2012 NFL Mock Draft: Lower-Profile Guys That Will Make Smooth Transitions to NFL
Fletcher Cox. Jonathan Martin. Doug Martin.
What do these top 2012 NFL draft prospects have in common?
They're lower-profile guys that will make extremely smooth transitions to the NFL next season.
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Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State
Cox's best attribute is his versatility. At 6'4'' and 298 pounds, he exudes athleticism and has enough strength to beat any offensive linemen at the point of attack.
Last year for the Bulldogs, Cox lined up in every position across the defensive line and was equally as disruptive rushing the pass as he was against the run.
Cox had 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2011.
He occasionally dropped into coverage, too.
Although Cox isn't a pure pass rusher, he does have a few counter moves in his arsenal that he employs if he's initially stymied when making his way to the quarterback.
He'll probably be picked up somewhere in the mid- to late-first round after higher-profile defensive linemen like Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers are selected.
Cox is simply a sound football player with elite athletic ability.
His defensive coordinator will absolutely love him.
Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Jonathan Martin is the most athletic and fleet-footed tackle in the 2012 class. Think that's important in today's NFL?
I do.
While Matt Kalil is a top-five lock, Martin will most likely be grabbed in the middle of the first round. There's even a chance Iowa's offensive lineman Riley Reiff is picked before the Stanford standout.
During his time protecting the blindside of golden boy Andrew Luck (think his job was important?), Martin was extremely reliable and rarely allowed pressure. He also did a remarkable job creating holes for Cardinal running backs to burst through over the last two seasons.
At 6'5'' and 312 pounds, he has the ideal body to deal with bigger pass rushers and his premier lateral agility will allow him to stay with the speed that comes off the edge these days.
After blocking in a pro-style system with great success, Martin will seamlessly transition to the NFL next season.
Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
In terms of running backs in the 2012 draft class, Trent Richardson is the headliner, as he should be. While I fully expect Richardson to make an immediate impact, Martin will too.
He's got everything you'd want in a running back prospect.
During his collegiate career with the Broncos, Martin was the staple of consistency as the team's all-purpose back.
Martin averaged nearly 5.9 yards per carry in his last three seasons and scored a whopping 43 rushing touchdowns over that span.
He also returned kicks and was featured in the passing game. He hauled in 56 passes with four touchdowns in 2010 and 2011 combined.
The Boise State star was thoroughly impressive at the Senior Bowl and ran an official 4.55 in the 40-yard dash at 223 pounds at the combine.
Martin will surprise you with his sudden cutting ability and acceleration. He'll represent great value at the end of the first round or at the beginning of the second round and will be a major contributor at the next level.
2012 NFL Mock Draft (March 1, Post-Combine Update)
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
8. Miami Dolphins: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU
10. Buffalo Bills: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California
11. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
12. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State
23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
28. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
32. New York Giants, Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State
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