Surprise Top Ten Picks looking for an athletic
arity of intrusion by talented players from lesser-hyped programs in the top two rounds (8.9 average from 2001-2001)--but for now, expect this year's group to hover around the recent average. I'll be watching for the following prospects to be picked early:Possible firsteasy second round picks:1. DL Muhammad Wilkerson (Temple)The junior played well for the Owls, then excelled at the Combine (4.96 40, 27 reps, 4.59 short shuttle). Teams looking for a five-technique in the late first could snap him up.2. OL Marcus Cannon (TCU)Cannon could be the surprise first round pick if power-blocking teams like Pittsburgh or Philadelphia feel strongly he fits their system as a guard or tackle--and don't want to wait until the late second to bring him in.Solid second round picks:3. WR Jerrel Jernigan (Troy)Though he measured in a shade under 5-9, 185 pounds, Jernigan's quickness, toughness over the middle, and return ability give him an excellent shot to be a second-round pick.4. CB Davon House (New Mexico State)Teamed with . nfl wholesale Kyle Wilson on the 2009 All-WAC first team, and was named all-conference again in 2010. Though he isn't quite the player Wilson was in college, measuring over six-foot, 200-pounds with a 4.44 40 cemented his spot in the second round.5. OL Ben Ijalana (Villanova)If Ijalana were not dealing with a sports hernia, people would be discussing the versatile player (who is more athletic than former UMass Vlad Ducasse, last year's second round pick of the Jets) more frequently as a top 64 selection. 6. DL Kenrick Ellis (Hampton)Another massive athlete with very good athleticism, Ellis' past may prevent him from going as high as his talent indicates--but 3-4 teams looking for an athletic 340-pounder who could play on the nose and at five-technique should jump on his talent in the mid-to-late second.Possible second rounders:7. QB Andy Dalton (TCU)Dalton's excellent win-loss record and solid character could earn him a spot in the second round, but his lack of siz. cheap jerseys and arm strength could make him available to teams early managed to do in recent years despite being questioned by many. Some teams have him the number one quarterback prospect on their board because of his size, athleticism, and arm strength. And the needs of the Niners, Titans, and Redskins--or another team trading up into the top ten to grab him--could win the day.Next Thursday's workout will be as big as Sam Bradford's was last year in terms of his draft status.5. Auburn DT Nick FairleyThere is no doubt about Fairley's athleticism; his Combine and pro day workouts showed exceptional footwork for a man his size. But junior college prospects and "one-year wonders" are often considered risky prospects, so teams preferring Alabama's Marcell Dareus as the draft's top defensive tackle or needing a receiver or cornerback may decide to go in those directions rather than taking Fairley in . NFL Jerseysthe single digits.I listed Fairley last because it seems unlikely Fairley is available to Minnesota or St. Louis because of the need for athletic big men in today's NFL, especially considering his fit in Tennessee and teams like Cleveland, Buffalo, and Denver moving from a base 4-3 or playing more four-man fronts. But it's something to watch for...--Contributed by NFLDraftScout Senior Analyst Chad ReuterKyle Rudolph, the consensus top tight end prospect of the 2011 draft, has healed from the torn hamstring that sidelined him for much of the 2010 season and will be working out for scouts at Notre Dame's April 7 Pro Day, according to a report. Eric Hansen of the WSBT South Bend Tribune quotes Rudolph as saying, "I finally feel back to my old self, maybe better. I feel that I have the explosiveness back that I used to have. I don't feel the pain anymore. I've gotten my stride back." Rudolph, NFLDraftScout's No. 37th rated player overall , has the physical skills to translate well to the NFL. At 6-6, 259 pounds, the Irish junior has the bulk scouts are looking for in a traditional tight end and Hansen cites sources close to Rudolph who expect him to run in the "neighborhood" of the 4.