Posts Tagged ‘NFL Picks’

NFL Prop Picks & NFL Week 6 Picks (Sunday, October 16, 2011)

October 16th, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on NFL Prop Picks & NFL Week 6 Picks (Sunday, October 16, 2011)
Exclusive 100% Sign-up Bonus Offer For Bankroll Sports Visitors Only
Deposit $100 & Get Free $100 Bonus @ Bet Online!
Bet Online is Now Accepting Credit Card Deposits at a 95% Rate!!
(Exclusive Sign-up Bonus Offer – Must Use This Link or Above Links)

Week 6 of NFL betting action is here! But before you get started with the NFL odds, be sure to check out our NFL prop picks for all of the Sunday games, courtesy of BetOnline Sportsbook

Drew Brees Over/Under 25 Completions
Brees has already completed a whopping 152 passes this year, which is an average of 30.4 passes per game. The running game just isn’t getting any better for the boys from the Bayou, and going against a defense that is allowing 254.6 yards per game isn’t going to hurt that in all likelihood. Brees completed just 21 passes in the one game that truly meant anything last year, but that game got out of hand in a hurry in a 31-6 win for the Saints. We tend to think that this game is going to be a heck of a lot closer, and if that’s the case, we have to believe that Brees is going to throw the ball 40 times, and he’ll complete at least 25 of them. Brees Over 25 Completions (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook)

Ben Roethlisberger Over/Under 21.5 Completions
Last week, in a game in which the Steelers won going away against the Tennessee Titans, Big Ben completed 24 passes on his 34 attempts, including throwing for five touchdowns. This week, he is going against a Jacksonville secondary that is a heck of a lot better than that of the Titans in all likelihood. We know that RB Rashard Mendenhall is going to be back in the lineup, and there is a commitment to this running game in spite of the fact that the offensive line is all beat up for the black and gold. With this game being at home with the crowd on their side, the Steelers are probably going to go back to the old school type of game instead of this new school passing game. Roethlisberger Under 21.5 Completions (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

Sam Bradford Over/Under 240.5 Passing Yards
If you were to look at our fantasy football analysis, you would know that we are high on Bradford this week against the Packers. This has been one of the worst pass defenses in the league for whatever reason, and off of their bye week, we tend to think that the Rams are going to be able to put forth their best offensive game. Bradford has only had one game this year with even 190 passing yards, but in that game, he threw for 331 yards against the New York Giants. This is a very similar looking game, and we expect a very similar looking result. Bradford Over 240.5 Passing Yards (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

Santana Moss Over/Under 59.5 Receiving Yards
At times, QB Rex Grossman only really has eyes for Moss, but thanks to Matthew Berry of ESPN.com, we learned a fantastic stat this week about top receivers against the Eagles. Against Philly this year, Roddy White had 23 receiving yards, Hakeem Nicks had 25 receiving yards, and Steve Johnson had 29 yards. And you think that Moss is going to be able to reach 60 with DB Nnamdi Asomugha on his tail the entire game? We tend to think not, especially considering the fact that Moss, in spite of the fact that he has had at least five receptions in all four games this year, is only averaging 61.5 yards per game. Moss Under 59.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

Colt McCoy Over/Under 19.5 Completions
The Raiders are lost in their secondary right now, as they are allowing 299.6 yards per game through the air, No. 29 in the league. Last week alone, the Houston Texans accounted for over 400 passing yards. Don’t think that Head Coach Pat Shurmur wasn’t paying attention to all of this during Cleveland’s bye week. QB Colt McCoy has thrown the ball 172 times this year in just four games, and he should put the pigskin in the air at least 35 times in this one. Even though McCoy is only completing 58.1 percent of his passes on the season, we know that that number should be higher with this short passing West Coast offense. McCoy Over 19.5 Completions (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

Michael Turner Over/Under 91.5 Rushing Yards
Turner has struggled this year on the ground, as he only has two 100+ yard games on the ground. Both of those came courtesy of big runs, and without the two carries of more than 50 yards on the year, Turner is only averaging 3.32 yards per carry. That being said, Carolina’s rush defense is absolutely putrid at 135.2 yards per game. There aren’t any other running backs that are going to be stealing Turner’s carries as long as he doesn’t get hurt, and he does have that potential to knock off a 50+ yard run even time that he touches the pigskin. Don’t be shocked if he has 20 touches in this one, and if that’s the case and even one can get broken, this could be a third triple digit rushing game. Turner Over 91.5 Rushing Yards (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

Ryan Fitzpatrick Over/Under 240.5 Passing Yards
Another man that we highlighted this week on our fantasy football picks to click. Fitzpatrick has had back to back games with fewer than 200 passing yards, but this is a significantly different New York secondary, and a bad one at that. Remember that this is a Buffalo passing attack that reasonably has two 100+ yard receiving options on a regular basis in WR Steve Johnson and WR David Nelson. They both might get the job done in this one. This is a terrible line in our estimation, as Fitzpatrick should approach 300 passing yards. Fitzpatrick Over 240.5 Passing Yards (-115 at BetOnline Sportsbook).

NFL Prop Picks & NFL Week 4 Picks (Sunday, October 2, 2011)

October 2nd, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on NFL Prop Picks & NFL Week 4 Picks (Sunday, October 2, 2011)
Bankroll Sports Highly Recommends Using The Sponsor Below For All Football Betting
Click Here For A 50% Deposit Bonus From 5Dimes
(Exclusive Sportsbook Bonus – Must Use Above Links)

We’re all set to wrap up the first quarter of the NFL season, and here at Bankroll Sports, we’re always keeping our eyes peeled to the best ways to boost your bankroll. Today, we’re looking at the best NFL prop picks on the NFL Week 4 schedule!

Calvin Johnson TD in the First Half
There’s a point that Calvin Johnson has to have a game in which he doesn’t score two TDs, right? In this one, he can have a million TDs if he wants, as long as one of those scores isn’t in the first half. The truth of the matter is that the Cowboys play significantly better defense than most probably think, and they are going to be sending the heat at QB Matt Stafford all day long. Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan is a smart cookie, and he knows that the Megatron is the only receiving threat of huge note that Stafford has to throw the ball to, especially near the red zone, and the end result is going to be coverage getting rolled out to his side quite a bit. We know that Johnson should probably be about -200 to score a TD in most games that he is out there, and if that’s the case, we just don’t see him scoring a TD in the first half a high enough percentage of the time to get the job done. If the fair price is -200 on him scoring a TD for the game, it should be +130 for him scoring in the first half. No Calvin Johnson 1st Half Touchdown (-140 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)

Darren Sproles Over/Under 66.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards
Sproles has been great this year, and the more time that he spends on the field, the better off the New Orleans offense seems to be. That being said, a lot of the swing passes that would have gone to Sproles very well could be going to the returning WR Marques Colston this week. Against the Jags, we look for RB Mark Ingram and RB Pierre Thomas to be more involved in the game both as rushers and potentially as short receiving backs as well. Sproles might not be that much a part of the game plan, as there shouldn’t be that much trickery that needs to be called to win this game. Sproles Under 66.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-115 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)

Tim Hightower Over/Under 100.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards
The evil, mad scientist, Head Coach Mike Shanahan cannot be trusted with his running backs all that often. RB Roy Helu took some extra snaps last week against the Cowboys, and he very well could be eating into the production that Hightower ends up with. That being said, even in a game in which Hightower took virtually every snap in the backfield, he only had 97 total yards against the Giants, and their defense is probably right about on par with that of the Rams. That being said, we’re not so sure that the Redskins are running away with this one, and if they’re playing catch up, that probably means more time for Helu and less opportunities for Hightower to touch the rock. Tim Hightower Under 100.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards (-115 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)

Marcedes Lewis Over/Under 2 Receptions
It’s not often that we come up with a prop that has simply never lost, but that’s the case for this prop with Lewis. We know that rookie QB Blaine Gabbert hasn’t shown anything to us yet, and we also know that Lewis is coming off of an injury that has been nagging him in recent weeks, but last year, the former UCLA Bruin didn’t have a single game in which he caught fewer than two passes. For a man that caught 58 balls last year and is considered to likely be a bigger part of the offense this year, we just don’t see how he won’t catch at least a couple check downs, especially against a New Orleans team that has been smashed by opposing tight ends this season. Marcedes Lewis Over 2 Receptions (-180 at 5Dimes Sportsbook)

NFL Picks: New England @ Miami, Oakland @ Denver Prop Picks

September 12th, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on NFL Picks: New England @ Miami, Oakland @ Denver Prop Picks
Bankroll Sports Highly Recommends Using The Sponsor Below For All Football Betting
Click Here For an Unlimited 10% Deposit Bonus From Bodog
(No Maximum Bonus – 10% Sign-Up Bonus – Instant Checking Account Deposits)

Monday Night Football is back and better than ever this week, as there are two crucial divisional duels on tap. Check out how we stack up the NFL props and make our NFL picks on the clashes between the Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots and Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders.

Over/Under 4 Sacks (NE/MIA)
You don’t normally think of these two teams as two that will gun the ball all over the place. However, with QB Tom Brady breaking in a new receiver in WR Chad Ochocinco and QB Chad Henne really stuck throwing the ball a ton without a steady running game, the sacks could mount in a hurry. You know that New England’s defense is not relenting, as Head Coach Bill Belichick will throw the kitchen sink at the relatively inexperienced Henne. The question is how much Head Coach Tony Sparano is going to send at Brady. Knowing that his job might be on the line, we’d guess that we’ll see a lot of guys like LB Jason Taylor and LB Koa Misi in the backfield. Over 4 Sacks (-110 at BoDog Sportsbook)

Brandon Lloyd Over/Under 4.5 Receptions
No respect here for the defending receiving yards champ in the league. Lloyd had a sturdy year last year, and though we know that Head Coach John Fox is going to want to run the ball more with RB Knowshon Moreno, that doesn’t mean that the rapport that QB Kyle Orton built with Lloyd over the last year will just suddenly disappear. Don’t be surprised if there are a few shots taken to try to loosen up this Oakland defense, and if that’s the case, Lloyd should be able to amass the five receptions needed to beat this target. Lloyd Over 4.5 Receptions (+100 at BoDog Sportsbook)

Longest Touchdown of the Game Over/Under 45.5 Yards (NE/MIA)
Last season alone, New England scored four special teams or defensive TDs that all went for more than 45 yards against the Dolphins, and that doesn’t even include the possibility of the offenses scoring from this far out. We know that Brady will be looking to hit some deep shots during this game, and the X-Factor very well could be RB Reggie Bush, who appears like he is going to get at least 20-25 touches of the football in some respect in this game. Don’t be shocked if this prop is decided with the very first touchdown. Longest Touchdown Over 45.5 Yards (-115 at BoDog Sportsbook)

NFL Picks: New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers Prop Picks

September 7th, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on NFL Picks: New Orleans Saints @ Green Bay Packers Prop Picks
Bankroll Sports Highly Recommends Using The Sponsor Below For All Football Betting
Click Here For an Unlimited 10% Deposit Bonus From Bodog
(No Maximum Bonus – 10% Sign-Up Bonus – Instant Checking Account Deposits)

The first day of the football betting action is here! But before you get started with the NFL odds, be sure to check out our NFL prop picks for the first day of the season!

Will Mark Ingram Or Pierre Thomas Score a TD?
It’s going to be difficult for Ingram and Thomas in this one, but the truth of the matter is that there aren’t any other players that are going to be stealing these rushing touchdowns like last year. Then you have the ultimate question: Will the Saints have a rushing touchdown in this game? In all likelihood, this has to be at least a 50/50 prop. We can’t imagine that this team isn’t going to have at least one rushing TD in just seven games this season. Ingram Or Thomas To Score a TD (+125 at BoDog Sportsbook)

Robert Meachem Over/Under 32.5 Receiving Yards
Meachem is the deep threat for QB Drew Brees, and that makes him a great candidate to have at least 33 yards on just one catch. In fact, he had six receptions of at least 35 yards last season, all of which came in different games. The Packers might have some secondary issues this year, and we know that Brees isn’t going to end up falling apart under the pressure of the Green Bay linebackers and defensive line. The former Tennessee Volunteer had eight games with at least 32.5 yards through the air last season, and we tend to believe that he will get there again in this one. Meachem Over 32.5 Rushing Yards (-130 at BoDog Sportsbook)

Jermichael Finley Over/Under 55.5 Receiving Yards
This could be a mighty interesting situation here for the former Oklahoma Sooner. He had 301 yards and 21 catches in his first four games last season before getting injured. Now, Finley might have a field day against a Green Bay defense that, for all of its major pros, had a major flaw taking care of tight ends. Finley could be in for a big, big day. Finley Over 55.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at BoDog Sportsbook)

2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Defensive Backs

April 26th, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on 2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Defensive Backs

Exclusive Bonus Offer For Bankroll Sports Visitors
Click Here For An Exclusive
100% Signup Bonus at BetUS Sportsbook!
For New BetUS Players Only: You Must Use This Link To Join For 100% Bonus

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.

2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Linebackers

April 26th, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on 2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Linebackers
Exclusive 100% Bonus Offer From Top Sponsor For Bankroll Sports Visitors Only
Click Here For a 100% Bonus From Diamond Sportsbook
(Exclusive Bonus Offer – Must Use This Link or Above Links)

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.

2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Defensive Linemen

April 22nd, 2011 by Adam Markowitz (Bankroll Sports Columnist) | Posted in NFL Football   Comments Off on 2011 NFL Draft Preview: Top 10 Defensive Linemen

Exclusive Bonus Offer For Bankroll Sports Visitors
Click Here For An Exclusive
100% Signup Bonus at BetUS Sportsbook!
For New BetUS Players Only: You Must Use This Link To Join For 100% Bonus

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.