Kansas State Wildcats Top NFL Draft Prospects for 2013 and Beyond

Sep 22, 2012; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Arthur Brown (4) celebrates with fans after defeating Oklahoma Sooners 24-19 at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

4 Arthur Brown, Linebacker, Senior  6’1″ 233

Brown is one of the top playmakers in the country at the linebacker position, and after sitting out the 2010 season (transferred from Miami) he came out in 2011 and had a huge year for the Kansas State Wildcats. Now he leads an upstart K-State defense that ranks in the top 10, and looks to be one of the top potential linebackers in the class of 2013. He doesn’t have elite size, but he moves around really well for a smaller linebacker. He led the Wildcats in tackles with 101 in 2011 and also added 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, as well as an interception. He should be a top 96 pick come April, but teams will have to do some background checks on him as far as maturity is concern. He has good speed and range, and while he’s not overly big, he is pretty tough and a playmaker. He has the look of a starter at outside linebacker in the NFL.

7 Collin Klein, Quarterback/Athlete, Senior  6’5″ 225 pounds

Klein is a really interesting prospect. He’s kind of similar to Tim Tebow, but Tebow was a more prolific passer in college and Klein is more of a runner. He is a former wide receiver and you’ll probably want to find a spot for him on your football team if you can afford it. He’s having a pretty good year passing the ball, and like Tebow, all Klein does is win football games, one way or another. In 2011, he had over 1,100 yards rushing including 27 rushing touchdowns, and threw for 13 more. He has transitioned to being more of a passer as a senior, and if he can continue to improve in that area, he can elevate his draft stock. His stock will be pretty dependent upon what he shows teams at the Combine and at his pro day in terms of overall athletic ability. If he’s just a power running quarterback, he may have to sneak on an NFL roster as a tight end/h-back.

3 Chris Harper, Wide Receiver, Senior  6’1″ 234 pounds

Harper led the Wildcats in receiving as a junior with 40 catches for 547 yards and five touchdowns, and is a former transfer who is making a big impact on this team. He has excellent overall size, and as a former quarterback is pretty smart about route running. He’s improving his overall game and comfortability at the receiver position. Does a good job using his size to win one-on-one battles, and while he’s not really a fast receiver he definitely is capable of making big plays. Snatches the ball well and is a pretty reliable receiver. Won’t be one of the first players taken at his position, but definitely has some of the most upside in the later rounds.

24 Nigel Malone, Cornerback, Senior (JUCO transfer)  5’10” 180 pounds

Smallish cornerback with great ball skills and an evolving skill set. Not an overly flashy cornerback prospect, but looks like he could really flourish in a Cover 2 scheme as a ballhawk and playmaker on the back end, though he could get burned at times by bigger receivers. Former juco transfer came to KSU in 2011 and had seven interceptions, including one taken back for a touchdown. Doesn’t have great overall bulk and can get pushed around at times, but he’s certainly a fiery player who has a nose for the ball and good hands to make plays when the ball is in his area. He was an All-American and All Big 12 selection as a junior, so he’s definitely flying under the radar for some, but a nice prospect. He could be a solid mid-round pick when all is said and done. Solid overall tackler and will give his best effort on every play.