TE, Portland St.
6-5, 246, 4.64-40
Projection: 7th round

Ever since Antonio Gates came into the league, teams have been trying to find similar players at the tight end position - very athletic kids who have the length to play basketball and the skills that translate to the gridiron. Julius Thomas is one of those guys.

DE, Mississippi St.
6-3, 280, 4.75-40
Projection: 4th round

A solid athlete with the size and strength to be a force at the point of attack but will need to work on his technique to be effective at the next level. Is thickly built with long arms and anchors well. Is naturally strong to fend off blockers. Is stout versus the run.

OLB, Pitt
6-3, 260, 4.7-40
Projection: 2nd round

Sheard is widely recognized as a second round prospect but as we get closer to the draft, I could see him moving up team’s boards (including the Jets) into the first round. He has the speed, quickness and violent hands to get around the edge. He also has a full complement of pass rush moves with the swim being his best.

CB, Texas
6-0, 180, 4.42-40
Projection: 3rd round

A pure man-cover corner with the speed and athleticism to run with wide receivers. Has excellent change of direction skills and good press coverage skills.Transitions well out of his backpedal. Makes up ground when the ball is in the air. Has good awareness - locates the ball well. Has good hands to come down with the interception.

WR, Fort Valley St.
6-2, 210, 4.34-40
Projection: 6th round

This kid is a project but has all the tools you look for in a wide receiver. He has the size, speed and athletic ability to make him a tough match up for any corner. To be able to play in the NFL, however, he will need work on his route running, reading defenses and getting off press coverage.

G, Alabama
6-5, 324, 5.4-40
Projection: 3rd round

Carpenter played left tackle at Alabama but is a better fit at guard in the pros. He is a strong in-line blocker who can drive linemen out of the play. He is also a good positional blocker who knows how to use angles.

S, Clemson
6-0, 213, 4.54-40
Projection: 4th round

McDaniel is a player team’s like because of his overall athleticism and production at the college level but his character evaluation will make or break his fortunes on draft day. In 2008 he was arrested for aggravated assault and battery for allegedly choking and punching his girlfriend then throwing her down the stairs - pretty serious charges.

RB, Oklahoma St.
5-7, 199, 4.48-40
Projection: 4th round

A very underrated prospect. Hunter lacks ideal size and that, combined with the fact that running backs tend to slip in the draft, will land him in the fourth round area. He finishes runs well and runs with a lot of power.

WR, Boise St.
5-11, 175, 4.43-40
Projection: 2nd round

Without a 2nd round pick the Jets are unlikely to be in the running for Young but he is too talented to leave off my board. He has exceptional playing speed, great hands and very good separation skills. He is an explosive player and reminds me a lot of DeSean Jackson.

DE, Iowa
6-3, 285, 4.9-40
Projection: 1st round

I was not sold on Clayborn as a 3-4 DE when I first watched him but he has grown on me. At 6-3 he is short for a 5-technique which could make it hard for him to see over the huge tackles he will face in the NFL. That could make it hard for him to locate the football.