The NFL released its official list of early entrants for the 2011 NFL Draft and I thought I'd post it after the jump. The deadline to declare was last Saturday, but players had until yesterday to withdraw their name from the list. This year's class of 56 entrants set a record for early entries, surpassing the previous high of 53 in 2008 and 2010.

While there are a few lesser known players, many of the early entrants are well-known underclassmen. Among positions the 49ers might be looking at, there are three QBs and ten defensive backs. Additionally, there are six defensive ends, seven defensive tackles, and four linebackers. I include all of them there given the 49ers need for a pass rusher and a possible replacement for Isaac Sopoaga on the left end at some point.

As we move towards the April draft Drew K will have plenty of insight on these players. In the meantime, I did some searching around to see what kind of analysis was on the Internet at this point. Well, what kind of analysis was on the remotely respectable portions of the Internet. I couldn't find much on ESPN at this point, but an article at The Sporting News had some interesting comments from Russ Lande (their NFL Draft expert and former scout and front office executive). The most interesting were about LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, who is much loved by many here. Lande had Peterson in his list of "Bad Calls" for coming out early:

I know I am in the minority, but I feel Peterson is a better athlete than player right now and his draft stock could fall this spring.

At least he recognizes where he stands among draft followers. Of course, he also mis-spelled Peterson's name once, so take that for what it's worth. I suppose any player can get tripped up in the four months between the end of the college football season and the NFL Draft. Aside from something unexpected (pot bust, arrest, etc), does anybody see any reason Patterson's stock might slip a decent amount?