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2012 NFL Draft Rough Big Board with descriptions
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford- Top notch athlete, can make all the throws, rocket arm strength
and great size, likely to run in the 4.65 range. There is NOTHING not to like about Luck as a
prospect, and barring debilitating injuries he should be a legitimate franchise quarterback for
Indianapolis or wherever else he might end up. 2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC- Prototypical size at 67, 295 with room to add to his massive frame, great
footwork and fundamentals and a sterling reputation as a pass protector in college. Should
become one of the five or so best left tackles in football for years to come. His brother, Ryan, is
a pro-bowl quality center for Carolina. Many say hes the best LT prospect since Joe Thomas.
3. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU- Its always a big risk to take a defensive back so high in the draft, but
Claiborne has a combination of good size, elite cover skills, ball skills and the ability to return
kicks. Hes a bit smaller than his predecessor, Patrick Peterson, but I think hell end up being a
better pure cover corner than Peterson at the next level.
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State- Projects as a true #1 receiver in the NFL- hes just 61
and while that is ample height for a receiver his elite range and hands make him play muchbigger. Doesnt have burner speed but his elite quickness and route running make up for that.
Has a knack for getting into the end zone.
5. Quinton Coples, DE, UNC- Coples is an impressive physical specimen at 66, 280 and has good
speed for a player his size. Hes not as explosive as past elite DE prospects such as M. Williams
or J. Peppers, but has the strength to bully NFL offensive linemen. Should be an elite run-stuffing
end with potential for double-digit sack totals. Only concern is lack of production during 2011
college season.
6. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor- Griffin had a whale of a season for the Bears in 2011, taking the
Heisman trophy and posting massive stats. He throws a gorgeous deep ball and is a top notch
athlete who should run a near 4.50. Theres a lot to like but his lack of velocity on intermediatethrows and thin frame are two concerns. Has the chance to be special but I see bust risk here.
7. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa- Reiff has impressed scouts with his technique in both pass and run
blocking, and has faced a slew of talented pass rushers during college and has handled them
well. He has great size and strength, but isnt as athletic as Matt Kalil. He projects as a very good
LT in the NFL, but would be a monster on the right side if he was forced to move there. Reiff is a
very safe prospect.
8. Michael Brockers, DE/DT, LSU- Brockers made a surprising decision in declaring for the draft as
he projected as a very high pick in 2013, but it looks like hell be one anyway in 2012. He is a
truly special athlete, and at 66, 305 he has elite size as well. He is somewhat raw as a prospect,
but with his physical talent he has the potential to be a game-changing player as either a 4-3 end
or 3-4 tackle, in the Richard Seymour/JJ Watt mold.
9. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama- Richardson really has no flaws as a prospect, the only reason he
doesnt rank higher is the lack of positional value. His size at 511, 225 is ideal, and he should
run a 40 in the 4.50 range, giving him ample straight line speed. He makes quick, clean cuts and
doesnt shy away from contact. His upper body strength allows him to put down his shoulder
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and truck defenders, and he can break off big plays going to the outside. He has great hands and
the ability to make big plays in the passing game.
10. Devon Still, DT, PSU- Still is not a sexy prospect by any means, but he had a phenomenal season
at Penn State and has great measureables, including prototypical DT size at 65, 310. He doesnt
do much in terms of penetrating and getting the QB, but that isnt his game. Think Kevin
Williams.
11. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford- Martin had a phenomenal career as a left tackle protecting
Andrew Luck, but he never faced especially talented pass rushers in the Pac-10, so it will be
interesting to see how he looks in the pre-draft workouts in one-on-ones. Martin has good size
and is plenty athletic, and with good performance at the combine he could solidify himself as a
high first round pick.
12. David DeCastro, G, Stanford- It is rare for a guard to be ranked this high, but DeCastro is a rare
prospect. He has prototypical size to play the guard position, and is a great athlete, possessing
rare speed for a player of his size. Hes one of the safest prospects in the class and should be a
rock on NFL offensive lines for years. Many scouts say he is the best guard prospect since Steve
Hutchison.
13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame- Floyd comes with his off-the-field concerns (3 DUI arrests), but
his talent is undeniable. He has ideal size at 63, and possesses plenty of speed and athleticism
as well. What makes Floyd special is his range, he can catch anything in his zip code. He also has
a knack for scoring touchdowns and is a great red zone target. Think of him as a black Jordy
Nelson- he could post several seasons like Nelsons 2011, which would make him a truly elite
receiver.
14. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College- Kuechly is not a great athlete. He isnt particularly fast or
quick, and he doesnt have a special frame, but he flat out knows how to play the l inebacker
position. He has led the nation in tackles for two years running- he takes perfect angles and is a
fundamentally sound tackler. Kuechly isnt especially exciting, but hes a very safe pick and
should be a great linebacker for a long time.
15. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama- Kirkpatrick is a big corner prospect at 62, but he has the speed
and instincts to stick with receivers despite his extra length. He has never been a ballhawk in
college, and he has some minor character concerns (he recently was arrested for marijuana), but
some teams will look past that. He is a pure cover corner with the ability to be a #1 at the next
level.
16. Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC- Perry is a raw prospect, but he is an incredible athlete with explosive
ability off the edge and special speed. He may have more upside than any pass rushing prospect
in the class other than Quinton Coples, and its likely hell rocket up draft boards after the
combine.
17. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama- Upshaw made a big splash in the national championship
game, taking MVP honors with a monstrous performance. Upshaw is a bit short at 61, but
players like Dwight Freeney and Lamarr Woodley have proven that players that size can be very
successful pass rushers. Upshaw is still developing his repertoire of pass rushing moves, but hes
a bulldozer who will be able to overpower linemen in both the running and passing games.
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18. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina- Ingram, similar to Courtney Upshaw, has less than ideal
height, and he has short arms. Hes also not an elite athlete, but hes no stiff in that department.
What makes Ingram special are his moves- he is an absolute technician with a wide array of
moves that he uses to penetrate and get to the quarterback. A player with his kind of knack for
getting to the quarterback should not be ignored.
19. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State- Adams is an absolute beast of a man at 67, 323, and has as much
upside as any tackle in the class. He has elite strength and good footwork, his only issue is his
inconsistency. His inability to perform at the same high level play to play held him back during
his career at OSU, and he has shown that same issue to an extent at the Senior Bowl. However,
if he can get his act together, he could be a steal.
20. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama- Jenkins projected as a potential top 10 selection during his
junior season at Florida, but multiple marijuana charges got him kicked off the team. His elite
skillset remains intact, and despite his legal troubles he should still go off the board on the first
day of the draft.
21. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor- Wright had an incredible season catching passes from Robert
Griffin III, and has elite speed and quickness. The only thing keeping Wright from being ranked
higher is his height- he stands just 510. At the very least, he will be a great slot man, but if he
can polish his route running and add some bulk without losing speed he could turn into a Steve
Smith type player.
22. Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois- The nations leading pass rusher in 2011, Mercilus was a
game changer for the Illini all season. He led the nation in both sacks and forced fumbles. He is
not an elite athlete, but he has a great first step and has a nonstop motor. He should have no
trouble getting to the quarterback in the NFL.
23. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina- Jeffery entered the season as the consensus top WR
prospect and a surefire top 10 pick, but a dip in production and conditioning trouble have
caused a slide into the late first round. He has ideal size at 64, but his added weight has slowed
him down considerably. If he can get in shape, he will be a steal this late in the draft, as he
carries true #1 receiver potential.
24. Cordy Glenn, G/RT, Georgia- Glenn has mammoth size and promises to be a mauler in the run
game. He played the blindside in college, but it is highly unlikely that he will end up there in the
NFL. His run blocking is far superior to his pass protection, and as a result he will likely be
drafted as a guard with the potential to eventually move to right tackle if he progresses. Glenn
was inconsistent this year in college but has been the star of Senior Bowl workouts, improving
his stock.
25. LamarMiller, RB, Miami (FL)- Miller burst onto the draft scene this year as a redshirt
sophomore, and decided to make the leap to the NFL as soon as possible. He has blazing speed
but pairs it with solid size and power running ability. He has been a home run threat at the
college level and has receiving chops. He promises to be a dynamic playmaker as a pro, and has
drawn comparisons to LeSean McCoy.
26. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M- An ex-WR, Tannehill boasts athleticism that is rarely seen in
quarterbacks. He has 4.6 speed and is great at eluding the pass rush, and he has good arm
strength and is accuracy has steadily improved throughout his brief time as a quarterback. His
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main issues are his decision making and tendency to crumble in clutch situations, but those are
both things that can be improved.
27. Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis- Poe didnt make a lot of noise as a college player, especially since he
comes from Memphis, but he is a load at the line of scrimmage and has elite athleticism for a
player of his massive size. If he can harness his physical ability, he could be a game-changer at
the nose for one of the many 3-4 defenses currently operating in the NFL.
28. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin- Konz is the consensus #1 center in this years class. The center
position is becoming increasingly valuable in todays NFL, with many zone-blocking schemes
now being used. Konz has anchored one of the best offensive lines in the NCAA for multiple
years and should enjoy plenty of NFL success.
29. Mark Barron, S, Alabama- Barrons stock has steadily risen of late and he has solidified his place
as the top safety in the class since TJ McDonald decided to return to school . Barron has good
size at 62 and is plenty fast, he could potentially run a sub 4.50, and is a big hitter. He makes
tackles all over the field, including as a blitzer, and is also a difference maker in coverage. Hes
very versatile and should be a first round pick.
30. Donta Hightower, ILB, Alabama- Hightower has been a success as the heir to the Rolando
McClain throne, and should go on the first day of the draft. Hes an outstanding athlete and has
great size at 64, 260, and has played TE and DE before settling in at middle linebacker. Hes an
instinctive tackler and should be a very solid defensive leader in the NFL.
31. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson- Allen is a dangerous receiving tight end, particularly in the red
zone, and also excels as a blocker. He played in an offense that did not feature him much in
college, but his athleticism is undeniable and at 64, 255 he has a very similar build to Antonio
Gates. It would be a bit much to suggest that Allen will be as good as Gates, but its a very real
possibility.
32. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers- Sanu has managed to stay productive throughout his college
career despite shaky quarterback play and some minor injury trouble. Sanu has good size at
62, 215, and has remarkable body control and hands that allow him to make plays all over the
field. Hes a unique prospect in that he is able to serve as both a deep threat and dangerous in
the open field, which could make him a #1 in the NFL.
33. Zach Brown, LB, UNC- Zach Brown made a plethora of splash plays this year at UNC, and has
special speed, possibly sub 4.4. Browns only issue is his strength, he often gets bottled up by
blockers making him an ineffective blitzer. This could change if he can add weight without
sacrificing too much of his trademark speed, but he should be a great player no matter whether
he does or not. Its not outlandish to think he could move to safety if need be.
34. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall- A dynamic pass rusher with an elite first step, Curry could push
himself into late first round consideration with a great combine, but he is more likely a second
round pick. He is able to pound in the trenches and stop the run, and should also be able to use
his speed to rack up sacks around the edge.
35. Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona- Burfict is known best for being a bully on the field, playing
without much control and racking up personal foul penalties. Behind that though he is an elite
athlete who hits like a cement mixer, and can be a game changer when he plays with focus.
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Some team will take a gamble on him some time between the late first and late second round
and try to whip into shape.
36. Kelechi Osmele, G, Iowa State-A beast of a man at 65, 330, Osmele should be a force in the
run blocking department. The worry with Osmele is his conditioning- he has some excess weight
and has been known to wear down late in games as a result. Hopefully an NFL team can get his
training in order and make him a rock on their offensive line.
37. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia - The son of former pro bowl defensive back Frank Minnifield,
Chase is a fundamentally sound, cerebral player who has been a solid cover corner during his
time at UVA. Hes not especially big but he is a good athlete and has the ability to return kicks,
which could give his stock a slight boost.
38. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State- Recruited as a defensive end, Cox is highly athletic and will
be able to penetrate the line of scrimmage and rush the passer up the middle, which is a rare
and valuable skillset. Cox projects as a 4-3 DT, but could also likely play DE in a 3-4 scheme,
which will likely be a bit of a boost to his draft stock.
39. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina- Gilmore is a big, physical corner prospect who made
significant contributions on all sides of the ball in college. In addition to being a great cover
corner, Gilmore returned punts and was the Gamecocks wildcat quarterback. While its unlikely
Gilmore will see any snaps on offense in the pros, that does demonstrate that Gilmore is a
threat with the ball in his hands and he has likely done enough to go in the second round.
40. Alameda Taamu, NT, Washington- Taamu has slipped a bit since being a consensus first round
pick entering the season, but he didnt have a bad season by any means. Hes a load at the line
of scrimmage and should be a great space eater with his huge size. He also has a powerful bull
rush which should allow him to collapse the pocket against weaker interior linemen.
41. Dwight Jones, WR, UNC- A massive 64 receiver with speed, Jones flashed some serious
potential during his last year in college. He struggled with drops, but he is able to separate with
his speed and make big catches on jump balls, and has the potential to be a legitimate #1 wide
receiver at the next level if he can improve his hands.
42. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech- Hosley is small and light, but he has dynamite ball skills that
have put him among the nations leaders in interceptions during his career. He has closing speed
as well which helps make up for his lacking size, and at worst he should be a strong nickel corner
in the NFL.
43. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska- Dennard has found himself in the first round of mocks for a
long time, but a disastrous senior bowl week has worried scouts. His stiff hips and inconsistent
cover skills have many thinking hell have to move to safety at the next level. He could salvage
his draft stock with a strong combine, but for now he takes a hit.
44. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska- A 61 outside linebacker, David is remarkably fast and makes
tackles all over the field. He was a very productive player in a tough Big 12-10 conference, and
has superb cover skills to go with his pass rushing ability. Hes a name to keep an eye on and a
potential riser in the pre-draft process.
45. Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State- A rare physical specimen at 68 tall, Osweiler has a cannon
for an arm and throws the ball on a rope. He has steadily improved throughout his college
career but is still quite raw as a prospect. He will need a full season on the bench before being
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ready to step into NFL action, but Osweiler has the potential to be a star quarterback if things
break right.
46. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech- A breakout star in 2011, Wilson is a burner who is consistently
a big play threat. His 40 time will have a big effect on his draft stock, but he runs with a mean
streak and can be a feature running back in the NFL if he can stay healthy. He should solidify
himself as a second round pick at the combine.
47. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State- A compact, speedy linebacker from the WAC, Wagner is a tackle
machine who will be either a 3-4 inside backer or an outside one in a 4-3. He does most of his
damage in the run game, and should be dangerous on special teams as well. The main detractor
from his draft stock will be his size- just 60
48. Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami (FL)- Streeter is a bit of a sleeper in this years incredible wide
receiver class, Streeter stands 65 and can run a 40 yard dash in 4.40. Those attributes alone
make him a day two prospect, and he still has plenty of room to grow as a player, particularly in
the route running department. He has limitless potential and could see his arrow pointing up
after the combine
49. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State- Built like a bowling ball at 59, 215, Martin is a physical runner
who should be able to play all three downs at the next level. He has been one of the most
consistently productive running backs in the nation at BSU, and looks like a very solid day two
pick at this point.
50. Brandon Weeden QB, Oklahoma State- Were he even 24 or 25 years old rather than 28,
Weeden would almost definitely go in the first round, perhaps in the top 10. He can make all the
throws, has a powerful arm, and has pinpoint accuracy. He should be able to start day one if he
ends up in a situation to do so, and can be a great NFL QB for 8-9 years if he makes the
necessary adjustments. The only gripe with Weeden is his somewhat unorthodox throwing
motion which is likely a product of his days as a pitcher.
Honorable mentions- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia; Nick Foles, QB, Arizona; Juron Criner, QB,
Arizona; Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt; Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Stephen Hill, WR, GT; Brandon
Thompson, DT, Clemson; Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford