Aldon Smith: Smith is a player whose success will hinge largely on what system he goes to. Whether he is able to play end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4 will go a long way toward determining whether he will be more like Mario Williams or Vernon Gholston. I’m sorry if this sounds like a copout, but I’m reserving judgment until I know whether he goes to a team like the Jaguars, Patriots, or Chargers (teams that primarily run a 3-4) or the Vikings, Rams, or Buccaneers (teams that run a 4-3).

Prince Amukamara: This guy’s an incredible athlete, but Jeff Costello of Turnpike Throwdown, after meeting Amukamara, remarked that he couldn’t believe a man of his slight size and frame could be bound for the NFL soon. Unfortunately, based on watching him on tape, the lack of size does show as a lack of physicality. He’s not a very good tackler, is not an aggressive run defender, and cannot handle press coverage assignments well. Good opposing receivers like Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon have shown the ability to have their way with him. I see him as a good zone corner, possibly a good guy to have in the nickel, but not a defensive back who will justify being a top fifteen pick.

Mike Pouncey: I don’t think he’s as good as his brother, Maurkice. Then again, most offensive linemen don’t reach the Pro Bowl as rookies. However, like his brother, this Pouncey is smart, experienced, understands protections and blocking schemes, and is a consummate tough, blue-collar lineman who doesn’t give up on any plays. He may not be a Pro Bowler in year 1, but it will only be a couple years until the twins are vacationing in Hawaii together.

Da’Quan Bowers: Bowers is a tough guy to figure out. I had him as the first overall pick when I did my first mock draft but lingering concerns about a knee injury have pushed him down the boards. I still say that for a team that picks in the middle or later part of the first round that already has one or two good pass-rushers and a good quarterback, drafting Bowers is a good pick. The reason I say this is because looking at the last five Super Bowl championship teams, the one common link to all of them, other than strong quarterback play down the stretch, is a consistently effective pass rush. Just one or two years of a healthy Bowers could be enough to push a team over the top toward possibly a championship level. So much of Bowers’ future hinges on his knee, as I said, but if it holds up, he will be a very good pass-rusher throughout his career.

Ryan Mallett: Arguably the most abused prospect throughout this entire process, Mallett has had mud slung at him from all directions, from Todd McShay to other anonymous sources, but I haven’t heard any of his teammates or coaches deride him publicly. Mallett is not the most nimble athlete, but neither is Tom Brady, and Mallett does do a better than advertised job of making subtle moves in the pocket, much like Brady often does, to buy himself extra time to make his throw. Mallett can make every throw and took an Arkansas team that wasn’t very good overall, through an SEC schedule, to the Sugar Bowl. He likely won’t be a top 15 pick, but he will make teams look very stupid for a long time to come.