Where Will Montee Ball Be Drafted in the 2013 NFL Draft?

When it comes to Montee Ball and the 2013 NFL Draft, draft experts offer a mixed bag on when the Wentzville-native and University of Wisconsin star running back will be selected. 

When is the 2013 NFL Draft?

• First Round: April 25
• Second through third round: April 26
• Rounds 4-7: April 27
• TV: ESPN, NFL Network

On the one hand, Ball, the Football Bowl Subdivision's all-time leading touchdown scorer, is one of the top running back's in this year's draft class. However, on the flip side, this year's draft class is rich with defensive talent, meaning Ball's draft prospects could have him being selected in the second round or later. 

Here's what Sports Illustrated has to say about Ball's attributes:

Many in the scouting community felt Ball would've been a first-round pick had he opted for last April's draft. He offers a solid combination of size, power and elusiveness as well as the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Ball enters the season as one of the few three-down prospects at the running back position.

By Wentzville Patch's measure, the highest Ball could go is with the No. 18 pick to the Dallas Cowboys. That's according to a Yahoo! Sports report, which says thanks to the recent struggles in the backfield with Demarco Murray and Felix Jones, the Dallas front office should strongly consider taking a look at Ball when the Cowboys are on the clock at No. 18.

More on Ball from that report:

While the Big Ten was a joke of a conference this past season, Ball was not, and those 1,830 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns weren't either.

He has the perfect repertoire scouts are looking for in a running back. At 5-foot-11 and just over 210 pounds, Ball can put his head down and plow right through the defense, or he can take a carry outside and use his speed to get huge gains.

With the limitations the Cowboys have going into free agency, they won't be able to sign a guy like Reggie Bush, who has vastly improved over the last couple of years.

But Ball going No. 18 to the Cowboys doesn't sit well with most other experts. 

Rob Rang and Dan Brugler, two NFL Draft experts with CBSSports.com, don't even have Ball going in the first round. 

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Radio Network has Ball going No. 26 to the Green Bay Packers. 

More on Montee Ball:

• Montee Ball Said Playing in Wentzville Kept Him Motivated
• Three Arrested in Montee Ball Assault
• Timberland Grad Montee Ball Named Heisman Finalist