2012 NFL Draft: 3 Things We Learned from BCS National Championship Game

The Alabama Crimson Tide beat the LSU Tigers 21-0 in the BCS national championship game, and a ridiculous amount of NFL talent on Alabama's defense was on full display. 

What did we learn about the top prospects for the Crimson Tide heading into the draft?

Courtney Upshaw will be a top-15 selection

The 6'2'' and 265 pound Upshaw was going to be a first-round pick before the title game, but after an effort that led to a Defensive MVP award, he'll be a top-15 selection. 

He possesses the ideal size, speed and athleticism to play the outside linebacker position in the 3-4 alignment, but he's strong enough to even play end in a 4-3 defense. 

With many teams in the top-15 in dire need of a pass-rush specialist that can also hold up against the run, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills, Upshaw will be a top-15 choice. 

Upshaw's versatility is his greatest attribute.

Trent Richardson should be a top-15 selection 

NFL teams have shied away from using a high pick on a running back of late, because they can get similar production from a more unheralded guy, and a running back's shelf life is short compared to other positions.

However, Richarson had "feature back" written all over him—a guy that can carry the load for an NFL offense, run between the tackles and make plays in the passing game.

At 5'11'' and 225 pounds with deceptive speed and lateral cutting ability, he's the type of player a team can build around.

He could go as early as No. 4 to the Cleveland Browns and I wouldn't be surprised if the Rams trade out of the No. 2 pick and grab Richardson later in the first.

I expect him to make even more of a splash with a strong showing at the Combine that will make him an exception to the NFL's newest unwritten rule of waiting to draft a runner.

Dont'a Hightower will be a top-20 selection

Because of his immense size (6'4'', 260 pounds) and pure power, Hightower was a top inside linebacker prospect entering the season. 

Although he upped his tackle total from 70 to 83 this season and had four sacks along with one interception, some scouts believed he played too slow sideline-to-sideline for much of the season.

Against LSU on Monday, he had four tackles, a bull-rushing sack and a forced fumble in the fourth quarter that ended any chance for the Tigers to put points on the board. 

With his tremendous blitzing ability and potential as a legitimate run defender that was displayed in the title game, Hightower cemented himself as a top-20 selection. 

Follow @christrapasso