2012 NFL Mock Draft: Underrated Small-School Studs Worth First-Round Picks

Every year there a few small-school prospects that find their way into the first round. Although they haven't played against top-notch talent, their skills are simply too undeniable to be kept out.

This year's class, however, has a chance to break that trend. The only small-school prospect that is currently challenging for a first-round selection is North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Although he finished his career playing for the Lions, he began it at Florida. How we want to judge that is still up in the air. 

This mock's only small-school prospect is, in fact, Jenkins, but there are a few who could find their way into Round 1 when all is said and done.

Bobby Wagner of Utah State and Vinny Curry of Marshall are smaller school studs who could hear their names called on day one.

Wagner has great athleticism despite being slightly undersized, and Curry has a nonstop motor with good size.

There certainly is no guarantee of it, but they should both shine at the combine and could move up the board.

As for the rest of the first round and all the big school prospects...

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Best player in the draft by quite a lot.

2. St. Louis Rams (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

This is a reach, but the Rams have a major need at wide receiver.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Best available tackle helps the Vikings immediately.

4. Cleveland Browns (2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

He'll be one of the shining stars of the combine and potentially rise all the way up to No. 2.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

He won't be able to workout until late March, but teams know what they need to know about Richardson.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

If the 'Skins miss out on a QB in free agency, they'll have to reach on draft day.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The best defensive player in the draft is simply too good to fall any further.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Miami won their coin flip with Carolina and that could alter their pick here. However, Reiff makes this offense better immediately.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

The Tar Heels defensive lineman is super talented with great versatility.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Getting after opposing quarterbacks is the Bills' top priority.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

This great fit for team, coach, player and general manager. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Elite pass-rusher could continue his rise up the board with a great combine.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals need to boost their run game, and Martin helps them do just that.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The draft's best interior lineman will help the Cowboys bring some balance back to their offense.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Perfect complementary receiver for what the Eagles already have.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Versatile offensive lineman will help Jets restore their run game.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Crimson Tide corner could easily rise back up the board with a good showing and explanation at the combine.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Will either rise or fall with combine performance.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Massive O-line will help protect Jay Cutler and make this team better.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

He could be the talk of the combine when all is said and done.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Wilson could also fly up the draft board with a great 40-time.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Great athlete who is a bit of a reach here, but helps the Browns in a position of need.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The top small school prospect in the draft is likely to move up the board as well.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Penn State's best player is one of the most disruptive players in the draft.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Super-versatile defensive lineman also has a chance to move up the board after the combine.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Recently banged-up safety is an immediate starter.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Elite athlete with potential to stretch the field.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard is falling down the board as we speak and needs a great combine to save his stock.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Hulk-like center is a great fit for a team struggling with stability at center.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery has too much potential to pass up here.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith's athleticism has been noticed by everyone of late, and he's quickly moved into first-round consideration.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Great athlete at a position of need for Big Blue.