The top of the 2013 NFL Draft looks like an inspired class with plenty of solid talent, but no dominant player in the mold of Andrew Luck, Calvin Johnson or Von Miller. Even considering that, there's an abundance of talent at the defensive tackle position, as well as offensive guard. Safety and running back bring up the rear of next year's draft class. Here are the top 50 players on the SI.com draft board at the NFL season's halfway point. (* denotes underclassman)
1) Barkevious Mingo, DE-OLB, LSU* -- Mingo offers more impact than any player in this draft, and has the ability to line up at a number of positions in the front seven. The athletic junior comes with great upside and will reward the NFL team that drafts him, then patiently develops his talent.
2) Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State* -- Scouts had a high opinion of Werner entering the year, and he's continued to impress them this season. He's an explosive defensive end who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage and also holds his own defending the run.
3) Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah -- Lotulelei bypassed the 2012 NFL Draft and is reaping the rewards of his decision. He's a dominant defensive tackle with terrific movement skills and the ability to control the line of scrimmage or pursue the action outside the box.
4) Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia* -- Jones has developed into a complete three-down defender this season, and has impressed NFL decision-makers. He's a menacing pass rusher, solid run stopper and fine coverage linebacker. Jones could be an early pick in next April's draft if he receives a clean bill of health, but the way we hear it, prior injury issues could throw up lots of red flags.
5) Taylor Lewan, T, Michigan* -- The Wolverines have a history of placing talented left tackles into the NFL, and Lewan is one of the best in recent memory. He is not as dominant as former Wolverine Jake Long, but Lewan is more athletic and much better blocking in motion.
6) Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State* -- Scouts think Hankins grades out better in areas of athleticism and movement skills compared to Star Lotulelei, but they question his every-down intensity. His game comes with great upside, and Hankins can be as good as he wants to be.
7) Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M* -- Moore displays Von Miller-like ability in his game, but has better size than the second pick of the 2011 draft. He's a terrific pass rusher who is slowly developing a complete game.
8) Chance Warmack, G, Alabama -- Warmack was considered the top senior offensive line prospect entering the season and continues to prove he's NFL ready. He's dominant at the line of scrimmage and also shows surprising skill blocking in motion.
9) DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama* -- Milliner is another Crimson Tide prospect with early first round potential. He's a great combination of size, athleticism and defensive back skill. Milliner will be the third Alabama cornerback over the past four years to be selected in the first round.
10) Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M* -- A series of splendid performances in recent weeks has sent Joeckel soaring up draft boards. His pass protection skills rank amongst the best in the nation, as Joeckel plays with terrific fundamentals and football intelligence.
11) Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina -- Cooper has been a force on the Tar Heel offensive line since his freshman campaign. He's extremely athletic and rates as one of the best zone blockers the draft has witnessed in almost a half dozen years.
12) Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia -- Smith is in the midst of a sensational senior season in which he has impressed scouts almost weekly. He's smart, accurate and a true leader underneath center. He's a terrific talent, but doesn't fit the classification of franchise signal caller.
13) Manti Te'o, MLB, Notre Dame -- Te'o declined to enter the draft last April, as he enjoys the college experience. NFL scouts are enjoying his play this season, as the senior has developed into a complete three-down linebacker, which has pushed his draft stock north.
14) Keenan Allen, WR, California* -- Allen ranks as the top prospect in a weak crop of wide receivers. He's a natural pass catcher with soft, reliable hands. Allen lacks the speed to challenge defenders vertically, but has enough ability to develop into a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
15) Johnathan Jenkins, DT-NT, Georgia -- Jenkins has the potential to be ranked much higher than we have him listed. He's a dominant athlete who controls the line of scrimmage but also leaves scouts thinking he's capable of much more on the field.
16) Matt Barkley, QB, USC -- Barkley has run hot and cold this season, displaying a lot of streakiness that was not previously present in his game. The senior has made some poor choices in crunch time and has not shown the ability to take over games as he did in 2011.
17) Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU* -- The junior is a productive pass rusher and disruptive force from his defensive end spot. Montgomery comes with a large upside, but personality issues have raised red flags.
18) Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford* -- Ertz grades out much higher than former teammate Colby Fleener, the top pick of the second round last April. His pass catching skills and ability to stretch the field are comparable with Fleener, but his blocking is far superior. The junior is a three-down player and ready for the NFL.
19) Robert Woods, WR, USC* -- Woods has seen a drop in his draft stock after taking a back seat to super sophomore Marquis Lee at USC. He possesses the ability to line up as a No. 1 receiver at the next level even though his game isn't truly dominant.
20) Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina* -- Bernard is highly thought of in the scouting community, and the recent injury to Marcus Lattimore unequivocally makes him the top running back prospect in the nation. He's a complete ball carrier who can handle a lot of carries or beat opponents catching the ball out of the backfield.
21) Alexander Ogletree, LB, Georgia* -- Ogletree has been dominant in all facets of the linebacker position the past two years. He's an explosive run stuffer with the speed to pursue ball handlers around the field. Ogletree also displays top skills in coverage. Off-field issues have hindered his season, and word is Ogletree will likely stay at Georgia for another year.
22) Sylvester Williams, DT-NT, North Carolina -- Williams made an immediate impact for the Tar Heels upon his arrival from junior college. He controls the line of scrimmage, overwhelming blockers to make plays or occupying opponents, which allows teammates to get to the action.
23) Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State* -- The red-shirt sophomore continues to impress scouts, and has elevated his game this season. Roby is a tremendous athlete who consistently shuts down opposing receivers. He's a prospect with enough ability to develop into a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.
24) Jesse Williams, DL, Alabama -- The former Australian rugby player improves daily on the football field, and is in the midst of a tremendous senior campaign. Williams is large, athletic and versatile. He can line up as a two-gap end, conventional defensive tackle or even play nose tackle in certain systems.
25) Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri -- Richardson is another who has taken his game to another level this season. He's a tremendous athlete who is developing into a dominant defensive lineman. As is the case with many of the other defensive linemen already mentioned, Richardson offers potential at a number of positions up front.
26) Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee* -- Hunter rebounded well from the knee injury that cut short his 2011 campaign. He's a dominant athlete who out-muscles opponents over the middle or out-races defenders down the sideline. Hunter also shows a lack of discipline at the position and needs significant work to round out his game.
27) Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida State -- Carradine has impressed scouts after moving into the starting lineup during the second game of the season, and is developing into an all-around lineman. He's a solid run defender who competently rushes the passer. Carradine offers starting possibilities in a four-man line at the next level.
28) Brennan Williams, T, North Carolina -- The highly rated senior has struggled with a shoulder injury in 2012 and recently underwent season-ending surgery to correct the issue. He offers legitimate starting potential for the next level and could be a steal late in the first round.
29) Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State* -- Rhodes combines safety size with the ball skills of a cornerback to shut down opponents. He's shown steady improvement in his game the past three seasons and will end up as a top-32 pick if he enters the draft, which Rhodes is expected to do.
30) Louis Nix, NT-DT, Notre Dame* -- Nix is an underrated prospect largely responsible for Notre Dame's defense being so dominant this season. He's a multi-purpose nose tackle who can rush the passer, occupy blockers or pursue the action from the backside.
31) Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M* -- Matthews does not possess the pass protection skills of his teammate Luke Joeckel, but is significantly more dominant in run blocking. He's a well-sized lineman with the tools necessary to start at right tackle in the NFL.
32) Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame* -- Eifert is a three-down tight end who offers reliable hands and holds his own blocking for the pass and run. He's not a true downfield receiving threat but does the little things well, which is a big attraction for NFL teams.
33) Kawann Short, DT, Purdue -- Short has played uninspired football this season after bypassing April's draft. He's a dominant force at the top of his game and a defender who must be accounted for on every snap. Short has shown a propensity to take downs off in 2012, which has raised red flags.
34) Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas -- Jeffcoat was developing into a terrific defensive end before being shelved with a pectoral injury in mid-October. He's an explosive pass rusher who also possesses the speed to chase down running backs in pursuit. With his season over, Jeffcoat has an important decision to make about his future.
35) Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon -- Scouts viewed Jordan as a talented athlete, but a raw football player who needed to develop his game. The senior has shown weekly improvement this year, impacting games as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
36) Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers* -- Jamison has turned in two dominant seasons and has Rutgers fans reminiscing about Ray Rice. He's similar to Rice in style and substance, as Jamison is a smaller back who plays big and offers a versatile game.
37) Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida* -- Floyd continues to impress scouts with his play and intensity on the field. He's an athletic defensive lineman who can be used as a conventional tackle or two-gap end. Floyd also offers a good degree of upside potential, which enhances his value.
38) Bennie Logan, DT, LSU* -- Logan takes a backseat to several of his headlining teammates, but he's highly considered in scouting circles. An overpowering force in the middle of the line, Logan beats opponents with his explosive first step or overwhelms them with power.
39) Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State* -- Escobar has scouts excited, as he's transferring his superior athleticism onto the football field and becoming a force at tight end. The junior is developing into a complete player and is expected to enter the draft.
40) Corey Lemonier, DE-OLB, Auburn* -- Lemonier is a pure pass rusher and a defender constantly disrupting the action. Undersized and a bit one-dimensional, scouts must decide whether to project Lemonier as a 3-4 outside linebacker or one-gap defensive end.
41) Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB, BYU -- The former track athlete-turned-football player just three years ago has scouts intrigued with his development and potential. Ansah is an elite athlete who continues to improve weekly, and he's marching up draft boards.
42) T.J. McDonald, S, USC -- McDonald entered the season with high grades, and many justifiably considered him a top-15 choice. Thus far this season he's looked uninstinctive, and has not played to the level scouts expected.
43) C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama* -- Mosley is not as dominant or forceful compared to the recent linebackers offered by the Tide, but more versatile and complete. He's a three-down defender who consistently puts himself in a position to make plays on the ball.
44) Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee* -- Bray ranks near the top of the quarterback list in the area of physical skill, but his consistency and decision making need improvement, as does his off-field behavior. He possesses the necessary tools to lead a franchise at the next level.
45) Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois* -- Spence is an explosive interior lineman with the athleticism necessary to make plays in all areas of the field. He's disappointed scouts this season, as has the entire Illinois defense, but Spence offers the underlying ability to be a quality NFL player.
46) Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor -- Despite losing his Heisman-winning quarterback, Williams has watched his game take off this season. He's a consistent wideout who plays fast. Williams has the skills to develop into a second receiver at the next level.
47) E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State -- Manuel offers incredible natural skills, possessing the arm strength to make all the passes as well as the foot speed to pick up yardage with his legs when plays break down. He needs time to develop from college thrower to NFL passer, but the return on investment could be large if Manuel puts it together.
48) Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson -- Ellington has been a consistent force at Clemson and a ball carrier with a multi-dimensional game. Scouts bicker as to whether he's a feature runner for the next level, but all agree he offers the tools to play in the NFL.
49) Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State -- Brown could be the best linebacker no one talks about. He's a great combination of speed, explosion and instinct. He projects as a three-down defender at the next level in either a Ray Lewis role or on the outside of a 4-3 alignment.
50) Ryan Logan, CB, Rutgers* -- The Scarlet Knights offer one of the best defenses in the nation and Logan ranks as their top NFL prospect. He's a shutdown cornerback with the size and speed defensive coordinators covet. Logan offers the potential to develop into a No. 1 corner at the next level.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...aft-midseason-top-50/index.html#ixzz2BjQOyx6f
1) Barkevious Mingo, DE-OLB, LSU* -- Mingo offers more impact than any player in this draft, and has the ability to line up at a number of positions in the front seven. The athletic junior comes with great upside and will reward the NFL team that drafts him, then patiently develops his talent.
2) Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State* -- Scouts had a high opinion of Werner entering the year, and he's continued to impress them this season. He's an explosive defensive end who makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage and also holds his own defending the run.
3) Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah -- Lotulelei bypassed the 2012 NFL Draft and is reaping the rewards of his decision. He's a dominant defensive tackle with terrific movement skills and the ability to control the line of scrimmage or pursue the action outside the box.
4) Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia* -- Jones has developed into a complete three-down defender this season, and has impressed NFL decision-makers. He's a menacing pass rusher, solid run stopper and fine coverage linebacker. Jones could be an early pick in next April's draft if he receives a clean bill of health, but the way we hear it, prior injury issues could throw up lots of red flags.
5) Taylor Lewan, T, Michigan* -- The Wolverines have a history of placing talented left tackles into the NFL, and Lewan is one of the best in recent memory. He is not as dominant as former Wolverine Jake Long, but Lewan is more athletic and much better blocking in motion.
6) Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State* -- Scouts think Hankins grades out better in areas of athleticism and movement skills compared to Star Lotulelei, but they question his every-down intensity. His game comes with great upside, and Hankins can be as good as he wants to be.
7) Damontre Moore, OLB, Texas A&M* -- Moore displays Von Miller-like ability in his game, but has better size than the second pick of the 2011 draft. He's a terrific pass rusher who is slowly developing a complete game.
8) Chance Warmack, G, Alabama -- Warmack was considered the top senior offensive line prospect entering the season and continues to prove he's NFL ready. He's dominant at the line of scrimmage and also shows surprising skill blocking in motion.
9) DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama* -- Milliner is another Crimson Tide prospect with early first round potential. He's a great combination of size, athleticism and defensive back skill. Milliner will be the third Alabama cornerback over the past four years to be selected in the first round.
10) Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M* -- A series of splendid performances in recent weeks has sent Joeckel soaring up draft boards. His pass protection skills rank amongst the best in the nation, as Joeckel plays with terrific fundamentals and football intelligence.
11) Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina -- Cooper has been a force on the Tar Heel offensive line since his freshman campaign. He's extremely athletic and rates as one of the best zone blockers the draft has witnessed in almost a half dozen years.
12) Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia -- Smith is in the midst of a sensational senior season in which he has impressed scouts almost weekly. He's smart, accurate and a true leader underneath center. He's a terrific talent, but doesn't fit the classification of franchise signal caller.
13) Manti Te'o, MLB, Notre Dame -- Te'o declined to enter the draft last April, as he enjoys the college experience. NFL scouts are enjoying his play this season, as the senior has developed into a complete three-down linebacker, which has pushed his draft stock north.
14) Keenan Allen, WR, California* -- Allen ranks as the top prospect in a weak crop of wide receivers. He's a natural pass catcher with soft, reliable hands. Allen lacks the speed to challenge defenders vertically, but has enough ability to develop into a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
15) Johnathan Jenkins, DT-NT, Georgia -- Jenkins has the potential to be ranked much higher than we have him listed. He's a dominant athlete who controls the line of scrimmage but also leaves scouts thinking he's capable of much more on the field.
16) Matt Barkley, QB, USC -- Barkley has run hot and cold this season, displaying a lot of streakiness that was not previously present in his game. The senior has made some poor choices in crunch time and has not shown the ability to take over games as he did in 2011.
17) Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU* -- The junior is a productive pass rusher and disruptive force from his defensive end spot. Montgomery comes with a large upside, but personality issues have raised red flags.
18) Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford* -- Ertz grades out much higher than former teammate Colby Fleener, the top pick of the second round last April. His pass catching skills and ability to stretch the field are comparable with Fleener, but his blocking is far superior. The junior is a three-down player and ready for the NFL.
19) Robert Woods, WR, USC* -- Woods has seen a drop in his draft stock after taking a back seat to super sophomore Marquis Lee at USC. He possesses the ability to line up as a No. 1 receiver at the next level even though his game isn't truly dominant.
20) Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina* -- Bernard is highly thought of in the scouting community, and the recent injury to Marcus Lattimore unequivocally makes him the top running back prospect in the nation. He's a complete ball carrier who can handle a lot of carries or beat opponents catching the ball out of the backfield.
21) Alexander Ogletree, LB, Georgia* -- Ogletree has been dominant in all facets of the linebacker position the past two years. He's an explosive run stuffer with the speed to pursue ball handlers around the field. Ogletree also displays top skills in coverage. Off-field issues have hindered his season, and word is Ogletree will likely stay at Georgia for another year.
22) Sylvester Williams, DT-NT, North Carolina -- Williams made an immediate impact for the Tar Heels upon his arrival from junior college. He controls the line of scrimmage, overwhelming blockers to make plays or occupying opponents, which allows teammates to get to the action.
23) Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State* -- The red-shirt sophomore continues to impress scouts, and has elevated his game this season. Roby is a tremendous athlete who consistently shuts down opposing receivers. He's a prospect with enough ability to develop into a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.
24) Jesse Williams, DL, Alabama -- The former Australian rugby player improves daily on the football field, and is in the midst of a tremendous senior campaign. Williams is large, athletic and versatile. He can line up as a two-gap end, conventional defensive tackle or even play nose tackle in certain systems.
25) Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri -- Richardson is another who has taken his game to another level this season. He's a tremendous athlete who is developing into a dominant defensive lineman. As is the case with many of the other defensive linemen already mentioned, Richardson offers potential at a number of positions up front.
26) Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee* -- Hunter rebounded well from the knee injury that cut short his 2011 campaign. He's a dominant athlete who out-muscles opponents over the middle or out-races defenders down the sideline. Hunter also shows a lack of discipline at the position and needs significant work to round out his game.
27) Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida State -- Carradine has impressed scouts after moving into the starting lineup during the second game of the season, and is developing into an all-around lineman. He's a solid run defender who competently rushes the passer. Carradine offers starting possibilities in a four-man line at the next level.
28) Brennan Williams, T, North Carolina -- The highly rated senior has struggled with a shoulder injury in 2012 and recently underwent season-ending surgery to correct the issue. He offers legitimate starting potential for the next level and could be a steal late in the first round.
29) Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State* -- Rhodes combines safety size with the ball skills of a cornerback to shut down opponents. He's shown steady improvement in his game the past three seasons and will end up as a top-32 pick if he enters the draft, which Rhodes is expected to do.
30) Louis Nix, NT-DT, Notre Dame* -- Nix is an underrated prospect largely responsible for Notre Dame's defense being so dominant this season. He's a multi-purpose nose tackle who can rush the passer, occupy blockers or pursue the action from the backside.
31) Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M* -- Matthews does not possess the pass protection skills of his teammate Luke Joeckel, but is significantly more dominant in run blocking. He's a well-sized lineman with the tools necessary to start at right tackle in the NFL.
32) Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame* -- Eifert is a three-down tight end who offers reliable hands and holds his own blocking for the pass and run. He's not a true downfield receiving threat but does the little things well, which is a big attraction for NFL teams.
33) Kawann Short, DT, Purdue -- Short has played uninspired football this season after bypassing April's draft. He's a dominant force at the top of his game and a defender who must be accounted for on every snap. Short has shown a propensity to take downs off in 2012, which has raised red flags.
34) Jackson Jeffcoat*, DE, Texas -- Jeffcoat was developing into a terrific defensive end before being shelved with a pectoral injury in mid-October. He's an explosive pass rusher who also possesses the speed to chase down running backs in pursuit. With his season over, Jeffcoat has an important decision to make about his future.
35) Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon -- Scouts viewed Jordan as a talented athlete, but a raw football player who needed to develop his game. The senior has shown weekly improvement this year, impacting games as both a pass rusher and run stopper.
36) Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers* -- Jamison has turned in two dominant seasons and has Rutgers fans reminiscing about Ray Rice. He's similar to Rice in style and substance, as Jamison is a smaller back who plays big and offers a versatile game.
37) Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida* -- Floyd continues to impress scouts with his play and intensity on the field. He's an athletic defensive lineman who can be used as a conventional tackle or two-gap end. Floyd also offers a good degree of upside potential, which enhances his value.
38) Bennie Logan, DT, LSU* -- Logan takes a backseat to several of his headlining teammates, but he's highly considered in scouting circles. An overpowering force in the middle of the line, Logan beats opponents with his explosive first step or overwhelms them with power.
39) Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State* -- Escobar has scouts excited, as he's transferring his superior athleticism onto the football field and becoming a force at tight end. The junior is developing into a complete player and is expected to enter the draft.
40) Corey Lemonier, DE-OLB, Auburn* -- Lemonier is a pure pass rusher and a defender constantly disrupting the action. Undersized and a bit one-dimensional, scouts must decide whether to project Lemonier as a 3-4 outside linebacker or one-gap defensive end.
41) Ezekiel Ansah, DE-OLB, BYU -- The former track athlete-turned-football player just three years ago has scouts intrigued with his development and potential. Ansah is an elite athlete who continues to improve weekly, and he's marching up draft boards.
42) T.J. McDonald, S, USC -- McDonald entered the season with high grades, and many justifiably considered him a top-15 choice. Thus far this season he's looked uninstinctive, and has not played to the level scouts expected.
43) C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama* -- Mosley is not as dominant or forceful compared to the recent linebackers offered by the Tide, but more versatile and complete. He's a three-down defender who consistently puts himself in a position to make plays on the ball.
44) Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee* -- Bray ranks near the top of the quarterback list in the area of physical skill, but his consistency and decision making need improvement, as does his off-field behavior. He possesses the necessary tools to lead a franchise at the next level.
45) Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois* -- Spence is an explosive interior lineman with the athleticism necessary to make plays in all areas of the field. He's disappointed scouts this season, as has the entire Illinois defense, but Spence offers the underlying ability to be a quality NFL player.
46) Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor -- Despite losing his Heisman-winning quarterback, Williams has watched his game take off this season. He's a consistent wideout who plays fast. Williams has the skills to develop into a second receiver at the next level.
47) E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State -- Manuel offers incredible natural skills, possessing the arm strength to make all the passes as well as the foot speed to pick up yardage with his legs when plays break down. He needs time to develop from college thrower to NFL passer, but the return on investment could be large if Manuel puts it together.
48) Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson -- Ellington has been a consistent force at Clemson and a ball carrier with a multi-dimensional game. Scouts bicker as to whether he's a feature runner for the next level, but all agree he offers the tools to play in the NFL.
49) Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State -- Brown could be the best linebacker no one talks about. He's a great combination of speed, explosion and instinct. He projects as a three-down defender at the next level in either a Ray Lewis role or on the outside of a 4-3 alignment.
50) Ryan Logan, CB, Rutgers* -- The Scarlet Knights offer one of the best defenses in the nation and Logan ranks as their top NFL prospect. He's a shutdown cornerback with the size and speed defensive coordinators covet. Logan offers the potential to develop into a No. 1 corner at the next level.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/20...aft-midseason-top-50/index.html#ixzz2BjQOyx6f
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