In a pre-draft poll of 22 NFL scouts conducted by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel University of Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara was rated the second best cornerback available, trailing only LSU’s Patrick Peterson. The 6’0″ 206 lb. 2010 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year had 59 tackles and a sack as a Senior for the Cornhuskers. The Ball Says: After allaying concerns about his straight-line speed with a solid showing at the NFL Combine Amukamara is royally set to likely be [...]

The Lafeyette Journal and Courier reports that Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan has caught the eye of several NFL teams (including the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Patriots, and Falcons) and is almost certain to be selected in the first round of this week’s NFL Draft. The 6’4″ 267 lb. Senior had 70 tackles, 13 sacks, and a forced fumble a year ago. The Ball Says: Kerrigan’s collegiate success, versatility, and motor have both 4-3 and 3-4 teams eying the Big 10′s all [...]

After a disappointing senior season that was prematurely ended by a torn ACL North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter is one of a number of players the Detroit Lions are considering to fill their need at OLB, according to a report in the Detroit News. The 6’3″ 230 lb. Senior had 57 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an interception for the Tar Heels in 2010. The Ball Says: Carter’s considerable talent had him labeled as a potential Top 10 [...]

The Denver Broncos, a team with definite needs at the safety position headed into this month’s NFL Draft, recently conducted a one-on-one session with safety Quinton Carter of Oklahoma, according to a report in the Tulsa World. The 6’1″, 200 lb. Senior had 96 tackles and 4 interceptions for the Sooners in 2010. The Ball Says: Carter’s 4.59 40 yard dash time at thye NFL Combine isn’t going to wow any scouts, but he’s a versatile player, solid tackler, strong [...]

  A league source has disputed the recent report that Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, who has seen his 2011 NFL Draft value plummet from possible first overall selection to potentially dropping from the Top 10 altogether amid health and other concerns, could need microfracture surgery on his right knee, according to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The source said that at least one team that has examined the knee of Bowers, who had 67 tackles, 16 sacks, [...]

The Los Angeles Times reports that UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers hopes that an improved showing in the forty yard dash at the Bruins’ recent Pro Day will stop his stock from sliding into the second round of the upcoming NFL Draft. The 6’4″, 255 lb. Junior had 68 tackles, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions for UCLA in 2010. The Ball Says: Ayers is a versatile player with a solid burst at the snap, but his 4.7 40 time does little [...]