In the past few days we’ve seen six more players declare for the draft. Among the players that have entered the 2010 draft class: Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech safety Morgan Burnett, Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap, and South Florida wide receiver Carlton Mitchell.
Georgia Tech loses three key players, all talented, and all could go within the first three rounds. Dwyer is a strong, powerful back who played fullback in the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense. Dwyer has the talent of a first round pick, but I have him rated as a second-rounder, especially with all of the underclassmen entering the draft.
Derrick Morgan is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2010 draft and should be the top defensive end off the board. He’s the top pass rusher in this year’s draft and he offers versatility in what schemes he could play in at the next level. I have Morgan rated as a Top 10 pick.
Morgan Burnett is a ballhawk in the secondary, having intercepted 14 passes in his three-year career at Georgia Tech. He projects as a free safety/center-field type of safety who will be given the chance to prowl the center of the field like he did in college. I have Burnett rated as a second-to-third round pick.
Maurkice Pouncey is the top center in the 2010 draft with him having declared. He has the size to potentially play a position other than center, and his athleticism is his greatest strength. I also have Pouncey rated as a second-to-third round pick.
Carlos Dunlap is one of the more interesting prospects in this year’s draft. Despite being one of the mmost freakishly-athletic prospects in the draft, he also has several question marks. His desire and passion for the game has been questioned and his character off the field has also been questioned, having received a DUI less than a week before Florida’s SEC Championship game. Dunlap has the talent of a first round pick, if not Top 10 pick, but I could see him falling to the second, if not third round if these questions do not get answered. The fact that he’s also been inconsistent on the field this year will not help him either.
Carlton Mitchell projects as a mid-round pick in the upcoming draft. His production hasn’t been outstanding during his career, however his combination of size (6-4, 212 lbs) and athleticism is what scouts will be most interested in.
I’ve updated my rankings at running back, wide receiver, center, defensive end, and safety to show the changes of these underclassmen declarations. Continue to check back at Draft Headquarters for updated news!