Mock 2011 NFL Draft: Round 1

With the 2011 NFL Draft just three days away, I’ve put together the first round of my mock draft, complete with college stats and comments on each selection. If you are a real draft sicko and want to check out my 2011 Top 100 Players spreadsheet, including combine workout numbers, you can view it HERE.

This is how I think the first round will fall into place:

1st Pick: CAROLINA PANTHERS SELECT … Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-5 / 248 / 4.59
2010 Statistics: 14gp, pass: 280/185-2854-30-7, rush: 264-1473-20, rec: 2-42-1
My Take: Is Newton ever going to dissect a playbook like Brady, McNabb, Manning, or Brees? No, he’s probably a little too slow upstairs. But he’s the right pick at number one. Carolina scored just 17 touchdowns last season. If Newton starts as a rookie, you can double that number. I don’t care if he can’t digest a complex playbook, he’s a winner and unstoppable in the red zone. Newton is Vince Young with a better arm and a solid support system – his brother is a NFL lineman with Jacksonville and he is extremely close with his father. Say what you will about his father, but Cam and his dad have a very close relationship. Vince Young never had a father-figure growing up and had tons of emotional baggage by the time he reached the NFL as a result. Newton is what Young could have, should have been.

2nd Pick: DENVER BRONCOS SELECT … Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-3 ¼ / 319 / 4.93
2010 Statistics: 11gp, 34tkl, 4.5sack, 4pbu
My Take: I personally think Nick Fairley will have the better NFL career. Dareus is a safe pick – he’s going to stuff the run and get you 5-8 sacks every year. Great player. Pro Bowl player. I just think Fairley has a NFL sack title in his future.

3rd Pick: BUFFALO BILLS SELECT … Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ¾ / 246 / 4.53
2010 Statistics: 13gp, 68tkl, 10.5sack, int: 1-3-0, 6pbu, 3ff, 2fr
My Take: Speaking of NFL sack titles, you can already write Miller’s name in the record books with a pencil. A relentless pass rusher, Miller will go sideline-to-sideline to tackle a ball carrier. Him, Patrick Peterson and A.J. Green are the three guys that have the best shots, barring injury, of ending up in Canton 20 years from now.

4th Pick: CINCINNATI BENGALS SELECT … A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-3 ¾ / 211 / 4.50
2010 Statistics: 9gp, rec: 57-848-9, rush: 3-44-0, pr: 2-25-0
My Take: Slower, skinner and less explosive than Julio Jones, Green is still the best receiver in this draft. He’s silky smooth with exceptional body control and hands. Is he Randy Moss? No, but he’s a taller Isaac Bruce, and I’d take that.

5th Pick: ARIZONA CARDINALS SELECT … Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 ½ / 234 / 4.62
2010 Statistics: 13gp, pass: 475/301-3186-16-9, rush: 112-232-5
My Take: Let it be known that I am not a big fan of Gabbert. He looks like a guy you would cast in a movie as an NFL quarterback - big and strong, blond flowing hair – but he is completely unfamiliar with a pro-style offense, and does not have the God-given ability of Cam Newton to play on just sheer talent. If I were Arizona, I would pick Ryan Mallett, sit back and watch him flick 60-yard bombs to Larry Fitzgerald all day long.

6th Pick: CLEVELAND BROWNS SELECT … Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-0 ¼ / 219 / 4.34
2010 Statistics: 13gp, int: 4-134-0, 42tkl, 6pbu, 1blk, pr: 26-418-2, kr: 32-932-0
My Take: Cleveland Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, going back to his time with the Eagles, always takes the #1 player on the board. So while corner isn’t a huge need – Joe Haden was their 1st pick last year and is outstanding – Peterson is the best player on the board and I don’t see Heckert taking chances on defensive linemen like Nick Fairley (attitude) or DaQuan Bowers (knee) with him still available. A Haden and Peterson combination would dominate receivers for the next 8-10 years. Cleveland does have a glaring need at receiver and Julio Jones would make a lot of sense, I just don’t see Heckert drafting for need.

7th Pick: SAN FRANCISCO 49’ers SELECT … Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 / 265 / 4.70
2010 Statistics: Did Not Play
My Take: Quinn, who didn’t play in 2010 because of a NCAA violation, is big and fast in the mold of DeMarcus Ware. There are lots of question marks when it comes to Quinn. He has a benign brain tumor. He piled up 11 sacks as a sophomore in 2009, but many of them were against inferior competition. That said, he ran a 4.58 at his pro day and that’s moving at 265 pounds. Best case, he turns into Ware. Worst case….anyone know what Vernon Gholston is doing these days?

8th Pick: TENNESSEE TITANS SELECT … Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 / 291 / 4.87
2010 Statistics: 14gp, 60tkl, 11.5sack, int: 1-(-1)-0, 2ff, 2fr
My Take: There are warning signs attached to Fairley. He’s a little skinny from the waist down. He’s ill-tempered on the field and lackadaisical off. But when you watch him play, ZOMG he’s good. I haven’t seen a defensive tackle split the gap like Fairley since Warren Sapp. He’s not the same player as Ndamukong Suh - he’s lighter and faster - but he could potentially have the same gigantic impact on a team.

9th Pick: DALLAS COWBOYS SELECT … Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-5 / 307 / 4.98
2010 Statistics: 12/12gp/gs
My Take: I’m amazed at how ripped Smith is at 307 pounds. The dude has zero body fat and he doesn’t just look the part – Smith started at USC as a true freshman and dominated at the right tackle position from day one. Dallas will roll the dice and hope he makes a successful transition to left tackle. If not, he will do just fine as a dominant run-blocker from the right side.

10th Pick: WASHINGTON REDSKINS SELECT … Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ¾ / 220 / 4.39
2010 Statistics: 13gp, rec: 78-1133-7, rush: 8-135-2, pr: 5-44-0, kr: 5-129-0
My Take: Jones is Anquan Boldin on steroids. He is bigger, faster and an even better run blocker than Boldin. In fact, he might be the best blocking receiver in the NFL as soon as the season starts. Not a bad quality to have when you are a 220-pounder with 4.39 speed. People say he drops easy balls, but he can cure that and no one in this draft plays with more aggression. If you took Terrell Owens and gave him the heart and blocking skills of a Hines Ward or Boldin, that’s how good Jones could be. Assuming he's injury-free, in five years everyone will ask “How did Julio Jones fall to the 10th pick in the draft?.”

11th Pick: HOUSTON TEXANS SELECT … J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-5 ½ / 290 / 4.84
2010 Statistics: 13gp, 62tkl, 7.0sack, int: 1-15-0, 8pbu, 3ff, 2fr, 3blk
My Take: The Texans are switching to the 3-4 defense this year and Watt is the perfect compliment to Mario Williams at defensive end. Watt is a beast – his passion, relentlessness and brute strength remind me of Howie Long. Him and Williams give the Texans two 290+ pound defensive ends that can blow up the backfield. That’s an ideal way to start a new defense and nothing will cover up Houston’s porous secondary like a strong pass-rush.

12th Pick: MINNESOTA VIKINGS SELECT … DaQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-3 ½ / 280 / 4.91
2010 Statistics: 13gp, 73tkl, 15.5sack, int: 1-0-0, 2pbu, 1ff
My Take: Minnesota thinks long and hard about taking Jake Locker here, but in the end, I think they want to sign a veteran quarterback like Donovan McNabb or Vince Young when the labor dispute is settled. Bowers is a monstrous defensive end that can bookend with Jared Allen to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Concerns over the condition of Bowers’ knee are long-tem, and I think Minnesota overlooks that and takes a gamble to win right now. Bowers led the NCAA with 15.5 sacks and was the number-one defensive player in high school three years ago. His upside, assuming he doesn’t break down, is worthy of a top-three pick.

13th Pick: DETROIT LIONS SELECT … Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-0 / 206 / 4.43
2010 Statistics: 14gp, 59tkl, 1.0sack, 13pbu
My Take: Amukamara teams up with his former college teammate Ndamukong Suh to anchor Detroit’s defense while frustrating football play-by-play analysts everywhere. I think Amukamara is a bit overrated – he and Jimmy Smith are neck and neck in talent – but he’s a quality cover-corner who can tackle. If he can learn when to turn his head around, he’ll develop into the playmaker this position in the draft warrants.

14th Pick: ST. LOUIS RAMS SELECT … Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ¼ / 298 / 4.99
2010 Statistics: 13gp, 63tkl, 4.5sack, 3pbu
My Take: Some think Liuget is a better defensive tackle prospect than Nick Fairley. I won’t go there, but he offers good speed and pass rushing ability for the position. He’s one of the fastest rising players heading into the draft. The Rams could really use a receiver to take the heat off Sam Bradford, but with Julio Jones off the board, Liuget fills a position of need and offers lots of upside.

15th Pick: MIAMI DOLPHINS SELECT … Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-6 ¾ / 253 / 5.37
2010 Statistics: 13gp, pass: 411/266-3869-32-12, rush: 44-(-76)-4
My Take: Shades of Dan Marino falling to the Dolphins with the 27th pick in 1983, Miami should steal Mallett in the middle of round one. Many people have Mallett pegged as a second round pick, but I have know idea what tape they are watching. The player I see looks just like Drew Bledsoe in his prime. Mallett will instantly have the strongest arm in the NFL and has experience playing in a pro style offense with a multitude of reads and calls at the line on every possession, which should be a major asset, especially compared to his peers in this class who ran gimmick offenses in college (Gabbert, Newton, Andy Dalton). Like Marino, Mallett has been accused of drug use leading up to the draft. I think this story ends up the same – Dolphins steal yet another All-Pro quarterback.

16th Pick: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SELECT … Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 ¼ / 263 / 4.78
2010 Statistics: 10gp, 48tkl, 5.5sack, int: 1-58-0, 2pbu, 1ff
My Take: Smith has a bit of Jevon Kearse in him. Like Kearse, Smith is a defensive end / outside linebacker hybrid who can really explode into the backfield and change games. He’s only played two years, and he was injured in 2010, so there isn’t a lot of tape to go on, but his explosion off the snap can’t be taught.

17th Pick: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS SELECT … Cameron Jordan, DE, California Georgia
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 ¼ / 287 / 4.78
2010 Statistics: 12gp, 62tkl, 5.5sack, 4pbu, 3ff, 1fr (1fr-TD)
My Take: New England has the envious position of going 14-2 and choosing between a stud 3-4 defensive end (Jordan) and a stud interior lineman (Mike Pouncey). Both are positions of need, but I’ll bet New England goes with the more valuable position. Jordan’s dad was a longtime standout tight end in the NFL, and after watching Cameron dominate the Senior Bowl, it’s fair to say he will more than fill his father’s footsteps.

18th Pick: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS SELECT … Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Purdue
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 / 267 / 4.71
2010 Statistics: 12gp, 70tkl, 12.5sack, 1pbu, 5ff, 2fr
My Take: Kerrigan teams with fellow Boilermaker Shaun Phillips for a formidable pass-rushing tandem in San Diego. Lots of people are taking shots at Kerrigan’s “lack of athleticism,” but what tape are they watching? I see a relentless pass rusher who posted a 4.71 time at the NFL Combine – the same number as hyped athlete extraordinaire Robert Quinn. For those who doubt Kerrigan’s athletic prowess and downplay his relentless style of play as a significant attribute, does Clay Matthews ring a bell?

19th Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS SELECT … Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-7 / 311 / 5.23
2010 Statistics: 13/13gp/gs
My Take: A four-year starter, Castonzo has experience and a strong punch in his favor. He’s not the best athlete in the world, but his footwork should keep him on the left side to protect Eli Manning from routinely getting hammered. The Giants can’t possibly pass on a player named “Castonzo.”

20th Pick: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS SELECT … Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ¾ / 281 / 4.83
2010 Statistics: 13gp, 52tkl, 3.5sack, 1pbu, 1ff, 1blk
My Take: Tampa Bay addressed the interior of the defensive line last year by taking tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their first two picks. This time, they take Clayborn, the best defensive player on the board, to help their young defense become even more formidable up front. Clayborn is a top-15 talent that falls a little in a draft rich with defensive line prospects.

21st Pick: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS SELECT … Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-1 / 204 / 4.43
2010 Statistics: 13gp, rec: 67-1055-12, rush: 9-7-0, pr: 1-0-0, kr: 30-585-0
My Take: After Dwayne Bowe lit the world on fire during the first half of last season, opponents successfully did everything possible to take him away because Kansas City had no one else who could hurt you deep. Enter Smith, who’s 4.43 speed and explosive cutting ability will make defensive coordinators think twice about double-teaming Bowe.

22nd Pick: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS SELECT … Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-5 / 303 / 5.28
2010 Statistics: 13/13gp/gs
My Take: Everyone has Pouncey in the top 15, but not me. He’s a very good player, but he’s not as good as his identical twin brother Maurkice. Mike is an exceptional pulling guard – perfect for the stretch plays Manning and the Colts use on a consistent basis. In time, he can develop into a center, taking the baton from longtime starter Jeff Saturday. But right now, Pouncey can barely snap the ball in shotgun formation, and guys who can only play guard are not taken in the top 15.

23rd Pick: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SELECT … Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ¼ / 211 / 4.46
2010 Statistics: 12gp, 70tkl, 5pbu, 1ff, 1fr
My Take: Smith might be the best cover corner in this draft, even better than Patrick Peterson. He’s a huge corner with speed and a mean streak. He actually reminds me of Raiders All-Pro corner Nnamdi Asomugha in both body type and style of play. If he can keep his posse in check, Smith could end up as the steal of this draft. Teamed with Asante Samuel, the Eagles could shut down opposing passers.

24th Pick: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS SELECT … Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-4 ¼ / 315 / 4.96
2010 Statistics: 12gp, 70tkl, 9.5sack, 3pbu, 2ff, 1fr, rec: 1-3-0
My Take: The Saints desperately need a pass rusher to team up with Will Smith and Wilkerson gives them just that. Versatile, Wilkerson lined up at defensive tackle in college but shouldn't have an issue at defensive end. The Saints like big defensive ends in their scheme and Wilkerson fits the bill.

25th Pick: ***TRADE WITH SEAHAWKS*** BILLS SELECT … Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 ½ / 231 / 4.59
2010 Statistics: 12gp, pass: 332/184-2265-17-9, rush: 114-386-6, rec: 1-16-0
My Take: Buffalo trades the 34th overall pick and a second round pick in 2012 to Seattle for their quarterback of the future. Locker has the arm and legs of a superstar, but he needs time to digest a playbook and master progressions. After all, he’s only played two years as a real quarterback – he was an option QB in high school and during his first three years at Washington. The presence of Ryan Fitzpatrick gives Locker time to learn.

26th Pick: BALTIMORE RAVENS SELECT … Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-7 / 314 / 5.27
2010 Statistics: 13/13gp/gs
My Take: The rich keep getting richer. Baltimore, who almost never misses on a first round pick, would love the opportunity to select Carimi as a bookend to left tackle Michael Oher. Baltimore’s run game was down last season - they rushed for just 3.8 yards per carry - and Carimi can pave the way for Ray Rice to run all over opponents in 2012. He’s the nastiest player in this draft and I would not be shocked if he ends up with more accolades than any other offensive lineman in this class when it’s all said and done.

27th Pick: ATLANTA FALCONS SELECT … Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-1 ¾ / 309 / 4.90
2010 Statistics: Did Not Play
My Take: Austin has top-15 ability. His NCAA violations prohibited him from playing in 2010, but he worked his ass off to prepare for the East-West Shrine Game and NFL Combine and it really paid off. I see him as having the same type of NFL career as Marcell Dareus, without having to pay him like the 2nd overall pick in the draft.

28th Pick: ***TRADE WITH PATRIOTS*** BENGALS SELECT … Andy Dalton, QB, TCU
Height/Weight/Speed: 6-2 / 215 / 4.87
2010 Statistics: 13gp, pass: 316/209-2857-27-6, rush: 86-435-6, punt: 1-21-0
My Take: Cincinnati trades the 35th overall pick in round two and a second round pick in 2012 to New England to take Dalton. Best-case scenario, Dalton develops into Drew Brees – another undersized guy with an average arm who is a better-than-you’d-expect athlete and a genius on the football field. Having watched Brees up close at Purdue, Dalton displays similar moxie on the field. I think he pans out.

29th Pick: CHICAGO BEARS SELECT … Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Height/Weight: 6-8 ¼ / 319 / 5.05
2010 Statistics: 12/12gp/gs
My Take: Even after taking Chris Williams in the first round in 2008, the Bears have the worst offensive line in football. Assuming they want Jay Cutler upright, Chicago is thrilled Solder is still on the board. A converted tight end, Solder is far from a completed project and needs more reps against speed rushers. He does have exceptional athleticism, so you’d think he develops into a quality left tackle down the line.

30th Pick: NEW YORK JETS SELECT … Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Height/Weight: 6-2 ½ / 254 / 4.88
2010 Statistics: 12gp, 68tkl, 4.0sack, int: 2-90-0, 4pbu, 2ff, 2fr
My Take: Ayers can rush the passer, drop back into coverage, you name it, he did it in college. Below average athletic showings at the combine and UCLA’s pro day drop him to the Jets, who are happy to deploy their shiny new toy in a defensive scheme that values flexibility.

31st Pick: PITTSBURGH STEELERS SELECT … Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
Height/Weight: 6-1 ½ / 198 / 4.46
2010 Statistics: 5gp, 15tkl, 1pbu
My Take: This is the first “REALLY???” pick of the draft. The Steelers have a need at corner and no one really thinks Aaron Williams or Brandon Harris are first-round talents, so the Steelers take the injured but immensely talented Dowling with their first pick. When you have the roster Pittsburgh has, you can take chances on talented players who have concerns.

32nd Pick: GREEN BAY PACKERS SELECT … Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Height/Weight: 5-9 ¼ / 215 / 4.62
2010 Statistics: 11gp, rush: 158-875-13, rec: 21-282-1, kr: 1-19-0
My Take: The 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner’s wait ends with Green Bay. Ingram is a tough, shifty runner with good hands and initial explosion. His long-speed is a concern, and he was the second best runner in his own backfield in my opinion (Trent Richardson is a future Top-10 pick), but Ingram provides some value at the end of round one. He won’t turn into Emmitt Smith, but he should easily beat out Ryan Grant and James Starks for the starting running back job and take some pressure off Aaron Rodgers.

2010 Mid-Season NFL All-Pro Team

Ever team in the NFL has played at least 8 games, so I figured I’d throw my two cents out there and put together a mid-season NFL All-Pro Team.

Below are my top choices at each position based on play from the season’s first-half. I do not give credit for previous performance – no obligatory Derek Jeter Gold Glove selection on this team. One note, a small number of teams have played 9 games, but I’ve only used statistics from the first 8 games to keep it Even-Stevens.

I’ve basically followed the Associated Press All-Pro Team that consists of (1) quarterback, tight end, center, kicker, punter and return specialist, and (2) running backs, wide receivers, offensive tackles, offensive guards, defensive ends, defensive tackles, outside linebackers, inside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties. The only difference is I did not include a fullback. Cause having two running backs AND a fullback on the team makes no sense whatsoever.

Here’s one man’s mid-season 2010 NFL dream team -

QUARTERBACK:
Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 198/306 (64.7%), 2649 YDS, 8.7 Y/A, 15 TD, 7 INT, 98.9 RATING
It was REALLY tough not to have Peyton Manning on this squad, but the All-Pro Team is different than the Most Valuable Player Award. Rivers is having the most-outstanding season of any quarterback in the NFL. He leads the league with 2,649 passing yards and 8.7 yards/pass attempt (the most underrated stat for a QB).

RUNNING BACK:
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 180 ATT, 857 YDS, 4.8 AVG, 7 TD; 26 REC, 257 YDS, 9.9 AVG, 1 TD
Without a doubt, Peterson is the most talented running back in the NFL. And after fumbling the ball 16 times over the past two years, he has yet to fumble in 206 touches this season. Few backs run harder, cut sharper or run faster than Peterson. Just your typical 6-2, 218-pound runner with 4.39-second speed….

Arian Foster, Houston Texans
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 157 ATT, 864 YDS, 5.5 AVG, 9 TD; 32 REC, 315 YDS, 9.8 AVG, 1 TD
The undrafted Foster is making Houston’s already explosive offensive that much better. Foster started the season with a 231-yard, 3-touchdown day against the Colts and has yet to slow down. This 232-pound back is a load to bring down.

WIDE RECEIVER:
Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 58 REC, 796 YDS, 13.7 AVG, 5 TD
White is quarterback Matt Ryan’s security blanket in Atlanta and one of the key reasons they are 6-2 this season. He’s had some truly huge games this year, including an 11-catch, 201-yard, 2-touchdown performance against Cincinnati.

Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 42 REC, 878 YDS, 20.9 AVG, 4 TD
I remember how dominant Lloyd was in college at Illinois when I was working for Purdue’s football team and I never figured out why he didn’t develop into an NFL Pro Bowl player. He’s gotten past whatever issues he had before this season and currently leads the NFL in receiving yards while averaging a robust 20.9 yards on 42 receptions.

TIGHT END:
Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 40 REC, 663 YDS, 16.6 AVG, 9 TD
Even with great NFL tight ends like Dallas Clark, Vernon Davis, Zach Miller and Jason Witten, is there a bigger gap between the best player and second best player at any other position in the NFL? That’s how good Gates is and how incredible his season has been. Gates is putting up prolific numbers despite being blanketed by two players on almost every down. He leads the NFL with 9 touchdown receptions.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE:
Jake Long, Miami Dolphins
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP/8GS
Probably the best left tackle in the league, Long is living up to his status as the top pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. He’s a devastating mauler in the running game and is much improved in pass protection.

Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP/8GS
If Long is the best left tackle in the NFL, he beats Thomas by the slimmest of margins. Thomas is an exceptional run-blocker and key cornerstone for Cleveland’s revival.

OFFENSIVE GUARD:
Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP/8GS
Evans is the best guard in the NFL and has been since New Orleans drafted him in 2006. He finally received much-earned All-Pro honors last year and will repeat this season if the writers watch any football at all.

Chris Snee, New York Giants
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP/8GS
For a guard, Snee can really move. That agility helps him get into the second level and pave the way for New York’s vaunted rushing attack. The Giants are averaging 152 rushing yards/game, 3rd best in the NFL.

CENTER:
Alex Mack, Cleveland Browns
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP/8GS
I’m not a fan of drafting centers in the first round, but it looks like Cleveland made a solid selection when they drafted Mack 21st overall in 2009. He’s paved the way for running back Peyton Hillis’ breakout season.

DEFENSIVE END:
Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 39 TKL, 7.0 SACK, 2 PD, 1 FF
Despite receiving little fanfare, Cole is consistently among the best players at his position. There are more explosive defensive ends in the NFL, guys like Mario Williams and Dwight Freeney, but few put up his numbers year in and year out. After averaging 11 sacks and 68 tackles over the past 3 seasons, Cole is on pace for 14 sacks and 78 tackles this year. Ho-hum.

Osi Uymenyiora, New York Giants
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 7GP; 21 TKL, 8.0 SACK, 1 PD, 7 FF
Great bounce-back season for Uymenyiora after a rough (for him) 2009 campaign. He and Dwight Freeney are probably the fastest off the ball of any defensive lineman in the game.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE:
Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 43 TKL, 5.0 SACK, 1 PD
Forget the numbers. No one in the NFL commands as many double-teams as Ngata, yet he has still managed 43 tackles and 5 sacks. His impact on the 6-2 Ravens is enormous and he’s a leading contender for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 29 TKL, 6.5 SACK, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FR (1 TD)
“Reggie White Jr.” is proving all the draftniks who said he wouldn’t be a big sack guy in the NFL very, very wrong. With Suh’s speed, strength and motor, who needs advanced pass-rushing moves? He’s clearly the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER:
James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 55 TKL, 7.0 SACK, 1 INT, 2 PD, 4 FF, 1 FR
Harrison is just the most-intimidating, intense, best-tackling, pass-rushing monster in the NFL. In a league with outstanding outside linebackers like Cameron Wake, Clay Matthews, DeMarcus Ware and Tamba Hali, I’d take Harrison before any of them.

Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 7GP; 27 TKL, 9.5 SACK, 1 PD, 1 FF
Despite missing a game, Matthews is the mid-season front-runner for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His 9.5 sacks leads the NFL and his impact rushing the passer and making plays behind the line of scrimmage are unmatched.

INSIDE LINEBACKER:
Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 77 TKL, 3.0 SACK, 2 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
A first-round pick in 2007, Timmons has really thrived this year after being brought along slowly by Pittsburgh. With 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 pass deflections and a forced fumble in just 8 games, there isn’t a better big-play inside linebacker in the NFL.

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 95 TKL, 1.0 SACK, 1 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
The 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Mayo is back on top of his game after suffering a multitude of injuries last season. He leads the NFL with 95 tackles and is a key cog for the 6-2 Patriots.

CORNERBACK:
Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 25 TKL, 4 INT, 7 PD, 2 FF
Hall’s outstanding play has been overshadowed by the Bengals disappointing start, but with Darrelle Revis battling hamstring issues, Hall is the best cover-corner in the NFL.

Aqib Talib, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 7GP; 23 TKL, 5 INT (1 TD), 6 PD
After sitting out the season opener for “personal conduct” reasons, Talib has lit the world on fire for a surprising 5-3 Tampa squad. He leads the team with 5 interceptions and is living up to his first round draft status.

SAFETY:
Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 53 TKL, 4 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
Griffin is the definition of a big-play free safety. He might give up a play here and there, but he’s on pace for 8 interceptions and 106 tackles. That’s production.

LaRon Landry, Washington Redskins
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 76 TKL, 1.0 SACK, 1 INT, 7 PD, 1 FF, 1 FR
The 235-pound Landry hits (and looks) like an NFL linebacker. He leads all defensive backs in tackles, knockouts and alligator arms this season. There isn’t another player in the league more feared by receivers on crossing patterns – even Ray Lewis doesn’t hit like Landry.

KICKER:
Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 19/22 FG, 86.4 FG%; 12/12 XP; 69 PTS
Miami has struggled to score this season, but you can’t blame the kicker. Carpenter has connected on 19 of 22 field goals so far this year, including 3 of 4 over 50 yards.

PUNTER:
Shane Lechler, Oakland Raiders
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 36 PUNT, 1834 YDS, 50.9 AVG
The best punter in the NFL since he entered the league in 2000, Lechler is on his way to leading the league in yards/punt for the 6th time in 8 seasons. He might just be the best punter in NFL history.

KICK RETURN SPECIALIST:
Leon Washington, Seattle Seahawks
2010 Statistics through 8 games: 8GP; 24 KR, 753 YDS, 31.4 AVG, 2 TD; 4 PR, 78 YDS, 19.5 AVG, 0 TD
Washington, who leads the NFL in kickoff return average and touchdowns, is back after suffering a serious knee injury that led to his departure from the Jets. Here’s hoping he finally gets that big contract he sought in New York.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Looks like the Phillies outfield logjam is coming to a head and the decision to "demote" top-prospect Domonic Brown is inevitable.

Shane Victorino went 3/5 with a triple, homerun and three RBI last night in Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will play his last rehab game tonight. Raul Ibanez is riding an 18-game hitting streak, raising his OPS a whopping 81 points in that brief time-span. Despite a mid-season slump, Jayson Werth has been the Phillies best hitter this season with a .302/.395/.528 slash-line. That leaves Brown as the odd-man out. And as much as I hate to see Philly’s young phenom take a step beck, potentially damaging his confidence, the best course of action is to demote Brown to Lehigh Valley until big-league rosters expand from 25 to 40 on September 1.

Sending Brown back to Triple-A for next 17 days just makes too much sense. Greg Dobbs is more valuable than Brown as a utility bench player because he can play both first base and third base. With Ryan Howard out, keeping Dobbs is a must. And despite all his hype and ability, Brown needs more polish and the only way to do that is by playing every day. He won’t get that opportunity when Victorino returns tomorrow.

Brown is a bit of a contradiction at this point. He’s hitting just .237/.238/.368, but the five-tool talent is apparent. He’s made some spectacular plays in right field, including a breathtaking throw to nail Marlins’ first-baseman Gabby Sanchez at home plate. On the other hand, he’s made several poor reads in right and could use some seasoning at that position after playing center field most of his career. Brown makes it a point to work the count in every at-bat and his blistering buggy-whip swing allows him to wait until the very last second before pulling the trigger. On the other hand, he has just one walk and 13 strikeouts in 42 big-league plate appearances.

It’s evident that Brown will be a MLB superstar. It’s just as evident that he needs a bit more seasoning and his ascension to All-Star status will take a little time. Remember, San Francisco’s Buster Posey hit .118 in his brief MLB promotion last year. This year he’s hitting .335 and is the cleanup hitter on a playoff-caliber team. Brown will be a great Philly in the very near future - just probably not this season. In the meantime, the Phillies will have to make due with All-Star outfielders Ibanez, Victorino and Werth. Not a bad problem to have.

Idiot is Spelled E-D-W-A-D-E

I have a conspiracy theory. I believe that when former Phillies General Manager Ed Wade was hired by the Astros in 2007, he had a secret monetary agreement with Philadelphia ownership that ensured them he would do everything in his power to help the Phillies win championships at Houston's expense. How else can you explain the Roy Oswalt trade????

Here's the deal - the Astros are paying about $11M of the remaining $23M on Oswalt's contract. And Oswalt is no longer demanding his $16M option for 2012 be picked up. So, essentially, the Phillies are paying $12M for 1 1/2 years of Oswalt's services - that's great market value. But the money isn't even the best part. That would have to be the prospects Philadelphia is sending Houston in this trade. They are absolutely MEDIOCRE for a player of Oswalt's talents.

Houston is NOT getting top hitting prospect Jonathan Singleton, as was previously reported. Philly wouldn't part with him and the Astros caved. According to ESPN sources, Philly will be sending over "prospects" Anthony Gose (CF) and Jonathan Villar (SS). You can check out my writeup on Gose here. He's a super-fast guy and great defender who has no power and struggles to get on base. They traded Houston another Michael Bourn. Villar is a 19-year old shortstop in Class-A Lakewood. He's another guy who can run and field but has no power and struggles to get on base. Houston not receiving a top prospect is especially sorry for them when you consider how much salary they are eating in this deal.

If this trade isn't enough of an example of Ed Wade's ineptitude, here's another beauty from the recent past:

November 8, 2007:
Wade trades closer Brad Lidge, along with reserve infielder Eric Bruntlett, to the Phillies in exchange for second-year outfielder Michael Bourn, middle reliever Geoff Geary (fail), and third base prospect Mike Costanzo (epic fail). Lidge goes 48-48 in save opportunities in 2008 and closes out the Phillies second-ever World Series Championship. Bourn is a guy that steals bases when he gets on base.....which is infrequently.

And I'm not even going to touch Wade's horrific Curt Schilling and Scott Rolen trades, or the J.D. Drew debacle, when he was running the Phillies show.

But that was then and this is now. I'd actually like to thank Ed Wade for his dedication to being the worst General Manager in baseball. His skill at sucking wasn't fully appreciated in Philadelphia but I think I speak for all Phillies fans when I say that his unique talents couldn't make us happier today. I'd congratulate Phillies GM Ruben Aramo on this overwhelmingly lopsided trade, but let's be honest, that would be like congratulating the captain of a high school football team for beating the crap out of a special-ed student.

***UPDATE***
Wade deserves a little bit of genuine credit in this deal - he flipped Anthony Gose to Toronto for 23-year old first base prospect Brett Wallace. In 95 games at Triple-A this season, Wallace is hitting .301/.359/.509 with 18 homeruns. Apparently, Toronto wanted to get "more athletic." Wallace is a legitimate successor for Lance Berkman, so good for Wade. He didn't get Jonathan Singleton, but he got another firstbaseman who can mash and is closer to the big leagues (though Singleton's upside is higher). I have no idea what new Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos is thinking. Lyle Overbay is playing first base for the Blue Jays. They needed Brett Wallace and should have called him up months ago. When Ed Wade pulls one over on you, it's not a good indicator that Toronto's franchise is in capable hands.

Oswalt Gives Phils Aces in Spades

According to multiple sources, the Astros and Phillies have agreed to both money and players in a trade for Roy Oswalt. The Phillies will send J.A. Happ and "prospects" to the Astros in exchange for Oswalt with the 'Stros picking up the remainder of Oswalt's salary this season. The Phillies will be on the hook for Oswalt's $16M salary in 2011 and may or may not be reponsable for picking up his player option in 2012 (also $16M).

The only thing stopping the trade is Oswalt himself - who has three days to approve the deal. Philadelphia, riding a seven-game winning streak and having just called up electric rookie phenom Domonic Brown, can potentially boast a three-pitcher playoff rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Oswalt. Talk about gaining some huge momentum for a playoff push. This move is a potential game-changer in the division and would make the Phillies a formidable World Series contender.

Not all Phillies fans are as enthused about Oswalt as I am. Lots of fans look at Oswalt's size (5-11ish, 185pounds) and wonder if he can hold up over the next 2 1/2 years. I've also heard uninformed comments like "he's not that good" and "he has a losing record." First off, Oswalt's 6-12 record is useless information. His ERA is 3.42 and his xFIP is 3.45. He's pitched 6.45 innings/start and his 8.37 K/9, 3.53 K/BB and 1.11 WHIP rates are outstanding. As for the question of whether a short, thin dude can maintain his status as a power pitcher over the next few seasons, let's take a look at his annual average fastball velocity, courtesy of the amazing site fangraphs:

2002: 93.7
2003: 93.1
2004: 94.0
2005: 93.1
2006: 92.7
2007: 92.7
2008: 92.6
2009: 93.1
2010: 93.0

Not much change in velocity right? Oswalt is throwing harder now than he was four years ago. He's still only 32 years old and I'd gamble his arm will hold up over the next two seasons. The upside is huge. Halladay is the perfect pitcher to throw three times in a seven-game playoff series. A World Series matchup with the Yankees doesn't seem nearly as daunting with a rotation of Halladay-Hamels-Oswalt-Halladay-Hamels-Oswalt-Halladay.

The real question, other than if Oswalt will actually approve the trade, is what prospects the Phillies will have to part with. J.A. Happ is no big deal - he's a decent #4 pitcher who will always walk too many batters and doesn't throw nearly hard enough (89.2mph avg fastball) to become an impact pitcher. I put together an updated Phillies Top 10 Prospects list a few days ago, and it's a good reference point to look at when names of prospects included in the trade become public knowledge. I just hope the Phillies hold on to Jarred Cosart and Trevor May, two righthanders who light up the radar gun. The Phillies have plenty of talented bats and outfielders they can part with (Jonathan Singleton, Jiwan James, Anthony Gose), but few impact pitchers. Cosart and May are the cream of the crop and hopefully the Phillies won't have to let them go in a trade for a 32-year old pitcher with $32M left on his contract.

***UPDATE***
Richard Justice, columnist for the Houston Chronicle, is reporting that Jonathan Singleton and Vance Worley are the two Phillies prospects being sent to the Astros in the Roy Oswalt trade. You can read my writeup on Singleton here. He's my #3 overall prospect in the Phillies organization, but is restricted to playing first base which makes him highly expendable in Ryan Howard's considerable shadow. Worley is a 6-2, 220-pound righthanded pitcher who is 9-4 with a 3.03 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 118 innings this year at Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. I love this trade. Singleton could potentially become an impact hitter in three years, but Howard will still be under contract. Worley is an OK pitcher who will never become a star and probably ends up in the bullpen.

***DOUBLE UPDATE***
Richard Justice needs new sources. Oswalt has agreed to the trade, making it final, but Philadelphia will NOT be sending top-prospect Jonathan Singleton, or Vance Worley for that matter, to Houston. Philly is sending Anthony Gose (#7 on my Updated Top 10 Phillies Prospects List) and Jonathan Villar instead. The Phillies have absolutely fleeced Astros General Manager Ed Wade with this deal. Read my full post here.

IN OTHER PHILLIES NEWS:
The aforementioned Domonic Brown put his considerable talents on full display in his major league debut last night. Brown blasted an RBI double off the wall against flamethrower Edwin Jackson in his first MLB at bat and ended his night 2-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Just as I suggested yesterday, Brown hit 6th in the order, behind Jayson Werth, but it looks like the Phillies are committed to playing him in rightfield with Werth manning center. This makes sense as Werth has played some centerfield in the majors before, but I still maintain Brown can play the position better than Werth with his superior speed and range. However, I completely understand the Phillies not wanting to move Brown to a position he hasn't played at in two years for his major league debut. Shane Victorino will be back in two weeks, so the issue is a minor one. Now what the Phillies will do with Victorino if Brown, Werth and Ibanez continue to hit is an entirely different story.

What Can (Domonic) Brown Do For You?

As I predicted two days ago, Domonic Brown's stay in Triple-A Lehigh Valley was going to be a very short one. According to CSN Philly's Jim Salisbury, the Phillies have placed Shane Victorino on the 15-Day Disabled List (abdominal strain) and recalled top-prospect Domonic Brown.

Brown, a natural rightfielder, shouldn't have too much of an issue playing centerfield. After watching Shane pussy-out on a deep fly ball at the warning track last night, a ball Aaron Rowand would have caught with his face, I don't think the Phils are losing anything defensively with Brown. He played CF two years ago and should be able to play the position better and with more range than Jayson Werth. Offensively, Brown hit .327/.391/.589 with 20 homeruns and 17 stolen bases in 93 minor league games this year, so I'm not too worried about his ability to match Victorino's .749 OPS.

It will be interesting to see what the Phillies do with Brown when Shane gets off the DL. His performance in the big leagues will no doubt dictate how much he plays, but there is no way the Phillies are demoting the top-prospect in the game. Let's assume Brown plays well. Will Werth, Victorino or Raul Ibanez get traded? If the Phillies can't find the right trade partner, it would be tough for them to sit Ibanez now that he's finally hitting. Again, Brown's performance will dictate any future moves this season, but I'm excited for the "Domonic Brown Era" to begin. Brown should slide right into the #6 spot in the lineup tonight, behind Werth and ahead of Ruiz.

IN OTHER PHILLIES NEWS:
Trevor May struck out 14 batters in seven innings for Lakewood (Class-A) yesterday. Even more impressive, May did not walk a single batter after issuing 61 walks in 70 innings at Class-A Advanced Clearwater this year before his demotion to Lakewood. Since his demotion, the 6-5, 215-pound righthander has seemingly found his way - he's 3-1 with 42 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 29 innings at Lakewood. I'd say he's ready for another shot at Clearwater. May, who boasts a 95mph fastball and devastating curve, profiles as a #1 starter if he can maintain his control and command.

Top 10 Phillies Prospects - 2010 UPDATE

As baseball's July 31 trading deadline looms right around the corner, I wanted to take a closer list at the top prospects in Philadelphia's farm system and put together an updated "Top-10" list.

The Phillies lost a number of prospects in the Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay trades and received essentially nothing in the Cliff Lee trade-debacle this past off-season, so it would appear that the proverbial cupboard is empty. Astonishingly, this isn't the case at all. Thanks to their draft philosophy of selecting athletes over baseball players and signing guys away from strong college commitments in later rounds, the Phillies have developed a number of players, many of them in Class-A baseball, who rank among the top prospects in the game.

Some of these players could figure into a potential trade this week that could push the Phillies into the postseason. Others, like Domonic Brown, could get called up sooner than later and inject some much-needed youth into a rapidly-aging roster. Either way, these players will shape the future of the organization in both the short and long term. Here's my updated 2010 ranking of Philadelphia's Top-10 prospects (statistics through June 25):

1.) Domonic Brown (Triple-A Lehigh Valley / Double-A Reading)
Drafted: Round 20 (607 overall pick) in 2006
Height: 6-5 Weight: 200 Age: 22 Bats: L Throws: L Position: RF
2010 Statistics: .325/.388/.585, 91GP, 64R, 109H, 20HR, 66RBI, 35BB, 71SO, 16SB
The top prospect in all of minor league baseball, Brown is a true 5-tool talent. Having watched him play in Lehigh Valley several times in the past month, Brown is as good of an athlete as you will ever see in baseball. A former Miami U. wide receiver recruit, everything he does is just so smooth (his swing path, running style, outfield play). With all the trade rumors swirling around free agent-to-be Jayson Werth, Brown's stay in the minors might be over within the week. His helicopter-like swing has started to produce serious power this season and he'll continue to improve in that category as he adds mass to his wire-thin frame. Nothing is stopping Brown from becoming a 30-30 player and future all-star.

2.) Jarred Cosart (Class-A Lakewood)
Drafted: Round 38 (1156 overall pick) in 2008
Height: 6-3 Weight: 180 Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Position: RHP
2010 Statistics: 7-3(W-L), 3.79ERA, 14GP/14GS, 71.1IP, 60H, 30ER, 3HR, 16BB, 77K
Cosart was a raw, two-way high school standout from Texas when the Phillies drafted and converted him to pitcher. Currently, he is on the Disabled List with a strained right elbow (yikes) but it's not supposed to be serious and he's scheduled to pitch in a week. When healthy, Cosart has the best arm in the Phillies system and one of the better arms in all of minor league baseball. He sits at 94-96 as a starter and can dial it up to 98. His control has been spectacular this year, issuing just 16 walks in 71 innings. If he can bypass an arm injury, Cosart will sky-rocket through the system and profiles as a #1 or #2 starter down the road.

3.) Jonathan Singleton (Class-A Lakewood)
Drafted: Round 8 (257 overall pick) in 2009
Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Age: 18 Bats: L Throws: L Position: 1B
2010 Statistics: .309/.418/.538, 66GP, 41R, 73H, 12HR, 57RBI, 42BB, 43SO, 6SB
Projected as a 1st or 2nd round pick going into his senior year of high school, Singleton dropped to the Phillies in round 8 of the 2009 draft after a poor senior season and perceived college commitment to Oregon. This should show you how little high school numbers really mean as Singleton has blossomed into an offensive force as an 18-year old in Class-A. Singleton has superior plate discipline, and even as he's cooled down after a red-hot start, he's maintained a 1:1 walk-strikeout ratio. Singleton could potentially reach Double-A as a 19-year old next year and profiles as a prototypical lefthanded firstbaseman who walks, hits and hits for power. Ryan Howard is a $125M roadblock, so hopefully he can learn to play LF down the line.

4.) Trevor May (Class-A Lakewood / Class-A Advanced Clearwater)
Drafted: Round 4 (136 overall pick) in 2008
Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Position: RHP
2010 Statistics: 7-6(W-L), 4.79ERA, 20GP/18GS, 92.0IP, 73H, 49ER, 9HR, 71BB, 118K
Built in the classic power-pitcher mold of Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling and Josh Johnson, May has every tool a scout looks for in an ideal pitching prospect. The big righthander throws an easy 95 and his strikeout rates in the minors have been prolific. Only control problems have held him back. In fact, May was demoted to Lakewood after posting a 5.01 ERA and issuing 61 walks in 70 innings at Clearwater. He's rebounded nicely at Lakewood, walking 10 and recording 28 strikeouts in 22 innings. If May ever figures it out he will turn the minors into his own personal playground. He's a boom or bust player with a #1 starter ceiling and spare-part in the bullpen floor.

5.) Jiwan James (Class-A Lakewood)
Drafted: Round 22 (683 overall pick) in 2007
Height: 6-4 Weight: 180 Age: 21 Bats: S Throws: R Position: CF
2010 Statistics: .273/.321/.370, 97GP, 62R, 110H, 3HR, 47RBI, 27BB, 91SO, 25SB
James has a similar game, similar tools and similar numbers to Anthony Gose, but he's two years older than Gose and plays one level below him. So why on earth would I rank James two spots higher than Gose on this list? Simple - James has a higher ceiling. The Phillies drafted James as a pitcher, but after he developed an arm injury in 2008, they converted him to outfield. So essentially everything about hitting and fielding is fairly new to him, yet he's holding his own in Class-A. James is blistering fast, has a great arm and projects to hit for power as he fills out. The sky is the limit for him and the Phillies hope he develops like Domonic Brown - another raw baseball talent when he was drafted.

6.) Brody Colvin (Class-A Lakewood)
Drafted: Round 7 (227 overall pick) in 2009
Height: 6-3 Weight: 195 Age: 19 Bats: R Throws: R Position: RHP
2010 Statistics: 5-6(W-L), 3.50ERA, 19GP/19GS, 103.0IP, 96H, 40ER, 7HR, 32BB, 84K
A projected 1st round talent in high school, Colvin dropped to the 7th round because he was viewed as having a strong commitment to play college baseball at LSU. The Phillies snatched him up and bought him away from his college commitment. This is becoming a common theme for the Phillies as they have acquired top talents Dominic Brown, Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singleton and Jiwan James under similar circumstances. Colvin sits at 91-94 and has seemingly found his way after a miserable start to the season. In his past 10 starts, Colvin has posted a 1.65 ERA in 60 innings. Colvin has the pure stuff to miss more bats than he currently does, so look for him to work on establishing his breaking ball in the future.

7.) Anthony Gose (Class-A Advanced Clearwater)
Drafted: Round 2 (51 overall pick) in 2008
Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Age: 19 Bats: L Throws: L Position: CF
2010 Statistics: .265/.326/.387, 101GP, 65R, 108H, 4HR, 20RBI, 31BB, 100SO, 36SB
Some have compared Gose's skill-set to Carl Crawford's, but I just don't see it. He's a marvel in centerfield and has true "80" speed on the 20-80 scouting scale but he is no Crawford at the plate. A former high school pitcher who topped out at 96, Gose has a cannon for an arm. In the majors, Gose will play Gold-Glove defense and steal 40-50 bases annually, but his batting average, power and on-base percentage will be below average. Think Doug Glanville at the plate and Corey Patterson in the field and on the basepaths.

8.) Jesse Biddle (Rookie Gulf Coast League)
Drafted: Round 1 (27 overall pick) in 2010
Height: 6-4 Weight: 225 Age: 18 Bats: L Throws: L Position: LHP
2010 Statistics: 0-1(W-L), 5.19ERA, 5GP/5GS, 17.1IP, 20H, 10ER, 2HR, 6BB, 21K
Biddle is living out every Philadelphian's dream - local high school kid (Germantown Friends HS) gets drafted by the team he grew up rooting for. The Phillies drafted Biddle in the 1st round after he posted a 9-2 record and 1.06 ERA with 140 strikeouts in just 59 1/3 innings as a senior. The big, chunky lefthander pitches at 88-93 and has been clocked as high as 96. He also features a slow 72-74 curveball. Biddle should maintain or increase his velocity as a professional and with improved control he will shoot to the top of future Phillies prospect rankings.

9.) Scott Mathieson (Triple-A Lehigh Valley)
Drafted: Round 17 (509 overall pick) in 2002
Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Age: 26 Bats: R Throws: R Position: RHP
2010 Statistics: 3-3(W-L), 2.20ERA, 38GP/0GS, 45.0IP, 31H, 11ER, 5HR, 17BB, 58K 20SV
Mathieson has overcome numerous injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2008, to re-establish his position as a top prospect in the Phillies farm system. Now viewed solely as a reliever, he sits at 94-96 and can reach back for 98. It's not really clear why Mathieson is still pitching in Triple-A. He's 26 and has nothing left to prove in the minors as he's currently overwhelming hitters at Lehigh Valley. The Phillies called him up very briefly this year and he stumbled, giving up 2 runs while recording just 2 outs in his one-and-only outing. Still, that's an extremely small sample size and he has a better arm than anyone in the Phillies pen outside of Ryan Madson.

10.) Sebastian Valle (Class-A Lakewood)
Signed: Amateur Free Agent (Mexico) in 2007
Height: 6-1 Weight: 170 Age: 20 Bats: R Throws: R Position: C
2010 Statistics: .257/.298/.398, 86GP, 32R, 84H, 9HR, 53RBI, 19BB, 76SO, 2SB
Never known for their international scouting, Valle is the best the Phillies have to offer outside North America & Puerto Rico. Valle's skill-set is similar to current Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit - average defensive skills with a below average bat and the ability to hit 10-20 homeruns. Carlos Ruiz is firmly entrenched as the starting catcher right now, but after trading away Travis d'Arnaud in the Halladay deal, the Phillies have poor depth at the position outside of Valle. He should progress through the minors one level at a time before establishing himself as a quality backup in the majors or perhaps even Ruiz's successor by 2014.