2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Top Second-Rounders Who Are First-Round Talent

Being a considered second-round pick is certainly not the worst situation to be in when we're talking about the NFL Draft.

Still, there are players who get passed up because of size, school and/or their position in comparison to their prospect counterparts. That being said, here are some projected second-rounders who are worthy of a first-round look.

Stephon Gilmore: CB, South Carolina

Easily overlooked at his position because of other SEC corners such as Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick, South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore also goes somewhat under the radar having played with Melvin Ingram and 2011's freshman phenom Jadeveon Clowney.

With a 6'1", 193-pound frame, Gilmore is ideal size and, provided he develops quickly, could also see time as a safety rolling down to cover slot receivers or sitting back in cover-2 or cover-3. For his career, Gilmore recorded 181 tackles defended 23 passes and made seven picks.

He's an excellent edge-run support defender and brings the pain with every hit. Gilmore will likely be used as a nickel/dime back as a rookie but can really make an impact at corner sooner than later.

Vinny Curry: DE, Marshall

An explosive defender who has a knack for causing turnovers and getting to the quarterback, Marshall's Vinny Curry was quite consistent throughout his college career.

Between his final two seasons Curry recorded 23 sacks and forced nine fumbles (seven in 2011). He also blocked three kicks as a senior and made 230 tackles from 2009 through 2011.

While Curry's 6'3, 265-pound frame may seem a bit undersized, his tenacity and jump off the snap will more than make up for it.

In the pros, Curry because of his size, would make a great 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker that solely pass rushes. While it may be a stretch comparison, the best pro example would be Baltimore's Terrell Suggs. There's no denying the potential and similar knack for finding the football that Curry has.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

Despite still being a considered second-round pick, Utah State's Bobby Wagner is mostly unknown since he played in the WAC.

While obviously not against extreme competition on a weekly basis, Wagner still recorded 445 tackles in his career and defended seven passes. He has a great size/speed combo at 6', 240 pounds that was showcased at the Senior Bowl.

There, Wagner led the north with seven tackles, broke up one pass while also intercepting another. Against easily the best competition he's faced all year, Wagner dominated on a big stage.

Include his ability as a sure/reliable tackler in and out of the box and awareness while in coverage, and Wagner is a complete linebacker.

Coby Fleener: TE, Stanford

It's definitely easy to overlook Stanford tight end Coby Fleener when he was part of an offense that included Andrew Luck, Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro, all expected top 15 selections.

However, Fleener was an important part of the Cardinal offense and their ability to keep a balanced attack.

Fleener may have only caught 62 passes for 1,101 yards between 2010 and 2011 but 17 went for touchdowns and he averaged almost 20 yards per catch as a senior.

Additionally, Fleener knows how to run-block with the best of them as the Cardinal loved to slam the rock on the ground. Fleener's size (6'6", 245 pounds) and quickness will greatly benefit when blocking defensive ends and linebackers.

Not to mention, since he's so great at receiving, knowing how to effectively use his hands for blocking will pay dividends.

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)

Follow John Rozum on Twitter.