2012 NFL Draft Projections: Landry Jones and Players That Will Slide in Draft

Regardless of talent level or position scarcity there always seems to be at least a couple players who slide in the draft unexpectedly. Perhaps the best example is quarterback Aaron Rodgers who was supposed to be a top-10 pick in 2005, but slid all the way down to the Green Bay Packers at pick 24.

Rodgers is now a Super Bowl Champion and the best quarterback in the league, so draft position doesn't tell the entire story. There will inevitably be players that go in the latter part of the first round that outperform high picks over the course of their career.

Here are three top prospects that will go later than expected, although that means very little for their NFL futures.

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict was the cornerstone of the Arizona State Sun Devils' defense this season. While Arizona State's defense struggled at times Burfict was a tower of power as he compiled 69 tackles, five sacks and an interception on the season.

Burfict has the ability to be a Pro Bowl defender at the next level, but there is reason to believe he will slip down the draft board.

For one, inside linebackers tend to get little publicity when compared to their outside counterparts. Perhaps it is because inside linebackers have to do more of the dirty work, but unless you're a generational talent like Patrick Willis, inside linebackers don't go early.

On top of that Boston College inside linebacker Luke Kuechly is garnering most of the attention at the position. Those factors should allow Burfict to fall a bit, but somebody should have a steal on their hands.

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Prior to the season South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was considered a top-10 and perhaps even a top-five prospect. While his immense talent level remains, his lack of production in his junior season has hurt him.

Jeffery followed up a 1,500-yard 2010 season with just 45 catches for 614 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011. Much of that can be attributed to the Gamecocks' quarterback carousel, but Jeffery will ultimately be the one to pay the price.

Jeffery has clearly been surpassed by Oklahoma State wideout Justin Blackmon and Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd on draft boards, and there is a chance he could fall to the end of the first round or even further.

I think a team like the New England Patriots will ultimately take a chance on his great size and skill, though, and it may end up working in Jeffery's favor in that he'll land in a very advantageous situation.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

While Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones hasn't yet announced his plans with regards to whether he will enter the NFL draft, the current sentiment is that he probably will.

With USC quarterback Matt Barkley deciding to return to school, it makes Jones the de facto No. 3 quarterback in the draft behind the likes of Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

Some quarterbacks went surprisingly early in last year's draft such as Jake Locker and Christian Ponder, but there are usually at least one or two quarterbacks that go later than expected. If quarterback-needy teams picking early can't secure Luck or Griffin, it wouldn't be surprising to see them pass on Jones.

Many consider Jones to be a product of Oklahoma's spread offense, and I can't say I disagree. Jones' skill set is far inferior to Luck and Griffin, and I think that will prompt a precipitous fall in his draft stock.