2012 NFL Draft Projections: Projecting the Most Controversial Players

It’s the middle of mock draft season, and everyone is catching scouting fever as we inch closer to the NFL combine.

There is a nearly limitless number of projected mock-ups for these potential first-round picks for the 2012 NFL draft.

Sure, we know that Andrew Luck is probably becoming an Indianapolis Colt, but the final resting place of the remainder of the potential players in this draft are somewhat open to debate.

While some first-round prospects appear more interchangeable, there’s a handful of players that are, shall we say, a little more controversial.

And we aren’t just talking about a player’s bad behavior off the field.

We’re talking about players with high stocks whose experience level, health, attitude, what-have-you, makes them a risky pick.

Here is a projection of some of the 2012 draft’s most controversial players.  Let's start off with a Heisman-winning quarterback whose landing place could snowball the entire top of the first round.

Robert Griffin III

Mock draft aficionados seem set on Robert Griffin III going to Cleveland. However, it’s more likely that another team would trade up for the Heisman winner; the Browns aren’t going to be investing in anyone other than Colt McCoy.

In the event that the Browns don’t take the Baylor QB—and no team trades up for him—he could make following teams in need of a quality QB quickly re-think their picks, turning him into a controversial pick in the process.

Now, this isn’t a dig at RG3—he has immense power behind his throwing arm, incredible accuracy, an intelligent style of play and size in his favor.

He is, without a doubt, worthy of that 2011 Heisman Trophy and deserving of a top-5 draft slot—just not necessarily a slot with the Browns.

Cleveland already has two quarterbacks. It makes more sense to work with McCoy to improve his ability to get the ball down the field and give the offense more options. If anything, Cleveland should look to capitalize on McCoy’s ability to manage the running game and pick up Trent Richardson from Alabama.

RG3 not going in the anticipated No. 4-pick spot will affect how the next couple of teams draft players.

The Washington Redskins, with the No. 6 pick, are looking for a quarterback, and could snatch up RG3—if he’s still available—in place of Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill. 

Ryan Tannehill

Despite breaking the fifth metatarsal in his foot just before the Senior Bowl and a surgery that will keep him out of the combine, Tannehill is still considered to be a top first-round pick.

The once-receiver posted 5,450 passing yards and 42 touchdowns in his college career, even though he didn’t become a starting quarterback until halfway through the 2010 season.

Tannehill’s Achilles' heel is, no doubt, his setup and release, which would come from a player without as much experience in the QB position. However, he has good accuracy and a strong NFL-caliber arm.

But Tannehill has only 19 collegiate starts under his belt, making him a controversial pick-up. And if RG3 is still available after the No.4 pick, a team looking for a quarterback—like No. 6 Washington—might go for the more experienced player.

Brandon Weeden

Brandon Weeden’s road to the draft is reminiscent of "The Rookie," but for football—and he might actually be more of an exciting prospect and less of a controversial one.

Not to mention, he boasts impressive stats from the past season at Oklahoma State. He was ranked fourth in the nation with 37 touchdowns, and second with 4,727 passing yards.

But, despite his outstanding athletic abilities and comeback-kid story, Weeden is still a projected risk as a first-round pick.

Although he has received pro pointers on how to answer questions about his age—he’s 28 in a sea of younger stock—teams might be concerned with how healthy he’ll stay.

He can argue that since he was playing baseball instead of taking hits from linebackers, his body hasn’t taken the typical beating that other 28-year-old quarterbacks would have taken.

Matt Kalil

For teams with young QBs who they’re looking to protect in the pocket, the first round of the 2012 draft will be crucial for landing offensive linemen.

USC’s Matt Kalil tops just about every projected draft.

Kalil has been noted for having an ease and patience when protecting the pass while rarely allowing outside pressure. His textbook technique and immense athleticism make him stand out from the pack. His football-rich bloodline doesn’t hurt either: His older brother Ryan emerged from USC in the 2006 draft and is considered one of the league’s "top young centers."

With his high level of play, he could go as the second or third pick in the draft, protecting either Sam Bradford for the St. Louis Rams or Christian Ponder for the Minnesota Vikings.

However, Kalil is—much like Tannehill—pretty raw. He only started one season for the Trojans, and his "textbook" style of play, while very accurate, makes him seem a little too content.

Kalil’s biggest competition in the first few picks of the draft would be Riley Reiff from Iowa, whose level of play has him projected as a top-10 draft pick.

Mike Adams

While Adams isn’t expected to go until the end of the first round, he is still a very notable outside tackle not to be lost in the shuffle of projected first-round-worthy linemen.

But, as pointed out by ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr., Adams’ energy level is inconsistent. While he has the capacity to be unstoppable during one drive, he has a tendency to flatline during the second half of play.

And despite his immense athleticism, an inability to stay focused could cause his stock to plummet.

Adams’ off-the-field antics also make him a controversial pick. His college record is marked by his involvement in the Buckeyes' "Tattoo Five" scandal in 2010, which could shadow the view of teams looking at prospective offensive tackles at the combine.