2012 NFL Draft: Boise State Broncos Who Can Make It in the NFL

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Although this season may not have gone according to plan, the Boise State senior class can still look forward to the NFL Draft.

This year, the Broncos will have one of their best draft classes in school history, as many of the seniors from Boise will bring their talents to the NFL.

The winningest class in school history, these players should be proud to represent Boise State in the National Football League.

Billy Winn, DT

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Probably the most highly-touted player to come out of Boise this season will be Billy Winn. Winn has been a force his whole career at Boise State, and should continue to be at the NFL level.

Winn recorded his best season in 2009, having a career best six sacks and 44 tackles. Over his four-year career at BSU he totaled 128 tackles, 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss.

Those stats may not seem like much, but you have to take into account the talent on the entire Boise State defensive line throughout his career.

Billy Winn has the talent and athleticism to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, and should have no problem making the transition to the NFL.  

I look for Winn to be selected in the second or third round.

Doug Martin, RB

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Doug Martin has quietly been a huge part of the Boise State offense the past couple of years, overshadowed by the fantastic passing attack led by Kellen Moore.

That said, I think Martin could have the brightest future of all the BSU players entering the draft.

Martin has had one of his best years this season, racking up 1148 yards and 15 touchdown carries. With one more touchdown and 113 more yards against Arizona State this week, Martin will set new career highs in both categories.

At 5'9" and 215 lbs, Martin is built a lot like Ray Rice and has a similar running style. He has good speed and great power, and along with the ability to bowl people over, Martin should be a solid player in the NFL.  

I think Martin will probably go in the third round, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him taken somewhere in the second.

Nate Potter, OL

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Boise State has sent some great offensive linemen to the NFL, such as Ryan Clady and Daryn Colledge. Look for Nate Potter to continue this trend for the Broncos.

At 6'6" and over 300 lbs, Potter has the size and skills necessary to be a successful tackle in the pros. 

Potter was a big part of a great offensive line that rarely let opposing defenses get their hands on Kellen Moore, and he should have a strong future in the NFL.

I expect Potter to be selected in the second or third round come April.

Shea McClellin, DE

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After a stellar career at Boise State, Shea McClellin looks to bring his talents to the NFL.

McClellin has put up consistently solid numbers over his career at BSU, with 126 career tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 20 sacks, including 9.5 in 2010.  

McClellin will likely need to put on some more weight if he wants to stay at defensive end in the NFL, but at 6'3" and 258 lbs, I wouldn't be surprised if he made the shift to outside linebacker.

McClellin could go as early as the fourth round, but I'd say the fifth is a more realistic fit.

Kellen Moore, QB

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A lot of scouts and analysts continue to say Kellen Moore can't succeed in the NFL. I do not agree.

Scouts say he can't play due to his lack of size and mechanical issues. Yeah, he is only 6' and maybe 190 lbs, but you can't argue with the numbers he has put up year in and year out. Drew Brees is 6' and I'd say he's had a pretty decent career so far.

Then there's mechanics. I really don't see how mechanics have such an impact on how you perform in the NFL. It shouldn't matter how you complete a pass, just complete the pass. If Tim Tebow has the mechanics to throw a football in the pros, so does Kellen Moore.  

Yes, Tebow is a totally different type of player, but Moore also seems to have the ability to win games like Tebow.

Kellen Moore is one of the most accurate passers in college football and the winningest quarterback in college history. I think Moore will be taken somewhere in the fifth round. 

George Iloka, S

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George Iloka has been a very sound and consistent safety for the Broncos in recent years. 

A four year starter, Iloka has recorded 231 tackles, seven interceptions and one sack over the course of his career at Boise State.

Iloka has the size necessary to play in the NFL at 6'3" and 216 lbs, along with fantastic athleticism.

Iloka is very versatile and quick, as proved in the later portion of this season where he played some cornerback while the Bronco secondary was decimated with injuries.

George Iloka is a very good player and should go in the fifth or sixth round.

Free Agents

Tyrone Crawford, DE
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The Broncos also have a lot of guys who may not get drafted, but will likely have the opportunity to sign with teams as free agents.  Here are some possibilities:

Tyrone Crawford, DE

Byron Hout, LB

Cedric Febis, S

Chase Baker, DT

Brad Elkin, P

Tyler Shoemaker, WR

Kyle Efaw, TE