2012 NFL Draft: 6 Pac-12 Players in Who Will Be Stars

Former USC linebacker Clay Matthews has been exceptional in the NFL, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons
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The upcoming NFL Draft will feature plenty of amazing young talent, and several players who will star in the league. 

The Pac-12 Conference has produced top-tier players, both at the collegiate level and in the pros, and this year isn't any different. 

Scouts Inc. ranks eight former Pac-12 players in its top 32, second most of any conference other than the SEC with nine. 

Here are a few Pac-12 players who will excel at the professional level.

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford

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There isn't much to say about Andrew Luck that hasn't already been said, and he's a bit obvious for this list.

He's going to be the No. 1 pick for the Indianapolis Colts, and immediately has huge shoes to fill replacing Peyton Manning.

I don't think anyone doubts that he will succeed in the NFL, as the junior quarterback threw for nearly 9,500 yards and 82 touchdowns in three years at Stanford.

2. Matt Kalil, USC

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Another gimme, but Kalil is too good to be ignored. He led an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks on Matt Barkley in 2011, and he'll be just as good at the next level.

He'll likely be a top-five pick in April, and will quickly become known as an elite blocker in the NFL.

Also looks like a very friendly individual based on the picture.

3. Juron Criner, Arizona

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Juron Criner tore up opposing defenses throughout his career at Arizona and should be just as effective in the NFL.

He's 6'4'' and faster than he seems. He runs routes well and will win most jump balls. Although he doesn't possess elite quickness, he has the ability to create space downfield and will be a legitimate deep threat at the next level.

4. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

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Arizona State's Brock Osweiler has surged lately in mock drafts and it comes as no surprise to those who watched him play.

At 6'8'', Osweiler will have no trouble seeing the field over anybody, and his downward trajectory gets the ball to receivers instantaneously.

His aforementioned arm strength and height are nice, but the big man's feet may be the most impressive piece he has to offer.

Osweiler moves very well at 6'8'', and while defenses likely won't game-plan for him to scramble he has the ability if necessary.

I personally think Osweiler would have benefited from one more year in college, but he has enough upside to declare for the draft a year early.

He won't have huge success right away in the NFL, but after sitting for a year or two he should be ready to display his impressive repertoire. 

5. LaMichael James, Oregon

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Some bias may come into play here, but I really believe Oregon's LaMichael James will be better than expected in the NFL.

Concerns have centered around his size (5'9'', 185lbs) but he has plenty of time to bulk up if he needs to. Backs like Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren Sproles have been very successful in the NFL despite being 5'7'' and 5'6'', respectively.

James' most valuable attribute is his versatility. We know he can run, but James also caught 17 passes in each of his three seasons at Oregon, and occasionally dropped back to return punts and kicks, recording one punt return TD in 2011.

He's unbelievably quick between the tackles and once he gets going vertically, he can't be stopped.

He didn't suffer any serious injuries until last season when a dislocated elbow kept him out of two contests. He played through pain for the remainder of the season.

James is a team player and a durable workhorse. When he's given a third down back role to start his career, he'll work endlessly until he earns a starting spot and stars in the NFL.

In James' only two games last season in which he averaged less than four yards per carry, Oregon lost, speaking to the true value he has for any team.  

6. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

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Vontaze Burfict is the third best linebacker in the draft according to Scouts Inc., and the rank is well deserved.

Burfict plays with a ton of energy and emotion, and can tackle as well as anybody. He has enough athleticism to play well in short pass coverage and can improve his down-field covering skills.

The only thing hindering Burfict is his hot head. If he ever gets frustrated his play goes down hill, and that makes him a "boom or bust" type prospect.

If coaches can keep Burfict's emotions in check, he can be an every down linebacker and contribute at a high level for many years in the NFL.