–Another under rated player from the Big Ten I like, Cousins is a gunslinger, but has the tools to be a starter in the NFL.
13. John Moffit, Center, Wisconsin
-A three year starter, Moffit has played and directed some great offensive lines and running teams.
14. Stephen Schilling, Offensive Guard, Michigan
-Once a big time prospect out of high school, Schilling has the size and talent, but he has yet to put it all together.
15. Justin Boren, Offensive Guard, Ohio State
-Looks to be an average, run of the mill guard, he has starting potential, but his movement needs some work.
16. Martez Wilson, Inside Linebacker, Illinois
-Fell of the map last season after being a prospect I touted for a while, Wilson has the skills but has to stay on the field.
17. Jarred Fayson, Wide Receiver, Illinois (JR)
-Speedy receiver on the outside, he’ll have to really showcase his skills with a young quarterback and no Arrelious Benn.
18. Ricky Stanzi, Quarterback, Iowa
-Likely won’t be an outstanding quarterback at the next level, teams are always looking for guys who are pure winners.
19. Ozi Edah, Inside Linebacker, Michigan
-Another highly touted prospect out of high school who hasn’t lived up to the billing, Edah is a sound tackler.
20. Dane Sanzenbacher, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
-He’ll have a chance to soar up this list if he and Pryor work well together like they showed at times in 2009.
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