2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Andrew Luck and the 7 Most Pro-Ready Prospects

Wes StueveJan 1, 2012

When people discuss Stanford's Andrew Luck, they often mention the term "pro-ready." But what, exactly, does that mean?

Often, pro-ready is used to describe less talented, more refined prospects. In 2009, Brian Robiskie was described as pro-ready. Robiskie was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round and caught seven passes his rookie season.

So, yeah, maybe pro-ready isn't always accurate.

The key many people forget when evaluating a prospect's readiness is physical ability. In order to be pro-ready, a prospect must be refined and talented.

If you don't like that, there's a mock draft at the end for you. Everybody wins!

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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Andrew Luck is one of the rare quarterback prospects that is both NFL-ready and still possesses great upside. Luck spent most of his college career playing under an NFL coach in an NFL system. It shouldn't surprise anyone that he is ready.

With his high level of intelligence, Luck can already pick apart complex defenses. Few of Luck's mechanics will need tinkering at all and he should be able to pick up in the NFL right where he left off in college.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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Running backs are, in general, pro-ready positions. Few adjustments need to be made for the NFL and even fewer need to be made for Trent Richardson.

Trent Richardson is a 5'11" 225 pound power back with speed. The Alabama star is nearly impossible to tackle and he can already catch and block, which are two of the biggest problems rookie runners face.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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Though he doesn't have great upside, Justin Blackmon is a great prospect that can jump in immediately. Blackmon is a great route-runner and rarely drops passes.

It's unlikely that Blackmon will immediately be a star like A.J. Green was, but he will play and contribute. All of Blackmon's game translates to the pros and he is athletic enough to not be physically overmatched.

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Matt Kalil, OT, USC

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The best offensive tackle prospect since Jake Long, Matt Kalil has little to work on. The USC left tackle is a fantastic athlete with great length and excellent technique.

Typically, elite offensive line prospects immediately dominate. Kalil can handle the fastest of edge rushers while playing adequately in the run game. It's unlikely that Kalil will be beat often and he will win the majority of his matchups.

David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

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As the best guard prospect in the past decade, David DeCastro will face high expectations. Fortunately, DeCastro already has nearly flawless technique to go along with his impressive physical tools.

At 6'5", 315 pounds, DeCastro has ideal size to play guard. The Stanford product can pull and play in space or use his strength and size to dominate in the power run game. There is nothing in DeCastro's game that will limit him in the NFL.

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

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Luke Kuechly will probably never be a star linebacker, but he will always be solid. Though Kuechly is an underrated athlete, his biggest strengths are his instincts and intelligence—two key traits for a middle linebacker.

Mentally, Kuechly is already on an NFL level. He will at times be overmatched physically, but his technique and intelligence will save him. This college star racked up the tackles at Boston College and he will in the NFL too.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

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Former teammate Patrick Peterson is more talented than Morris Claiborne is, but Claiborne is better at playing cornerback. Claiborne is an above-average athlete and uses his excellent ball skills and technique to dominate wideouts.

Many cornerbacks struggle in their adjustment to the NFL because they relied too much on their physical abilities in college. Claiborne is talented, but he has already worked towards perfecting his craft and should be able to handle wide receivers of all styles.