No. 14. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

2011 stats: He led the team with 105 total tackles, including 13.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. He had three interceptions, seven passes defended, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Previous ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Brown: He was one of the fastest linebackers in college football, and his speed is one of his best attributes. He’s a strong tackler and is coming off his best season at North Carolina. He was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, a first-team All-ACC selection and was also one of UNC’s top special-teams contributors. He had five double-digit tackle games, including a season-high 14 in the Independence Bowl against Missouri.

No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami

No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland

No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State

No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia

No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech

No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State