2012 NFL Draft: Prospects You Can Build a Franchise Around

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Now that we are halfway through the NFL season and the college games have been phenomenal, it's time to think about which prospects could become franchise players in the NFL.

While it is difficult to be positive about who will succeed in the NFL (insert Ryan Leaf joke here), there are some players we could make a pretty good guess about who will be stars for many years. 

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

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The junior cornerback has been blowing up the field this season.  Last year, he was named Second Team All-SEC, and this year, he has been predicted to be an All-American.

Claiborne had Patrick Peterson as a mentor if that is any indication as to what he will be able to accomplish in the pros. He will be the next DeAngelo Hall or Asante Samuel if he keeps going at this rate.

Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

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Coples is considered to be the top pass rusher in the country.  He has great size and speed, which enables him to break through to attack the quarterback.

Coples could be compared to another No. 90 who made it big out of Chapel Hill, Julius Peppers.  They both have huge bodies and such great athleticism that they can scare any offense on the field.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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The Heisman trophy contender has been on the NFL radar for a while now, and he certainly plays like he's already in the league.

Just this season, Richardson has rushed for 989 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.  That is something any NFL team would build a franchise around. Richardson should easily go in the top 10 in April.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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Justin Blackmon is a beast; there is no other way to put it.  Last season, he racked up 1,782 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns; this year, he is at 834 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

He would work well in a pass-heavy system. Sam Bradford could benefit from having Blackmon in St. Louis, but it wouldn't hurt for Tim Tebow, either.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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There are a few teams out there who could easily build their franchise around Andrew Luck.  The Dolphins or the Colts could both use a great young quarterback to keep around for years to come.

Luck is the front runner for the Heisman Trophy this year, and has thrown for 2,218 yards and 23 touchdowns. 

Miami would get the best out of Andrew Luck, especially with Reggie Bush on the mend.