2012 NFL Draft: The Top 5 Franchise Cornerstones

Which 2012 draft prospects can become franchise cornerstones in the NFL?

Organizations, especially ones selecting in the top 15 or so, look to uncover that player who can turn around their team every year.

When thinking of franchise cornerstones, we naturally begin at quarterback, but that's not the only vital position that can elevate a club to new heights. 

After paying close attention to the 2011 college football season, checking out nearly all the game film I could to find of the top prospects and watching the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine in its entirety, I've identified five franchise cornerstones in his year's draft. 

Andrew Luck

NFL scouts and draft analysts have been raving about Andrew Luck for quite a while, and they've been doing so with good reason. 

In terms of a traditional quarterback entering the league, there aren't any negatives surrounding this phenomenal prospect. 

Actually, as we saw during the year and at the Combine, Luck is not only a classic drop-back quarterback, but he possesses deceptive speed and athleticism—necessary attributes for signal-callers in today's NFL. 

Quarterback is the most crucial spot on any roster, and the Stanford product is the most polished, well-rounded and ready QB to join the pro ranks in some time. 

He's the epitome of a franchise cornerstone. 

Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III represents the new age of NFL quarterbacks that are world class athletes, can easily make defenders miss and scamper for a touchdown if an improvisation is needed. 

However, he's not just the next coming of Cam Newton. 

He's light years ahead of where Newton was as a passer last year and seemingly preferred to stay in the pocket during his illustrious stint at Baylor.

RG3 has incredible intellect along with his otherworldly ability to put the ball on the money and deliver it with good velocity from his sudden release.

Another ideal franchise cornerstone for a team in dire need of a quarterback and more importantly, a leader.  

Matt Kalil

Because of today's pass-happy NFL, nearly every team is focused on finding at least one elite pass rushing demon. 

Star edge-rushers have sprouted across the league, and names like Jason Pierre-Paul, DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller, Aldon Smith and Tamba Hali headline the new wave of quarterback takedown masters. 

In turn, teams must find those stonewall left tackles to protect their most prized possession, the quarterback. 

Matt Kalil is the premier, erase-your-best-pass-rusher left tackle in this year's class. 

He did a superb job keeping Matt Barkley upright for the Trojans over the last two years and was one of the most physically-impressive specimens at the Combine this past week. 

With added bulk and a few technique touch ups, Kalil has Pro Bowl written all over him. 

Nick Perry

As alluded to in the previous slide, teams are ridiculously hungry to find superior pass rushing talent with the way quarterbacks are lighting up opposing secondaries each week. 

We saw the New York Giants once again ride their stellar defensive line to another Super Bowl title. The San Francisco 49ers were three points away from advancing to the big game. Aldon Smith was a key facet to their success in 2011. The Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens boasted fantastic pass rushes this year, as well. 

Even the New England Patriots, a team bashed for their defensive struggles, had two solid pass rushers in Mark Anderson and Andre Carter. 

USC's Nick Perry has the potential to be that next big name. 

He was productive in all three years in SoCal, totaling 21.5 sacks. At 6'3'' and 271 pounds, Perry looks the part of a downhill 4-3 defensive end. 

However, he's freakishly athletic, and can comfortably drop into coverage on a zone blitz. 

This redshirt junior isn't loaded with a Dwight Freeney-esque repertoire of pass rushing moves, but he can beat tackles with pure power and a deceptive burst. 

He turns the corner sharply, which could yield many strip sacks.

With NFL offenses predicated on throwing the football and throwing it often, Perry is the total package and the guy you want rushing the passer.   

Fletcher Cox

Cox isn't the traditional "franchise cornerstone" because, well, 3-4 defensive ends aren't typically major stat accumulators. 

Then again, you think Justin Smith isn't a franchise cornerstone for the San Francisco 49ers? 

Oftentimes, the versatility a defensive linemen brings to the field significantly benefits an entire defensive unit. 

Cox is a fine athlete, who ran a 4.79 in the 40 at 6'4'' and 298 pounds, but he simply isn't a workout warrior. 

He played every position on the defensive line for the Bulldogs last season, and tallied 14.5 tackles for loss along with five sacks. 

This junior can overwhelm offensive linemen with his brute strength. He's nimble, which allows him to make counter moves if he's stunned at the initial point of attack. 

He's not a liability against the run, in fact, he thrives against it. 

Cox may not be a 10-sack guy in the NFL, but some team, especially that team's defense, will be much better with him on their roster. 

His defensive coordinator will love him.