2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Most Exciting Pro Days

As we progress through the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, before the draft in April each prospect has a pro day for another chance to display their skill set once more.

The interesting aspect about pro days is that it's more of an individualized session, so it provides an even more distinctive evaluation of that particular player.

That said, here are the top pro days we're most excited to watch.

5. Trent Richardson: RB, Alabama

Alabama's Trent Richardson is easily the best running back in the 2012 NFL Draft, and after him, there's a significant drop off.

The drop off is so steep that it's possible that another back doesn't get selected until Round 2.

Therefore, with really no pressure whatsoever, Richardson should shine even brighter on his pro day. He's an expected Top 10 pick and has every tangible/intangible attribute you look for in a Brahma Bull.

He's 5'11", 224 pounds and quick as lightning. Perhaps his most impressive ability, though, is his acceleration once in the open field.

We know Richardson can bulldoze over any defender, and he's proven on more than one occasion to be quite agile in small spaces. But, after getting through the first level, provided that Richardson makes a linebacker miss, he can outrun most defensive backs or carry them for excellent yards after contact.

In the NFL, his ability to break tackles and power through front sevens will be vital to any offense. Include Richardson as a reliable pass-blocker and he's arguably the most complete player this draft has to offer.

4. Quinton Coples: DE, North Carolina

An athletic freak of nature, North Carolina's Quinton Coples stands at 6'6", weighs 280 pounds and can accelerate as fast, if not faster than anyone in the draft.

By comparison to his defensive line brethren, however, Coples significantly stands out.

He is a sack-master that also knows how to defend well against the run. If the play comes his way, Coples has the strength and quickness to set the edge, dip inside to make a play or bull-rush through the blocker and force the play elsewhere.

Against the pass, he explodes off the line and mainly uses brute force and momentum to first control then remove the blocker while fiercely applying pressure on the quarterback.

Although it's quite a stretch to compare him to Julius Peppers, there's no doubt that Coples has similar qualities. His length and agility bodes well when any play goes away from him, and if double-teamed, Coples' height and strength advantage allows him to knock any pass down.

Playing in a pass-oriented league where coverage needs all the help it can get, Coples' instincts may arguably be his most underrated attribute.

3. Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

Easily the top receiver in the draft, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon may not be insanely explosive; however, his efficiency is as good as it gets.

Whether it's a quick slant, receiver screen, deep ball or diving for a catch over the middle, Blackmon's sure hands provide a wide target for any quarterback in the pros. He has proven to beat double coverage, wins single coverage more often than not and is great at finding the zone's soft spots.

Blackmon's strength and size alone is impressive for a receiver and he's capable of becoming an immediate No. 1 target this fall.

Any franchise looking to improve the passing game will surely welcome his skill set, and what's even more impressive is his willingness to run-block.

We see a lot of receivers either run off defenders or shy away at times, especially when the play is away from them. Blackmon, however, has displayed great efforts in blocking despite not being overly dominant. He also has the strength and awareness to create lanes downfield.

In turn, this opens up the playbook for play-action pass, fake screens and double moves against the better pass defenses.

2. Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

The expected No. 1 overall draft pick, Stanford's Andrew Luck will simply take over the spotlight once again at his pro day.

His mobility, strong arm, fluid mechanics and ability to make adjustments on the fly will only be more noticeable when working alone for scouts.

Plus, what gives Luck and advantage over other prospects was Stanford's balanced offensive approach.

The Cardinal didn't simply rely on Luck to air it out all day; however, he was expected to completely control the game throughout. In other words, making audibles at the line, in-game adjustments, calling out blitzes and carrying out fakes.

Luck had to simply make sure that the defense was keyed in on him so that his teammates had less pressure to make plays. And in doing so, he created a more balanced attack that was as effective as any other offense in the land.

It wasn't so much his numbers as it was his game management skills that earned Andrew Luck his current NFL draft status.

1. Robert Griffin III: QB, Baylor

The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, Robert Griffin III and his pro day are No. 1 because he took over the college football world and never looked back.

Before the 2011 season began, Griffin was not largely known outside of Baylor. But after his video game-esque numbers through the first few weeks, everyone everywhere began to take notice.

Griffin never threw more than eight picks in a single college season and accounted for almost 5,000 total yards last season. The Baylor Bears had arguably the best season in school history going 10-3 and were the third in the Big 12.

He's definitely going to be closely watched at the combine. However, with other top prospects also sharing the screen time, Griffin will only enhance his exposure at his pro day.

With all the intangibles you want in a quarterback, Griffin's tangibles are just as impressive. His arm is strong, release is smooth and mobility is second-to-none. Not to mention he's not a pure scrambling quarterback, as he only does so when needed.

That being said, the most vital aspect to watch for is his mechanics from taking snaps under center. Since Griffin spent a lot of time in the shotgun formation, it's uncertain as to exactly how well he can consistently set up his feet, while keeping his eyes downfield and feeling the pass-rush.

John Rozum on Twitter.