In addition to a 2010 pick? What do you see in 2011 that looks better than this year?
First off, I've been talking about this for a while but the senior class this year is pretty poor IMO. The junior class didn't really save it that much. They only tied the record for most early declarations, they didn't shatter it like most predicted would happen because of the looming rookie wage scale in 2011. I know it's cliche to complain about the present draft and say it's not very talented, I hear it every year. Most times I argue against the notion. This year, I believe it's true.
However, when I look at the players set to be available a year from now, as well as the players that could/should declare by then, I'm drooling. I've never had such a clear idea in my head just how good the next class should be. I've certainly never come across a year where I can say with all honesty that so many of the best-in-college at their respective positions, aren't even draft eligible. Jonathan Baldwin is the best WR in college football, rivaled by Julio Jones, Michael Floyd and A.J. Green. None are draft eligible. Andrew Luck is the best QB in college football. He's not draft eligible. Mark Ingram is the best RB in college football. He's not draft eligible. Marcel Dareus and DaQuan Bowers might well be fighting for the right to call themselves the best Defensive Ends in college football, not draft eligible. I think that Patrick Peterson is the best corner in college football, and he's not draft eligible either. You just don't run into a situation like that very often, the best players at their positions not just being underclassmen but being draft ineligible. Is Derrick Morgan better than Dareus or Bowers? I don't know, I don't think so. Is Spiller better than Ingram? I'm not sure. Is Dez Bryant better than Baldwin? I don't think so. Is Clausen better than Luck? Not if you ask me. Is Haden better than Peterson? Not in my opinion. With as talented as those guys I would expect the bulk of them to come out early next year...because they don't have as much to prove.
And that's even taking aside the guys that decided to stay in school, and should be seniors next year. Jake Locker, Christian Ponder and Ryan Mallett round out a very solid upper QB class next year even if Andrew Luck doesn't come out (and I think he will, because by the end of next year I'm willing to bet Harbaugh leaves the program for greener pastures). Gabe Carimi and Nate Solder are very solid OTs that stayed in school. I think the world of Orlando Franklin as a Guard prospect, and both Rodney Hudson and Mike Pouncey also stayed in school at that position. Cameron Heyward and Greg Romeus stayed in school, as did Adrian Clayborn. Heyward and Clayborn in particular could be very high draft prospects. Marvin Austin and Allen Bailey stayed in school, as did Stephen Paea. Bruce Carter, Von Miller and none other than Mark Herzlich should round out a heck of a linebacker upper class, the sort that make you drool. Ras-I Dowling stayed in school and I think he has a lot of potential as a corner. Charles Brown and Kendric Burner also stayed in school at that spot. DeAndre McDaniel is a very promising safety prospect.
I mean, that's about 30 names right there...all guys I love, all guys I'd HEAVILY consider for a first round grade in THIS year's draft...all guys that should be in the draft next year.
Should be a banner year. Of course, watch the NFL screw it all up and have a lockout or some crap.
