#10: Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting ReportBig things were expected of Mayo this season after he earned second-team All-American honors from Rivals.com in 2006 with 83 tackles (a total that would have been higher had he not suffered a knee injury late in the season). He showed that there were no lingering effects from the injury in 2007, as he put together a fantastic campaign. His 140 tackles -- 79 solo -- led the Southeastern Conference. He had 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. He was named first-team All-SEC by the AP and league coaches.

Mayo covers a lot of ground, as evidenced by his high number of tackles. He's explosive off the ball, which makes him an effective blitzer. He has decent speed -- 4.67 seconds in 40-yard dash. He's capable as a run stopper and in pass coverage. He has good instincts and is a hard hitter. He doesn't miss many opportunities to make tackles.

Mayo needs to improve at the point of attack and become better at shedding blockers, a key to success in the NFL. That makes him project as an outside linebacker in the NFL. He also needs to improve at closing down running lanes. If he can get his speed in the 4.5s at the combine, it could greatly improve his draft stock. He is expected to be a second- to third-round selection.

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