NFL draft: Rating the specialists

With the NFL becoming more diverse in terms of schemes and roles for individual players, scouting departments are forced to look for more specialized skill sets in prospects and grade players specifically for their schemes. The National Football Post breaks down some of the more specialized positions with our list of top five prospects at each.

Note: Ratings are based on prospects' specific skill-set requirements for each specialized position.

West Coast Quarterbacks
1. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech (6-2, 217)
2. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas (6-1, 27)
3. John Parker Wilson, Alabama (6-2, 215)
4. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State (6-2, 222)
5. David Johnson, Tulsa (6-2, 217)

Third-Down Backs
1. Devin Moore, Wyoming (5-9, 191)
2. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M (6-0, 198)
3. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (5-8, 210)
4. Kory Sheets, Purdue (5-11, 203)
5. Marcus Thigpen, Indiana (5-8, 198)

H-Backs
1. James Casey, Rice (6-4, 235)
2. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (6-3, 243)
3. Cornelius Ingram, Florida (6-4, 245)
4. Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas (6-, 248)
5. Mark Hafner, Houston (6-2, 221)

Slot Receivers
1. Mike Thomas, Arizona (5-8 187)
2. Quan Cosby, Texas (5-9, 191)
3. Deon Butler, Penn State (5-11, 168)
4. Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State (6-0, 186)
5. Jordan Norwood, Penn State (5-10, 174)

Zone Blocking Scheme Offensive Linemen
1. OT Jason Smith, Baylor (6-5, 300)
2. OT William Beatty, Connecticut (6-6, 291)
3. C Max Unger, Oregon (6-5, 299)
4. OG Augustus Parrish, Kent State (6-4, 297)
5. C A.Q. Shipley, Penn State (6-1, 297)

Five-Technique Defensive Ends (3-4 Defensive Ends)
1. Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State (6-5, 287)
2. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4, 295)
3. Kyle Moore, USC (6-5, 265)
4. Zach Potter, Nebraska (6-7, 277)
5. Jeremy Navarre, Maryland (6-3, 285)
Sleeper: Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa (6-6, 305)

Nose Tackles
1. B.J. Raji, Boston College (6-2, 334)
2. Ron Brace, Boston College (6-3, 329)
3. Terrance Taylor, Michigan (6-1, 314)
4. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman (6-4, 331)
5. Terrance Knighton, Temple (6-3, 324)

3-4 Outside Linebackers
1. Everette Brown, Florida State (6-4, 252)
2. Aaron Maybin, Penn State (6-4, 248)
3. Clay Matthews, USC (6-3, 246)
4. Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2, 254)
5. Clint Sintim, Virginia (6-3, 249)

Cover Two Corners
1. Jairus Byrd, Oregon (6-0, 205)
2. Asher Allen, Georgia (5-10, 198)
3. Victor Harris, Virginia Teach (5-11, 186)
4. Keenan Lewis, Oregon State (6-1, 198)
5. Sherrod Martin, Troy (6-1, 197)

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