2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Mid-Round Prospects That Came out Too Early

Every NFL Draft we see numerous prospects who left college a year early to make an impact on pro football. With that said, obviously the more who leave early increase the odds of more legit players.

However, we must also remember that the odds are also increased in regards to the players who came out too early and fizzled.

So, here are some projected mid-rounders who should have stayed for one more year, as they would have been much more prepared in 2013. 

Chris Given: WR, Wake Forest

Right now Chris Givens is an expected fourth-round pick. He has a good size to be a No. 2 or slot receiver and had a solid 2011 season with 1,330 yards on 83 receptions and nine touchdowns.

That was, however, Givens' only legitimately productive college season, as he compiled just 35 receptions for 514 yards a year earlier. He actually had a better freshman campaign, with 45 catches for 629 yards and eight touchdowns, but it's clear there was development after 2010.

Still, against weaker ACC's pass defenses as the Demon Deacons' most productive player, another season would have established Givens as more NFL-ready. Consistency against tougher opponents is concerning, but another season would have negated any major flags.

Ronnie Hillman: RB, San Diego State

There's no doubt that Ronnie Hillman can do some solid work in the pros. But, he's just a red-shirt sophomore and didn't play against serious competition on a week-to-week basis.

Make no mistake about it: his size, speed, athleticism and quickness make him an ideal third-round pick. In the NFL though, with just two college seasons under his belt, Hillman will be subject to a limited role on third-downs or any intermediate passing situations (best case-scenario).

Now, he did gain over 3,200 rushing yards and score 38 touchdowns between 2010 and '11, however another year in college would have bolted him up into round one. Especially since guys like LaMichael James, Trent Richarson, Chris Polk and Doug Martin are also in this draft.

Ronnie simply missed the opportunity to be showcased on a higher scale in 2013.

Marcus Forston: DT, Miami (Fla.)

The biggest flag about Marcus Forston is not his ability—it's his health and durability.

Considered a late second/early third-round pick, Forston played in just three games of 2011 before missing the rest due to injury. So, being that he's also a red-shirt junior, Forston simply didn't have that long of a college career for scouts to evaluate.

As a freshman in 2008 he recorded three sacks in a limited role while having to sit in 2009 with a medical red-shirt. Returning in 2010, it was a respectable season with three sacks and 37 tackles, but nothing that would awe scouts.

He's also a bit undersized for a defensive tackle at 6'3", 300 pounds, but it could work in a 4-3 look. However, Forston simply has too may injuries despite decent production when on the field—that is of great concern any way you slice it.

In short, he's of no use when on the sideline.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Mohamed Sanu, WR (Rutgers)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Brandon Thompson, DE (Clemson)	32. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

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