2012 NFL Draft: Top 5 Prospects at Every Position

The Andrew Luck sweepstakes are over, and the 2012 NFL draft is fast approaching. Baylor's Robert Griffin III is on the rise, and Oklahoma's Landry Jones is falling.

With the 2011 NFL season over, many fans are entering draft mode. Their teams are done playing, and all that remains is the offseason. Now fans simply want to know who the best players at each position are.

Of course Trent Richardson is the best running back in the draft. But who fits in at the second and third spots?

In the NFL draft, these average prospects may be the most important ones.

Quarterback

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford (6'4", 235)

So, Andrew Luck is good. The Stanford star is the best quarterback prospect in recent memory, and he is nearly flawless. Luck is big, athletic, intelligent and deadly accurate. If you're looking for the next Aaron Rodgers, you can stop your search now.

2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor (6'2", 220)

Robert Griffin put together a superb 2011 season and was rewarded with the Heisman Trophy. He is incredibly fast and deadly in the open field as a runner. Though he doesn't possess a rocket arm, Griffin throws a superb deep ball and is accurate throwing to all parts of the field.

3. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M (6'4", 230)

A former wide receiver, Ryan Tannehill is raw but talented. He has been inconsistent, especially in his decision-making, and he is raw. However, Tannehill's athleticism and arm strength make him an intriguing prospect.

4. Landry Jones, Oklahoma (6'4", 235)

Playing in Oklahoma's spread offense, Landry Jones has both struggled and dominated. It is obvious that Jones possesses great talent, but his lack of accuracy and poor decision-making often lead to his demise. Based on talent, Jones is a first-round pick, but he hasn't been good enough to warrant such a selection.

5. Nick Foles, Arizona (6'5", 240)

Nick Foles' biggest issue is his accuracy. The Arizona quarterback is massive and talented, but he is not nearly as accurate as his inflated completion percentage suggests. Though he doesn't deserve to be selected high, someone will take a chance on Foles' upside.

Running Back

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama (5'11", 225)

Trent Richardson is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson in 2007. Richardson is a bowling ball and cannot be tackled by one person. But Richardson isn't a pure power back, and he can catch out of the backfield or run by defensive backs.

2. Lamar Miller, Miami-FL (5'11", 212)

Though Lamar Miller is relatively big at 212 pounds, he is a speed runner. Miller isn't overly powerful, and instead of running over a defensive back, he will run around and past him. The Miami star is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and can be used in a variety of ways.

3. Chris Polk, Washington (5'11", 222)

Chris Polk isn't exactly a versatile player, but he is excellent at what he can do. Polk lacks the speed to be effective running outside, but his vision and power make him an excellent inside runner. The Washington running back is a great fit for a team that wishes to utilize the two-headed rushing attack.

4. David Wilson, Virginia Tech (5'10", 205)

Despite lacking great size, David Wilson can run hard and is difficult to tackle. Wilson is fast and possesses excellent athleticism, but he isn't a great running back. The 205-pounder lacks vision and sometimes seems uncertain of what he should do.

5. Montee Ball, Wisconsin (5'9", 212)

In 2011, Montee Ball was one of college football's most productive players, and he was a legitimate Heisman candidate. Ball is a solid if unspectacular runner who will gain the yards available. Ball is nothing special as a blocker or receiver, though.

Wide Receiver

1. Kendall Wright, Baylor (5'10", 190)

Kendall Wright is a speedy wideout with huge playmaking ability. Though he is not particularly big, he can work the underneath and gain yards after the catch. Few players are better deep threats, and Wright can star in any offensive scheme.

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame (6'3", 224)

If not for off-field issues and injuries, Michael Floyd would have been a first-round pick last year. These are still questions, but another great season has solidified Floyd's status. He is a big, physical wideout with superb catching ability and good upside.

3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State (6'1", 215)

Because he is just 6'1" with average speed, Justin Blackmon is not much of a deep threat and has limited upside. However, he is one of the safest players in the draft and is excellent with the ball in his hands. Look for Blackmon to become an Anquan Boldin-type player in the NFL.

4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina (6'3", 230)

Last year, Alshon Jeffery dominated college football, but he fell off a bit in 2011. With his incredible catching ability and smoothness, Jeffery has tremendous upside; however, he also has great downside. There are concerns about his weight, speed and ability to separate at the next level.

5. Rueben Randle, LSU (6'3", 208)

Rueben Randle isn't a burner by any means, yet he is a capable deep threat. His size, strength and catching ability make him a difficult player to cover one-on-one. Though he still a risky prospect, Randle does have considerable upside.

Tight End

1. Coby Fleener, Stanford (6'6", 250)

Though he isn't overly fast, Coby Fleener is a solid receiving tight end. He has great hands and surprising athleticism. At Fleener's size, this is a dangerous combination. The Stanford tight end needs to gain weight to improve as a blocker, but he is an excellent threat in the red zone.

2. Michael Egnew, Missouri (6'5", 245)

Michael Egnew is the standard "wide receiver in a tight end's body." In fact, Egnew spends most of his time split out, and he rarely plays the actual tight end position. The Missouri product is an excellent receiver with above-average athleticism, but he needs to improve as a blocker.

3. Orson Charles, Georgia (6'3", 242)

At just 242 pounds, Orson Charles is undersized for the tight end position. He is an excellent athlete who excels with the ball in his hands, but he does have some issues with drops. Because of his size, Charles isn't much of a blocker either.

4. Dwayne Allen, Clemson (6'4", 255)

Dwayne Allen may have the size of a receiving tight end, but he is an excellent blocker. He can be used at fullback, yet he is athletic enough to line up in the slot. However, Allen isn't a great athlete by any means and drops too many passes.

5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette (6'6", 236)

An excellent athlete, Ladarius Green is most effective when split out. He is a good receiver and does an excellent job of using his height in jump-ball situations. However, Green not only struggles as a blocker but doesn't even seem to care.

Offensive Tackle

1. Matt Kalil, USC (6'7", 295)

At 6'7", 295 pounds, Matt Kalil has excellent length but could stand to add more bulk. Kalil is an outstanding athlete and almost impossible to beat in pass protection. The USC left tackle isn't an outstanding run-blocker, but he is solid at the point of attack.

2. Riley Reiff, Iowa (6'6", 305)

A converted tight end, Riley Reiff is a great athlete. Reiff is quick and athletic, but he struggles at the point of attack and needs to improve his technique. Though he may start off at right tackle, he has the upside to protect the blind side.

3. Mike Adams, Ohio State (6'8", 320)

Until 2011, Mike Adams underachieved and never played up to his talent level. He is as good of an athlete as any offensive lineman and still has incredible upside. Though he does sometimes struggle with bigger defensive linemen, Adams is quick and excels against speed rushers.

4. Jonathan Martin, Stanford (6'5", 305)

Jonathan Martin weighs just 305 pounds but isn't a great athlete. Andrew Luck's left tackle is solid with his technique, however, and he is unlikely to bust. In the worst-case scenario, Martin isn't quick enough to play left tackle and moves to the right side.

5. Zebrie Sanders, Florida State (6'5", 307)

Though he is athletic enough to play left tackle, Zebrie Sanders is still incredibly raw. The Florida State lineman struggles with his technique and relies on his physical abilities. However, Sanders' quick feet and ability in open space make him a coveted prospect.

Guard

1. David DeCastro, Stanford (6'5", 315)

David DeCastro is the best guard prospect in the past decade. The Stanford lineman is incredibly quick and packs a punch too. DeCastro can pull and block in space or power block and dominate a massive defensive tackle at the point of attack. He is nearly flawless.

2. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin (6'4", 318)

At 318 pounds, Kevin Zeitler is a physical run-blocker with a mean streak. Though he isn't the quickest of linemen, his run-blocking ability is impressive. Zeitler is best suited for a power scheme, but he could adjust to another system.

3. Brandon Washington, Miami-FL (6'4", 320)

A college tackle, Brandon Washington will likely move inside to guard at the next level. He is best known for his power blocking, but Washington is quick on his feet and does an excellent job at the second level. He does need to refine his technique, though.

4. Lucas Nix, Pittsburgh (6'6", 310)

Lucas Nix isn't dominant in any one area, but he is solid at everything. In pass protection, Nix is effective, though he sometimes struggles with the bull rush. Nix needs to add more bulk in order to become better at the point of attack.

5. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State (6'5", 350)

Though he could play right tackle, Kelechi Osemele is also an intriguing guard prospect. His size suggests otherwise, but Osemele is relatively quick on his feet. His best attribute, however, is his strength when run-blocking.

Center

1. Peter Konz, Wisconsin (6'5", 315)

Peter Konz may not enter the 2012 draft, but if he does, he is a first-round pick. Konz is big, athletic and strong with solid technique. In fact, he is one of the best center prospects to come along in recent memory and could be drafted in the top 20 if he leaves Wisconsin early.

2. Ben Jones, Georgia (6'3", 316)

Though he is solid, Ben Jones is not a good enough prospect to be in the first-round discussion. He is never really dominant and seems to just do his job. At 316 pounds, Jones is big enough to hold up against nose tackles or contain speedy 3-techs.

3. Michael Brewster, Ohio State (6'5", 305)

At just 305 pounds, Michael Brewster sometimes struggles with bigger defensive linemen and needs to gain weight. For whatever reason, Brewster struggles with snapping the ball and may be better suited for guard. He is smart and quick, though.

4. David Molk, Michigan (6'2", 288)

David Molk's biggest problem is obvious: his size. Weighing only 288 pounds, Molk struggles with big defensive tackles. However, he is quick and does an excellent job of getting to the second level. It's hard to imagine Molk overcoming his lack of size, though.

5. Quentin Saulsberry, Mississippi State (6'2", 300)

Because he is incredibly versatile, Quentin Saulsberry may be able to find a spot on an NFL team. Saulsberry isn't a good prospect at any position, but he should be able to make it as a swingman on the bench.

Defensive End

1. Vinny Curry, Marshall (6'3", 265)

Vinny Curry is a pass-rushing defensive end who needs to improve against the run. His best attribute is his first step, though he does need to add to his pass-rush repertoire. At 265 pounds, Curry has the size to defend the run but needs to improve his technique.

2. Quinton Coples, North Carolina (6'6", 285)

At 285 pounds, Quinton Coples has the size to play defensive end in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, though he is better suited for a 3-4. Coples is an outstanding athlete but lacks the first step to excel as a pass-rusher. However, he is excellent against the run.

3. Sam Montgomery, LSU (6'4", 250)

Sam Montgomery weighs just 250 pounds, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he is primarily a pass-rusher. He has an outstanding first step but is still raw. Montgomery is a high-risk/high-reward player with the potential to become a Dwight Freeney-esque player.

4. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina (6'2", 275)

Though he weighs 275 pounds, Melvin Ingram is incredibly versatile and can move inside to defensive tackle or stand up in coverage. Ingram will never be a dominant pass-rusher, but he will contribute in so many other ways that he will still be a valuable player.

5. Nick Perry, USC (6'3", 250)

Nick Perry has excelled under Monte Kiffin and is a great pass-rusher. Though he does have an excellent swim move, he needs to develop more moves. Perry also struggles to defend the run and isn't a truly dominant threat off the edge.

Defensive Tackle

1. Dontari Poe, Memphis (6'5", 350)

Men who weigh 350 pounds should not be able to move the way Dontari Poe does. Poe is an incredible athlete with a great first step. However, he has not dominated as much as he should and needs to improve his technique.

2. Brandon Thompson, Florida State (6'2", 310)

Brandon Thompson is a penetrating defensive tackle who can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. Though he is the ideal 3-tech, Thompson isn't much of a pass-rusher and is at his best against the run. Thompson's versatility is key, and he should be selected in the first or second round.

3. Devon Still, Penn State (6'5", 310)

Until 2011, Devon Still was a huge underachiever. He is finally using his excellent physical ability to dominate, though he is inconsistent. It still doesn't seem like Still plays quite as well as he should, and his talent may cause him to be overrated.

4. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State (6'3", 310)

The 310-pound Jerel Worthy struggles to hold his ground against the run but has an electric first step. Worthy excels as a penetrator, but he struggled some in 2011, and his draft stock has fallen since the start of the season.

5. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State (6'4", 295)

Because of his unique skill set, Fletcher Cox's best fit may come as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense. Cox is incredibly explosive and possesses the strength to hold ground against the run. However, he struggles at times and needs to improve his technique.

Outside Linebacker

1. Zach Brown, North Carolina (6'2", 230)

At 230 pounds, Zach Brown is undersized but fast. He excels in coverage and can even run with some wide receivers. Because of his size, Brown struggles to disengage from blocks and isn't a great run defender. He is a perfect fit for a Tampa 2 defense.

2. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma (6'2", 244)

Ronnell Lewis is incredibly fast for the defensive end position, but he isn't a great pass-rusher. However, his speed and hard-hitting tendencies make him a great fit at outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. Lewis would have some growing pains, but the upside of the switch is tremendous.

3. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia (6'3", 245)

The 245-pound Bruce Irvin plays defensive end at West Virginia but cannot play there in the NFL. He is incredibly explosive, but he rarely does anything when he is not rushing the passer. Irvin's struggles against the run are concerning but not insurmountable.

4. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama (6'2", 260)

Though he weighs 260 pounds, Courtney Upshaw is purely a linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Upshaw is nothing special as a pass-rusher, but he is solid against the run and has experience in coverage. The Alabama linebacker may play inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

5. Miles Burris, San Diego State (6'3", 235 pounds)

Miles Burris is an explosive linebacker with excellent pass-rushing ability. He is great when attacking the line of scrimmage, and he makes plays behind the backfield with ease. The San Diego State linebacker does struggle in coverage, though.

Inside Linebacker

1. Luke Kuechly, Boston College (6'3", 235)

Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine with superb instincts. Though he is not an exceptional athlete, he can play sideline-to-sideline and excels in coverage. Kuechly doesn't have too high of a ceiling, but he is almost certain to be a good player.

2. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (6'3", 255)

At 255 pounds, Vontaze Burfict is a vicious linebacker who unleashes deadly hits. He is also a fantastic athlete who can play in coverage. However, Burfict is often too aggressive and has been penalized many times for personal fouls.

3. Dont'a Hightower, Alabama (6'4", 260)

Because he weighs 260 pounds, Dont'a Hightower is somewhat limited athletically and can only play in a 3-4 defense. Though he is slow, he does possess a good first step and can produce as a pass-rusher. Hightower's best value, though, comes as a run-stopper.

4. Audie Cole, North Carolina State (6'4", 240)

Audie Cole is only a decent athlete and has a limited ceiling. However, he is solid at everything and should be an above-average player in the NFL. Cole can play in any defensive scheme, and he is intelligent enough to lead a defense.

5. Emmanuel Acho, Texas (6'2", 245)

Emmanuel Acho's schematic versatility makes him a likely early-round pick. Acho struggles to get off blocks, but he does a great job in zone coverage. Though he is not overly fast, his instincts allow him to constantly be around the ball.

Cornerback

1. Morris Claiborne, LSU (6'1", 185)

Though he isn't as athletic as Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne is a better cornerback than Peterson was last year. Claiborne uses outstanding technique and possesses excellent ball skills. He is a good athlete too and a legitimate top-five pick.

2. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama (6'3", 190)

Dre Kirkpatrick is almost always in press coverage, so some of his skills must be projected. He is an excellent athlete with huge size, and he could even play safety. Though Kirkpatrick struggles running down the field in coverage, he has the ability to improve.

3. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska (5'10", 205)

With the build of a running back, Alfonzo Dennard excels in press coverage and is somewhat limited schematically. A team that runs a zone scheme won't find Dennard too attractive, and he is not much of a playmaker in the secondary.

4. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama (5'10", 185)

When he was at Florida, Janoris Jenkins dominated, but off-field problems ruined his career there. Jenkins is a great athlete who has few weaknesses as a player. However, his character concerns will cause him to fall in the draft.

5. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina (6'1", 193)

Stephon Gilmore can play in either zone or man coverage, but his lack of elite speed hinders his success. Gilmore is a physical player who can press or blitz. However, he doesn't have great ball skills and won't make many interceptions in the NFL.

Safety

1. Mark Barron, Alabama (6'2", 218)

At 218 pounds, Mark Barron is limited to playing strong safety. He doesn't excel at anything, but he is solid against the run and adequate in coverage. Though many have projected Barron as a first-round pick, he probably shouldn't be drafted that early.

2. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State (6'1", 198)

Markelle Martin is a good athlete who can really lay the wood, but he sometimes struggles to make routine tackles. Martin's athleticism allows him to play free or strong safety, though he may be better suited back in coverage.

3. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin (6'0", 200)

A former cornerback, Aaron Henry is a playmaker with above-average coverage ability. Though he sometimes dominates, Henry will disappear for games at a time. His athleticism makes him a fairly high-upside prospect.

4. Robert Lester, Alabama (6'2", 210)

After recording eight interceptions in 2010, Robert Lester only picked up two in 2011. He is the classic ball-hawking free safety with playmaking ability, but he struggles at everything else. Though he weighs 210 pounds, Lester is not a consistent tackler.

5. Harrison Smith, Notre Dame (6'2", 215)

Because he is limited athletically, Harrison Smith is purely a strong safety in the NFL. Smith possesses good instincts and is an intelligent player, so he is always in position. However, he doesn't make many plays and struggles to impact the game.