The SEC is well represented in ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper's position-by-position breakdown of the top draft prospects next year among returning seniors.

Even though Arkansas' Ryan Mallett is listed No. 2 among the quarterbacks behind Washington's Jake Locker, Mallett will technically be a junior next season. He played one season at Michigan and one at Arkansas.

Also of note, Kiper has LSU's Terrance Toliver rated No. 1 among the returning senior receivers. So in other words, the Tigers should be plenty talented at receiver next season with the likes of Russell Shepard, Rueben Randle and Toliver.

Under the tight ends, Arkansas' D.J. Williams is rated No. 2.

One of the names not on here that will almost certainly be by the end of next season is Mississippi State defensive end Pernell McPhee, who returns as one of the top defensive linemen in the SEC.

Here's a look at the SEC players making Kiper's list and where they were rated in the top 5:

QUARTERBACKS

No. 2 -- Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

RECEIVERS

No. 1 -- Terrance Toliver, LSU

TIGHT ENDS

No. 1 -- Weslye Saunders, South Carolina

No. 2 -- D.J. Williams, Arkansas

No. 3 -- Luke Stocker, Tennessee

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

No. 2 -- Clint Boling, Georgia

No. 5 -- James Carpenter, Alabama

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

No. 3 - Mike Pouncey, Florida

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

No. 2 -- Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss

No. 5 -- Drake Nevis, LSU

SAFETIES

No. 3 -- Ahmad Black, Florida

No. 4 -- Zac Etheridge, Auburn

No. 5 -- Chris Culliver, South Carolina

KICKERS

No. 3 -- Wes Byrum, Auburn