2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Which Prospects Will Be Future NFL Stars

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The 2012 NFL draft class is loaded with potential.

Not that other classes don't have young and extremely talented prospects, but there's just something about this year's class that makes it special. 

To start, it has the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning, (in the eyes of many) another signal-caller that has similar skills to that of Michael Vick and Cam Newton and a 5'11'', 225-pound SEC running back with track-star speed.

It even has some "must-have" offensive lineman, too.  

Which top prospects will be NFL stars?

Robert Griffin III

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RG3 has been my favorite player the entire year, mainly because I was intrigued to see if he could live up to all the lofty expectations many analysts set for him prior to the start of the season.

He probably exceeded them.

The 2011 Heisman trophy winner made a variety of stunning plays with his feet, but was easily more impressive as pocket passer, completing 72 percent of his throws at an astounding 10.84 yards per attempt. 

To put it in perspective, Aaron Rodgers' completed 66 percent of his passes at 8.1 yards per attempt during his last season at the University of California.

We've seen how Cam Newton's legs have made him a multi-dimensional threat, and Griffin III is just as elusive and speedy while scrambling for extra yardage.

Add in the fact that he's miles ahead of Newton as a passer in terms of accuracy, and you'll realize why he's going to be a stud in the NFL.  

David DeCastro

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Yes, David DeCastro, the guard for the Stanford Cardinal. 

I figured you've read enough articles that have pegged the top offensive skill players who'll be stars. 

It helps that I honestly believe DeCastro will be one of the best guards in the league the moment he takes on snap on Sunday. 

Andrew Luck isn't the only "once-in-a-decade" prospect on his team—how uniquely awesome is that? 

Not surprisingly, DeCastro has a extremely high football IQ and knows what's going on around him at all times, He utilizes his size (6'5'', 310 pounds), as well as his nasty demeanor on the field to maul defensive lineman and linebackers at the second level. 

Oh, and he's got great footwork, too. 

This first-team All American is one of the reasons Luck flourished in college and why the Cardinal had one of the most explosive running attacks in the nation this season. 

Morris Claiborne

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Claiborne is one of the safest, technically sound yet explosive cornerback prospects in quite some time. 

At 6'1'', 185 (he could add some muscle), he has the size to match up with the bigger possession guys at the next level. 

This LSU product has played in a multitude of huge games during his college career against, arguably, the best competition. 

He has seven interceptions on the season and returned one for a touchdown. 

Claiborne has great speed and instincts, too. 

You're reading about a guy that has Nnamdi Asomugha potential. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

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1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	19. Denver Broncos: Lamar Miller
4. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne	20. Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn
5. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Carolina Panthers: Vontaze Burfict	22. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu
7. Cleveland Browns: Alshon Jeffery	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Johnathan Martin	24. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	26. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Dennard
11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	30. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
15. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins