2012 NFL Draft: Power Ranking the Top 50 Players Headed to the 2012 NFL Combine

With national signing day in the books, football fans will have their offseason attention focused squarely on the this year's NFL draft.

Mock drafts provide useful insight into who your favorite team will select to improve their rosters heading into the 2012 regular season.

However, they are often not accurate representations of the talent hierarchy available from top to bottom in the player pool.

That's what we are here for.

With the much-anticipated NFL combine beginning on February 22, here is a fan's guide to the 50 best players in the draft pool. 

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford

Position: Quarterback

Size: 6'4", 235

Strengths:

It is no secret that Andrew Luck is the complete package. Luck is blessed with the size and strength that scouts drool over when grading quarterback prospects. He was a career 67-percent passer at Stanford, showcasing accuracy that is paramount for professional quarterback play.

Luck was a leader in the locker room in college and thrived on making his teammates around him better.

Weaknesses:

Difficult to find any. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN grades Luck at a 99 and rates Luck the best quarterback prospect since fellow Stanford product John Elway. The only concern is an immeasurable trait, the ability to handle ridiculously high expectations.

 

2. Matt Kalil, USC

Position: Left Tackle

Size: 6'7", 295 

Strengths:

In a different year, when a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback prospect wasn't available, Matt Kalil would undoubtedly be a No. 1 pick at left tackle. His size, combined with athleticism at the position, is extremely rare in a prospect and bodes well for his long-term prospects.

He is extremely skilled at getting low leverage and run blocking, with the agility to pass protect versus the quickest pass rushers. Assuming quarterbacks are taken with the first two picks, the Minnesota Vikings have themselves a steal in Kalil. 

Weaknesses:

Kalil will need to bulk up a touch ideally to be the best at his position. He may be a little raw for a season or two while becoming acclimated to the pro game.

 

3. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Position: Quarterback

Size: 6'2", 220

Strengths:

Extremely underrated accuracy. His 72.4-percent completion percentage during Robert Griffin III's senior season at Baylor was no fluke. Griffin looked downfield early and often, averaging over 10 yards per attempt, making his superior completion percentage even more impressive.

Griffin has impressive mobility, something scouts are beginning to look for more and more in quarterbacks. He has the ability to have a Cam Newton-like impact in his rookie season.

Weaknesses:

Griffin's question marks resemble that of Newton. Experts worry about his ability to read defenses pre-snap. Also, he will need to adjust to playing more snaps under center.  

4. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 6'1", 211

Strengths:

No one in recent memory adjusts to the ball, while in flight, than Justin Blackmon. Quarterbacks will love his ability to bail out bad throws with amazing athleticism.

Blackmon consistently produced on the biggest stages in college, helping give scouts peace of mind when considering any bust possibilities. When paired with a young and upcoming quarterback, he can single-handedly bring tons of excitement to any franchise.

Weaknesses:

All doubts about Blackmon revolve around his speed—or lack thereof. He has drawn comparisons to Michael Crabtree, though I expect Blackmon's route running to be better than that of Crabtree. 

5. David DeCastro, Stanford

Position: Offensive Guard

Size: 6'5", 310

Strengths:

Remember, this is a big board. While David DeCastro will certainly not be valued in the top five, he is undoubtedly a superior talent at his position. DeCastro projects as one of the safest picks in the entire draft. He moves piles in the run game and exhibits elite footwork when pass protecting.

Weaknesses:

Putting on a few pounds in the weight room wouldn't hurt, given the overwhelming size of most interior defensive linemen in the NFL. He is not overly athletic but doesn't have to be at his position to excel. 

6. Morris Claiborne, LSU

Position: Cornerback

Size: 6'0", 185

Strengths:

The thing that stands out when watching Morris Claiborne is his breathtaking speed both in coverage and returning kicks. Thus, even when he gets beat at the line of scrimmage, his talents enable him to recover. He usually makes the interception when given the opportunity and will instantly provide value in the return game.

Weaknesses:

Claiborne will look to beef up in order to handle the physicality of the likes of Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Though technically sound, his weight occasionally limits his ability to make plays in the run game.

7. Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Position: Offensive Tackle

Size: 6'6", 304

Strengths:

Jonathan Martin is the best run-blocking tackle in the 2012 NFL Draft. Martin's intelligence bodes well for his future at left tackle, and his size should enable him to stick around for quite some time. Martin possesses elite quickness for a tackle.

Weaknesses:

Footwork is a significant issue for Martin and will need to be addressed during training camp. Like Matt Kalil, bulk is a need for the Stanford product.  

8. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 6'4", 229

Strengths:

The picture says it all. Jeffery is a physical freak who can dominate average defensive backs in the pros. Jeffery dominated superior SEC defenders during his time at South Carolina and will make an impact for teams looking for instant offensive production. He has more speed than Justin Blackmon.

Weaknesses:

Production suffered during his final year at South Carolina, which is a concern for scouts. Odds are that was due more to quarterback troubles at South Carolina than a reflection of Jeffery's abilities. 

9. Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'6", 285

Strengths:

As seemingly the case with many ACC defensive end prospects, Coples has the talent to terrorize opposing offensive linemen with elite size and speed. His 40 time borders on sub 4.7, and his athleticism is unstoppable when the motor is 100 percent.

Weaknesses:

His motor isn't always 100 percent. Consistency is the primary detractor for Coples, and scouts will have to dissect whether Coples' commitment is all the way there.

10. Trent Richardson, Alabama

Position: Running Back

Size: 5'11", 224

Strengths:

Trent Richardson projects as a top-10 talent in a league that has predominantly moved to passing as an offensive priority. Alabama didn't lose a step when transitioning from Mark Ingram to Richardson. Richardson could have a Maurice Jones-Drew-like impact on the NFL.

Weaknesses:

Richardson is certainly going to work on catching the ball out of the backfield. He is by no means bad at it but will undoubtedly work on it before the combine. 

11. Peter Konz, Wisconsin

Position: Center

Size: 6'5", 315

Strengths:

Again, there is no way Peter Konz will be drafted this high. But, he could be a first rounder. That alone for a center shows just how good Konz is as what he does.

His size stands out at first glance, giving him the versatility to move around on the line if need be. His football intelligence is off the charts, and he rarely makes a bad blitz pickup call.

Weaknesses:

Konz has little weakness in his game. He will need to adapt to the speed and complexities of the NFL in his first year. Teams looking for a center need look no further. 

12. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Position: Cornerback

Size: 6'2", 192

Strengths:

Dre Kirkpatrick's height will serve him very well against the elite receivers in the NFL. Being the best corner on a Nick Saban defense deserves high marks in itself, and Kirkpatrick will not disappoint in the pros.

What impresses me is his ability to be a force in stopping the run game, something many corners lack in today's game.

Weaknesses:

Kirkpatrick lacks the recovery speed of Morris Claiborne. Like Claiborne, Kirkpatrick will need to bulk up his frame during the offseason. 

13. Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Position: Linebacker

Size: 6'2", 235

Strengths:

Luke Kuechly will not be a flashy addition to any roster, but he will provide exceptional value wherever he lands. A tackling machine, Kuechly had 191 tackles during his senior season at Boston College.

Kuechly's instinctive nature allows him to always be around the football, and he will prove to be a defensive leader in the pros.

Weaknesses: 

Kuechly utilizes instincts and film study to account for a lack of athleticism for his position. He lacks the quickness, speed and talent that many other prospects are blessed to possess.

14. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 6'3", 224

Strengths:

Michael Floyd excels at making plays in tight spaces. That projects well in the NFL where windows are at their smallest. Floyd is a more NFL-ready receiver at this stage than Alshon Jeffery. Floyd will make plays over smaller corners and will be a mainstay red-zone threat.

Weaknesses:

Floyd lacks the upside of other receivers in this class. Some scouts project Floyd as nothing more than a No. 2 receiver in the NFL. I firmly believe he can be more, but not quite elite.

15. Riley Reiff, Iowa

Position: Offensive Tackle

Size: 6'6", 300

Strengths:

Riley Reiff is an excellent run blocker at tackle and will open up lanes for the running game to his side. He has a physical, nasty streak that persists in the Big Ten conference. Reiff will be eager to prove his merits as a left tackle at the combine as that will significantly affect his draft position.

Weaknesses:

Pass blocking and footwork are areas of concern for Reiff. If scouts decide he is a better fit at right tackle, he could drop to the second or third round. 

16. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'3", 310

Strengths:

Dominant nose tackles in the pros don't necessarily put up big sack or tackle numbers. Their job is to draw double teams and open up lanes for the linebackers to fill. Jerel Worthy is the prototypical player for that role.

In his latter years at Michigan State, Worthy aptly clogged the middle and made his teammates better around him.

Weaknesses:

His size makes him versatile but also puts his ultimate position into question. To be a 3-4 nose tackle, Worthy will need to beef up. Provided he stays at his current weight, Worthy could be a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end.

17. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Position: Outside Linebacker

Size: 6'2", 265

Strengths:

The best player on the best defense in the nation is sure to draw attention from NFL teams. Courtney Upshaw deservedly will get a bunch of attention at the NFL combine. Upshaw projects as the class of outside linebacker prospects.

Upshaw is essentially a can't-miss prospect in the middle of the first round.

Weaknesses:

Upshaw's 40 time of 4.65 will be something he will look to improve on at the combine. 

18. Cordy Glenn, Georgia

Position: Offensive Guard

Size: 6'5", 348

Strengths:

Cordy Glenn's strengths are his size and, well, his strength. Glenn is a massive road block in the middle and will be able to single-team the biggest interior defensive linemen in the business. Glenn also possesses versatility, having played tackle and guard in his career at Georgia.

Weaknesses:

Glenn lacks the athletic mobility to play left tackle but could play another position on the offensive line. He is an extremely safe pick in the mid to late first round.

19. Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

Position: Linebacker

Size: 6'4", 260

Strengths:

Dont'a Hightower showed resiliency by bouncing back from a season-ending injury in 2010. Hightower accrued 85 tackles and four sacks for the National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide in 2011.

He possesses a unique combination of quickness and intimidating size to go with the versatility to play multiple linebacker positions.

Weaknesses:

The knee injury Hightower suffered in 2009 threw up red flags for many scouts. Hightower will be looking to showcase his speed at the combine, something many question given his mediocre 40 time.

20. Michael Brockers, LSU

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'6", 306

Strengths:

Michael Brockers possesses the greatest upside of any interior lineman in the 2012 NFL draft. The sophomore started all games for the LSU Tigers in 2011, showcasing elite speed and power versus the best offensive linemen in the country.

What sets Brockers apart is supreme athletic agility at a position that usually lacks such acclaim.

Weaknesses:

Brockers needs more snaps. Simple as that. His impact won't be felt immediately by the NFL team that picks him. However, in three years, Brockers will have shown why some think he has top-five overall talent.

21. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

Position: Cornerback

Size: 5'10", 205

Strengths:

Alfonzo Dennard is a cornerback prospect that will never be mistaken for a shut-down corner but will be a long-term option at corner in the NFL. In other words, he is good at everything but great at nothing. There is a place for that, though, and the late first round is likely where Dennard will land. 

Weaknesses:

Dennard lacks the upside to compete with the elite receivers in the NFL. Thus, he will never be in the class of Morris Claiborne or Dre Kirkpatrick. However, Dennard will be a solid option and could make a Pro Bowl in his career.

22. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Position: Inside Linebacker

Size: 6'3", 250

Strengths:

Admittedly, I remain higher on Vontaze Burfict than many draft pundits. The talent and ability is undeniable. Burfict is one of the best linebacker prospects to emerge in recent years based on playmaking ability alone. Tackling is a strong suit for Burfict, and he can elude blockers with the best of them.

Weaknesses:

Discipline, discipline, discipline. Burfict has to prove to coaches in interviews that he is able to be coached and that he can play within a defensive scheme.

23. Devon Still, Penn State

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'5", 310

Strengths:

Penn State's Devon Still is the best run stopper in the 2012 class. His strength is clogging up the run game, and he will draw double teams accordingly.

Weaknesses:

On the flip side, Still will need to polish his pass rushing skills to be a high first-round selection in the 2012 draft. He also lacks any quickness in pursuing ball carriers from the back side.

24. Lamar Miller, Miami

Position: Running Back

Size: 5'11", 212

Strengths:

The second-best running back in the 2012 class exhibits many of the same skills that pervade the top ball carriers in today's NFL. Speedsters who can elude tacklers in the open field and catch the ball out of the backfield excel in today's game, and Lamar Miller exhibits those qualities.

Weaknesses:

Pass protection is an area all young running backs struggle to grasp, and Miller is no different. He will also have to become more consistent to ensure a lead back role in the NFL.

25. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Position: Cornerback

Size: 5'10", 183

Strengths:

The character flaws of Janoris Jenkins have made him a sleeper selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Jenkins is a clear-cut first-round talent, and one who could have an immediate impact in the NFL. He has quick hips and can change directions quickly, making him an excellent man-to-man defender.

Weaknesses:

First of all, the problems Jenkins had in college may cause general managers to shy away from selecting Jenkins. At just 5'10" and 183 pounds, Jenkins will have trouble with press coverage in the pros. 

26. Zach Brown, North Carolina

Position: Outside Linebacker

Size: 6'2", 230

Strengths:

When watching Zach Brown, one thing immediately stands out: blazing speed. Brown possesses unique speed at the linebacker position, clocking a blistering 4.40 in a 40-yard dash at one point. The prospects of him being able to cover quick tight ends makes scouts salivate at taking the North Carolina linebacker.

Weaknesses:

Brown is relatively small for his position, opening the door for him to get pushed around in the run game and by physical tight ends. Instincts are also questionable for Brown.

27. Mark Barron, Alabama

Position: Safety

Size: 6'2", 218

Strengths:

Mark Barron will be the first safety taken in the 2012 NFL draft and is yet another top prospect coming from Nick Saban's defense. Barron's best game takes place at the line of scrimmage, helping stop the run. Barron has decent speed but is known for his physical play up front.

Weaknesses:

Pass defense is the main question mark for Barron. Though he led the SEC in picks during the 2010 season, Barron may get burned by elite NFL receivers and tight ends. 

28. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'2", 276

Strengths:

Melvin Ingram possesses great athletic ability given his relatively large size. He is capable of running a 4.72 at the combine in February. During his last season at South Carolina, Ingram was always around the football, even taking a fake punt for a score.

Weaknesses:

While making big plays is a plus, Ingram's struggle at making routine tackles hurts his stock somewhat. Ingram has to prove he can do just that during various drills at the combine.

29. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'4", 295

Strengths:

Fletcher Cox is quickly moving up the draft boards after a productive final year in Starkville and his decision to leave early for the draft. Cox is agile for a tackle inside and gets off the snap nicely.

Weaknesses:

Cox must add weight to be productive inside in the NFL. He struggles against double teams and must prove he can shed blocks better before becoming a first-round pick.

30. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'4", 265

Strengths:

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus is a formidable talent at the defensive end position. He will give 100 percent on every snap, often attacking the quarterback to a fault. Mercilus is indeed merciless in his pursuit and will be a good value late in the first round.

Weaknesses:

The aforementioned fault is that Mercilus occasionally abandons gap responsibility in order to rush the passer. As a result, his run defense suffers.  

31. Andre Branch, Clemson

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'5", 260

Strengths:

One player who will move up draft boards during and after the combine is Andre Branch. The Clemson defensive end has the physical tools and versatility to excel off the edge in various roles. 

Weaknesses:

While Branch is gifted talent-wise, his technical skills need some work. If Branch shows up to the combine improved in the fundamentals, he could be a sneaky late first-round pick.

32. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

Position: Cornerback

Size: 6'1", 191

Strengths:

Stephon Gilmore is an underrated defensive back with the potential to provide great value in the late first or early second round. Gilmore possesses the ideal size at corner and is not afraid to be physical versus the ground attack. 

Weaknesses:

Speed is somewhat of an issue for Gilmore, lacking elite recovery speed. He also needs to work on his skills when the ball is in flight.

33. Nick Perry, USC

Position: Defensive End, Outside Linebacker

Size: 6'3", 250

Strengths:

Nick Perry doesn't particularly wow you with any single facet of his game. The USC defensive end recorded 8.5 sacks in 2011 and improved his pass rushing throughout the year. Perry is versatile enough to play either end or outside linebacker in the pros.

Weaknesses:

Perry needs to develop a better arsenal of moves to attack offensive blockers. As it stands now, Perry is less than average at shedding blockers.

34. Chris Polk, Washington

Position: Running Back

Size: 5'11", 215

Strengths:

A running back out of Washington, Chris Polk is the second-most physical back in the 2012 class behind Trent Richardson. As a result, Polk could step right in and get a bigger workload than the likes of David Wilson of Virginia Tech or Lamar Miller of Miami.

Weaknesses:

Polk really needs an impressive showing at the combine in the areas of agility, speed and athleticism. Polk must prove he can elude tacklers as he will not be able to run over defenders in the pros. 

35. Kendall Wright, Baylor

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 5'10",190

Strengths:

Robert Griffin III's miraculous efforts at Baylor have resulted in Kendall Wright's talents being somewhat overshadowed. Wright is the best receiver in the draft at creating separation because of his elite speed and quickness.

Weaknesses:

Wright needs to be crisper in his route running and must improve on making plays on jump balls.

36. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 6'2", 215

Strengths:

Mohamed Sanu will be a good at finding holes in zone coverages in the pro game and can record big gains after the catch. He is solid at catching the football at its highest point and has nice size for a receiver.

Weaknesses:

Sanu needs to perfect his technique in terms of route running and catching before being taken too seriously in the NFL draft. 

37. Brandon Thompson, Clemson

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'2", 310

Strengths:

Brandon Thompson is explosive off the snap of the football and is capable of causing problems in the backfield. Thompson has good size and can make a quick impact during his rookie season.

Weaknesses:

Thompson's stock has fallen recently due to inferior production and inconsistent play. With a good combine, Thompson should remain a first-round selection. 

38. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

Position: Quarterback

Size: 6'4", 218

Strengths:

Brandon Weeden has the size coaches look for in a signal-caller. He can make most throws necessary to succeed in the pros. 

Weaknesses:

At 28 years old, age is an obvious detractor for pundits to look at when analyzing Weeden. Also, he must adjust from a spread offense and work on the mechanics of his delivery.

39. Dontari Poe, Memphis

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'5", 350

Strengths:

Dontari Poe's size says it all when it comes to his strengths. Poe is a monster in the middle and will be a force as a nose tackle in the NFL with the right work ethic. His body type instantly makes him an attractive option for scouts and teams alike.

Weaknesses:

The technical aspects of the game leave much to be desired when analyzing Poe. He will need to work on his pass-rushing abilities to complement his physical stature.

40. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Position: Quarterback

Size: 6'4", 222

Strengths:

Ryan Tannehill exhibits great size that scouts look for in a quarterback. The converted wide receiver stands tall in the pocket and has a quick release, which is paramount in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

Tannehill is still a raw talent at the quarterback position and would be a long-term project for any team who selects him.

41. Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'4", 260

Strengths:

Donte Paige-Moss has an ideal frame for an NFL-caliber defensive end. The North Carolina product has elite speed to complement his frame, running a 4.6 time in the 40.

Weaknesses:

Right now Paige-Moss relies purely on speed to beat offensive linemen. A better repertoire of moves would make Paige-Moss an elite talent and possible an early first-round selection. 

42. Devin Taylor, South Carolina

Position: Defensive End

Size: 6'6", 260

Strengths:

Devin Taylor is a towering giant at the defensive end position as can wreak havoc on the edges based on height alone. Taylor can alter passing lanes with ease and possesses the quickness to speed rush tackles on the edge.

Weaknesses:

Adding some bulk to a lanky frame would make Taylor a formidable force on the edge in the National Football League.

43. Jared Crick, Nebraska

Position: Defensive Tackle

Size: 6'6", 285

Strengths:

Jared Crick relies on a huge motor to make an impact in the backfield. He is gap disciplined, helping him to be a solid contributor in stopping the run game.

Weaknesses:

Crick doesn't have the athleticism or quickness to be considered an elite defensive lineman in the NFL. He must rely too much on heart, which only gets a player so far at the pro level.

44. Andrew Datko, Florida State

Position: Offensive Tackle

Size: 6'6", 321
 

Strengths:

Andrew Datko, when healthy, can be a sleeper contributor at the tackle position. His strength alone allows him to dominate when run blocking, and he has an outstanding frame to complement his towering height.

Weaknesses:

Injury issues have unfortunately derailed what could be a top-15 draft stock. Other than that, Datko brings a lot to the table in the 2012 NFL draft. 

45. Mike Adams, Ohio State

Position: Offensive Tackle

Size: 6'8", 320

Strengths:

Mike Adams is the tallest player on this big board, coming in at 6'8". Adams is blessed with superior size on the edge and good athleticism to boot. His footwork sets him apart and makes him an attractive option for teams willing to take a chance.

Weaknesses:

The reason Adams is a risk is a history of off-the-field issues and the fact that he is a bit raw at this stage. Run blocking will be a point of emphasis for Adams during his first training camp in the NFL.

46. Nick Toon, Wisconsin

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 6'3", 220

Strengths:

Nick Toon is a prototypical possession receiver in the NFL. He will never create space via speed, but he has great size and hands to make plays in the passing game.

Weaknesses:

Toon's speed is a liability and limits his big-play potential. His size also makes him round off his routes a little too much.

47. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Position: Running Back

Size: 5'10", 205

Strengths:

David Wilson excelled in 2011, his first full season as a lead back, using blistering speed and elusiveness in the open field. Those qualities bode well for his ability to make a difference in the pro game. Wilson also exhibits incredible balance when breaking tackles.

Weaknesses:

Wilson struggles at times to make catches out of the backfield and drops too many passes. He also has shown to be a much better runner outside the tackles than inside the trenches.

48. Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Position: Cornerback

Size: 6'0", 185

Strengths:

Valuable corners abound in this year's class, and Chase Minnifield is no exception. He has decent size for a corner and could potentially break the 4.4 barrier in the 40-yard dash at the combine.

Weaknesses:

Minnifield will want to improve his physicality at the line of scrimmage both in press coverage and against the run game. A little extra weight will be necessary to go toe-to-toe with the best receivers in the league.

49. Mike Brewster, Ohio State

Position: Center

Size: 6'5", 305

Strengths:

Mike Brewster is a safe, solid pick for teams looking for a dependable center on the offensive line. Brewster doesn't wow anyone with any facet of his game or stature, but he makes good calls on pre-snap reads and is durable.

Weaknesses:

Brewster will need to work on his leverage when engaged in blocks and, with any center, identifying proper blitz pickups. 

50. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

Position: Wide Receiver

Size: 5'10", 188

Strengths:

The best facet of Ryan Broyles's game is his route-running ability and quickness in and out of cuts. He projects as a decent slot receiver in the pro game.

Weaknesses:

Given his size, his speed leaves a little to be desired. He must learn to deal better with physical play at the line of scrimmage.