No. 9. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

2011 stats: He had 77 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and tied for a team-high 18 quarterback pressures in 722 snaps over 14 games (13 starts). He was fourth on the team in tackles.

Previous ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Thompson: He was one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country, and you know a guy can plug the middle when his nickname is “Yams” for his big thighs. He was a great run-stopper for Clemson, and was a leader and permanent team co-captain. He’s a powerful hitter, a tough player and has quick hands and feet.

No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech

No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State

No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

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