Duck might be most mentally ready QB besides Leinart to contribute

With the NFL draft around the corner, here's our top 10 steals!

1. Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon
I knew almost nothing about Clemens entering the 2005 season, but in the first game I graded him against Washington, he played outstandingly, and he never looked back. Clemens is a smart, fundamentally sound quarterback with a quick, compact release. When he strides into his throws, he can make all the throws with very good zip.

I was impressed by Clemens’ ability to consistently make big plays — mostly with his arm, but occasionally with feet — even against heavy pressure. In order for Clemens to reach his potential, he needs to stride into every throw and do a better job of not forcing throws. Overall, he probably will be drafted late, but he has the ability to become a great NFL starter. Other than Leinart, there is no other quarterback more ready mentally to contribute early in his career.

2. Greg  Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
Jennings is a player I had heard so much about, I expected him to disappoint me. But he impressed me instead. Jennings has no glaring weakness that people can use an excuse as to why he should not succeed. He is a good athlete with the speed, balance and agility to make plays once he has the ball.

3. Daniel Manning, S, Abiliene Christian
Manning came out early for the draft, and although he probably could have used another season in school, he is a great athlete. Although he lacks height, he is well built and has natural strength. Manning seemed to crank up his intensity level on the most important plays, so I believe that his intensity will consistently be at a high level in the NFL because he will no longer be superior to every other player on the field. He is going to be a good backup safety as a rookie before developing into a good all-around starting safety who makes big plays against the run and the pass. An added bonus is that Manning will be a good punt and kickoff returner.

4. Anthony Montgomery, DT, Minnesota
Montgomery is a strong, athletic defensive tackle who can have impact in several schemes. He needs to improve his consistency and learn to utilize his leverage better. Unlike most athletic defensive tackles, Montgomery consistently chases hard after the ball. Usually that level of hustle is seen in overachieving players who are limited athletically. Montgomery is going to be a high draft pick because he offers versatility and will be able to start and contribute early in his career. He will be able to make an impact rushing the passer, on inside runs and chasing down ball carriers on runs away.

5. Antwon Burton, DT, Temple
Burton might turn some scouts off because he is soft-bodied and fleshy and doesn't work out well. But focus on his play and it's clear he gets the job done. Burton has good instincts and quickness, which enables him to get off the ball very quickly. When he is aggressive with hands, he can jolt the offensive linemen and disrupt plays in the backfield. Burton has the natural strength to control offensive linemen. He is a consistently disruptive force against inside runs, and if he learns to bend his knees, he could become a dominant defensive tackle. Burton is never going to be a great pass rusher, but he has the talent to be a productive nose tackle.

6. Eric Meyer, QB, Eastern Washington
Meyer's athleticism, arm strength, quick release and knack for making big plays catches your attention quickly. He is small and throws with a three-quarter release, but he has a quick release, and he can make all the throws with zip and accuracy. Meyer is fast enough to elude rushers, and he can throw on the run. His intelligence, instincts and ability to read defenses will enable him to make the jump smoother than most.

7. Jahri  Evans, T, Bloomsburg (Pa.)
Most small school offensive tackles are undersized and lack the athleticism and strength to realistically compete in the NFL, but Jahri is a different story. He has quick feet, good agility and athleticism. He must improve his blocking technique and footwork, but he has the athleticism to do that. Evans has good natural core strength, and with his natural size, athleticism and competitiveness, he can become a starting NFL tackle. He should spend a season or two as a backup with a smart, veteran tackle who can mentor him.

8. William Kershaw, LB, Maryland
Kershaw consistently plays aggressively and makes plays. He looks and plays bigger than his measured size. Kershaw runs hard to the ball, drives into ball carrier and makes hard, physical tackles. He has good instincts and speed. Kershaw does a good job in short zone coverage and although he allows too much separation in man-to-man coverage, he can improve because of his instincts, athleticism and foot speed. He will be a good starting linebacerk, especially on the strong side.

9. Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin

Pociask plays tall and can catch high passes well. He has good playing strength, and he can break tackles. Pociask does not have the explosiveness or playing speed to stretch the field and make big catches deep down the field, but he does run sharp routes. He has the talent to become a solid starting tight end.

10. Joe Pannozzo, LB, Indiana
Pannozzo is a tremendously tough, aggressive linebacker. He lacks experience, which will scare some teams off. But he drops into zone coverage quickly, reads the quarterback well and breaks up passes. Pannozzo needs to gain strength and size, and he must learn to use his hands against blockers. He will be a good special teams player as a rookie while he continues to learn the linebacker position.

Source: Russ Lande - GMJr - NBC Sports