2011 NFL Draft Preview

The top college football players from all over the nation will get their 1^st taste of NFL stardom when their NFL journeys begin at the 2011 NFL draft. Many college stars are already being compared to NFL greats like Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, and Warren Sapp.  Kaboom! Magazine will give you a inside look into one the most anticipated events of 2011. Some players will be able to handle the pressure and live up to expectations, while others will cave in and fold like a house of cards. The 2011 NFL Draft…Let The Human Rollercoaster Ride Begin!

Busting out

Players that look great on paper, but when it comes to actual production on the field…will get GM’s fired.

Stephen Paea Oregon State: Pena caught everyone eye at the combine when he set the record for the bench press. Just because you can perfect the bench press, that doesn’t mean you perfect football.

Akeem Ayers UCLA: Ayers had the stats of an All-American at UCLA, but his stats never improved the Bruins defense and never improved their win total……Busted!

Cameron Heyward Ohio State: Heyward a four starter at Ohio State. Cameron is a good player, but not as good as previous defensive ends that went to OSU and all those players were draft bust.   

Christian Ponder Florida State: Ponder has all the talent in the world, but could never put it all together at Florida State to become a champion. If he couldn’t swim in college waters; it only a matter of time before he drowns in the seas of the NFL.

2011 NFL Draft Preview

The top college football players from all over the nation will get their 1^st taste of NFL stardom when their NFL journeys begin at the 2011 NFL draft. Many college stars are already being compared to NFL greats like Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, and Warren Sapp.  Kaboom! Magazine will give you a inside look into one the most anticipated events of 2011. Some players will be able to handle the pressure and live up to expectations, while others will cave in and fold like a house of cards. The 2011 NFL Draft…Let The Human Rollercoaster Ride Begin!

Defensive Stars

This class is deep with future NFL legends; teams will even find 1^st rd. quality in the later rds.

Nick Fairley Auburn: Nick recorded 60 tackles, including a school-record 24.0 tackles for loss, with 11.5 quarterback sacks. Consensus All-American in 2010 and was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. In terms of talent, Fairley is the best defensive linemen in the draft. There are a lot of red flags (work ethic, "dirty" play) surrounding him. Even with the red flags, Fairley the top three pick and is headed for a very successful NFL career.

Patrick Patterson LSU: Peterson established himself as the top cornerback in the country. In winning the Bednarik Award as the nation's best defender, the Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back and being named the SEC's Defensive and Special Teams MVPs, he may have proven himself to be the nation's best player at any position. Having proven himself to be a shutdown corner and dynamic returner against SEC competition, Peterson rates as one of the elite prospects of the 2011 draft.  He's likely to earn a top five selection and could be the highest drafted cornerback in modern league history.

Da’Quan Bowers Clemson: Second on Clemson team in tackles, and leads in tackles for loss, sacks and quarterback pressures. His 24 tackles for loss have resulted in 150 lost yards for Clemson's opponents. His play was actually fueled by the death of his mentor, Adams and his father in the span of 12 months. His strength at the point of attack as run-stopper and sack-master gives him the potential to be a long-time playmaker like Shaun Ellis or possibly even a game-changing 4-3 strong-side end in the Michael Strahan mold. 

Marvin Austin UNC: Austin's 2009 season was his last at UNC,  he was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an NCAA investigation found that he'd accepted improper gifts from an agent. During the 2009 season, Austin played at a high level all season and finished with 42 tackles, 6.0 tackles for losses, four sacks, three pass breakups, six quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Austin is good enough and his position valuable enough to warrant a high draft pick, but he has to show people that he lost that chip on his shoulder and is ready to play football again.

Von Miller Texas A&M: The 2010 Butkus Award winner as the nation's best linebacker has been a thorn in the side of passers and offensive linemen since he arrived in College Station. A defensive end/rush linebacker hybrid spot at which he almost always was standing up at the nine-technique position outside the left or right tackle. Some scouts will label him a one-trick player as a pass rusher without great size, the increased use of the 3-4 base scheme in the NFL and his explosiveness off the edge could earn him a high draft slot.

Marcell Dareus Alabama: As part of a defense that helped carry Alabama to the 2009 national title, Dareus emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive line prospects in the country. Dareus' size and strength stood out as a five-technique in Nick Saban's 3-4 scheme. Able to control his opponent, he clears the way for linebackers to pad their stats and could play a similar role in the NFL. 

Prince Amukamara Nebraska: Amukamara was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big 12 pick, making 59 tackles, a sack and breaking up 13 passes. While also being tabbed as one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, He was also honored as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as voted on by the conference's head coaches. Amukamara showed lock-down ability at his corner spot throughout the season, limiting opponents to just 18 pass completions in 52 attempts against him. The important of the cornerback position in a passing league and his physical attributes will make him a high first-round selection.

J.J. Watt Wisconsin: Excellent character and work ethic. Watt won the Lott IMPACT Award for integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity among college defenders. Began the Justin J. Watt Foundation to help schools fund athletic programs, does quite a bit of community work. Academic All-Big Ten in 2009 and 2010. Some teams might consider Watt an inside-outside 'tweener. With additional strength training, he is a prime candidate to play the five-technique position in the 3-4 base defense. His combination of size, hustle and intelligence could land him a spot in the top 40 overall selections.

Robert Quinn UNC: Quinn appeared poised to cement himself as a top-five NFL prospect. Instead, the North Carolina pass rusher was suspended for the entire 2010 season due to his involvement in the infamous agent scandal that rocked the UNC program. Quinn blessed with his natural tools that don't come around often and some 3-4 teams view the 270-pounder as athletic enough to handle responsibilities of an outside linebacker in that scheme.

2011 NFL Draft Preview

The top college football players from all over the nation will get their 1^st taste of NFL stardom when their NFL journeys begin at the 2011 NFL draft. Many college stars are already being compared to NFL greats like Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, and Warren Sapp.  Kaboom! Magazine will give you a inside look into one the most anticipated events of 2011. Some players will be able to handle the pressure and live up to expectations, while others will cave in and fold like a house of cards. The 2011 NFL Draft…Let The Human Rollercoaster Ride Begin!

Offensive Linemen

This class bodies are tailor made for the NFL…Are they too big though for the NFL???

1. Tyron Smith USC: He emerged as a standout in the Pac-10, winning the Morris Trophy as the conference's top offensive lineman as voted by the league's defensive linemen. Smith started the two seasons at right tackle at USC before declaring early for the 2011 NFL. Just scratching the surface of his potential, Smith can easily be a left tackle for someone for 10-12 years. Tyron moves like a tight-end and blocks like a all-pro guard, he’ll be a great fit for anyone passing game. A major concern is he's making a huge jump in competition without having actually operated on the left side.  

2. Anthony Castonzo Boston College: Castonzo holds the record for career starts at Boston College with 54. Associated Press Third Team All-American, All-ACC first team honoree, and as true freshmen protected Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan’s blindside. Castonzo's long frame, balance and quick feet in pass protection are certain to attract attention from scouts looking for the next great BC offensive linemen. Due to his height (6’7”), Castonzo has some problems in run blocking and against speeder defensive ends. Castonzo is very polished, he won’t need a whole bunch of work to be a right tackle immediately, and he could become a left tackle in a hurry. 

3. Mike Pouncey Florida: Pouncey was named to AP All-SEC Second Team in 2010.  Mike started at center in all 12 games this season. Pouncey could be a great starter at guard or center. Mike plays very big, very physical, and athletic in games. He moves extremely well and doesn’t get beat on the inside. He doesn’t get knocked off his base and never, ever gets pushed. He can help out immediately in the running game, but needs some time to learn and be effective in the passing attack. 

4. Nate Solder Colorado: Solder became the first offensive tackle at Colorado to earn All-America honors since 1979. Solder started every game over the last three seasons, including playing all 847 snaps in his All-America senior season. He’s tall and he plays like it without getting low enough for leverage on a regular basis. He’s a technician, but he doesn’t have the attitude to destroy a defender. 

5. Gabe Carimi Wisconsin: Carimi claimed the Outland Trophy this season helping the Badgers to an 11-2 record and Rose Bowl appearance. He was a unanimous first team All-American and first team All-Big Ten selection in 2010, while helping Wisconsin get to No. 5 in the nation in rushing. Carimi is a potential first-round pick because of his prototypical size, toughness, strength and the importance placed on the offensive tackle position. He moves well, but not fast enough to be a left tackle against NFL speed rushers.

2011 NFL Draft Preview

The top college football players from all over the nation will get their 1^st taste of NFL stardom when their NFL journeys begin at the 2011 NFL draft. Many college stars are already being compared to NFL greats like Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, and Warren Sapp.  Kaboom! Magazine will give you a inside look into one the most anticipated events of 2011. Some players will be able to handle the pressure and live up to expectations, while others will cave in and fold like a house of cards. The 2011 NFL Draft…Let The Human Rollercoaster Ride Begin!

Wide Receivers

Some people are saying that this class is the best draft class in NFL history. All these five guys have the hands and speed to make those people look like mind readers.

1. A.J. Green Georgia: Green leaves the University of Georgia after his junior season second in school history with 23 touchdown catches and third with 2,542 receiving yards. Extremely productive even though he was the No. 1 target everyone was trying to stop. He always came through with great catches and clutch plays whenever needed. Green has all the tools size, speed, hands, length, and toughness. A.J. has the ability to makes any quarterbacks throw look better than it truly is. Green will need to live in the weight room his rookie year so he can add a little more thickness to his frame.  

2. Julio Jones Alabama: Julio Jones was the most prized recruit in the history of Alabama and he did not disappoint. Jones started 40 games in his three-year career and was able to leave his mark on the Alabama record books as well, exiting with the single-season record for yards and receptions. He finished second in career yards and receptions. With a great personality and great work ethic, Jones wants to be a great receiver and he wants to be a No. 1 target. While he was able to play through his bumps and bruises, there was always something that kept him from being consistently explosive. If he can stay healthy, Julio Jones will have better career stats than Terrell Owens when his playing days are done.

3. Greg Little UNC: This may be a shock for some people as we have not seen Greg Little since the 2009 season. Little was suspended for the 2010 football season for attending a party hosted by an agent down in Miami during a spring break trip. When on the field in 09’, Little had 62 catches for 724 yards and five scores the fifth-highest catch total in Tar Heels history. Greg Little is still rough around the edges as a receiver. He possesses a huge frame and athleticism, and his best football is ahead of him. Put Little on a veteran team with a veteran receiver as a mentor and he will be a steal on draft night.

4. Torrey Smith Maryland: A record-breaking receiver and kick returner at Maryland, Smith will enter the NFL as one of the more intriguing players of the 2011 draft. Smith has always been known as a great kick returner, but in 2010, Smith let us all know that his not that bad of wide receiver too. Smith led the Terrapins with 67 catches for 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns. Smith is a phenomenal returner who can be used in a variety of ways and will do whatever is asked. Torrey has the speed of to be a big play kick returner, but needs a couple of seasons to become a natural receiver.

5. Leonard Hankerson Miami: Michael Irvin, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, Reggie Wayne, and Andre Johnson……Leonard Hankerson could be next in a long line of great Hurricanes receivers. Hankerson became just the third player in program history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season and the first to have 2,000 yards for a career and his 22 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time at Miami. He runs, cuts, and looks like a natural receiver and wants to get better. Unlike most great UM pass catchers, Hankerson doesn’t have the talent to be a special one of kind athlete, but what he lacks in talent he replaces it with hard work which will make him a great No. 2 option.

Sleeper: Titus Young Boise State: He may have been No. 1 in college, but he’ll be a deadly No. 2 or 3 options in the pros as an explosive deep threat. Young, a three-time first-team All-WAC selection, wrapped up his career at Boise State as the school's all-time leading receiver with 3,063 yards.

2011 NFL Draft Preview

The top college football players from all over the nation will get their 1^st taste of NFL stardom when their NFL journeys begin at the 2011 NFL draft. Many college stars are already being compared to NFL greats like Michael Irvin, Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, and Warren Sapp.  Kaboom! Magazine will give you a inside look into one the most anticipated events of 2011. Some players will be able to handle the pressure and live up to expectations, while others will cave in and fold like a house of cards. The 2011 NFL Draft…Let The Human Rollercoaster Ride Begin!

Running Backs

One Heisman winner and a group of over achievers, not too many future HOF’s in this class.

1. Mark Ingram Alabama: Ingram became Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner in 2009 as he helped lead the Crimson Tide to the school's 13th national title. In what most people thought was gonna be a Heisman repeat year, Ingram missed the first two games of 2010 with a knee injury and only rushed for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 42 career rushing touchdowns are the most in Alabama history. A smart, tough runner with terrific acceleration and balance; Ingram bounces off of tacklers and is a good enough receiver to stay on the field during third downs.  Durability is the only issue concerning Ingram, he has to prove that he can withstand the pounding of 16 NFL season if he wants to be No.1 on the depth chart.

2. Ryan Williams Virginia Tech: Williams started every game in 2009, He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and rushed for a total of 1,655 yards, including 21 touchdowns. A nagging hamstring injury kept Williams out of four games in 2010 and limited to only half of a fifth game. He was effective when healthy, rushing for 473 yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season. Williams's vision, acceleration, and surprising power should put him in the mix to be one of the first backs selected in the 2011 draft. If Williams can get back to 2009 form expect him to be a pro bowl back in three years.

3. Demarco Murray Oklahoma: Murray set OU career marks for all-purpose yards (6,626), touchdowns (64), points (384), and receiving yards by a RB (1,572). Extremely versatile Demarco can run, catch, return kicks, and do anything an offense needs him to do. Health is a major concern for Murray as he had to overcome many injuries throughout his career at OU. If Murray wants a long and healthy NFL career, he may have to move from running back to wide receiver and kick returner. 

4. Mikel Leshoure Illinois: Leshoure was a second team All-American and a first-team All-Big Ten selection during his junior season at Illinois after breaking the single-season school record with 1,697 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He helped lead the Fighting Illini to their first bowl victory since 1999. Leshoure rushed for a Texas Bowl-record 187 yards and three touchdowns and was named Texas Bowl MVP. Powerful and tough with the ability to run inside and out. He’s not afraid to take a shot, and he has the ability to be a true No. 1 back who can handle 20 carries a game. While he’s powerful, he doesn’t get too many yards on his own. He needs to find the hole and get through it rather than over a defender. 

5. Daniel Thomas Kansas State: Thomas recorded the second-most rushing yards in a season at K-State with 1,585 this season, which is also a new record for a senior back, and ranked eighth nationally. Thomas has great size and did a great job of producing even though he was the target of every defensive gameplan. For being 230 lbs; Thomas not going to pound it like he should for a guy his size. Concerns have also risen about Thomas being able to understand an NFL playbook.

Sleeper: Noel Devine West Virginia: Devine finished his career ranked fourth on the BIG EAST's all-time rushing list with 4,317 yards. Don’t let his 5’7” size fool you, Noel arguably the best third down back in the draft with great hands and can be worked into a return role. If he not the fastest person in the draft…..he the closet one.