The Big Ten postseason player rankings, based on past performance and future potential, continue with ...

No. 6

Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State, Jr., 6-1, 232

Preseason rank: 6

Why he's here: Few linebackers in the country put together back-to-back seasons like Bowman, who earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2008 and 2009. He recorded a whopping 33.5 tackles for loss in those two seasons and added two receptions and two fumble recoveries this fall. After battling a groin injury during a scrimmage in preseason camp, Bowman quickly returned to form against Iowa with 13 tackles (3 for loss). He recorded multiple tackles for loss in six games and scored two touchdowns on returns.

Not surprisingly, Bowman skipped his senior season and opted to enter the NFL draft, where he's projected to go in the late first or early second round. Despite an average 40 time (4.72 seconds) at the NFL combine, Bowman impressed the scouts and with his pass-coverage skills. Bowman went through a lot both on and off the field at Penn State, and he has really grown up during the last eight months. He should make a very good pro after adding to Penn State's storied linebacker tradition.

The rundown

• No. 30: Michigan State WR Blair White
• No. 29: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton
• No. 28: Wisconsin TE Garrett Graham
• No. 27: Ohio State LG Justin Boren
• No. 26: Iowa S Tyler Sash
• No. 25: Northwestern QB Mike Kafka
• No. 24: Penn State C Stefen Wisniewski
• No. 23: Michigan CB Donovan Warren
• No. 22: Northwestern CB Sherrick McManis
• No. 21: Ohio State DE Thaddeus Gibson
• No. 20: Indiana DE Jammie Kirlew
• No. 19: Iowa LB Pat Angerer
• No. 18: Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield
• No. 17: Illinois WR Arrelious Benn
• No. 16: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
• No. 15: Penn State RB Evan Royster
• No. 14: Iowa CB Amari Spievey
• No. 13: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
• No. 12: Penn State LB Sean Lee
• No. 11: Ohio State S Kurt Coleman
• No. 10: Minnesota WR Eric Decker
• No. 9: Wisconsin RB John Clay
• No. 8: Penn State QB Daryll Clark
• No. 7: Ohio State DL Cameron Heyward