2012 NFL Draft: Top 5 Oregon Ducks Prospects and Where They'll Land

Coming off a 45-38 Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, the Oregon Ducks will be without some key players going forward in 2012. The starting quarterback and running back both left early to pursue their pro careers, and nine were lost to graduation. Cliff Harris was forced to forgo his senior season due to disciplinary issues that resulted in being dismissed from the team.

In total, 12 players are hoping to get selected in April's NFL draft, each of which made an impact for Oregon on the field.  

While it's almost certain all 12 won't accomplish their dream of going pro, many questions still surround who will be taken and when. 

1. LaMichael James, RB

LaMichael James is undoubtedly Oregon's top prospect and one of the top running backs in this year's draft class. He has blazing speed and is small but extremely tough to bring down. He probably isn't a featured back right away in the league, but I expect James do great things in the NFL and he can be a change-of-pace back at the least in his rookie season.

James will most likely go in Round 2 or 3, and there's a long list of teams in need of a running back.

Probable destination: San Diego Chargers

Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester are both free agents and it is unlikely the Chargers will be able to re-sign both players. If neither Hester nor Tolbert re-signs, San Diego's next best option out of the backfield after Ryan Mathews is Curtis Brinkley.

James would provide a LaDainian Tomlinson-esque look out of the backfield; a compact package of elusiveness and strength. He also had some success on special teams for the Ducks, returning 13 punts for 139 yards and a touchdown in 2011.

2. Cliff Harris, CB

Despite disciplinary issues that kept him sidelined for games in 2010 and 2011, and eventually led to his dismissal, Cliff Harris is still on many teams' radars as a defensive back and kick/punt returner.

As a sophomore in 2010 Harris showed off his explosiveness and playmaking ability by returning four punts for touchdowns as well as tallying six interceptions and taking one back for a score.

He only appeared in six games in 2011 due to suspension, but Harris should still be a mid-round pick.

Probable destination: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota had one of the worst pass defenses in the league in 2011, giving up more than 4,000 yards through the air and intercepting just eight passes all season.

The Vikings also averaged just 8.4 yards per punt return with no touchdowns, so Harris could help out in both areas.  

3. David Paulson, TE

David Paulson was a game-changer at Oregon and will be as well in the NFL. The 6'3'', 243-pound tight end rarely drops a pass and possesses good speed and athleticism along with solid blocking skills.

Paulson raised his draft stock in 2011 by averaging 14.1 yards per reception to lead Oregon receivers with at least 20 catches and added six scores.

Probable destination: Miami Dolphins

Anthony Fasano is a legitimate starting tight end and has worked out well in Miami. Second on the depth chart is Will Yeatman, who has never caught a pass in the NFL.

Paulson could see heavy playing time for the Dolphins and certainly grab some goal-line scores. Look for him to be selected in the fourth or fifth round. 

4. Mark Asper, OT

Mark Asper was a three-year starter on the offensive line for Oregon, and although he's 26 years old, he was one of the Ducks' best blockers throughout his career in Eugene.

At nearly 6'7'' and 322 pounds, Asper surely has the size of an NFL tackle. The only thing holding him back is his age, as he completed a two-year religious mission commitment prior to playing football at Oregon.

Probable destination: St. Louis Rams

Although the Rams will most likely address their needs along the offensive line in an early round, they need as much help as they can get. They were dead last in the league in allowing 55 sacks and tied for last with 114 quarterback hits.

Asper probably won't be taken until the sixth or seventh round if at all, but the Rams could certainly use him up front. 

5. Eddie Pleasant, LB/S

While many will remember Eddie Pleasant for his unfortunate non-tackle on Michael Dyer in the BCS title game, true Oregon fans will remember him for being hard-hitting, hardworking and always full of energy on the field for the Ducks.

Pleasant made the switch from linebacker to safety in 2010 and proved his versatility as well as durability. He was among team leaders in tackles every season and was always on the field, racking up 61 total tackles and three interceptions his senior season.

Probable destination: Buffalo Bills

Andra Davis, Kirk Morrison and Reggie Torbor are all free agents, and the Buffalo linebacking corps is pretty depleted without them. The Bills will most likely sign at least one, but it could open the door for Pleasant to get some playing time on special teams and as a reserve backer.

I don't know if Pleasant has the speed necessary to be a safety in the NFL, but he's good enough to make the switch back to linebacker. A team like Buffalo could take a chance on him in the sixth or seventh round.