The NFP Super 30

[Tribal Warfare]

The NFP Super 30

by Wes Bunting
September 23, 02009


In the first installment of the National Football Post’s Super 30, we break down and rank the nation’s top junior and senior prospects for next year’s NFL Draft.

1. QB Jake Locker, Washington (6-3, 226)
The nation’s top quarterback prospect.

2. S Eric Berry, Tennessee (5-11, 203)
One of the most instinctive safeties to come along in years. Looks like an instant impact player in the NFL.

3. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma (6-4, 298)
A disruptive force inside who plays with a great motor and consistently finds the football.

4. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa (6-6, 312)
Might be coach Kirk Ferentz’s best offensive lineman prospect yet.

5. DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska (6-4, 302)
His combination of length, body control and burst make him a big-time threat rushing the passer.

6. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama (6-4, 256)
Possesses an impressive athletic skill set for his size and has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

7. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (6-2, 220)
A powerful route runner who displays the short-area quickness to separate out of his breaks and can create after the catch.



8. RB Jahvid Best, California (5-10, 195)
Added some much-needed girth to his lower half last offseason but is still a big play waiting to happen every time he touches the ball.

9. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida (6-6, 290)
Exhibits the power, length and quickness to develop into a disruptive three-down lineman at the next level.

10. DT Terrence Cody, Alabama (6-5, 365)
An immovable object inside who has the ability to anchor the interior of any defensive line.

11. DE/OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson (6-4, 248)
An explosive edge rusher who looks like an ideal 3-4 OLB at the next level.

12. S Taylor Mays, Southern Cal (6-3, 235)
Possesses a rare combination of size and speed for the position, but at times will struggle with his instincts. In the Sean Taylor mold.

13. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers (6-6, 325)
Showcases the size, power and fluidity to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle.



14. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (6-3, 223)
Is quickly becoming one of the nation’s top pocket passers in a pro-style offense.

15. OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland (6-7, 310)
Another physically gifted tackle who possesses the feet and body control to anchor the left side of an NFL offensive line for the next decade.

16. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (6-4, 223)
He’s as accurate as any quarterback in the nation, but questions remain about his ability to make decisions in the face of pressure.

17. DE Cameron Heyward, Ohio State (6-6, 287)
A physically imposing defensive end who has the makings of an impact three-down lineman at the next level.

18. DT Allen Bailey, Miami (6-4, 288)
His physical skill set is as good as it gets. He’s still a little raw, but he’s getting better with every game.

19. OT Jarriel King, South Carolina (6-5, 312)
Showcases the athleticism and footwork to reach the edge and mirror the best pass rushers the SEC has to offer. His stock should soar this season.



20. QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi (6-3, 215)
A strong-armed quarterback who can make all the throws, but he needs to become a more consistent decision-maker.

21. DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse (6-3, 295)
A physical interior presence who does a great job shedding blocks on contact and making plays away from his frame.

22. OLB Rennie Curran, Georgia (5-11, 225)
Showcases great range and a nose for the ball, but because of his size, he might be limited to more of a Cover 2 scheme.

23. RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson (5-11, 195)
An X-factor on offense who has the ability to create in both the run and pass game.

24. CB Joe Haden, Florida (5-11, 190)
His combination of speed, fluidity and physicality makes him really tough to separate from in man coverage.

25. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (5-11, 235)
Has yet to get on track this year, but he’s a powerful inside runner with impressive short-area quickness for his size.

26. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech (6-4, 272)
Possesses the tools to get after the quarterback in a variety of ways.


27. WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois (6-2, 220)
A tough, physical wideout in the same mold as Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin.

28. OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State (6-5, 302)
Showcases good fluidity and body control in pass protection but needs to continue to add more base strength.

29. WR Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas (6-3, 200)
A big, coordinated route runner who plays a lot faster than he times. Looks like a legit No. 1 wideout at the next level.

30. OT Nate Solder, Colorado (6-9, 305)
Needs to continue getting stronger, but his size/speed numbers are unmatched by any other offensive tackle prospect in the country.

Just missed the cut…

OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina (6-0, 252)
DE Greg Hardy, Mississippi (6-4, 265)
QB Colt McCoy, Texas (6-2, 212)
QB Tim Tebow, Florida (6-3, 245)
WR Brandon LaFell, LSU (6-3, 206)
ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida (6-3, 256)
OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri (6-1, 245)
OLB Bruce Carter, North Carolina (6-3, 225)
WR Mike Williams, Syracuse (6-2, 212)
FS Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech (6-1, 210)
TE Weslye Saunders, South Carolina (6-5, 280)