NFL Draft 2012: Top Prospects with Most Compelling Draft Storylines

The NFL draft process is more than just numbers.

Work-out times, height and weight measurements and college statistics are certainly a part of the process, but there are plenty of other factors involved as well.

Indeed, while all of those things matter for the teams in the NFL, the fans are moved more by the stories of the players.

Storylines are what makes the NFL draft so compelling and why it has become the juggernaut it is. For every fanbase in the league, it is a ray of hope—a chance for every team to chalk up a "W" for the day.

This year has a number of compelling storylines surrounding top prospects as well as the teams that will be selecting them.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The biggest storyline in the draft is set to explode. The Colts have a no-brainer decision to make regarding their franchise quarterback Peyton Manning and the $28 million roster bonus he's due on March 8th.

When they decide to cut him rather than pay him the money, Andrew Luck will be expected to take over the franchise immediately.

Fortunately, he's more than capable of being a rookie starter and could even excel in the role. The Colts have no choice and it will become the most talked about portion of the draft until Round 1 is complete. 

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The race for the No. 2 quarterback is going to be extremely interesting. However, what's even more interesting is the fact that RG3 will rock scouting combine later this month and drive his stock through the roof.

There are a number of QB-needy teams right now, but the two clubs at No. 2 and No. 3 would be better suited to moving down the draft board. This means somebody is going to come flying up the draft for the Heisman Trophy winner.

The question is, who it is going to be?

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

A dropped marijuana charge leaves the Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback in position to re-establish his draft stock as a potential Top-10 pick.

Kirkpatrick has a rare combination of size, speed, athleticism and experience and will make a team very, very happy.

His elite potential makes him an intriguing option for a number of teams, but it will be interesting to see who bites. 

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The former Florida Gator is on the road to completely redeeming himself from his embarrassing dismissal in Gainesville last spring.

Jenkins is a supremely gifted cover man with playmaking skills and a knack for the big play.

How he handles himself at the combine, most importantly in the interview room, after his Senior Bowl performance will go a long way towards elevating his stock.