2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 25 Underclassmen Prospects

The 2012 NFL draft features a record 65 underclassmen who will make their presence felt come April. My overall top-10 big board features eight underclassman, including the entire top five. There's a possibility that we don't see a single senior come off the board in the first 10 picks.

Underclassmen dominating the first round of the draft isn't a new trend, and it doesn't appear to be coming to an end anytime soon. Next season, we'll see another large amount of youngsters leaving college early to earn money in the NFL.

Here are my top-25 underclassmen in the 2012 NFL Draft.

25. Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker, Oklahoma

Potential Landing Spots: Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and San Diego Chargers

Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis used a strong 2011 season to propel himself into a potential second-round prospect. His stock is based on his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Lewis uses good snap awareness and a quick first step to fire off the football. His quick get-off allows him to attack the edge.

Lewis still needs to develop some counter moves and find consistency. However, his athleticism makes him a potential double-digit sack producer. At this point, he appears likely to come off the board late in the second round.

His ideal position is at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

24. Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

Potential Landing Spots: New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets and Chicago Bears

The overwhelming success of tight ends like Rob Gronkowski has brought a little more value to the position. Having a tight end capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches can significantly increase a team's offensive explosiveness.

Georgia's Orson Charles has the quickness and ball skills needed to contribute in the passing game.

During his career at Georgia, Charles showed that he's a matchup problem for most defenses. His combination of size and speed makes it difficult to defend him with just one player. A team like the New York Giants could really use a playmaking tight end like Charles.

His athleticism and potential give him a shot of cracking the first round, but it seems more likely he comes off the board in Round 2.

23. Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami

Potential Landing Spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns

Miami's Lamar Miller is kind of flying under the radar, but that will all change after the combine. He's easily one of the most explosive running backs available in the 2012 draft. Miller's ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him a very attractive prospect.

However, he isn't just a home run threat, as he also shows good consistency. The fact he runs behind his pads and keeps his legs driving allows him to pick up yards after initial contact. Miller is battling Boise State's Doug Martin to be the second running back to come off the board.

The first round isn't out of the question, but there's a strong possibility he slips into the second round.

22. Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

Potential Landing Spots: New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finding a tight end who can contribute as both a pass catcher and run blocker is key. However, these type of prospects aren't easy to find. This gives Clemson's Dwayne Allen more value and a slight edge over the other tight end prospects.

Allen is a polished pass catcher with the speed needed to stretch the field. His leaping ability allows him to attack the ball at its highest point. Allen's development as a blocker really elevated his draft stock and makes him a legitimate first-round prospect.

He would be a great fit at the end of the first round to the New York Giants.

21. Chandler Jones, Linebacker, Syracuse

Potential Landing Spots: New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers

Syracuse's Chandler Jones reminds me a lot of San Francisco 49er standout Aldon Smith. He boasts the quickness and initial burst needed to attack the edge. However, it's his non-stop motor that makes him such a dangerous pass rusher.

The majority of Jones' experience is at defensive end, but he's fluid enough to make the move to outside linebacker. Any team running a 3-4 defense and looking for a pass-rushing linebacker must consider adding Jones. Expect to see his stock soar after the combine, as he will post very impressive numbers.

At this point, Jones is a fringe first-rounder but his upside could push him into the mid-first round range.

20. Nick Perry, Defensive End/Linebacker, USC

Potential Landing Spots: New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers

USC's Nick Perry is an intriguing prospect because of his ability to rush the quarterback. His quick burst allows him to reach the edge and flatten out. He also does a good job getting inside hand placement and pushing the pocket. However, he's a bit of a tweener with no defined position at the next level.

His lack of a position makes him a bit of a risky pick. I see him as more of a defensive end than a linebacker, which would limit his potential landing spots. However, the fact that he can get after the quarterback gives him value.

Perry figures to come off the board in the late first to early second-round range.

19. Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Potential Landing Spots: Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks

At times, Michigan State's Jerel Worthy flashed the potential to be a top-15 pick. His best asset is his ability to get into the offensive backfield. He possesses the quickness to penetrate the gaps and the strength to collapse the pocket. Worthy reminds me a lot of Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley.

The best fit for his skill set would be at the 3-technique position in a 4-3 defensive scheme. This would allow him to get upfield and disrupt the timing of the offense. Look for someone like the Denver Broncos to look at Worthy late in the first round.

18. Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Potential Landing Spots: Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams

We could see as many as six wide receivers come off the board in the first round of the 2012 draft. Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu has put himself squarely in that discussion. He combines good size with quick-twitch ability to allow him to gain separation.

Sanu is able to pick up yards after the catch, giving him an added dimension to his game. His versatility permits him to line up either in the slot or on the outside. He's still a bit raw with his best football still ahead of him.

The San Francisco 49ers could really use a talented pass catcher like Sanu.

17. Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Potential Landing Spot: Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens

Last year, Ryan Mallett saw the impact that maturity questions could have on a draft stock. Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict figures to face similar issues. Burfict is a top-10 talent whose draft stock took a hit because of poor decisions. Unlike Mallett, he still figures to come off the board somewhere in the first round.

Burfict's athleticism allows him to make plays from sideline to sideline. He plays with great tenacity, which facilitates his playmaking ability. His biggest obstacle heading into the NFL is finding the balance between aggressive and out-of-control.

A team like the Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens could offer the stability needed to get the most out of Burfict's talent.

16. Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU

Potential Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots

LSU's Michael Brockers may be one of the toughest prospects to project. He possesses excellent size, quickness and strength but has limited experience. During his time at LSU, Brockers flashed skills that could make him unblockable at the next level. However, consistency was a problem for the young defensive tackle.

Investing an early draft pick on a player with such limited playing time is a major risk. Playing the upside game could lead to over-drafting and a wasted pick. However, Brockers' physical abilities and flashes have evaluators seeing stars.

Brockers could make a push into the top-10 but would equal greater value towards the end of the first round.

15. Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End/Linebacker, Illinois

Potential Landing Spots: New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers

One of the quickest ways to build a strong draft resume is by showing the ability to rush the passer. Illinois' Whitney Mercilus' 16-sack season propelled him into the first-round discussion. He used a combination of quickness and hand usage to work his way toward the quarterback.

Mercilus played defensive end at Illinois but possesses the athleticism needed to move to linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. Either way, his main job will be getting into the backfield and generating pressure on the quarterback. A strong showing at the combine could push him into the top-15 discussion.

14. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Possible Landing Spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers

Tough, athletic and physical cornerbacks like South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore tend to rise in the draft. They offer scheme versatility and come with less risk than other defensive back prospects. Gilmore isn't just a bump-and-run cornerback, as his short-area burst makes him a good candidate to excel in a zone system.

Expect to see Gilmore's stock rise after the combine, as many have overlooked his athletic ability. Not many prospects in this draft feature the athleticism and toughness of Gilmore.

He would be a great fit for team that runs a cover-2 defense like the Chicago Bears.

13. Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Potential Landing Spots: Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants

Boston College's Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine who is always around the football. His ability to quickly read post-snap information consistently puts him in position to make a play. Kuechly's feel for the game and football IQ make him one of the top linebackers in this class.

A team like the Philadelphia Eagles who are picking at No. 15 would be crazy to pass up on Kuechly. He's the type of leader and consistent playmaker they need to help improve their defense. His play will also make those around him better.

12. Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Potential Landing Spots: Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants

Wisconsin's Peter Konz is far and away the best center prospect available in the 2012 draft. His combination of physical abilities and football smarts will help him make an immediate impact. Konz's experience at Wisconsin prepared him to have a smooth transition to the next level.

The Baltimore Ravens are a strong candidate to pull the trigger on Konz late in the first round. They face the possibility of having to replace Matt Birk, who is considering retirement. The importance of good center play shouldn't be underestimated.

11. Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Potential Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans

The size and leaping ability of South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery make him a very dangerous playmaker. He's the type of big-bodied receiver who helps make life easier on a young quarterback. The fact that he can out jump/muscle most defensive backs allows him to pull down poorly-thrown balls.

Jeffery's effectiveness in the red zone is another major contributor to his value. The Jacksonville Jaguars would be wise to consider bringing Jeffery in to help Blaine Gabbert. His best chance at developing into a good quarterback depends on the weapons put around him.

10. David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Potential Landing Spots: Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals

Interior offensive linemen have slowly started to gain more attention in the draft. Prospects like Mike lupati, Mike Pouncey and Maurkice Pouncey all came off the board in the middle of the first round. Stanford's David DeCastro has a legitimate shot of cracking the top 15 and an outside chance of working his way into the top 10.

His ability to win in the trenches will help an offense improve both the running and passing game. DeCastro's leadership brings added value, as he could potentially make some adjustments at the line. Any team drafting DeCastro can immediately plug him into the starting lineup and expect solid play for the next decade.

9. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Potential Landing Spots: Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick possesses the skill set necessary to develop into a top-notch cornerback in the NFL. He's an aggressive defender who loves to play close to the line of scrimmage. His long arms help his effectiveness in bump-and-run coverage. Kirkpatrick also has no issue supporting the run.

His most likely destination appears to be at No. 14 to the Dallas Cowboys. Their current starting tandem of Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins didn't perform at a high level last season. Kirkpatrick would be able to step in and replace either Newman or Jenkins.

8. Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Potential Landing Spots: St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins

There's more than a handful of teams in the top 10 looking to add a playmaking wide receiver. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon will be near the top of many team's big boards. He's an aggressive player who continuously works to gain position. His feel for the field allows him to find the open zones in the defense.

Look for the St. Louis Rams and Cleveland Browns to be the two most aggressive teams moving to land Blackmon. Both lack an explosive playmaker on the outside to help their young and developing quarterback. Blackmon's size and aggressiveness make him a good target for either Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy.

7. Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Potential Landing Spots: Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills

The 2012 draft could see as many as three offensive tackles come off the board in the top 10. Iowa's Riley Reiff is fighting to ensure he's one of the first tackles selected. He boasts the quick feet, balance and anchor needed to be an effective pass blocker. The fact that he projects as a left tackle will be one of the main reasons he's an early first-round pick.

There's a lot of time between now and the actual draft, which gives someone like Reiff a chance to continue to climb. Some feel he's the top-rated offensive lineman available, while others have him ranked lower. However, most feel Reiff is a solid first-round prospect.

6. Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Potential Landing Spots: St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

USC's Matt Kalil has the frame and athleticism needed to develop into an elite offensive tackle. He does a good job using his length to keep defenders off his body. This space allows him to control, generate a push and protect the passer.

Kalil's strength is as a run blocker, as he does an excellent job both sealing and moving defenders off the line. He shows a quick enough shuffle to reach the edge and stymie speed rushers. However, I have some concerns about his change-of-direction ability. These concerns with his fluidity are what puts him at No. 2 in my offensive tackle ranking.

5. Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Potential Landing Spots: St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The NFL's continued movement to a pass-oriented league increases the need for offensive lineman capable of protecting the quarterback. Stanford's Jonathan Martin earns the title of my top-rated offensive lineman mainly because of his protection skills.

His quick feet, balance and fluid movements make him the top pass protector in this draft class. He isn't an elite run blocker but is above average in this area. Martin's draft stock varies depending on which person you talk too, but for me he's worthy of a top-five selection.

4. Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Potential Landing Spots: Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets

The running back position has become about splitting the load and having a specialty. However, there are still backs like Arian Foster who are capable of doing it all. Alabama's Trent Richardson is in the mold of Foster, as he can be an every-down back.

Richardson not only picks up the tough yardage, but he also possesses the speed to score from anywhere on the field. However, it's his ability to contribute in the passing game that makes him that three-down player. There's a chance Richardson slides a little on draft day, but don't count out a top-five selection. 

3. Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Potential Landing Spots: St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Darrelle Revis' impact on the New York Jets defense helped show the importance of having a lockdown cornerback. LSU's Morris Claiborne boasts the quick burst and fluid hips needed to develop into a shutdown coverman. This skill set is what will likely propel him into the top half of the first round.

Claiborne should be targeted by teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. There doesn't seem to be a scenario where he drops out of the top-10 picks. Somebody is going to get a terrific coverman and hard worker in Claiborne.

2. Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Potential Landing Spots: Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback is arguably the most important position on a football team. This fact pushes quarterback prospects up draft boards and ahead of other prospects. Baylor's Robert Griffin III has seen his stock skyrocket this season. However, he boasts the skill set worthy of such a high ranking.

Griffin III's speed gets a lot of attention, but he's a much better passer than most realize. His ability to accurately push the ball down the field helps make him a special prospect. To me, he's one of the best deep passers to come along in years.

There's no reason to believe that Griffin III won't be the second player selected this April.

1. Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Potential Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts is going to happen no matter how the Peyton Manning situation plays out. He's a once-in-a-decade type prospect who figures to step in and immediately make the Colts more competitive. Not many franchises have an opportunity to replace a Peyton Manning with an Andrew Luck.

Adding Luck helps immediately improve the Colts, but more importantly, it gives them a long-term replacement for Manning. Indianapolis is breaking in a new coaching staff, and there's no better way to do that than drafting a can't-miss quarterback prospect.