When everything in the NFL is currently abnormal, thank goodness for the NFL draft to return some regularity to the NFL offseason. The NFL draft is the annual wishing well of hope for football fans and 31 teams that did not reach their Super Bowl title goals. This year’s draft should provide football fans a quick reprieve from the lockout legalities. With that being said, here is my 5th annual stars, sleepers and overrated. Stars Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU Throwing the football in Patrick Peterson’s area is like going to the dentist. You are apprehensive about the appointment and you usually leave regretting going over there. A faster version of Charles Woodson with a dash of Darrelle Revis, Peterson is a special talent that possesses the potential to be an elite defensive back. Peterson is an elite athlete that possesses 4.3 speed, superb strength and topflight change of direction, which makes him the best player in this year’s draft. In 2010, Peterson racked up the Bednarik Award (top defensive player), Thorpe Award (top defensive back), 1st team All-American and SEC defensive player of the year. So, there definitely wasn't a paucity of postseason accolades for Peterson. Peterson possesses a David Blaine like ability to make even the best wide receiver disappear from football games. The versatile Peterson also possesses a nose for the football and the ability to attack the football at its highest point, which was illustrated by his career 22 pass break-ups and seven interceptions. Although, most teams used good discernment in not throwing in Peterson's direction. Peterson can return punts and kicks, which is an added value that shouldn't go unnoticed. In the end, Peterson is a physical and dynamic playmaker at cornerback that could mature into the NFL's premier defensive player within three seasons. Von Miller, OLB/DE, Texas A&M Von Miller is a one-man wrecking crew. With rabbit-like quickness and the acceleration of a fighter plane, Miller possesses the ability to aggravate and disrupt opposing offenses. Miller plays with a vicious mean streak that manifests in him arriving at the opposing ball carriers with bad intention. At 6 foot-3 and 246 pounds, Miller is the prototypical edge rusher/OLB in a 3-4 defense. Miller possesses rare athletic ability, which was validated by his 4.5 speed and 21 reps of 225 pounds at the 2011 NFL Combine. Miller's quickness allows him to blow by quiescent opposing tackles and his 33.5 inch arms allow him to use his hands well at the point of attack. Though an outstanding athlete, Miller will have to work on agility that will allow him drop and play in space. But the team that selects Miller, the 2010 Butkus Award winner, will get a Clay Mathews type player that will have an immediate impact in the NFL. Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama In a draft full of defensive talent, Marcel Dareus is the most talented interior defensive lineman. Dareus is a disruptive beast of a defensive tackle in the mold of a Warren Sapp. At 6 foot-3 and 319 pounds, Dareus' athletic ability for his size is what makes him special because he is not your typical immobile space-eating defensive tackle. Because of his strength and athleticism, the versatile Dareus has the ability to line up at defensive tackle (3 technique) and/or defensive end in a 3-4 (5 technique). The extremely bright Dareus has professional study habits and received pro-style coaching during his three seasons at the University of Alabama while under Nick Saban. Dareus, the 2010 MVP of the BCS Championship, uses his quickness and technically sound hand placement to dispose of offensive linemen on his way to harassing opposing running backs and quarterbacks. Any team that selects the disruptive Dareus will be getting a passionate and coachable football player that is pro ready and could mature into a defensive centerpiece. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia A.J. Green is a red-zone weapon and the best offensive player in this year's draft. A cross of Randy Moss and Reggie Wayne, Green is a smooth and precise route runner that has a nose for pay-dirt. At 6 foot-4 and 211 pounds, Green is a tall and angular receiver that excels at catching the ball in traffic. In his three years as the University of Georgia's primary ball receiver, Green was able to amass 166 receptions for 2,619 yards and 23 touchdowns. Deceptively quick, the ultra-talented Green is equipped with fly paper hands that should make him an immediate red-zone threat. Any team in need of receiver help should feel extremely fortunate to select Green because he should develop into an NFL all-pro and give defensive backs fits for seasons to come. Under the Radar Aldon Smith, OLB/DE, Missouri There might be players with more name recognition than Aldon Smith, but in three years Smith might be the best player in this year's draft. Smith is a natural pass rusher that should give NFL offensive linemen night terrors for seasons to come. With 35.5 inch arms and at 6 foot-4 and 263 pounds, Smith's combination of rare athletic ability and cobra-like quickness, has some scouts comparing him to DeMarcus Ware. Smith's impact was felt immediately at the University of Missouri when he recorded 11.5 sacks on his way to becoming the Big-12 freshman and newcomer of the year. Smith's athleticism and good foot work should allow the former basketball player to flourish as an NFL pass rusher. Even though Smith has only played football for six years, his natural pass rush ability coupled with the fact that he is extremely coachable, makes Smith a prospect to watch in this year’s draft. JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin JJ Watt's effort level is Energizer bunny-like, he just keeps going and going. Measuring in at 6 foot-4 and 290 pounds, Watt is a relentless run-stuffing defensive end. But, Watt's 4.8 speed and 34 reps of 225 pounds, should prove that he is not just an effort player. During his two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, Watt tallied 106 tackles including 36.5 for a loss and 11.5 sacks. The former Central Michigan tight end, Watt’s size and strength make him the prototypical 3-4 defensive end. But, his athleticism might allow him to flourish at left defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. Watt's tenacity and intelligence should allow him to be successful anywhere you put him on the defensive line. Any team in need of a relentless and versatile defensive lineman should look no further than Watt because he has the potential to develop into a Trevor Pryce type defensive lineman. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh Jonathan Baldwin is a Brandon Marshall clone. But rumor has it, just like Marshall, Baldwin has a me-first Diva attitude that has scared some teams off. Baldwin's 4.5 forty-yard dash time coupled with his 6 foot-4 and 228 pound frame make him a walking mismatch. At the University of Pittsburgh, Baldwin was able to snag 128 receptions for 2,337 and 16 touchdowns. Baldwin's 42 inch vertical allows him to attack the ball at its highest point, which makes him a very dangerous deep and red-zone threat. When Baldwin comes to the NFL he will need to continue to work on his route running. However, any team with a sound veteran leadership that could mentor Baldwin could find out three years down the line that he was a top-20 talent. Sleepers Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia It's not a question of whether Ras-I Dowling can play, it's a matter of whether he can stay healthy. At 6 foot-1 and 198 pounds, Dowling is an extremely long and athletic cornerback that has drawn some comparisons to Antonio Cromartie. The fact that Dowling is a tall cornerback doesn't prevent him from changing directions well, which allows him to excel in man-to man coverage. But, Dowling's inability to stay healthy has pushed this once late first round prospect into the second or third round. At the University of Virginia Dowling was able to snag eight career interceptions, even though opposing teams targeted the cornerback playing opposite of him. Although Dowling excels in pass break-ups, the hard working Dowling is a willing tackler that should improve his tackling over time. If Dowling can stay healthy, some team will end up stealing a wiry and technically sound cornerback that has the potential to become a shut-down NFL cornerback in rounds 2-4. Greg Little, WR, North Carolina If Greg Little had played this season there is little doubt that he would have been a first round selection. But, after being suspended for the 2010 NCAA season and constant rumors of a bad and/or diva attitude, some view him as a sullen superstar in training. This has caused Little to slide down some teams boards. But on the field, the 6 foot-2, 220 pound Little lives up to his nickname as the “freak”. Equipped with strong and reliable hands, Little is an extremely strong possession receiver that excels in yards after the catch (Yac). Little, a former running back, still possesses the make-you miss ability that could be utilized on short underneath crossing routes and/or WR screens. Little's ability to take a short pass and turn it into a big play have some scouts comparing him to Anquan Boldin. If Little can score touchdowns instead of off-field problems, some team may find an offensive treasure in the second or third round. Alex Green, RB, Hawaii They say patience is a virtue. So, any team that has targeted Marc Ingram in round one or two, might want to practice some equanimity and select Alex Green in rounds 3-5. Green is a physical north and south runner that scored 18 touchdowns, while averaging 8.2 yard a carry last season at the University of Hawaii. At 6-foot and 225 pounds, Green is the prototypical NFL running back. Green is quick enough to break the big run, yet strong enough to pound out the tough yards to move the chains. As an able pass catcher out of the backfield Green's quick feet and ability to break tackles has reminded some scouts of the St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson. Green's good running vision should make him a natural in any zone running scheme. If selected and placed in the right scheme, Green has the potential to be very productive running back for years to come. David Sims, S, Iowa St. Last season, during Iowa St. football games, if you wanted to locate the ball all you had to do was spot David Sims. During his two years at Iowa St., Sims recorded 184 tackles, six forced fumbles and six interceptions. At 5 foot-9 and 200 pounds, Sims is an instinctive football player with a penchant for being in the right spot to make a game-changing play. At only 200 pounds, some scouts believe Sims may be too small to hold up as an NFL safety. But, Sims' excellent erudite allows the explosive and sure tackler to always be around the ball. Sims' 4.5 speed and 24 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL combine should show scouts that he does possess the necessary athletic tools to be an NFL safety. Any team in need of safety help would be foolish to pass on Sims, a very talented safety, in the middle to late rounds. Overrated Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska Over the past five years the NFL has become more of a passing league, so there has been a premium placed on having a “shut-down” cornerback. Because of that premium, some good cornerbacks are getting overrated. In my opinion, Prince Amukamara is overrated. Just because Amukamara made this list doesn't mean he can't play football, it just simply means I rate Amukamara lower than most pundits. For examples of why Amukamara shouldn't be a top-10 pick, one need to look no further than the Nebraska Vs. Oklahoma St. film. In that game Justin Blackmon snagged five receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns with most of that coming in Amukamara's face. If Blackmon, a draft eligible sophomore, would have come out this season he would have been no better than the third receiver selected behind A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Which begs the question, if Amukmara can't stymie the third best receiver in this year's draft one-on-one, what makes you think he will be able to cover Andre or Calvin Johnson? Again, Amukamara landing on this list doesn't mean he can't play. But, because of his average ability to change direction and his size, I think Amukamara might be better suited for a cover-2 scheme versus a man-to-man blitzing scheme. Cover-2 cornerbacks don't usually start coming off the board until late round 1/ round 2, which is why I feel Amukamara is overrated. Amukamara has the chance to be a solid football player. But when selecting in the top-10, where some have projected Amukamara, it is imperative to select a game changing player.