NFL teams often live by the old adage of getting the big guys early.
In the 2013 NFL Draft, the big guys represent some of the most talented players in the entire draft. Defensive tackles Senior Star Loutulelei of Utah and junior Johnathan Hankins of Ohio State are potential difference makers at the position. Both could land in the top five of the draft come April.
Missouri junior Sheldon Richardson and Purdue senior Kawann Short are two players off to tremendous starts to the 2012 season, and draftniks have taken notice. Nobody should be shocked if both Short and Richardson hear their names called early on in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Check out the complete rankings below. Seniors and juniors are listed separately, because we don't yet know which players will declare for the draft.
SENIORS
1. Star Lotulelei | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Utah Prospect notes |
2. John Jenkins | 6'3, 351 pounds | Defensive tackle | Georgia Prospect notes |
3. Jesse Williams | 6'4, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | Alabama |
4. Sylvester Williams | 6'3, 320 pounds | Defensive tackle | North Carolina Prospect notes |
5. Kawann Short | 6'3, 310 pounds | Defensive tackle | Purdue Prospect notes |
6. Everett Dawkins | 6'3, 304 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida State |
7. Khaleb Rhamsey | 6'3, 288 pounds | Defensive tackle | Boston College |
8. Jordan Hill | 6'1, 292 pounds | Defensive tackle | Penn State |
9. Rob Lohr | 6'4, 290 pounds | Defensive tackle | Vanderbilt |
10. Kapron Lewis-Moore | 6'4, 306 pounds | Defensive tackle | Notre Dame |
11. Joe Vellano | 6'2, 285 pounds | Defensive tackle | Maryland |
12. Baker Steinkuhler | 6'6, 290 pounds | Defensive tackle | Nebraska |
13. Aaron Tipoti | 6'2, 280 pounds | Defensive tackle | California |
14. Cory Grissom | 6'2, 316 pounds | Defensive tackle | South Florida |
15. Josh Downs | 6'1, 287 pounds | Defensive tackle | LSU |
16. Anthony McCloud | 6'2, 322 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida State |
JUNIORS
1. Johnathan Hankins | 6'4, 317 pounds | Defensive tackle | Ohio State Prospect notes |
2. Sheldon Richardson | 6'4, 295 pounds | Defensive tackle | Missouri |
3. Shariff Floyd | 6'3, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida |
4. Bennie Logan | 6'3, 287 pounds | Defensive tackle | LSU |
5. Akeem Spence | 6'1, 305 pounds | Defensive tackle | Illinois |
6. Kwame Geathers | 6'5, 350 pounds | Defensive tackle | Georgia |
7. Dominique Easley | 6'2, 285 pounds | Defensive tackle | Florida |