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

No. 12

Sean Lee, LB, Penn State, Sr., 6-2, 236

Preseason rank: 7

Why he's here: Lee once again showed that when healthy, he's one of the best linebackers in the country. Although he appeared in only 10 games and missed Penn State's loss to Iowa, Lee finished third on the team in total tackles (86) and tied for third in tackles for loss (11). He also recorded an interception, a fumble recovery and eight passes defended, tops among linebackers and second on the squad. His leadership and on-field savvy helped Penn State win 11 games and rank eighth nationally in both total defense and scoring defense.

It's a bit tricky to assess Lee's future in the NFL. His injury history could deter some teams, but his overall body of work at Penn State is extremely impressive. Lee is an extremely sound tackler who knows the game and displays great fundamentals. Most projections have Lee in the second or third round, though his performance this week at the NFL scouting combine will be big.

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