NFL Draft 2012: Alabama and Schools That Will Take over 1st Round

The Crimson Tide won the National Championship and now they are primed to dominate the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Tide are expected to have multiple players hear their names called in the first 32 selections. Among them are:

Trent Richardson, RB – Projected as a top-15 pick

Richardson could go as high as fourth to the Browns, though I am not a proponent of taking a RB that high, especially one that doesn't have game-breaking speed.

I think Richardson is a fine prospect, but he won't make a significant difference for the Browns or any other team drafting that high. Still, he will be a solid player.

Courtney Upshaw, LB – Projected as a mid first-round pick

Upshaw is perfectly suited as a pass-rushing linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. He is strong, athletic and will be coveted by teams that play that scheme. Upshaw may even be the target of teams that will need to trade up to acquire him, such as the San Diego Chargers.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB – Projected as a mid to late first-round pick

Kirkpatrick has elite size at corner, similar to Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears. He did lack superior production, but the 'Bama defense was so full of studs. In some ways, stats can be deceiving, both positively and negatively.

I have heard Kirkpatrick's name mentioned as a player with high bust potential, but he certainly has the size to be a top-flight corner.

Other teams that will send multiple players to the NFL in the first 32 picks are as follows:

Stanford

Obviously Andrew Luck will be one, as he is the likely first pick in the draft to the Indianapolis Colts, but a few of the Big Uglies that provided time for Luck will also go early.

David DeCastro, G – projected mid first round

DeCastro is one of, if not the best guard prospect in the draft. DeCastro is a beast on the interior and made to dominate for a team that prides itself on running the football.

He has a series of Pro Bowl selections in his future, if he stays healthy.

Jonathan Martin, T – projected mid first round

Martin should hear his name called around the same time that DeCastro hears his. Martin isn't the top-rated tackle available, but his athleticism and experience providing excellent protection for a top-flight collegiate QB in a pro-style offense won't go unnoticed. 

Martin will be a solid pro.

South Carolina

The "Old Ball Coach" will see three players transition to Sunday afternoon games in the draft as well. Here are the Gamecocks' likely first-round selections:

Alshon Jeffery, WR – projected top-15 pick

Jeffery was once believed to be the top WR in the draft, that was until Justin Blackmon put on a great performance throughout the 2011 season. Now Jeffery's size and questionable work ethic has some fearing that he could be another Mike Williams.

At 6'4", 235 pounds, he is huge and has shown the penchant for the spectacular grab. He projects as a great red-zone threat that hopefully is more of a Plaxico Burress type than Williams.

Melvin Ingram, DE/LB – projected mid first-round pick

Ingram is one of my favorite players in the draft. He has the potential to rise quite a bit after his combine numbers.

Ingram is a freak. At 275 pounds, he has great speed and leaping ability. He will excite many as a potential pass-rusher because of his athleticism, but I've seen players like this become busts at the pro level.

Stephon Gilmore, CB - projected late first-round pick

Gilmore is a very good and balanced corner. He isn't what I would call a shutdown guy in coverage, but he's solid and he tackles above average.

He is big enough to be physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage and just quick enough to not be a liability deep. If he slips out of the first round, he'll be a second-round steal for someone.

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