2012 NFL Mock Draft: Looking at the Top Playmakers Post-Bowl Season

Chris TrapassoJun 7, 2018

While the general consensus on the most dangerous playmakers in the 2012 NFL draft class hasn't changed much, we witnessed some stunning bowl game performances that made believers out of the biggest critics.

Let's look at the top playmakers post-bowl season.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

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Nothing has changed for Griffin III, who has the most upside and intriguing playmaking ability of any signal-caller in the 2012 class.

Yes, Andrew Luck has the potential to be phenomenal, but RG3's combination of arm strength, accuracy and world-class speed make him a Cam Newton or Michael Vick-type threat at the next level.

In Baylor's Alamo Bowl victory over a defensively-anemic Washington Huskies' team, the Heisman Trophy winner completed 72.7 percent of his passes and accounted for over 300 yards of total offense with two touchdowns.

He's the epitome of what it means to be a playmaker.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon was ridiculously productive during the last two seasons at Oklahoma State, catching 232 passes for 3,304 yards and 38 receiving touchdowns.

Scouts are enamored with his sculpted 6'1'', 215-pound frame, but some pointed to apparent lack of speed as a general concern.

While he doesn't possess elite acceleration, he certainly looked fast in the open field on that catch-and-run.

He has great hands that allow him to snag balls in tight coverage and can overpower cornerbacks at the line of scrimmage and on deep balls.

This 22-year-old dynamo has everything it takes to be a star in the pro ranks.

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

While he doesn't seem to have the elite quickness off the ball, Upshaw is an all-around edge-rushing prospect.

At 6'2'' and 265 pounds, he uses power and leverage to push back offensive tackles. Although, he can also beat bigger lineman with a dipping speed rush, and he has a variety of athletic counter moves to get to the opposing signal-caller.

Upshaw is relentless in his pursuit of running backs and certainly is not a liability playing the run whatsoever.

After two dominating performances against a strong LSU team, Upshaw looks to have the potential to be a solid, playmaking 3-4 outside linebacker as a professional.

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Jan. 10 Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

8. Carolina Panthers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

9. Miami Dolphins: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, OLB, USC