NFL Draft 2012: Borderline Prospects Who Will Slip into First Round

At the start of the season, draft experts all have a different opinion as to which prospects will separate themselves when it's all said and done.

Most of the time, all these projections are blown apart when players actually start playing the game. That's when you have the risers and fallers of the 2012 NFL draft class.

Here are three risers I see slipping into the first round as we approach the end of the season.

3. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Opinions vary on Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy. One thing we can be sure of is he's slipped since preseason expectations.

Worthy's biggest question mark is his consistency. But he possesses elite size and strength, and he's been regularly double-teamed while with the Spartans.

I think NFL teams look past his consistency problems and take a shot at him, especially after he impresses at the combine.

2. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Mohamed Sanu hasn't gotten the attention he deserves due to the fact that he hasn't gotten much national exposure at Rutgers.

But Sanu can play, as he showed in the season when he racked up 115 receptions, over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sanu has good height and strength, takes the game seriously and is very smart at the position. He also has impressive hands.

I expect him to make it into the late first round and he could be a steal.

1. Fletcher Cox, DE/DT, Mississippi State

Fletcher Cox is a work in progress, but that may actually be a good sign.

Cox has already displayed good size and strength and he can play at either defensive tackle or defensive end, highlighting his athleticism at 6'4", 295 pounds.

His physical traits, as well as his versatility, will be coveted by NFL teams.