Editor's note: NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein is previewing the 2017 college football season by counting down the 25 teams with the most NFL-caliber talent, continuing today with teams 6-10 in his rankings. Click through the tabs above to see the rest of the rankings.
In compiling this list of the most talented college teams, I weighed each team's roster with an emphasis on identifying players who are likely to be draftees in 2018, or in future years. Teams with prospects who are among the most talented in the game were bolstered in the rankings.
10. Auburn
Players to watch: K Daniel Carlson, WR Nate Craig-Myers, DL Marlon Davidson, CB Carlton Davis, WR Kyle Davis, C Austin Golson, RB Kerryon Johnson, S Tray Matthews, RB Kamryn Pettway, OT Braden Smith, QB Jarrett Stidham
The outlook: Auburn is sneaky talented and potentially primed for a legitimate challenge to Alabama in the SEC West if Jarrett Stidham is as good as I think he can be at quarterback. The untapped talent at wideout could be unleashed this year and Kamryn Pettway is the type of banger who will help Auburn impose its will on the ground. Braden Smith will bump from his more natural guard spot to right tackle, but figures to be considered a guard as a pro. Auburn has good size in the secondary with Tray Matthews and Carlton Davis. NFL scouts will be watching them closely.
9. Michigan
Players to watch: OG Ben Bredeson, OL Mason Cole, RB Chris Evans, DE Rashan Gary, DT Maurice Hurst, OLB Mike McCray, QB Wilton Speight
The outlook: It took hours last winter to get through all the tape of the 11 Michigan players who were drafted this year (most of any school). The depth is inexperienced, but the cupboard is hardly empty. Maurice Hurst and Rashan Gary have elite potential and both are poised for big seasons up front. Mike McCray is a long-limbed linebacker who had an eye-opening season in 2016. Mason Cole will bump outside to tackle, but he has starting potential as an NFL center. The most exciting offensive sophomores to watch are Chris Evans and Ben Bredeson.
8. LSU
Players to watch: WR D.J. Chark, C Will Clapp, RB Derrius Guice, CB Donte Jackson, OLB Arden Key, DT Christian LaCouture, CB Kevin Toliver II, OT Toby Weathersby, LB Devin White
The outlook: Derrius Guice showed in 2016 why he is considered one of the best overall talents in college football. D.J. Chark should be a great fit for Matt Canada's offense and LSU should be more formidable on offense with a quality group of linemen up front. Pass-rush specialist Arden Key will be right there with Guice as one of the best in the game if his shoulder holds up. LSU always cranks out pros from the defensive side of the ball, but this year the Tigers are a little lighter than usual after sending so many players to the NFL over the last few years.
7. Florida
Players to watch: WR Antonio Callaway, WR Tyrie Cleveland, CB Duke Dawson, DB Chauncey Gardner, TE DeAndre Goolsby, OT Martez Ivey, DE Cece Jefferson, C T.J. McCoy, RB Jordan Scarlett, OT Jawaan Taylor, S Nick Washington, QB Malik Zaire, DE Jabari Zuniga
The outlook: The Florida defense was ravaged by NFL departures in the offseason, but there is still plenty of high-end, NFL-caliber talent across the board on this roster. Jabari Zuniga is a star in the making and I expect a big year from the redshirt sophomore. While the secondary lost some high-profile starters, Florida has the talent to reload quickly. Wideout Antonio Callaway is one of the most electric players in the SEC and needs the ball even more. I see a minimum of three NFL starters along the Gators' offensive line.
6. Florida State
Players to watch: DT Demarcus Christmas, QB Deondre Francois, TE Ryan Izzo, S Derwin James, S Trey Marshall, CB Tarvarus McFadden, WR Nyqwan Murray, NT Derrick Nnadi, RB Jacques Patrick, LB Jacob Pugh, WR Auden Tate, LB Matthew Thomas
The outlook: The Seminoles had just six players drafted over the last two seasons, but keep in mind that they've had 17 players taken inside the first two rounds over the last five drafts. Derwin James and Tarvarus McFadden appear to be the best of FSU's current group. Derrick Nnadi came back in better shape, which could lead to a big senior season and an elevated draft stock. Keep an eye on redshirt sophomore QB Deondre Francois, who has a big arm and an underrated group of targets to throw to this season.
Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
