The 100-Yard Spin aims to provide random insight into the uniquely American institution of football - one of the most complex and diverse team sports in the world.

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Monday, December 17, 2012

Top 20 Eligible Prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft

1. DT Star Lotulelei Utah - Big line busters that require double and triple teams from O-lines are a big commodity in the NFL. I would take him and build my defense around him. His combination of size (6'3" 320 lbs.), strength, and athletic ability are rare. His lack of stats doesn't scare me too much as his value is hard to measure and quantify.

2. OT Luke Joeckel Texas A&M - I believe he is the cream of this year's crop up front and might just be the Aggies' most valuable player. Yes, I know Johnny Football won the Heisman but how could he have done it without the help of Joeckel? My guess is Notre Dame's Manti Te'o would've won it if Joeckel had declared for the draft last year.


3.  OG Chance Warmack Alabama - Is probably a better prospect than Joeckel from a pure physical standpoint, but until he proves he can play tackle he might not have the edge. My guess is that whichever team drafts him will be glad they did and most of those teams that pass him up will wish they would have.

4. LB Jarvis Jones Georgia - A better athlete than Te'o that has the ability to do it all for you on defense. He might not become the leader every coach covets but Jones seems to be a good guy worthy of a look in the top five. He did average just over one sack per game over the last two seasons, which is outstanding.

5. DE Damontre Moore Texas A&M - Has burst onto the scene with 12.5 sacks this year, including one in a big win against Alabama, which has the best O-line in the country. Teams looking for a pass-rusher that has been productive over the course of his college career do not need to look any further than Moore.

6. LB Manti Te'o  Notre Dame - He has led the charge for the Irish the entire season against one of the toughest schedules in the country, but took a stumble in the BCS Championship game against Alabama. He is a dedicated, intelligent athlete with a wide skill set and he also happens to be a very likable guy.

7. DE Bjoern Werner Florida State - Another productive pass-rusher at the college level that should make a good living in the NFL.

8. CB Dee Milliner Alabama - Has done a great job stepping into the spotlight and helping to keep the defensive torch lit in Tuscaloosa. The Tide are currently ranked first in the country in total D and sixth against the pass. Milliner seems to have all the skills needed to be a competent NFL corner.

9. DT Johnathan Hankins Ohio State - Was a huge (6'3" 335 lbs.) reason the Buckeyes went undefeated and why their defense ranked thirteenth in the country against the run. Like Lotulelei, Hankins is another guy that could hold the line for the next 10 years.

10. DT Sylvester Williams North Carolina - I put a high value on really good defensive tackle prospects and by all accounts Williams seems to fit the bill.

11. OG Jonathan Cooper North Carolina - Has all the size (6'3" 320 lbs.) and skill you could ask for in a guard prospect. He might not get drafted this high but I don't believe there are any better players on the board at this point.

12. OT Taylor Lewan Michigan - Looks like another legit left tackle prospect coming out of Ann Arbor. Wolverines fans are hoping he returns for his senior season.

13. OT Jake Mathews Texas A & M - It seems that the Aggies have not one, but two tackles that are capable of shutting down some of the best defensive players in college football.

14. DE Sam Montgomery Louisiana State - Barkevious Mingo seems to get more praise as a prospect but Montgomery seems to be the more consistent performer.

15. DT Sheldon Richardson Missouri - Had nine solo tackles and a sack against Alabama. That right there tells me a lot about this guy. He is one of the more athletic of the top tackle prospects.

16. DE Dion Jordan Oregon - One of the best defenders for the Ducks over the last two years has a huge wingspan on his 6'6" frame.

17. DT Jesse Williams Alabama - Just pick him up, plug him in, and play him. He will help an NFL defense get tougher and stronger up front.


18. S Kenny Vaccaro Texas - It's hard to find real good safeties in the draft so get them while you can. Vaccaro is a nice physical specimen that has played good ball for the Longhorns over the last three years.

19. LB Alec Ogletree Georgia - Very productive in college with 95 solo tackles, 55 assists, and five sacks over the last two years in Athens, Ogletree also measures in at 6'3" 237 lbs. and reportedly runs a 4.55 forty. All those numbers are hard to ignore.

20. DE Barkevious Mingo Louisiana State - I don't like the fact that he disappeared for much of the season but Mingo has all the physical tools to become a star defender in the NFL.