The Pac-10 suffered through a down year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of NFL Draft prospects in the current class. Whether it be Andrew Luck, a potential No. 1 pick, or a host of others in the first round, the Pac-10 has talent. In the latest 2011 NFL mock draft, you don’t have to look far to see the Pac-10’s impact on the 2011 NFL Draft.
Here’s where some of the players fall in the mock draft.
Andrew Luck: The Stanford quarterback, should he declare for the draft, is listed as the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Luck is the type of player that could be a franchise quarterback, stepping in right away.
Akeem Ayers: The UCLA linebacker is listed as the No. 18 pick in the first round, heading to the New York Giants. Ayers has plenty of potential and performed well as a mainstay in the Bruins defense.
Stephen Paea: Winner of the Pac-10 defensive player of the year in 2010, Paea is a force inside for the Oregon State Beavers. He possesses a big body and strength to clog holes while also creating havoc with his ability to get into the backfield. The mock draft has Paea being taken by the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 24.
Jurrell Casey: Another defensive tackle, this time from USC. Casey is listed as the No. 31 pick in the first round, heading to the Atlanta Falcons.
With months to go until the draft and the NFL Scouting Combine still upcoming, expect plenty of changes in the mock draft ahead of the real NFL Draft in April.