2012 NFL Draft: 5 Players Falling Down Draft Boards

Oftentimes, a prospect's draft stock starts falling for various reasons. The cause could possibly include an altercation with the law or showing up for workouts in poor shape. And some players just have too many fundamental flaws that get magnified as scouts analyze them leading up to the draft.

That is not to say that falling draft stock automatically condemns a player. Value picks often come from players who fell further than they were projected to be taken, and that could very well end up being the case this year too.

Read on for a look at some players who should be concerned about their chances in this next draft.

Chris Polk

Season Stats: 293 ATT for 1,488 YDS, 5.1 AVG, 12 TD, 31 REC for 332 YDS, 4 TD

Polk's biggest positives have always been his physicality and strength as an interior runner. So far, it's looking like those are his only positives. 

He has turned in a disappointing Senior Bowl performance, with scouts homing in on his lack of an explosive burst.

Another point of concern is the two shoulder surgeries he has already had, which heightens the possibility of him being injury prone at the next level—especially considering his running style. That being said, other aspects of his game aren't bad, and his receiving and blocking are two underrated factors that have improved. 

Chris Polk is a prospect who has some good potential but still requires some polish and work before he can be an effective contributor at the next level.

Alshon Jeffery

Season Stats: 49 REC for 762 YDS, 15.6 AVG, 8 TD

There has been a significant drop-off in production for Jeffery between 2010 and 2011. Part of this could be attributed to the Gamecocks losing premier running back Marcus Lattimore for most of the season. But producing half as many receptions and half the receiving yards in what amounts to a "contract" year is inexcusable. 

The physical attributes are there. Great hands, an awesome leaping ability and size make him a dangerous red-zone target. But the major knock against Jeffery is his route running. It lacks crispness, and his breaks are often rounded off because he relies on his physicality to create separation. Furthermore, he does not have the speed or burst to compensate in the NFL when pro corners start to adjust to his game. 

Jeffery is going to have to do a lot of work if he wants to be anything more than just a red-zone threat, and teams should be very careful if they are considering using a high draft pick on him.

Kellen Moore

Season Stats: 326 COMP, 74.3%, 3,800 YDS, 43 TD-9 INT, 175.2 QB rating

Over the last few years, highly decorated college quarterbacks coming into the NFL have been hit or miss prospects. And Kellen Moore looks to continue that trend. Despite being the leader of one of the best teams in the nation, the Boise State QB's stock is falling at an alarming rate and is getting to the point where he may not be drafted at all.

Moore is another player who is turning in a disappointing Senior Bowl performance so far. The accuracy is there and he is very intelligent, which helps with commanding an offense at the line of scrimmage. But the scouts are unhappy with his unusual delivery—a mix of side arm and over the top. His height is less than ideal, officially listed as 6-feet tall, but checking in at 5'11". And his arm strength for deep routes just isn't there. 

I feel like Moore could be a decent, if not good, NFL quarterback if he is given the chance. He is one of those guys who would really benefit from a year of sitting and learning from a veteran. But at this point, the best case scenario for Moore is being taken in a late round. 

Alfonzo Dennard

According to Sports Illustrated draft expert Tony Pauline, Alfonzo Dennard could be in line for a position change to safety because of poor workouts at CB. 

Although he has hurt his chances thus far, moving to safety could be a blessing in disguise for Dennard. Checking in at 5'10", 205 pounds, he is undersized for playing corner in the NFL against the bigger receivers, and any deficiencies in cover skills would be minimized playing safety while making better use of his physicality. 

The Nebraska cornerback's stock is plummeting quite quickly after injuries and poor showings at the Senior Bowl. Previously projected to be a low first round pick, Dennard is now thought to have fallen to the second round, if not the third. 

Vontaze Burfict

Season Stats: 69 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, one INT

From being a projected top-five pick, to being a third-round pick according to cbssports.com, Burfict is perhaps the player who has fallen the most on draft boards since the beginning of his campaign.

Vontaze Burfict is quite the physical specimen. He's a good, hard-hitting tackler who can create turnovers and has a lot of potential as a blitzer. He needs to work on his technique, as he relies on his athleticism to shed linemen for the run defense and pass-rush. He's not an every down linebacker yet, as he struggles in nickel packages and is usually taken out.

Most of all, he needs to play controlled and disciplined football. That is the biggest knock against Burfict, as there is no place in the NFL for the concerning number of personal fouls he would get with ASU. 

Burfict should be taken no later than the mid to late first round. Anything more than that, and his status as a value pick only gets higher.

For my money, I would take Luke Kuechly before Burfict. Kuechly is fundamentally strong in all aspects and a much better influence in the locker room.

Other Notables

Plummeting

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina: Lazy route runner, lots of drops, say goodbye to the second round.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: I still think he will go high in the first round, but teams have called asking for background checks because of his marijuana arrest. Combine that with how impressive Janoris Jenkins (another guy with questionable character) has been at the Senior Bowl, and Kirkpatrick could end up being the third CB taken.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State: Looks slow off the ball when confronted with speedy edge rushers.

Skyrocketing

Juron Criner, WR, Arizona: Strong, fast, physical. Has been impressive against a very strong group of corners in the Senior Bowl.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State: good arm strength, accurate, intangibles and leadership, experienced in pro style system.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina: My pick for defensive player ready to contribute immediately. A natural, fearsome pass rusher, can be successful as a 3-4 OLB like Mario Williams, as well as a 4-3 DE.