NFL Draft 2012: Top 50 Big Board, Post-Super Bowl Edition

The end of the Super Bowl means that the NFL draft season is in full swing.

Draft boards are beginning to take shape, but there's still plenty of opportunity for change. The upcoming combine and individual workouts will have a major impact on the stock of each player.

Baylor's Robert Griffin III owns the title of my fastest-rising prospect. He's gone from a mid-round quarterback all the way up to the top of many draft boards.

However, Griffin III's rise isn't enough to earn the top overall ranking.

Big Board Ranking No. 50 to No. 26

26. Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU

A highly athletic defensive tackle who can fit multiple positions. He's a fast-rising prospect capable of cracking the top-10.

27. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

An instinctual cornerback with exceptional ball skills. He fits best in a zone scheme where he can sit back and read the quarterback.

28. Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Talented but immature linebacker who can make plays all over the field. Can improve his stock by hitting a home run in the interview process.

29. Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Possesses a combination of good size and quickness. Still learning the game and has an extremely bright future.

30. Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

A well-rounded safety capable of playing in the box or in deep coverage.

31. Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

A powerful and versatile defensive lineman capable of penetrating or occupying blockers.

32. Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Very talented but a little inconsistent. With the right fit, could be a Pro Bowl caliber player.

33. Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Solid all-around player who does a good job generating pressure.

34. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

An experienced and talented pass-rusher. His wide array of rush moves will allow him to make an immediate impact.

35. Chandler Jones, Outside Linebacker, Syracuse

Reminds me a lot of San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith. Exceptional athlete with a high motor.

36. Doug Martin, Running Back, Boise State

Compact build with underrated speed and quickness.

37. Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

A pass-catching tight end who is improving as a blocker. Can be a three-down player and stretch the seam.

38. Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

An explosive runner who can score from anywhere on the field.

39. Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

Ultra-talented pass catcher who can create a ton of mismatches.

40. Andre Branch, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Clemson

Gets after the quarterback because of his speed and effort.

41. Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

Possesses a lot of toughness and loves to play close to the line of scrimmage.

42. Alameda Ta'amu, Nose Tackle, Washington

A talented nose tackle prospect who needs to find more consistency.

43. Billy Winn, Defensive Tackle, Boise State

Potential to develop into an excellent three-technique defensive tackle. Good quickness off the ball allows him to penetrate the pocket.

44. Ronnell Lewis, Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma

An edge rusher who is still developing as a pass-rusher.

45. Nick Foles, Quarterback, Arizona

Possesses good size, strong arm and good work ethic. He would be a nice late second-round quarterback selection.

46. Cody Fleener, Tight End, Stanford

A big-bodied tight end with good speed and blocking ability.

47. Kirk Cousins, Quarterback, Michigan State

A leader who possesses good anticipation and the ability to read a defense.

48. Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

Good quickness off the ball which allows him to penetrate the pocket.

49. Cam Johnson, Defensive End/ Outside Linebacker, Virginia

Possesses the quickness to get pressure off the edge, also has as very high motor.

50. David Wilson, Running Back, Virginia Tech

Tough runner with some speed but needs to protect the ball better and avoid fumbles.

No. 25 Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line, Connecticut

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Connecticut's Kendall Reyes isn't receiving nearly enough attention and could end up being one of the steals of this draft. He's an athletic defensive lineman who also boasts good size and strength. His versatility makes him capable of finding a spot in either a 4-3 or 3-4 system.

Reyes plays the game with great effort which allows him to make plays all over the field. While at Connecticut, he was asked to both penetrate the pocket and occupy blockers. These multiple responsibilities held him back from tallying eye-popping stats.  

The future is bright for Reyes, and with some better coaching, he could develop into an All-Pro defender. His best fit might be at the five-technique spot in a 3-4 system. This would let the team get the most use out of his abilities.

No. 24 Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End/Linebacker, Illinois

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Prospects capable of generating pressure on the quarterback tend to get a bump up the draft board, especially those with quickness.

Illinois' Whitney Mercilus possesses an excellent first step which allows him to attack the edge. His ability to flatten makes it difficult for offensive linemen to keep him out of the backfield.

Mercilus is still developing but has an extremely bright future. His stock is higher than the other speed rushers because there's some savvy to his game. He does a good job using his hands to keep clean and disengage.

At 6'4", 260 pounds, he lacks great bulk and ability to hold up against the run. This makes him a candidate to be shifted to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, he will be able to create pressure no matter where he lines up.

No. 23 Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore hasn't received as much coverage as the other top cornerback prospects, but is equally as talented. He possesses the size, fluid hips and toughness to be an excellent all-around defender.

Teams looking for a physical and aggressive cover man could rate him higher than a guy like North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins.

The teams that like to run a Cover 2 scheme should keep a close eye on Gilmore. His instincts, short-area burst and ball skills make him a good fit in zone coverage. He's also not afraid to come up and support the run, which is needed in that type of coverage.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Gilmore work his way into becoming the second cornerback off the board. Don't be surprised if he runs a very impressive 40 time, which would absolutely raise his stock.

No. 22 Zach Brown, Linebacker, North Carolina

Draft Stock Status: Dropping

The NFL's continued move towards more of a passing league increases the need for quick and athletic linebackers.

North Carolina's Zach Brown is an exceptional athlete with the quickness to make plays sideline to sideline. He's a four-down player capable of holding up in coverage and playing on special teams.

Brown makes the majority of his plays thanks to his athleticism but needs to do a better job of diagnosing plays. In the NFL, a player cannot get by on just his physical gifts. If that was the case, Brown would be a top-10 prospect.

However, it's also those gifts that make him such a versatile player. He boasts the ability to fit multiple positions in varying schemes.

No. 21 Cordy Glenn, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

Draft Stock Status: Rising

At 6'5", 346 pounds, most people assume that Georgia's Cordy Glenn is a heavy-footed offensive lineman.

However, his quick shuffle, balance and natural bend make him a legitimate left tackle prospect. During Senior Bowl week, he showed the ability to handle elite pass-rushers like North Carolina's Quinton Coples and South Carolina's Melvin Ingram.

While he has good quickness it isn't elite, which makes lining up at right tackle the best fit for Glenn. His combination of size and athletic ability gives him the potential to develop into one of the game's best right tackles.

Glenn might be at his best on the right side, but that shouldn't disqualify him as a left tackle. This type of versatility really increases his overall value and is something teams love.

No. 20 Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Penn State's Devon Still is the most disruptive interior defender in the entire 2012 draft class.

He excels at getting up the field and into the offensive backfield. His ability to both use a speed and power move makes him difficult to defend. There were points during the past season where he took over the game and appeared unstoppable.

Still will be the most valuable to a team looking for a three technique. A 4-3 defense that needs someone to gain penetration will need to consider adding him. For weeks, I mocked Still to the Denver Broncos who hold the 25th overall pick.

The only thing holding Still out of the top 10 is consistency. At times, he can disappear which is something that will concern a lot of teams.

No. 19 Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Getting caught up in a player's impressive athletic abilities can lead to problems, which is why a leader like Boston College's Luke Kuechly holds value.

He's a tireless worker who makes plays thanks to his instincts and athleticism. His ability to quickly diagnose developing plays helps him get into proper position.

Kuechly isn't an elite athlete but makes up for it with consistency and sound technique.

He's an immediate starter who contend for the team lead in tackles the second he steps on the field. Kuechly can be plugged in the middle of the defense and start for the next decade.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a major need at linebacker and appear to be a good fit.

No. 18 Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

The center position requires a player with a good combination of physical talents and football IQ.

Wisconsin's Peter Konz has a great feel for the game and knows how to read defensive formations. This allows him to make the necessary adjustments at the line. Inserting Konz in the middle of the offensive line will increase the all-around effectiveness of the unit.

Wisconsin's run-heavy, pro-style attack gave him the experience needed to make a seamless transition to the next level. Konz is ready to start from day one and anchor the interior of the offensive line for the next decade.

He could go as high as No. 14 to the Dallas Cowboys and shouldn't get past the Baltimore Ravens at No. 29.

No. 17 Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Ohio State's Mike Adams used the Senior Bowl to prove that he's capable of holding up at left tackle.

During both the week of practice and game, he showed fluid movements and the ability to reach the edge against speed rushers. He held top notch pass-rushers like North Carolina's Quinton Coples and Alabama's Courtney Upshaw in check.

His combination of size, quickness and balance make him the complete package. He's capable of both protecting the passer and opening running lanes. Adams' stock is on the rise, and he could come off the board just outside the top-10.

Left tackle prospects tend to move up the board as the draft approaches, and this definitely will be the case with Adams.

No. 16 Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Most of the top-level wide receiver prospects boast excellent size but lack elite speed and quickness. This will ultimately help Baylor's Kendall Wright climb up draft boards. His ability to quickly get in and out of his breaks makes him a dangerous weapon. Wright might be the most explosive offensive player in the entire draft class.

His quickness is what separates him for the pack, but it's not his only strength. He runs with great balance and fluidity, which allows him to create space. Wright will have no problem gaining separation at the next level. His versatility also helps his cause, as he could line up on the outside or in the slot.

There will be a few teams that prefer Wright to the other top prospects like Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery.

No. 15 Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Draft Stock Status: Slightly Dropping

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd boasts a great combination of size and speed which makes him a dangerous playmaker.

Floyd's ability to use his body to block out defenders helps him pull the ball down in traffic and bail out his quarterback. During his career at Notre Dame, he made tons of explosive plays down the field. He's capable of both attacking the deep part of the field and working the underneath routes.

Floyd's stock took a hit after he wasn't healthy enough to participate in the Senior Bowl. This was a missed opportunity, as he had a chance to make a push to be the first receiver off the board.

Ultimately, Floyd's a solid lock to be a first-round selection, and at this point, it's just a matter of how high he can climb.

No. 14 Melvin Ingram, Linebacker/Defensive End, South Carolina

Draft Stock Status: Rising

The more opportunity evaluators have to take a look at South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, the more they fall in love with his abilities. The NFL is made up of explosive athletes and versatile playmakers, this is especially true on the defensive side of the ball.

Ingram brings a ton of versatility as he's capable of lining up at outside linebacker, defensive end or defensive tackle. His strength is his athletic ability and initial burst which allows him to get up the field and pressure the quarterback. He would be an excellent fit at either outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment or defensive end in a 4-3 system.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets will absolutely make Ingram one of their top targets.

No. 13 Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Draft Stock Status: Falling

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery boasts excellent size and the ability to outleap defensive backs. His combination of size and leaping ability makes him an excellent red-zone threat. He would be the perfect teammate for a young quarterback struggling with consistency.

Jeffery may not boast elite speed but his crisp route running helps him gain separation. When he's unable to create space, he uses his bulk and strength to box out the defender. Any team looking for a offensive playmaker to team with a young and developing quarterback should absolutely target Jeffery.

He would be a great fit for a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars who need to surround Blaine Gabbert with more explosive weapons.

No. 12 David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Interior offensive linemen are starting to get more love in the draft.

The past few years we've seen players like Maurkice and Mike Pouncey work themselves into the top part of the first round. This year, Stanford's David DeCastro has a legitimate shot of making a push towards the top 10.

DeCastro is a technically sound and powerful guard. His ability to play with leverage and balance helps him open running lanes and protect the quarterback. He has the type of consistency and talent needed to anchor the interior of an offensive line for the next decade.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys will have DeCastro high on their draft board.

No. 11 Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Draft Stock Status: Falling

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick has the length and athletic ability needed to develop into an elite-level cornerback.

He prefers to play close the line of scrimmage which allows him to get his hands on the receiver and disrupt the timing of the route. This skill set makes him an excellent fit for teams looking to employ bump-and-run coverage.

His willingness to come up and support the run is something that defensive coordinators will love. These skills also make him a candidate to start his career making early contributions on special teams. He reminds me a lot of the Chicago Bears Charles Tillman, in that he's physical and possesses good ball skills.

Kirkpatrick's recent arrest on marijuana-related charges hurt his stock. Prior to the arrest, he was getting some attention as a possible top-10 pick. At this point, the Dallas Cowboys at No. 14 appear to be the most likely landing spot.

No. 10 Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is widely regarded as the top wide receiver prospect in this draft. Throughout his college career, Blackmon piled up a ton of explosive plays down the field. However, it's his consistency that makes him such a special prospect.

The upcoming combine will be huge for Blackmon's draft stock as his speed is the only question mark surrounding his game. If he goes out and runs an impressive time, he should crack the top five. However, his game isn't about speed, it's about toughness and crisp route running.

Blackmon is in play for the Cleveland Browns at No. 4 and possibly the St. Louis Rams at No. 2.

No. 9 Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Draft Stock Status: Rising

The NFL's continued push towards more of a passing league makes the left tackle position increasingly important. This fact helps increase the value of players like Iowa's Riley Reiff, who appears likely to come off the board in the top 10.

Reiff possesses good quickness and fluid movements which allows him to protect the edge. His ability to remain balanced helps him absorb contact and remain in position. In the running game, he fires off low and generates a good push off the line.

Look for the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills all to consider adding Reiff early in the first round.

No. 8 Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker/Defensive End, Alabama

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Alabama's Courtney Upshaw has the potential to step in and be an immediate different maker.

He does a great job playing both the run and rushing the passer. His ability to hold at the point of attack and set the edge really makes it difficult for opposing teams to establish a running attack.

He boasts a wide array of pass-rushing moves, possessing the strength to push the pocket and quickness to attack the edge. However, it's his good all-around play that makes him such a special prospect.

Upshaw's ideal fit would be at outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. He would a likely target for the Miami Dolphins at No. 8 or Buffalo Bills at No. 10.

No. 7 Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

North Carolina's Quinton Coples is the top pass-rusher in the 2012 draft class. He uses a combination of quickness and strength to get after the quarterback. His performance at the Senior Bowl helped answer any questions about his commitment to the game.

Defensive ends capable of creating pressure are a hot commodity in the NFL. Any team running a 4-3 alignment needs to be able to get after the quarterback with their front four.

Coples has the athletic ability needed to develop into a player like Julius Peppers or Mario Williams.

The Jacksonville Jaguars seem to be the perfect fit for Coples, as they desperately need a pass-rushing defensive end.

No. 6 Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

This draft class features three offensive tackles who could come off the board in the top 10.

USC's Matt Kalil possesses a combination of excellent size and athletic ability. He's a complete player who can come in and immediately solidify the left side of the offensive line.

Kalil's nasty streak helps make him a dominate run blocker. He uses his strength and leg drive to move defenders off the line. In the passing game, he possesses a natural bend which allows him to remain balanced.

I have Kalil ranked as my No. 2 offensive tackle because I question his ability to reach the edge against speed rushers. The pass-rushers in the NFL are much faster and experienced than those he faced in college.

No. 5 Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Stanford's Jonathan Martin fits the mold of the ideal NFL left tackle.

He has the size, quickness and fluid movements needed to protect the passer. The NFL's continued move towards a pass-heavy league means that offensive lineman need to be able to keep the quarterback upright.

Martin's quick feet and balance make him the top pass protector in this draft class. He needs to make some improvements as a run blocker, but he's more than capable of opening running lanes. His experience in the pro-style Stanford offense will help his transition to the next level.

The Minnesota Vikings at No. 3 would really benefit from the addition of Martin. They need to bring someone in to keep Christian Ponder upright.

No. 4 Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Running backs tend to fall a little come draft day, but Alabama's Trent Richardson could be the exception to that trend.

His combination of quickness and strength make him an excellent all-around threat. He's capable of running between the tackles and breaking off a long run.

Nobody would fault a team for selecting Richardson in the top-five of the draft. He compares to workhorse backs like the Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson. However, he actually might have more upside than Peterson because of his ability to contribute in the passing game.

Many feel that new Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano will want to bring in a workhorse back of his own. The presence of the controversial LeGarrette Blount shouldn't stop him for bringing in Richardson.

No. 3 Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

LSU's Morris Claiborne boasts the skill set needed to develop into a lockdown cornerback at the next level.

His fluid hips allow him to stick with all types of wide receivers and help limit separation. Claiborne also likes to play a physical brand of football, which helps him against the bigger targets.

However, it's his ball skills that make him a special talent. He's more than capable of pulling down an interception in key situations. Claiborne is a better pure cover man than Patrick Peterson who was selected at No. 5 in last year's draft.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a likely landing spot for the draft's top defensive back.

No. 2 Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Draft Stock Status: Rising

Baylor's Robert Griffin III is the draft's fastest-rising prospect and appears likely to be the second player selected. His ability to make plays with both his legs and arm make him a great candidate to make an early impact. Griffin III's strength is the way he attacks the deep part of the field with accuracy.

While at Baylor, he showed improved accuracy to all parts of the field. This improvement is one of the main reasons why he's considered such a good prospect. Don't stick Griffin III with the athlete label, as he has a true feel for the quarterback position.

The Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks all could look to make a move to land Griffin III.

No. 1 Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Draft Stock Status: Holding Steady

Stanford's Andrew Luck has been the top-rated prospect since the end of last year's draft.

He's the complete package of athletic ability, smarts and leadership. Luck's going to make an immediate impact and help improve the overall play of the team drafting him. Adding someone like Luck brings hope to a franchise, which can spark confidence in every player on the field.

The Indianapolis Colts have all but committed to selecting Luck with the top overall pick. This franchise is very lucky to be able to transition from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck. 

The future in Indianapolis is very bright based solely on the potential addition of Luck.