Georgia Bulldogs WR A.J. Green is a good bet to be a top-two pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but he’s likely to be followed soon after by a deluge of SEC talent. Just as the Big 12 filled the top of the 2010 draft, the SEC could take up half or more of next year’s top ten.
Mocking The Draft’s top 200 includes 38 SEC players, with Green, LSU Tigers CB Patrick Peterson, Auburn Tigers DT Nick Fairley, Alabama Crimson Tide WR Julio Jones, Bama DL Marcell Dareus, and Auburn QB Cam Newton in the top ten. MTD also projects Florida Gators CB Janoris Jenkins, Bama RB Mark Ingram, Arkansas Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett, Mississippi St. Bulldogs OT Derek Sherrod, Georgia LB Justin Houston, and Florida OL Mike Pouncey as first round-ish talent.
Florida and Alabama lead the way with seven each on the list. While many of these players are juniors, all are currently expected to declare for the draft.