NFL Draft 2012: Biggest Playmakers Who Will Fall in First Round

Just as surely as there will be a draft in April, we're going to see some big names fall. It seems to happen every year, and 2012 will be no different. 

Not every name is going to fall like Aaron Rodgers, Brady Quinn or certainly Jimmy Clausen. Still, these are all big names that will be taken well below what their talent would suggest. 

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

On paper, this is a perfect fit for the Browns at the No. 4 spot. I've projected that the Browns should take Richardson with that pick. But just because I think it should happen, that doesn't mean that it will.

The Browns have had running back issues all year.

To some, that would indicate that they now know to go after a running back. It tells me that they're not going to pick one this early. Remember, they have a later pick in the first round, and Lamar Miller is a distinct possibility in that position. 

Anything outside of the top four is too low for Richardson. Actually, I think he will go towards the bottom of the top 10, which is a steal. Given their injuries and short shelf lives, running backs do not tend to go that high.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

South Carolina had a good team this year, but their quarterback situation was a constant mess. In addition to that, Marcus Lattimore hurt himself early in the season. That put the bulk of the South Carolina offensive attack squarely on Jeffery, meaning the defense's focus was on him as well.

As a result, the numbers fell off a little bit. But this guy is an athletic marvel and a surefire top-10 talent. 

Don't look for him to go that high, but I am expecting a rookie season similar to the one that Randy Moss had. He may fall for different reasons, but the season is going to be explosive. 

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd is going to fall, but that's going to be a good thing for the Notre Dame and the team that lands the him. Floyd will be a perfect compliment to a good team that already has an established offense. He can work as a possession receiver, but he also has the size and speed to make big plays. 

I like him to go to the Bengals with their first pick of the first round. That would line him up on the other side of A.J. Green, which would be a lethal duo of young receivers. Floyd is a top-15 talent, but he won't stand out in the combine. That's going to drop him too far, which will be the gain of the team that lands him.

Follow @mdixon1985