2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Combine Invites Guaranteed to Go in First Round

As the 2012 NFL offseason gets underway, the first major event is February's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where hundreds of players from around the country will showcase their strength, speed and agility in an effort to impress NFL scouts.

For some players, the combine is a make-or-break event that can determine whether a player will be drafted at all, while for others a good or bad showing can mean the difference between being taken in the third round or the sixth.

However, for a select group of star players, the NFL Scouting Combine is as much a formality as anything, as unless they pick up a DUI on the way there, it's all but assured that those players will hear their names called on the draft's first day.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck may be the 2012 NFL Draft's presumptive first overall pick, but Baylor signal-caller and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin has generated even more buzz, with innumerable rumors circulating as to who might trade up in April's draft in an effort to secure Griffin's services.

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The 2011 consensus All-American and Jim Thorpe award winner as the nation's top defensive back, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne is widely viewed as the draft's top "shutdown" corner. Barring a disaster at the combine, the 6'0" Claiborne will likely be a top-five pick in April.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

After racking up over 2,000 total yards and scoring 24 touchdowns a year ago, Alabama running back Trent Richardson is the 2012 draft's top prospect at his position.

However, many teams have become less likely to burn high draft picks on ball carriers in recent years, so while Richardson may well be a top-10 talent, it's possible he won't hear his name called until the middle of the first round.

Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus was the king of the NCAA mountain where sacking the quarterback is concerned in 2011, racking up 16 sacks a year ago on his way to being named an All-American and the Ted Hendricks award winner.

There are some doubts as to whether Mercilus may have been a "one-year wonder," and he may be looking at a switch to 3-4 OLB in the pros, but his production last season is awfully hard to ignore.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

After compiling over 3,300 receiving yards, 38 touchdowns, and back-to-back Biletnikoff awards as the top wideout in college football over the past two seasons, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon is easily the draft's top pass-catching prospect. It's highly unlikely that he'll make it past the first five picks in April.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

At 6'6" and 285 pounds, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples is an imposing figure, and while his senior season was something of a disappointment, Coples boosted his stock with a strong showing at last month's Senior Bowl.

Not all draft pundits agree with my assessment that Coples is a top-10 pick, but regardless, his combination of size, quickness and versatility all but ensure that Coples won't have to wait too long to hear Roger Goodell call his name.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Offensive tackle Mike Adams of Ohio State may not be as hot a prospect as USC left tackle Matt Kalil, nor does he possess the pedigree of Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin.

However, the 6'8", 320-pound Adams was a second-team all Big 10 performer in 2011. Given his ability to play nearly any position on the offensive line and the premium placed on quality blockers in the draft, Adams will most likely go somewhere around 20th overall.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Were it not for the issues that led to cornerback Janoris Jenkins being dismissed from the University of Florida, there would be no question as to Jenkins' first-round draft status, as the talented youngster may well have been a top-10 pick.

However, Jenkins kept out of trouble at North Alabama and had an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl, propelling himself back into consideration for selection in the middle of Round 1.

Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Arizona State inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict is a dominant talent, with 6'3", 250-pound size, great speed and a terrific burst off the line of scrimmage.

Unfortunately Burfict also developed a reputation for taking plays off and picking up stupid penalties while in Tempe.

There will be risk involved, but some team towards the back end of the first round may be apt to gamble that they can coach Burfict up and get him to realize his immense potential.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has the sort of frame that NFL scouts drool over, and the 6'4" Gamecocks standout saved one of the best games of his collegiate career for last, roasting Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard to the tune of four catches for 148 yards and a score in the Capital One Bowl.

The biggest question mark with Jeffery is straight-line speed, but should Jeffery be able to run in the high 4.4s in the 40 yard dash at the combine, it's possible he could vault himself into the top-15 overall picks.