2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting First-Round Prospects Who Will Drop to Round 2

It's not so much that the following players aren't worth a first-round selection, it's just that there are some minor concerns that will drop them into the second-round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

After all, regardless of the prospect and when they are drafted, all picks are risky as the draft remains an inexact science.

That being said, let's look at some potential first-rounders who will slip into round two.

Ryan Tannehill, QB (Texas A&M)

One major concern about Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill is that he missed the Senior Bowl due to injury.

Put that aside though and we see that Tannehill also has just one full legit college season under center. In 2010 he played in a lot more in the second half of the season, so it was clear that 2011 was his big chance.

Well, Tannehill did have a solid campaign with 3,744 passing yards, 306 rushing yards and 33 total touchdowns (29 passing).

He does have solid size at 6'4", 220 pounds, but needs to be more patient in the pocket. Although Tannehill has great mobility, that won't fly on a consistent basis in the NFL.

Now, include his injury and it would be surprising to see him get taken in Round 1, though, a lot obviously depends on his combine and pro day performances. However, with limited experience at the helm, Tannehill has a lot of ground to make up.

Lamar Miller, RB (Miami, Fla.)

Much like Ryan Tannehill, one concern about Miami's Lamar Miller is his experience.

With just one full season where he significantly contributed, Miller is still an expected first-rounder. Now, he has a great upside, entering the draft as a redshirt sophomore, so it's obvious that he has a high level of natural talent.

Then again, there are also durability concerns as he did play hurt and also, wasn't the lone Brahma Bull for the Hurricanes.

That said, Miller gained 1,272 rushing yards and scored nine touchdowns in 2011. He also served as a kickoff returner, compiling 376 yards on 15 returns, with one touchdown, between 2010 and 2011.

That added dimension does make him more appealing, along with his 5'11", 212-pound frame.

Still, Miller must prove that he can play at that level on a consistent basis. Teams will take that inexperience into consideration because had he remained for one more year, Miller could have been a top-10 pick.

However, he's likely to fall out of Round 1. That being said, it's not a deep draft for running backs, it wouldn't be surprising to see someone take him higher than expected.

Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

Definitely one of the few bright spots on a Mississippi State team that disappointed in 2011, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will go overlooked in Round 1 because of other guys like Devon Still and Jerel Worthy,  not to mention all the other SEC defensive players expected to go in Round 1.

Cox sits on the edge of Round 1 as it is.

Fortunately for Fletcher however, he had a solid season with five sacks, 56 tackles and two blocked kicks. For a defensive tackle in the SEC these numbers are worthy of first-round consideration.

And, if Cox has an impressive NFL Combine and pro day, the odds of him going in the first round only increase. Other than him going under the radar though, Cox does need to improve as a wrapping tackler, and not just rely on his upper-body strength.

Pro running backs will blast through arm tackles and won't fumble either. If he can improve as a tackler, that will only generate more recognition.

He's also not your ideal 3-4 nose tackle, so a 4-3 tackle will work in the pros. What it comes down to is if he can consistently beat one-on-one blocks and make plays when the ball comes to his side. We'll get a glimpse of his potential at the combine.

Brandon Thompson, DT (Clemson)

As part of a Clemson defense that allowed 29.3 points and 176 rushing yards per game, it would not be the least bit surprising if Brandon Thompson dropped into Round 2.

Now, he is one of the Tigers' defenders who stands out a bit compared to their offense (Andre Branch is another), but that doesn't make him a premier prospect.

Thompson simply needs to learn how to use his strength and quickness at all times. He gets a good read of the snap and fires out, but has trouble getting off blocks and really bringing the pain on tackles. In most cases, wrestling a ball carrier down occurred more than a tough hit.

Still, Thompson does have great pass rushing skills as evidenced by his 2011 campaign where he recorded three sacks, 47 tackles and two quarterback hurries. He was also subject to some double-teams as one of Clemson's main threats in the front seven.

Then again, it's not like the ACC was overly dominant at running the football. And if we learned anything from the Orange Bowl, it's that explosive offenses like West Virginia were no match for him and the Tigers defense.

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: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
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: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

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