Two teams that weren’t in the best on shape on the NBA Finals odds just a week ago are both smiling and sitting pretty right now. The Oklahoma City Thunder have to love this matchup against a bunch of Memphis Grizzlies that just have to be happy to still be alive after becoming the fourth No. 8 seed to ever upset a No. 1 in the first round of the playoffs.

NBA Series Prices
Oklahoma City -350 vs. Memphis +270 @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook
Oklahoma City -360 vs. Memphis +300 @ SportBet Sportsbook
Oklahoma City OTB vs. Memphis OTB @ BetUS Sportsbook

Series Trends and History
The Thunder have to be a bit scared over how poorly they actually played in this season series. All of the meetings came from the beginning of January through the beginning of March, which at least should let OKC’s NBA betting fans relax just a bit knowing that Kendrick Perkins wasn’t in the fold for any of the games. Still, the Grizzlies came here to the Ford Center back in February and posted a 105-101 win in overtime as 7.5 point underdogs, and they went 3-1 SU and ATS in the season series.

The bad news for Memphis bettors though, is that this is the only time since 2008 that the Grizzlies have either won or covered a game in the Sooner State, something that doesn’t bode well for the rest of this series.

Keys to the Series
Key 1: Containing Durant – There are no two ways around this fact: Kevin Durant is really, really, really good. Amongst players that are still left standing — and there are a heck of a lot of good ones out there — none are averaging more points per game in the second season than the 32.4 that the former Texas Longhorn is putting on the board. Of course, this did come against a Denver Nuggets team that really was never all that great defensively, but that’s still a huge number that cannot be ignored. There really aren’t great defensive matchups for Durant in this series either for Memphis, which means that the key to slowing Durant might be forcing him into bad situations and matchups defensively.

Key 2: Heart and Hustle – Ah yes, the old slogan of the Orlando Magic from back in the day… The Grizzlies have sort of adopted that right now, as they don’t have the talent to match up with some of the best teams in the Western Conference even with Rudy Gay in the fold, let alone when he’s out nursing an injury. Memphis was able to beat the San Antonio Spurs by taking control of the hustle stats in the game and simply outworking them. That’s what it will need to do again in this series. The problem though, is that the Thunder have a team that is much more suited to play well in this situation. Oklahoma City certainly got a lot tougher with Perkins and Nazr Mohammad on the court, and that could make all the difference, not just in this series, but in the rest of the playoffs as well.

Key 3: Believing – Neither one of these teams has ever been to this point, and there really isn’t a heck of a lot of playoff experience on either side. The team that might beat the NBA series odds could be the one that believes that it deserves to be in the Western Conference Finals and believes that it will beat either the Dallas Mavericks or the Los Angeles Lakers. We don’t really know what the Grizzlies have in this department after beating the Spurs last round, but we know that Durant and Russell Westbrook are never short on confidence.

The Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat both have aspirations of beating the NBA Finals odds this year to claim glory. These two titans will run into each other like two runaway trains going in opposite directions starting on Sunday, and only one will be able to survive.

NBA Series Prices
Miami -195 vs. Boston +165 @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook
Miami -200 vs. Boston +170 @ SportBet Sportsbook
Miami -190 vs. Boston +155 @ BetUS Sportsbook

Series Trends and History
The Celtics did a nice job in this series this year in the regular season. They won 88-80 in a great game in October and came back to South Beach to score a 112-107 ‘W’. February’s meeting also went Boston’s way in 85-82 form at TD Garden. The difference making win went to Miami, though. In one of the last games of the regular season, the Heat scored a 100-77 victory. Because of that, they finished in front of the C’s in the standings and earned home court advantage in this series.

The Celtics are still 9-3 ATS over the course of the last 12 meetings in South Beach, and they had covered four in a row and seven out of eight before that romp here at American Airlines Arena. The favorite is 13-6 ATS in the last 19 clashes of these titans.

Keys to the Series
Key 1: The Battle in the Paint – There really isn’t anything more important in this series. The Celtics know that they have a huge deficiency without Kendrick Perkins. They might get Shaquille O’Neal back in the fold at some point during this series, but we don’t know whether it’s going to make much of a difference. If Joel Anthony and Zydrunas Ilgauskas can figure out how to give just a few contributions, that should be good enough for the Heat to dominate.

Key 2: LeBron’s Passion – LeBron James is going to be the best player on the court in this series, but that doesn’t mean that he is going to be putting up the best numbers. James was knocked out of the playoffs by these Celtics last year, and he really needs to be at his best to avenge that defeat from last year. Boston figured out how to bottle LeBron up last year, and if it does so again, the Heat are in a ton of trouble.

Key 3: Overcoming the Past – We’ve already mentioned just how badly the Heat played against Boston this year, but this wasn’t the only rock solid team that they didn’t do so great against on the campaign. Miami was knocked off twice by the Dallas Mavericks and all three times by the Chicago Bulls. This has been a huge problem for the Heat, and if they can’t get over their problems against the best of the best, they’ll never be able to beat the NBA Finals odds.

The 2011 NFL Draft is just about here, and here at Bankroll Sports, we’re analyzing the best NFL Draft props on the board so you can cash in on the most exciting offseason event for the boys on the gridiron!

Quarterbacks Drafted in the First Round Over Under 3.5

It’s a lock that both Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton will be selected in the Top 10 and Jake Locker will almost assuredly go in the first round as well. That means that either Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, or Ryan Mallett needs to be taken in the first round as well to win this NFL Draft bet. No one would be particularly surprised to see any of these players taken at the back end of the first round, with the most likely candidates being Ponder or Dalton. In particular, many NFL experts like Vic Carucci believe that Ponder will be taken by the end of the first round, probably by a team with a quarterback need trading back up. Gil Brandt recently highlighted that the Cincinnati Bengals brought in both Dalton and Ponder for private workouts and will look into selecting one of them as well. Go with Over 3.5 Quarterbacks Drafted in Round 1, -170 @ BetOnline

Jake Locker Position Drafted Over/Under 23.5

A few weeks ago, some thought that Locker would slip out of the first round, but recently, Locker has been getting a great deal of love from teams in desperate need of a quarterback such as the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins. With Newton and Gabbert off the board early, teams could get into a scramble to take the third-best quarterback on most team’s boards. Locker was seen as a potential #1 overall pick before the start of the 2010 college football season, but Washington’s offense struggled and Locker’s stock fell over questions about his accuracy and ability to succeed at the next level. However, smart teams have noted that Locker did not have many underneath routes to help his completion percentage at the college ranks and this affected perception. The 49ers, Vikings, Redskins, Dolphins, and Jaguars could also conceivably take Locker in their draft positions and a team might be likely to trade up to grab him as well. Locker Under Draft Position 23.5, -130 @ BetOnline is a mortal lock with all of these teams interested.

AJ Green’s Position Drafted Over/Under 4.5

Virtually every mock draft in the world has Green going to the Bengals with the 4th overall pick and it’s hard to fault their logic. With Carson Palmer threatening to retire, the loss of Terrell Owens, and Chad Ochocinco continuing to cause problems, a standout wide receiver may convince Palmer to stay. Green is the best receiver in the draft and has amazing physical tools, including a set of hands that will already be among the best in the league upon his entry. Someone could be trading up into the Top 5 to snare a tremendous physical specimen as well. One of the top four teams will take him, so for your NFL Draft picks, take Green Under Draft Position 4.5, -155 @ BetOnline.

Total Players Drafted in the First Round from the ACC Over/Under 5

The juice is pretty high on this prop, but it’s as close to a lock as you’re going to get. There are only three consensus first round picks from the ACC: North Carolina’s Robert Quinn, Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, and Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers. After that there are a number of players that are potential first round picks, such as Miami’s Brandon Harris, Florida State’s Christian Ponder, and North Carolina’s Marvin Austin. However, the chances of Austin getting into the first round are minimal at best, and although Ponder has a decent chance at being a first round selection, Harris is a coin flip. The worst case scenario should see exactly five ACC players taken in the first round which would be a push on the bet. This looks to be one of the easier NFL Draft props this year, so go with the ACC Under 5 First Round Draft Picks, -200 @ BetOnline.

Which Side of the Ball With the No. 11 Picks in the Draft Be From?

Many bettors will be turned off by the high juice on this prop, but the Houston Texans come into this draft needing defense in the worst way. Houston had one of the most porous secondaries in the history of the NFL in 2010 and would love to get their hands on Patrick Peterson or Prince Amukamara to give itself a shutdown corner for the next decade. If both of these players are gone, expect the Texans to take a defensive end/linebacker type such as Robert Quinn since they are switching to the 3-4 this season. Julio Jones is an outside possibility at this slot, but that assumes that Jones falls this far and that the Texans pass on such glaring needs over another wide receiver. Really, the only way that this bet loses is if the Texans trade the pick. There’s at least an 85 percent chance that the 11th NFL Draft pick goes on the Defense, -500 @ BetOnline.

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Bankroll Sports is getting you all revved up with our 2011 Mock NFL Draft, going position by position, targeting the best players on the board at each position. Our NFL Draft Preview continues today with our look at the top linebackers available to come off of the board starting on Thursday.

1. Patrick Peterson CB (LSU) – Last year’s winner of the Thorpe Award (Best DB) and Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player) is arguably the most talented player in the 2011 NFL Draft. Peterson established himself as a shutdown corner at LSU and had six pass break-ups and four interceptions during the 2010 NCAA football betting season. His 6’0 220 lb frame and 4.31 40 time highlight his physical gifts and his ability to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. In addition to his covering skills, Peterson was also one of the best punt returners in the nation (16.1 yards per return). He is a lock to be a Top 10 pick.

2. Prince Amukamara CB (Nebraska) – Unanimous All-American CB Prince Amukamara was one of the elite corners in all of college football last season. During his final season as a Cornhusker, quarterbacks showed their wariness in throwing to his side by only targeting him 53 times. Although he failed to pick off a pass last season, Amukamara led the team with 13 pass break-ups and consistently shut down some of the best receivers in the country. Amukamara is projected to be drafted in the top half of the first round.

3. Jimmy Smith CB (Colorado) – Smith’s size (6’2 210 lbs) and physical skills are extremely appealing to teams looking to improve their secondary in the draft but he has major red flags in the character department. While at Colorado, Smith failed four drug tests and ran into trouble with police from time to time. However, Smith also has great speed for his size (4.37 40), an impressive wingspan (77 inches), and unlike most college corners thrives in press coverage. This combination of talent and trouble has drawn many comparisons to Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib. Smith can be a very good cornerback at the next level if he can stay out of trouble and is projected to be a first rounder.

4. Brandon Harris CB (Miami) – Miami should be renamed Defensive Back U with their proclivity of sending DBs to the NFL. In the past decade, the Hurricanes have had seven defensive backs drafted in the first round and Harris will look to be the eighth ‘Cane to earn this honor. Harris led a unit that was second in the nation in pass defense during the 2010 college football betting season. He lacks the size of some of the other corners in this draft and doesn’t have elite speed, but is a great man-to-man cover corner. Mock draft experts have Harris going in the late first or early second round.

5. Aaron Williams CB (Texas) – The Longhorns had their most disappointing seasons in years in 2010, but Williams was one of the few bright spots on the team. Williams is a 6’0 185 lb corner who has quick feet and is good at reading routes. He is somewhat slow for a cornerback (4.55 40) and may end up playing safety in the NFL, but his lack of physicality is something that would need to be overcome. Scouts project Williams to be a late first to early second round selection.

6. Rahim Moore FS (UCLA) – Our first non-cornerback on the list, Moore is a natural safety with great instincts. In 2009, Moore led the nation with 10 interceptions and was named a First Team All-American by the majority of publications bestowing postseason honors. Last season, Moore only picked off one pass, but still picked up First Team All Pac-10 honors as opposing quarterbacks refused to challenge him. Moore is seen as a second round pick in the upcoming draft.

7. Ras-I Dowling CB (Virginia) – Coming into the 2010 NCAA football betting season, Dowling was seen as a potential first round pick this year, but leg injuries ruined his senior year. Dowling battled a variety of injuries last season and suffered a fractured ankle that limited him to just five games. When he was healthy though, few were better in either the ACC or the country. Dowling is 6’2 200 lbs and ran a 4.4 40, and if he is able to stay healthy, he should be able to succeed at the next level. He is projected to be a second to third round pick in the draft.

8. Chimdi Chekwa CB (Ohio State) – Chekwa was a First Team All-Big 10 selection in 2010 and was a big part of why the Buckeyes defense was one of the best in the country. At the combine, Chekwa measured in at 6’0 190 lbs and ran a 4.38 40 to prove that he has the measureables needed to produce in the NFL. Aside from being one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, Chekwa also was a great sprinter and anchored the Buckeyes’ 4×100 relay team. He broke his right wrist in the team’s bowl game win over Arkansas but should be healthy in time for the season. Chekwa is seen as a second to third round pick.

9. Tyler Sash SS (Iowa) – Sash is seen by NFL scouts as the best strong safety prospect in the upcoming draft and was named First Team All-Big 10 in both 2009 and 2010. Although he struggles in covering receivers and lacks the speed teams would like to see, Sash is a hard hitter and does well in run support. He is projected to be a mid-round selection in the draft.

10. Davon House CB (New Mexico State) – At the Aggies’ pro day, House moved up the draft boards thanks to running a 4.35 40 and having a 6 foot frame. Although he didn’t play against top level competition, House’s size and speed make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for a quality sleeper. Unlike other cornerbacks in this draft, House is a good tackler as well as a good cover corner and projects to be a mid-round selection.

Bankroll Sports is getting you all revved up with our 2011 Mock NFL Draft, going position by position, targeting the best players on the board at each position. Our NFL Draft Preview continues today with our look at the top linebackers available to come off of the board starting on Thursday.

1. Von Miller OLB (Texas A&M) – The outside linebacker position isn’t overly stocked with talent in this draft, but Von Miller is an elite prospect and will be a top five pick. Miller is a 6’3 246 lb speedster that stunned scouts by running a 4.42 40 at the Combine, a time very rarely seen from linebackers. Over the last two seasons, very few players have been as productive as Miller. In 2009, Miller led the nation in sacks with 17, and registered 21.5 tackles for loss to go with four forced fumbles. This past college football betting season, Miller picked up 10.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. His blazing speed should translate into success in the pro ranks.

2. Akeem Ayers OLB (UCLA) – Ayers isn’t near the prospect that Miller is, but is a solid prospect and played in every game he suited up for at UCLA. Last season, Ayers was a Butkus Award finalist and picked up 1st Team All-Pac 10 honors along with being named a 2nd Team All-American despite lacking the sexy numbers that other pass-rushing linebackers posted. At the combine, Ayers put up a very disappointing 40 time though, running a 4.81, and moved down draft boards as some teams questioned whether or not he could rush the edge at the next level. Despite the poor time, Ayers is seen as a mid-first round selection.

3. Justin Houston OLB (Georgia) – The Bulldogs switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 didn’t bode well for their NCAA football betting results this season, but was a big reason why Houston is considered one of top linebacker prospects in this draft. As an OLB in the 3-4, Houston was a force to be reckoned with, picking up 10 quarterback sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 2010. He has the build and measurables to make it at the next level, running a 4.62 40 and benching 225 lbs 30 times at the combine. Houston is projected to be a second round selection.

4. Martez Wilson ILB (Illinois) – The first inside linebacker on our list, Wilson put up great numbers at the combine and is a natural fit as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Wilson checked in at 6’4 250 lbs and ran a blisteringly fast 4.42 40 yard dash at the combine. After missing virtually all of 2009 due to a neck injury, Wilson stormed back with an impressive 2010 campaign. Wilson recorded 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and three forced fumbles. Teams do have concerns about his neck and that has led to Wilson dropping out of the first round, but he is still seen as a second round pick.

5. Brooks Reed OLB (Arizona) – Reed was seen as a mid-round selection until impressing scouts in positional drills at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Draft combine. Although he projects to be an outside linebacker in the NFL, Reed worked out with defensive linemen at the combine and showcased an amazing first step. At Arizona, he was mainly used as a stand-up outside rusher and was only rarely used in contain situations. He will need to learn containment assignments at the next level but is seen as a second round pick.

6. Sam Acho OLB (Texas) – Last year’s winner of the Academic Heisman, Acho certainly has the mental aptitude to handle the step up in competition. Acho played defensive line at Texas, but is projected to play outside linebacker at the next level. In 2010, Acho racked up 59 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and five forced fumbles while taking on habitual double teams en route to 1st Team All-Big 10 accolades. He is projected as a second to third round pick in the NFL.

7. Bruce Carter OLB (North Carolina) – Heading into the 2010 college football betting season, Carter was seen as a lock to go in the first round and one of the most physically gifted athletes in the draft. However, suspensions to fellow Tar Heels helped lead to an underwhelming senior season which was topped off by tearing his ACL in the second to last game of the regular season. Carter is seen as an athlete in the mold of Julius Peppers with amazing size, speed, jumping ability, and strength. Most NFL experts believe him to be a second to third round pick in the upcoming draft.

8. Quan Sturdivant ILB (North Carolina) – Sturdivant was another talent on a Tar Heels defense that was supposed to be one of the best in the modern history of college football before injuries and suspensions destroyed the unit. He lacks the pizzazz of some of his squad mates but showed the talent needed to succeed at the next level. Sturdivant missed five games due to a pulled hamstring and failed to put up the numbers he posted in previous years, but is seen as a mid-round selection.

9. Greg Jones ILB (Michigan State) – A unanimous first-team All America selection, Jones was also a three time 1st Team All-Big 10 choice and the team MVP during his senior season in East Lansing. Jones registered 106 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles while stuffing the middle. Unlike most other names on this list, Jones is a pure inside linebacker and didn’t exclusively rush the passer in college. He is projected to be a mid-round draft pick.

10. Dontay Moch OLB (Nevada) – Playing in the WAC, Moch didn’t face the talent that other names on this list did. At just 6’2 230 lbs, Moch was asked to play rush end at Nevada and constantly sped around the end and pressured the quarterback. Moch was named WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and racked up 41.5 tackles per loss and 14.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Moch is seen as a mid-round draft pick but must learn how to do more than rush the end at the next level.

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The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and Bankroll Sports will provide you an in-depth look on the NFL Draft, examining the top prospects at each position. Today, we look at the top ten defensive linemen for the 2011 NFL Draft.

1. Marcell Dareus DT (Alabama) – This draft is absolutely loaded with talented defensive line prospects and Dareus is the best of the bunch. The highly touted defensive tackle left Tuscaloosa after his junior season, but for good reason, as he is projected as a top three pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Dareus was the anchor of Alabama’s defense, playing all along the defensive line wherever Head Coach Nick Saban needed him. Dareus was a big reason why Alabama’s defense was one of the best in the country, allowing just 13.5 PPG during the 2010 college football betting season. He was named First Team All-SEC last season and drew constant double teams from opponents. Dareus recorded 11 tackles for loss and 4 ½ sacks in 2010.

2. Nick Fairley DT (Auburn) – Although teammate Cam Newton got a lot of the attention from the press, Fairley was just as important in helping the Tigers claim the 2010 BCS Championship. Fairley was the undisputed leader of a Tigers defense that had little surrounding talent and dominated in the toughest conference in college football. Fairley was named First Team All-American by virtually everyone and also garnered SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors as well as defensive MVP honors in the BCS Title game. Fairley led the nation in sacks for a defensive tackle with 11.5 sacks in 2010, and set an Auburn single-season record with 21 tackles for loss. He is seen as a Top 10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

3. Robert Quinn DE (North Carolina) – Prior to the start of the 2010 NCAA football betting season, Quinn was seen by many as the top defensive lineman in college football. However, Quinn’s season-long suspension stemming from accepting gifts from an agent has teams questioning his character and maturity. On the field though, very few players showcase the talent seen in Quinn. Quinn was named First Team All-ACC in 2009 and registered 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks on the season. He is amazing measureables, running a 4.57 40-yard dash and benching 225 lbs 24 times with a 6’4 265 lb frame. One cause for concern though is that Quinn has a benign brain tumor that needs to be carefully monitored. Quinn is projected to go in the top half of the 1st round.

4. Da’Quan Bowers DE (Clemson) – No one questions whether or not Bowers has elite talent, but there are serious concerns about his knees. Bowers missed two games during the 2009 season due to strained ligaments in his knee and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery after this past season. During Clemson’s Pro Day, Bowers was seen to be slightly limping and this has scared off some potential suitors. When healthy, Bowers was dominant though. Bowers led the nation in sacks in 2010, with 15.5, and recorded 24 tackles for loss. Bowers was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts and will be a force in the NFL if he can stay healthy. Bowers is projected to go in the top half of the first round.

5. JJ Watt DE (Wisconsin) – Watt has skyrocketed up draft boards lately and is now projected as a mid first-round pick after being seen as a second to third round pick just a few months ago. Watt started his collegiate career at Central Michigan as a tight end but stood out as a defensive end after transferring to Wisconsin. Watt racked up 21 tackles for loss in 2010 en route to First Team All-Big 10 honors in 2010. He is still raw but has great upside.

6. Cameron Jordan DE (California) – Jordan was named First Team All-Pac 10 after a great 2010 season, which saw him establish himself as an elite run-stopping defensive end. Jordan’s career numbers (34 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks) aren’t gaudy, but Jordan wasn’t asked to rush the passer and played every position along the defensive line. Jordan has risen up the draft boards due to his ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme and is projected to be a mid first-round pick.

7. Aldon Smith DE (Missouri) – Despite fracturing his right fibula and missing three games in 2010, Smith still put together a solid season. Smith finished the year with 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, but played hurt from October onwards due to the fibula injury. Smith left Missouri as a redshirt sophomore and posted disappointing times in both the 3-cone drill and short-shuttle at the NFL combine and only repped 225 lbs 20 times. Despite this, Smith is seen as a mid first-round pick.

8. Ryan Kerrigan DE (Purdue) – No one in the draft has a bigger motor than Kerrigan, and the four-year starter at Purdue gave it his all on every play. Kerrigan registered 33.5 sacks and 57 tackles for loss during his time at Purdue and set a Big 10 career record by forcing 14 fumbles. He ran a 4.67 40 at the NFL Draft Combine and although he lacks some of the talent of other defensive line prospects, will be a solid addition to any team. Kerrigan is projected as a first round pick.

9. Adrian Clayborn DE (Iowa) – Clayborn has amazing talent but there are medical questions surrounding him. Clayborn suffers from Erb’s Palsy and has nerve damage in both his right arm and his neck, limiting his mobility. At Iowa, Clayborn was a three-year starter and recorded 192 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks during his time as a Hawkeye. He is seen as a prototypical 4-3 defensive end and is projected to be a first round pick.

10. Cameron Heyward DE (Ohio State) – Heyward had to sit out of NFL Draft Combine workouts and Ohio St.’s pro day due to UCL reconstruction surgery. However, Heyward has great physical tools and dominated Big 10 offensive lineman throughout 2010. He was named First Team All-Big 10 last CFB betting season and is projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming draft.

Over the next two weeks, Bankroll Sports will provide you an in-depth look on the NFL Draft, examining the top prospects at each position. Today, we look at the top ten offensive linemen for the 2011 NFL Draft.

1. Mike Pouncey C/G (Florida) – Due to the lack of an elite offensive tackle along the lines of an Orlando Pace, Joe Thomas, or Jonathan Ogden in this draft, Pouncey is our No. 1 overall offensive lineman on the board. Despite struggling mightily in his first few games as a center with Florida, he rebounded nicely at the end of the year and established himself as the top interior lineman in this draft class. Pouncey is buoyed by the success that his twin brother Maurkice had with the Steelers as a rookie last year and has the potential to have the same impact. He can play either guard or center, though he prefers guard, and should be a mid first-round pick.

2. Tyron Smith OT (USC) – Thanks to a fantastic performance at USC’s pro day, Smith has rocketed up the draft board and is now projected to go as high as ninth overall to the Dallas Cowboys. Smith has phenomenal speed and feet for a big man, being one of the only offensive tackle prospects to run the 40 yard dash in under 5 seconds while also impressing scouts with his times on the short shuttle and three cone drill. Smith is a fantastic pass blocker and although he is raw, has tremendous upside as he is only 20 years old.

3. Anthony Castonzo OT (Boston College) – Castonzo’s frame is what scouts look for in a franchise left tackle. The 6’7 311 lb senior could stand to gain a little weight, but dominated against some of the best defensive lines in the country. Castonzo has the leadership that teams are looking for in a young talent, being the team’s captain in 2010 and also has the smarts to succeed after scoring a 41 on the Wonderlic test. He is not an elite prospect, but has the potential to be a solid pro for years to come. Castonzo should be a mid to late first round selection.

4. Nate Solder OT (Colorado) – Having only played the offensive tackle position for three seasons, Solder’s size and athleticism gives him amazing potential for becoming a fantastic left tackle in the NFL. Last NCAA football wagering season, Solder was a consensus All-American and helped provide stability to the mostly anemic Buffaloes offense. Solder is a mountain of a man at 6’8 319 lbs and his incredible 81-inch wingspan is enough to shut down defensive ends at the next level. He is projected to be a late first round pick.

5. Gabe Carimi OT (Wisconsin) – Wisconsin seems to be an offensive tackle factory and looks to have produced another gem in Carimi. Carimi was a four-year starter in Madison and replaced standout LT Joe Thomas as a redshirt freshman and responded by being named All-Big 10 first team twice. Carimi was the rock behind one of the best rushing attacks in the country over the past few years and secured an Outland Trophy as the nation’s premier offensive or defensive lineman. Carimi looks to be a late first-round pick in the draft.

6. Derek Sherrod OT (Mississippi State) – A two time All-SEC selection, Sherrod has gotten it done in the toughest conference in the nation despite being surrounded by marginal talent. Sherrod was a four-year starter at Mississippi State and was a big reason why Bulldogs HC Dan Mullen was able to turn the program around in such a short amount of time. Sherrod is 6’5 321 lbs but didn’t impress anyone at the combine with an average 40 time and a pedestrian performance on the bench press. Still, he is considered a late first to early second round pick.

7. Danny Watkins OG (Baylor) – At 26, Watkins is an old man in a draft full of 22 and 23 year olds. Watkins graduated high school and was a firefighter for four years before giving football a chance. Watkins didn’t play football until studying at a small college in California and quickly turned enough heads to get a scholarship offer to Baylor. He replaced standout Jason Smith and more than held his own despite his limited playing experience. Watkins is seen as a late first to early second round pick and has tremendous talent despite his age and newness to the game.

8. Rodney Hudson C/G (Florida State) – Hudson is one of the best interior offensive linemen in this draft and can play center as well as both guard positions effectively. He doesn’t have elite size, with only a 6’2 290 lb frame, but is a fantastic technician and learned from one of the best in FSU OL coach Rick Trickett. Hudson was the anchor of the Seminoles’ offensive line during most of his time in Tallahassee and will make an excellent pro no matter what position he plays. Hudson is seen as a second round pick.

9. Benjamin Ijalana G (Villanova) – Ijalana is a huge question mark in this draft due to his injury situation and his FCS resume. Ijalana has failed to work out at either the combine or the Senior Bowl due to hernia surgery, but did dominate at the lower level of competition, starting all four seasons he was a Wildcat. At Villanova, he played left tackle, but will likely be moved to guard in the NFL. Ijalana is projected to be a second round draft pick.

10. Marcus Cannon OT (TCU) – A 6’5 358 lb tackle with amazing strength, no offensive lineman at the combine lifted more than Cannon did. Cannon put up 33 reps on the 225 lb bench press and ser numerous workout records during his time as a Horned Frog. Cannon struggled with fast defensive ends and will need to work on his footwork if he intends to succeed at the next level. With his measurements and strength though, Cannon is definitely worthy of a high draft selection. He is projected to be a second round choice.