2012 NFL Draft: 5 Tempting Prospects Teams Should Just Say No To

Every NFL draft features players with overwhelming talent who must be avoided.

The potential of picking a bust is in the back of every GM's mind as they look at a guy with top end speed and ability, but who also possesses the kind of character flaws that could derail a career.

Whether it be previous run-ins with the law, issues with drugs or alcohol or even a lack of desire for the sport of football, some players are not worth adding to a roster.

Let's look at five players with obvious talent who teams should avoid in the 2012 NFL draft.

5. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The scandal surrounding Ohio State raises concerns for any player involved, including offensive tackle Mike Adams.

Adams was suspended five games for selling memorabilia, and while he does stand an impressive 6'8", 320 pounds, you have to wonder if teams will look at other linemen ahead of him simply because of the scandal.

He is a former All-Big Ten player, so his talent is evident—I just don't know if he is good enough to stand out amongst a bevy of players with no apparent character issues.

There is no question Adams will be drafted, but his flaws may be a bigger factor for teams than his considerable skills.

4. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The statistics that Kendall Wright put up in his senior season are staggering.

The Baylor Bears wide receiver had 108 receptions, 1,668 yards and 14 touchdowns.

But is most of that production due to Wright's natural skill or his quarterback Robert Griffin III?

Wright was able to find space against suspect Big 12 defenses, but those kind of windows are not readily available in the NFL.

In addition, Wright is small. Listed at only 5'10" and 190 pounds, he would be an immediate injury concern for any prospective NFL team.

Wright has no apparent character concerns or legal issues, he just appears to be overrated. 

3. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins has been arrested multiple times and did not even play Division-I football in 2011.

He had an impressive three-year run with the Florida Gators before finishing his college career at North Alabama.

Jenkins has great hands and top-tier speed, factors that mean he has to be discussed come draft time.

Jenkins is the kind of player who will excel at the combine due to his freakishly good athletic ability, but those aforementioned arrests are serious concerns.

Two counts of possession of marijuana and one for resisting arrest show that he continues to make mistakes time and time again.

NFL teams will no doubt be enticed by Jenkins' ability, but they would be better off to avoid the cornerback altogether.

2. Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon

Oregon Ducks All-American cornerback Cliff Harris has had numerous run-ins with the law, for an assortment of problems.

Harris has been cited for driving 118 MPH, drug possession, driving on a suspended license and for a traffic stop.

His coach, Chip Kelly, suspended him from the team for a large part of the 2011 campaign.

With all these issues, why would any team consider Harris?

Because he is a good cornerback and an exceptional punt returner. Harris set an Oregon record with four punt returns for touchdowns as a sophomore.

But I do not believe this talent is worth overlooking his constant legal issues.

Punt returners are a dime a dozen and Harris could be easily overlooked come April.

1. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Quinton Coples throws up all of the proverbial red flags that can scare NFL teams.

He has character issues and his production dropped in his senior season.

In his junior year, Coples recorded 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. His senior campaign saw just 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

Not significant drops, but still notable to see his numbers suffered at the end of his tenure with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Some reports have said that Coples was merely "playing to not get hurt" this season.

The 6'6", 278-pound defensive end has remarkable talent, but he is not worth a high pick with all of the question marks surrounding him.