Ohio State's most versatile defensive cog may be rising senior John Simon (#54 pictured). He just finished a junior campaign that saw him register 16 TFLs in a number of roles.
After starting most of his sophomore year, Smith (#10 pictured) lost his job to former Wisconsin All-Big Ten CB Antonio Fenelus. He was hoping to re-establish himself in the Big Ten in 2011, but an early season foot injury prevented him from accomplishing the goal. Can he finally bounce back in 2012? Find out in our scouting report on the Badgers' corner.
Buchanan (#99 pictured) continues to develop into one of the most legitimate pass rushers in the Big Ten. In his junior year, the Fighting Illini star posted 7.5 QB sacks and 13.5 TFLs.
Smith (#22 pictured with helmet off) has shuffled between a couple of positions while at Notre Dame, but he's always been highly productive. In 2010, he ranked 2nd on the Irish defense with 93 tackles. He also posted seven interceptions, including three in the team's Sun Bowl victory over Miami, Fl. We break down the senior's impressive skills in our video spotlight.
Former Syracuse SG Dion Waiters, pictured, decided to forgo his final two years of college after becoming the Big East's Sixth Man of the Year in 2011-12. This came a year after many around the program questioned whether he could make the commitment to get into quality shape. Despite averaging just over 23 minutes a game, the sophomore combo guard averaged 12.6 points/gm.
After recording a career-high 64 receptions for 1,161 yards and 5 TDs in 2011, UCLA's Nelson Rosario, pictured, finished his four-year stint for the Bruins with a 16.2 yards/catch average. Find out what separates the 6'5 1/2", 230-pound Westwood product from the other wideouts in this year's draft in our video spotlight.
Bilukidi -a Canadian native- set an all-time Georgia State record for sacks in the program's first two seasons of existence. One of the more under the radar prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft, Bilukidi could hear his named called late on Day Three of this year's process.
No player has risen up DraftNasty's Big Board more than San Jose State CB Peyton Thompson in the last month. Standing 5'11, 183 pounds, Thompson's San Jose State Pro Day (4.4 40-yd, 10'9" BJ, 37" VJ) largely went under the radar, but the former Spartan's game film tells the true story. He looks to follow in the footsteps of former San Jose State CB Dwight Lowery, who's gotten off to a solid start in the NFL with two different teams (Jets, Jaguars). We breakdown Thompson's game in our video spotlight.
Due to a pending season-long suspension, Syracuse safety Phillip Thomas opted to leave early for the 2012 NFL Draft. The former Orangeman standout led the Big East with six interceptions in 2011 during a breakout junior campaign.
Leary's (#75 pictured) long arms, ability to quick set and strong lower body make for a good combination at the guard position. If he can improve his technique, the former Memphis standout could join teammate Dontari Poe as former Tigers who make their way on to NFL rosters next fall.
After posting a career-high 64 receptions for 1,161 yards and 5 TDs in 2011, Nelson Rosario (#83 pictured) has come through with a strong 2012 postseason.
Despite eye-catching statistics, Nicholls State CB Bobby Felder (#21 intercepting a pass vs. Central Arkansas) hasn't garnered a lot of attention in this year's draft. We think the two-time All-Southland conference corner has all of the tools to succeed at the next level. Could he be the 2012 version of former Nicholls State safety Ledarius Webb (CB-Baltimore Ravens)?
Hamilton (#45 pictured) set an all-time single-season SWAC record with 22 QB sacks in 2011.
After notching an impressive seven interceptions in 2010, Harrison Smith (#22 pictured) shot onto the radar for many NFL teams. The former LB has enjoyed a smooth transition back and forth between that position and safety. His ability to tackle in the open field is very impressive for a taller safety.
Brooks' strong senior season was a big reason for the Hilltoppers' strong defensive performance in 2011.
An intense LB who bring his pads on contact, Johnson's (#52 pictured) productivity at Nevada has gone largely unnoticed. DraftNasty breaks down the talented ILB as we close in on the 2012 NFL Draft.
Ta'amu (#74 pictured on sack) is one of the top 3-4 DT/NG prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft. His size and above average quickness earn high marks, but find out what he needs to improve in our breakdown on the former Huskie standout.
The explosive Winn (#90 pictured) posted a strong career at Boise State. He now hopes to hear his name called in the first two rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Cattouse (pictured) certainly looks the part, and he spent the early portion of his career at corner. We go in-depth on Cattouse in our scouting breakdown.
The slender McCray, pictured, combines range and athleticism at the safety position.
