The Top Ten Prospects from the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference has contributed some of the best talent that the NFL has seen in recent drafts, and this year is no different. Known for their pass-heavy offenses, Big 12 teams produce some of the top talent at offensive skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver. In this season, however, the conference has produced an usually talented group of defensive players as well. Here are the ten best prospects NFL teams will be looking at from the Big 12 in this year’s draft. Also provided are the player rankings according to the ComRadio NFL Draft Show staff.
10. Markelle Martin (S, Oklahoma State)
Overall Ranking: 92 / Safety Ranking: 4
Martin plays not to get beat over the top and does a very good job keeping most plays in front of him. He can run stride for stride with most top receivers, and is always around the ball, even if he rarely steps into throwing lanes for big interceptions. He is also a good zone defender and reads the field well. Martin’s 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame should carry over well to the next level.
9. Bruce Irvin (ILB, West Virginia)
Overall Ranking: 37 / Inside Linebacker Rating: 2
Irvin possesses the size for a prototype NFL linebacker, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighting 245 pounds. The former Mountaineer is known for his tremendous speed and coverage abilities. Despite running a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, Irvin has yet to prove to scouts that he can be considered a viable option for all three downs. His lack of production defending the run is a concern for most teams, and he will have to improve on the next level to reach his full potential.
8. Alfonzo Dennard (CB, Nebraska)
Overall Ranking: 55 / Cornerback Ranking: 6
Despite off the field concerns, Dennard is still a coveted prospect
Dennard is a somewhat undersized cornerback at 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds. However, the former Cornhusker possesses great speed and has a natural feel for the corner position. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showing off speed that will match most top receivers in the pros. Dennard is noted as a reliable corner who rarely gets beat deep, keeping the play in front of him.
7. Ronnell Lewis (OLB, Oklahoma State)
Overall Ranking: 106 / Outside Linebacker Ranking: 11
Ronnell Lewis is ready to make the leap to the NFL
Lewis possesses the necessary size to play at the next level, with a 6-foot-2, 250-pound frame. He displayed his strength at the NFL Combine, benching 225 pounds 36 times. One drawback may be his speed, as he only ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash at the combine, sending up a red flag for scouts concerned about his ability to drop into coverage. But as a run stopper, Lewis is one of the best.
6. Ryan Tannehill (QB, Texas A&M)
Overall Ranking: 58 / Quarterback Ranking: 4
Ryan Tannehill has great potential, but we don’t think he is even top five in the Big XII
Tannehill is another great product of the pass-heavy style of the Big 12 Conference. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Tannehill is a natural athlete. The former Aggie quarterback made the switch from wide receiver in the middle of his junior season. The transition showed that he is a natural football player who can play multiple positions. His 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions were solid but not incredible.
5. Brandon Weeden (QB, Oklahoma State)
Overall Ranking: 40 / Quarterback Ranking: 3
Brandon Weeden’s age shouldn’t be an issue, as he is ready to start from day one
The 28-year-old Weeden put up great statistics in his senior season at Oklahoma State, throwing for 4,700 yards and 37 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4 quarterback has NFL size, but does not have a great arm. His mediocre arm strength and age are the biggest issues scouts have with him.
4. Lavonte David (OLB, Nebraska)
Overall Ranking: 53 / Outside Linebacker Ranking: 5
Lavonte David's consistency should translate well to the NFL
David has great initial speed, and ran a 4.66-second 40-yard dash in the NFL Combine. The biggest issue he will have will involve his size. David is just 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, and scouts worry that bigger linemen and tight ends will outmuscle him.
3. Kendall Wright (WR, Baylor)
Overall Ranking: 24 / Wide Receiver Ranking: 3
Kendall Wright is just another Baylor prospect ready for a big payday
Many experts have Wright listed as the third best receiver in the draft, as does the ComRadio NFL Draft Show. The former Bear excelled in his senior year, catching 108 passes and scoring 14 touchdowns. The 5-foot-10 wide out has been described as a quick slot receiver who could potentially open up the field for big plays in the same way that Victor Cruz does for the New York Giants. Wright did not post terrific numbers at the NFL Combine, but he plays at a faster speed than his 4.61-second 40-yard dash time indicates.
2. Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State)
Overall Ranking: 9 / Wide Receiver Ranking: 1
Justin Blackmon has the chance to be the next big thing at receiver in the NFL
Blackmon is another star wide receiver coming out of the pass-first Big 12. The former Cowboy stands at 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds, but his play on the field makes him appear as a much larger target than his frame would suggest. His playing style has been compare to Anquan Boldin. However, Blackmon does have flaws, namely his lack of blocking skills and his long stride that prevents him from running quick, sharp-cutting routes. Despite some of Blackmon’s downside, his 121 receptions in 2011 were no joke, and he is the most coveted receiver in the 2011 NFL Draft.
1. Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
Overall Ranking: 2 / Quarterback Ranking: 2
Some feel Robert Griffin III may be the best prospect in the draft
Griffin is easily the best quarterback coming out of the Big 12. At the NFL Combine, Griffin posted an excellent 4.41-second 40-yard dash time and a 39-inch vertical. In the 2011 season, Griffin posted career high numbers by throwing 37 touchdowns and limiting himself to just 6 turnovers. He is best known for his ability to extend plays with his feet while maintaining excellent downfield vision. It is Griffin’s freakish athletic ability that led the Washington Redskins to trade up to select him with the second overall pick.
Sean Flanery is a junior majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email smf5226@psu.edu.
