Last year, 15 underclassmen were first-round draft choices. This year, there should be at least that many, and it's conceivable that as many as 18 to 20 could go in the first round. I asked NFLDraftScout.com, a site I use and respect around draft day, to rank the top juniors --and where they rank in the first-round draft order. (The comments here belong to NFLDraftScout.com player analyst Rob Rang; the number indicates where the player's projected to be picked.)
2. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Would have been top DT selected had he come out last year as a redshirt sophomore.
4. QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
When protected, he's shown Pro-Bowl accuracy. Lanky frame, surgery concerns scouts.
5. FS Eric Berry, Tennessee
An Ed Reed type. Superior instincts and tackling skills.
6. DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech
ACC Defensive Player of the Year, 21, has legitimate NFL size (6-foot-4, 265).
7. CB Joe Haden, Florida
Not an elite cover corner, but far and away the best in the 2010 draft.
8. DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida
Rare size (6-6, 278) and a good first step. Still learning to play the position.
9. QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Most pro-ready QB in the draft based on Charlie Weis' tutelage, but doesn't have a top NFL arm.
10. ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama
Great instincts and size (6-4, 255), but has been protected a bit by Nick Saban's scheme.
11. WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Some scouts say he goes up and gets the ball like Randy Moss did in his prime.
13. OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers
Rare size (6-6, 330) and legit left tackle athleticism. Could be draft's top tackle.
14. OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Shut down Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan in high-profile battle in bowl game.
20. RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Production inflated due to triple-option offense, but at 5-11, 235 is a quick punisher.
25. WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Lacks preferred size at 5-11, 185, but has RB-like vision and competes for the jump ball.
27. OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Great athleticism and 6-foot-7 wingspan with room to grow. Raw. Only 17 career starts.
29. WR Damian Williams, USC
Fits West Coast offense with quickness and good hands. Also top returner.
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