NCAA Football

2014 College Football Rankings: Top 10 NFL-Ready Players

The Top 10 NFL-Ready Players in College Football

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The difference in talent between college and professional football is a true boys vs. men comparison. Only the truly elite players will go on to have NFL careers and a handful of them will end up reaching superstar status. Here is a look at the top-10 NFL ready players that are still on campus.

10. Ramik Wilson - LB - University of Georgia

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10. Ramik Wilson - LB - University of Georgia

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At 6'2" and 232 lbs., Wilson is a vicious every-down middle linebacker with the athleticism to cover a lot of ground in run defense and pass coverage. He led the SEC in tackles last season with 133 which included an 18 tackle performance against Auburn. Even though Georgia runs a 3-4 defense, Wilson is still a desirable pick for NFL teams that run a 4-3. He's versatile enough to move to the outside LB spot and still be an impact NFL player.

9. Landon Collins - S/DB - University of Alabama

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9. Landon Collins - S/DB - University of Alabama

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In 2013, even with stud teammate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix on the same field,Collins finished second only to C.J. Mosley in team tackles. Now that Clinton-Dix has been drafted to the Green Bay Packers, he will shine even more and continue raising his draft stock. He can play in the box, he can drop into coverage, he can read a QB, and he can make plays all over the field with great speed. No other safety in college football is more NFL ready than him.

8. Todd Gurley - RB - University of Georgia

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8. Todd Gurley - RB - University of Georgia

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At 6'1" and 232 lbs., Gurley is a big, powerful runner with the ability to easily shed arm tackles and hit another gear with great breakaway speed. He is also an effective pass catcher with good lateral agility. Injuries limited Gurley's production in 2013, but he still produced six yards per carry and 16 total touchdowns. He is the clear-cut No. 1 RB in college football and is the most NFL ready back as well.

7. Brandon Scherff - OT - University of Iowa

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7. Brandon Scherff - OT - University of Iowa

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If he had entered the 2014 draft, Scherff would have probably went ahead of Greg Robinson as the top offensive lineman selected. This 6'5", 320 lbs. left behemoth has the prototypical size needed to succeed at the next level. Barring any significant injury, he is a lock to be a Top 10 draft pick in 2015.

6. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu - CB - University of Oregon

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6. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu - CB - University of Oregon

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The only thing not elite about Ekpre-Olomu is his size at 5'10" and 195 lbs. Everything else about him is perfectly suited for NFL success. He is a fluid and flexible athlete with good coverage skills and playmaking ability. He also brings a bit of a nasty streak when it comes to run support and doesn't shy away from making tackles. His 84 tackles from last season proves that statement. Look for Ekpre-Olomu to be the top CB selected in 2015.

5. Cedric Ogbeuhi - OT - Texas A&M University

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5. Cedric Ogbeuhi - OT - Texas A&M University

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Texas A&M has enjoyed seeing one of their own drafted in the Top 10. Ogbeuhi will make it three in a row as he is on the clear path to play on Sundays. The 6'5", 300 lbs. bulldozer will move over to the left tackle position after playing right tackle last year. Additionally, he has experience playing at the guard position which makes him extremely versatile and is very athletic for his size. He has a great chance to be the No. 1 pick.

4. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University

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4. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University

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The reigning Heisman Trophy-winning National Champion clearly has all the skills needed to be an elite QB in the NFL. His pocket presence is good and his decision making is great. Additionally, the 6'4", 230 lbs. gunslinger has displayed very good arm strength and accuracy that have scouts drooling. The one major flaw is in regards to his character and off-the-field issues. If he can stay out of trouble, then you may be looking at the top pick.

3. Dante Fowler, Jr. - DE - University of Florida

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3. Dante Fowler, Jr. - DE - University of Florida

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Fowler plays with an edge and an extremely high motor that creates chaos for the opposition. At 6'3" 270 lbs., he has been able to maintain his surprising speed while adding bulk. He also has good explosiveness and closing burst, as well as violent hands to help ward off blockers. The Gators have played him at every defensive line position and they even had him play some snaps at outside linebacker. It's hard to ignore his NFL-caliber ability.

2. Amari Cooper - WR - University of Alabama

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2. Amari Cooper - WR - University of Alabama

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The Miami, Fla. native was dealing with injuries early in 2013, but he was back to his dominant ways during the final weeks. He has good body control along with excellent size and speed. He also excels as a route runner and is both smooth and explosive in his breaks. His lack of wasted motion helps him consistently beat defenders over the top. He has also run three sub-4.4 40-yard dashes consecutively. He is clearly NFL-ready.

1. Leonard Williams - DT - University of Southern California

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1. Leonard Williams - DT - University of Southern California

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Williams was a violent and disruptive force in the 2013 season. Using his massive 6-foot-5, 300-pound frame, he racked up 73 tackles and 6 sacks, which is impressive numbers for a defensive tackle. The USC defensive coaches intend to play Williams at different spots on the defensive line this season and it's obvious that he has shown the ability to play both DT and DE at the highest level of NCAA competition. It will be no different in the NFL.

Roje Smith is a Fantasy Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

 

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