2012 NFL Draft: Ranking Every Underclassman That Has Declared Thus Far

It seems like every year we set a record with the amount of underclassmen who declare for the NFL draft. This year has been been no different, with already over 40 underclassmen leaving school early. There are still several other prospects, like LSU's Morris Claiborne, who have yet to officially throw their name in the hat.

I move forward with this ranking without Claiborne and the other unofficial entries. However, there are still plenty of excellent prospects.

We could see as many as 20 underclassmen selected in the first round just based off the current list.

Ranking No. 40 to No. 11

40. Olivier Vernon, Defensive End, Miami

Current Projection: Fifth-Seventh Round

39. Cliff Harris, Cornerback, Oregon

Current Projection: Sixth-Undrafted

38. Donte Paige-Moss, Defensive End, North Carolina

Current Projection: Fourth-Seventh Round

37. Edwin Baker, Running Back, Michigan State

Current Projection: Fourth-Seventh Round

36. Chris Givens, Wide Receiver, Wake Forest

Current Projection: Fourth-Seventh Round

35.  Tommy Streeter, Wide Receiver, Miami

Current Projection: Fourth-Seventh Round

34. Terrell Manning, Linebacker, North Carolina State

Current Projection: Fourth-Fifth Round

33. Marcus Forston, Defensive Tackle, Miami

Current Projection: Fourth-Fifth Round

32. Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Current Projection: Late Third Round

31. Ronnie Hillman, Running Back, San Diego State

Current Projection: Late Third Round

30. LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon

Current Projection: Late Third Round

29. Brock Osweiler, Quarterback, Arizona State

Current Projection: Early Third Round

28. Josh Robinson, Cornerback, UCF

Current Projection: Early Third Round

27. Bernard Pierce, Running Back, Temple

Current Projection: Early Third Round

26. Chris Polk, Running Back, Washington

Current Projection: Late Second Round

25. Brandon Washington, Offensive Line, Miami

Current Projection: Late Second Round

24. David Wilson, Running Back, Virginia Tech

Current Projection: Late Second Round

23. Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

Current Projection: Early Second Round

22. Jayron Hosley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Current Projection: Early Second Round

21. Chandler Jones, Linebacker, Syracuse

Current Projection: Early Second Round

20. Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker, Oklahoma

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

19. Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

18. Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

17. Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

16. Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

15. Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

Current Projection: Late First-Early Second Round

14. Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

Current Projection: Late First- Early Second Round

13. Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Current Projection: Mid to Late First Round

12. Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

Current Projection: Mid to Late First Round

11. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Current Projection: Mid to Late First Round

No. 10: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Current Projection: Mid to Late First Round

Wisconsin's Peter Konz has the potential to develop into one of the NFL's top centers. He uses his size, strength and athletic ability to protect the passer and open running lanes. Konz also brings leadership and a high football IQ to the team, allowing him to make the line calls and adjustments.

The importance of strong center play cannot be underestimated. Konz is a plug and play prospect, able to step in and start from day one. There will be more than a handful of teams looking to upgrade the interior of their offensive line.

Two NFC East teams could be fighting for Konz's services. The Dallas Cowboys at No. 14 will have the first shot, and if they pass the New York Giants will take a long look.

No. 9: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Current Projection: Mid First Round

All of the top NFL linebackers possess great instincts and a high football IQ. Boston College's Luke Kuechly does a great job reading his keys and quickly diagnosing the play. His combination of smarts and athleticism allows him to make plays sideline to sideline.

Kuechly has some versatility to his game, capable of playing either inside or outside linebacker. This makes him a fit for multiple schemes and positions.

His leadership ability is also something that will help his draft position. Most teams rely on their linebackers to rely the play call, make on-the-field adjustments and ensure everyone is lined up correctly.

The Philadelphia Eagles at No. 15 seem like the ideal landing spot for Kuechly.

No. 8: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Current Projection: Early to Mid First Round

Each year the draft sees interior offensive linemen coming off the board earlier than the last. This year we could see Stanford's David DeCastro make a legitimate push for the top 10. DeCastro is an excellent all-around player who is capable of instantly improving an offensive line.

He plays with great leverage and strength, which allows him to anchor in pass protection and generate a push in the run game. Because of his talent level, he could instantly contend for a spot in the Pro Bowl. Selecting a guard in the top 10 might be a reach, but with DeCastro you are getting a top-level starter for the next 10-plus years.

The most likely landing spots for DeCastro are at No. 11 with the Kansas City Chiefs or at No. 14 with the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams will head into the draft looking to improve the interior of their offensive line.

No. 7: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Current Projection: Top 10

Iowa's Riley Reiff is locked in a battle with Matt Kalil and Jonathan Martin to be the first offensive tackle off the board. Currently, Reiff sits at No. 3 in my tackle rankings, but still boasts top-10 talents.

His combination of quickness and balance make him an above-average pass protector, which is a key to success in the NFL.

He also does a good job in the running game, showing the ability to lock on and seal the defender. There could be as many as seven top-10 teams looking to add an offensive tackle. This will make Reiff, Martin and Kalil highly sought-after prospects.

Reiff could top out at No. 8 to the Miami Dolphins, and shouldn't get past the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 11.

No. 6: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Current Projection: Top 10

Recently, the NFL is trending towards wide receivers with great size and leaping ability. Last season, A.J. Green and Julio Jones were selected in the top 10 partly because of their ability to outleap defensive backs.

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery possesses the skills needed to take advantage of his 6'4", 229-pound frame.

Because of his size and leaping ability, he is a great red-zone target. This also makes him a good candidate to pair with a young quarterback, as it allows him to make plays on poorly thrown balls.

The big question with Jeffery is his speed and ability to separate, which might be what keeps him out of the top five. Still, he possesses the potential to develop into a legitimate No. 1 target.

Look for the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 7) and Cleveland Browns (No. 4) to consider adding Jeffery.

No. 5: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Current Projection: Top 10

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon compiled 252 receptions, 3,564 yards and 40 touchdowns during his three-year college career. His play helped propel Oklahoma State into this year's national championship hunt.

He is the type of player that loves the spotlight and is capable of making big plays in pressure situations.

At 6'1", 220 pounds, Blackmon possesses the size and frame NFL teams look for when evaluating wide receiver prospects. His ability to make the tough catch and pick up yards after the catch will allow him to make an instant impact in the NFL.

The St. Louis Rams will take a long hard look at Blackmon and consider taking him with the No. 2 overall pick.

No. 4: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Current Projection: Top Five

It's not only possible but likely that we see two offensive tackles selected in the top five of the 2012 NFL Draft. USC's Matt Kalil currently sits a No. 2 in my offensive tackle ranking. He possesses the size and athletic ability needed to hold up at left tackle in the NFL.

Kalil's strength is his ability to provide running room. He uses a combination of strength, leverage and effort to generate a push off the line.

I have some concerns about his ability to consistently reach the edge against speed rushers. This and his top-notch run-blocking ability might force Kalil to right tackle at some point in his career.

The Minnesota Vikings (No. 3) and Cleveland Browns (No. 4) will be two of the teams considering Kalil.

No. 3: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Current Projection: Top Five

Stanford's Jonathan Martin is the most athletic and fluid offensive tackle in 2012 NFL draft class. His ability to quickly shuffle his feet with balance allows him to protect the edge against all types of rushers. While at Stanford, Martin learned a pro-style blocking scheme and faced top-level pass-rushers like USC's Nick Perry.

Martin ranks higher than Matt Kalil because he is a superior athlete. It's his natural band and balanced movements that separates him from the rest of the tackle class. Most other evaluators feel Kalil is the stronger prospect, but there is stiffness in his game.

The St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings both would love to insert Martin on the left side of their line.

No. 2: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Current Projection: Top Three

Baylor's Robert Griffin III is the fastest rising prospect in this draft. He possesses electrifying talents that allow him to make plays in both the run and passing game. However, it is accuracy and ability to attack the deep part of the field that makes him an elite prospect.

One of the main reasons Griffin III will be a coveted prospect is due to the lack of quarterback talent in this draft. The gap between Griffin III and my No. 3-ranked quarterback (Arizona's Nick Foles) is almost a full round.

Quarterback-needy teams will need to make an aggressive move in order to land Griffin III. Despite the lack of quarterback talent, selecting Griffin in the top five of the draft wouldn't be considered a reach. He possesses a ton of upside and projects as an elite quarterback.

The Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins both will heavily consider trading up in order to land this highly talented prospect. A trade with the St. Louis Rams or Minnesota Vikings seems to be the most likely scenario.

No. 1: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Current Projection: No. 1 Overall

There isn't a likely scenario were Stanford's Andrew Luck isn't the top pick in the 2012 draft. He is a once-in-a-lifetime prospect, who will instantly contend for starting spot. Luck differs from previous prospects in that he already possesses a high knowledge of the game.

He spent his time at Stanford perfecting his technique and learning how to read a defense. His time spent learning under Jim Harbaugh will make for an easier transition to the next level.

He will go through some ups and downs as a rookie, but there's no reason he can't lead a team to a winning record.

The Indianapolis Colts have all the come out and said Luck will be the top pick in the draft. There's a lot of question marks surrounding the future of Peyton Manning, but that will have little impact on the direction of this pick.

The Colts can't pass up the opportunity to solidify the quarterback position to the next 10 years.