2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for LaMichael James and Other Dynamic Prospects

Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady could finally put and end to the NFL adage "defense wins championships" in these playoffs. 

However, the famous football phrase "speed kills" is alive and well, and as we saw in Oregon's thrilling 45-38 Rose Bowl win, speed is most certainly deadly. 

Let's look at where this most electrifying burners will land in April's draft.  

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon 

While James' was easily one of the most dynamic running backs in the nation this season (averaged 7.3 yards per rush), he isn't a top NFL prospect—mainly because of his lack of size. 

Standing 5'9'', the Oregon star is a mere 185 pounds, which doesn't bode well for his prospectus as a feature back at the next level.

That doesn't mean he won't get drafted.

He demonstrated an exceptional burst and tremendous vision during his entire career in Eugene, Ore., and with players like Darren Sproles doing serious damage in today's NFL, especially with their yards-after-the-catch ability, James has a niche in the pro game. 

Expect him to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds, and as such a tough and experienced individual, James will make an NFL roster and contribute in 2012. 

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III deservedly grabbed all the headlines this season, but his favorite pass-catching option, Kendall Wright, had quite the year, too. 

He caught 108 passes for 1,663 yards with 14 touchdowns. 

Wright was the dangerous downfield target for many of Baylor's huge gainers, torching secondaries with pure, unadulterated speed. 

At 5'10'' and 190 pounds, the senior wideout has a similar skill set and draft stock as the former Cal Bears terror DeSean Jackson.

Actually, Wright will enter the NFL as a more polished all-around receiver.

Expect him to be selected in the late-first or early second round.  

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)

With Miami experiencing a down year, Trent Richardson, Montee Ball and LaMichael James were in the forefront of everyone's mind in terms of running backs because of their TV time, and it was easy to overlook Lamar Miller as a fan. 

General managers and head coaches won't. 

The redshirt sophomore had a fantastic 2011.

He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and scored 10 total touchdowns. 

At 5'11'' and 212 pounds, he has the ideal size to be more than a situational guy in the pros, but his greatest attribute is his breakaway speed. Miller's longest run in 2011 was 79 yards and he possesses the acceleration and flatline speed to take any carry to the house.

He'll most likely be picked at the top of the second round as the second back taken after Alabama's Trent Richardson. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. St. Louis Rams—Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

3.  Minnesota Vikings—Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  Cleveland Browns—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6.  Washington Redskins—Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars—Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

8.  Carolina Panthers—Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

9.  Miami Dolphins—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10.  Buffalo Bills—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Seattle Seahawks—Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

12.  Kansas City Chiefs—Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

13.  Arizona Cardinals—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14.  Philadelphia Eagles—Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

15.  New York Jets—Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

16.  Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland Raiders)—Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

17.  San Diego Chargers—David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

18.  Chicago Bears—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

19.  Dallas Cowboys—Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska 

20.  Tennessee Titans—Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

21.  Denver Broncos—Devon Still, DT, Penn State

22.  New York Giants—Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia 

23.  Cincinnati Bengals—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

24.  Houston Texans—Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

25.  Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)—Zach Brown, LB North Carolina

26.  Detroit Lions—Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

27.  Pittsburgh Steelers—Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

28.  Baltimore Ravens—Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

29.  New Orleans Saints—Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

30.  San Francisco 49ers—Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

31.  New England Patriots—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

32.  Green Bay Packers—Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska