2012 NFL Draft Projections: Alshon Jeffery and Stars Teams Must Not Pass on

In every NFL Draft teams pass up on college stars that they shouldn't have, like when Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots passed on Clay Matthews and when Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys passed on Randy Moss.

Even though some players enter the professional ranks with some character issues and other distractions, many of them are worth drafting if you have a good combination of strong coaching and veteran leadership.

Let's look at three college stars teams cannot afford to pass on in the 2012 NFL Draft in April.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has been interestingly falling on some NFL Draft boards and I cannot understand why. Sure, he's had his issues at South Carolina, like being ejected from their bowl game against Nebraska this season, but his talent is immense.

Jeffery has good speed and also runs his routes quite well. His size and strength allows him to win balls in the air, even over bigger defenders.

Jeffery has the potential to be a top five wide receiver in the NFL someday and a team that needs a playmaker on offense or a receiver would be foolish to pass on him anywhere outside the top five picks.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Former Florida Gators cornerback Janoris Jenkins has had off-field issues in his past that teams may worry about, but there's no questioning his talent as a spectacular cornerback.

Jenkins has good coverage skills and is also an improved tackler. I would project he'll be taken between picks 13-20 and could really help a team who is a playmaker in the secondary away from contending for the playoffs.

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk is everything you want in a physical, strong NFL rusher. He has good vision, good size and runs behind blockers exceptionally. He is a first round talent that could really upgrade a running attack such as the New York Jets or Green Bay Packers.

One of Polk's few weaknesses is pass protection, which was apparent at some of the Senior Bowl practices. However, this is an area he can certainly improve on with good coaching and effort at the NFL level.

Teams would be foolish to pass on a running back with the talent Polk has.

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