In what is consistently refered to as the best conference in Division 1-A football, the SEC is known for punching out elite talent year after year.
And with the 2011 class featuring four players that should be Top 10 picks and a Heisman trophy winning running back, that trend should continue and prove that once again that the SEC is the best pipeline for NFL talent and superstars.
1. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Alabama
-The best receiver prospect to come out since Calvin Johnson, Jones is an elite talent.
2. Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, LSU
-Perfect size, good speed, physical, good ball skills, and he’s still got room to improve.
3. Ryan Mallett, Quarterback, Arkansas
-Has great size and a rocket arm with good accuracy. Mobility and pressure are concerns.
4. AJ Green, Wide Receiver, Georgia
-More of a deep threat than Jones, Green’s size and speed make him tough to defend.
5. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama
-The Heisman trophy winner has the quick feet, toughness, and vision to be a solid starter.
6. Will Hill, Safety, Florida
-An impressive and versatile talent, Hill needs to make plays this year to keep this slot.
7. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, Florida
-Very athletic and smooth corner, he’ll have to prove that he can win in one-on-ones.
8. Terrence Toliver, Wide Receiver, LSU
-I’ve been high on him for a while, and with a somewhat stable QB, he should explode.
9. Jerrell Powe, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
-Great initial punch off the line and pass rush moves, consistent motor question marks.
10. Dont’a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
-Was overshadowed by McClain in ’09, he has the vision and tackling ability to be a stud.
11. Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama
-Hard hitting and instinctive, he’ll get a chance to shine this year as the best returning DB.
12. Mark Doreus, Defensive End, Alabama
-Not a premier athlete, but he’s a complete defensive end who is NFL ready.
13. Lee Ziemba, Offensive Tackle, Auburn
-Has been developing into a left tackle for a while, he’ll have to prove he can handle it.
14. Courtney Upshaw, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
-Played in certain situations and in a rotation this year, he’ll get a chance to prove himself.
15. Lawrence Marsh, Defensive Tackle, Florida
-Has been inconsistent over his time with the Gators, he’ll have a chance to emerge in ’10.
16. Ben Jones, Center, Georgia
-With four other NFL prospects on the Bulldog line, Jones is my favorite to be the best.
17. DJ Williams, Tight End, Arkansas
-Athletic and versatile as a tight end, he’ll be the top red zone threat if Jones’s is covered.
18. Joseph Barksdale, Offensive Tackle, LSU
-Was one of the best left tackles in the SEC for most of the year, he should keep that up.
19. Kelvin Sheppard, Inside Linebacker, LSU
-A productive, consistent talent, he’ll have to prove he’s got the range and coverage skills.
20. Ahmad Black, Safety, Florida
-Impact safety with great vision, he’s got to show coverage ability and consistent tackling.
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