Iowa senior Christian Ballard is one of the most versatile defensive lineman prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Ballard has posted at least 41 total tackles each of the last three seasons, and he has 9.0 total sacks to his credit during this time.

Strengths

• Hard-working, team-first player
• Size (6-foot-3, 283 pounds)
• Positional versatility - 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end

• Safe, versatile prospect

  Displays a quality swim move and has a strong punch - even has a decent spin move
• Quick enough burst to be disruptive (1.65-second 10-yard split)
• Durable
• Good motor and effort
• Laterally agile enough to contain most backs against the sidelines 

Weaknesses

• Doesn't always keep his pad level low enough
• Stiff hips - doesn't sink well in pursuit
• Inconsistent play
• Doesn't anchor well enough - can be pushed around by bigger blockers

Expected draft placement

Ballard's size and versatility will likely land him in the second round of the draft.

The Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens have recently shown interest in Ballard.