2012 NFL Draft Projections: College Stars Who Will Fall Out of the First Round

Success at the college level does not guarantee players a spot in the first round of the NFL Draft, so it should come as no surprise when certain players that had standout careers do not get the call during the initial round.

It isn't that they are not qualified for the next level—certain teams may just not see them as potential fits in their respective systems. While it's nice to land somewhere in the first round, some players are better off being passed up to land in a more favorable setting.

While it will remain to be seen where teams' interests will lie when their pick comes about, these college studs will likely find themselves being taken outside of the first round.

George Iloka, FS, Boise State Broncos

Coming off of his senior season with the Broncos, Iloka is the top rated free safety in this year's draft. The thing is, he is ranked only 69th overall and may continue to be passed on because of his questionable size. At 6'4" and 222 pounds, Iloka is a big safety. 

Besides his size, the main issue with Iloka is that he is not much of a threat in the passing game, recording zero interceptions this past season.

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Hurricanes

This past season in South Beach, Lamar Miller ran for 1,272 yards with nine TDs on 227 attempts.

Miller is ranked the second best running back in this draft, coming in after Alabama Crimson Tide star Trent Richardson. While there is a decent drop off between the two, many would argue that the Hurricanes' star is a first-round talent.

Right now he sitting on the outside looking in, so it remains to be seen if the running back position will be a big enough need for any team when drafting in the first round.

Dont'a Hightower. LB, Alabama Crimson Tide

Hightower manned the middle of what was a very strong defense this entire season for the National Champion Crimson Tide.

He led the entire team in total tackles with 85, had four sacks and even added an interception. He comes into the 2012 draft ranked as the second best linebacker, but will likely be jumped by players like Vontaze Burfict of Arizona State.

There is no doubt that Hightower is a talented player, but he may have to wait until the first round is over to prove that to a team.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.