2. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal*: I'm not willing to agree with University of Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian that Barkley should be drafted higher than Luck, but the Trojans junior has narrowed the gap and is an elite prospect in his own right.
3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*: It is difficult to grade any running back this high as the value of the position simply doesn't warrant it. Richardson, however, might just be the most physically gifted player in the country.
4. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal*: Kalil isn't as fundamentally sound and consistent as scouts would like, but he possesses such great size, athleticism and balance that a top-five pick (and future Pro Bowls) would appear likely in his future.
5. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU*: I argued that LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson was the top player in the 2011 draft. Shockingly, Claiborne has been even better this season than Peterson, the fifth pick this April, was last year.
6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State*: Blackmon ultimately won't get drafted this high due to concerns about his straight-line speed, but he's virtually unstoppable at this level and will prove to be No. 1 option in the NFL.
7. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford*: In terms of consistent dominance, there hasn't been an offensive or defensive lineman I've graded higher this season than DeCastro. Only the fact that he plays guard may keep him out of the top half of the first round.
8. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: Big, physical and (like Blackmon) faster on the field than he'll ever time off it, Floyd has the makings of a top-10 pick -- as long as he can convince teams he has the maturity to handle the pressure on and off the field that comes with such lofty expectations.
9. Devon Still, DT, Penn State: His talent has always been obvious, but until this season it stayed under the surface. Just as Phil Taylor rode a dominant senior campaign into the first round, however, don't be surprised if Still is able to do the same -- especially if he can follow Taylor's lead and enjoy a stellar week at the Senior Bowl, as well.
10. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa*: With NFL size (6-feet-6, 300 pounds), sound technique and better athleticism than former teammate Bryan Bulaga, Reiff is viewed by scouts as a pro-ready tackle capable of helping immediately at either left or right tackle.
11. 'Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama*: Kirkpatrick's combination of size, speed and physicality is rare for the cornerback position. He remains a bit raw in technique, which is why Claiborne has leapt him on many draft boards.
12. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: When playing with passion, the 6-6, 285 pound Coples is arguably the elite defensive prospect in the country. Coples, who is lining up at defensive end this season after starring inside last year, hasn't been playing with the same intensity and is slipping because of it. His raw talent, however, is undeniable and should generate top-10 consideration.
13. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Quarterback Robert Griffin III gets all the hype, but the playmaking Wright is a legitimate first-round talent himself. At 5-10, 190 pounds Wright is significantly smaller than many of the other top receivers in this draft, but he brings very good open-field running skills. Some scouts compare Wright to Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith for their similar build and explosiveness.
14. Courtney Upshaw, ILB, Alabama: Among the most versatile defenders in the country, Upshaw's burst and strong, active hands make him a natural pass rusher capable of seeing the field early whether as a 4-3 defensive end or as either an inside or outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.
15. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor*: Griffin's athleticism and touch on the deep ball make him a very intriguing pro prospect, but it was the poise and toughness he showed in upsetting Oklahoma that really caught my eye. Griffin isn't nearly as polished as Luck or Barkley, but he could prove a real gem, nonetheless.
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