2012 NFL Draft Projections: Quinton Coples and Risky Picks Who Will Pan Out

The 2012 NFL draft is drawing nearer and nearer, which means that teams need to begin finalizing their big boards, as there is little time left for players to impress scouts and GM.

It seems that the riskiest prospects are always those with immense athleticism, freakish size, strength and other measurables, but little to show for it on the actual gridiron.

Let’s take a look at a few of those guys that are projected to go in the first round because of their insane upside.

Quinton Coples

The UNC Tar Heel is easily the most physically gifted defensive line prospect in the class.

At 6’6”, 284 pounds, Coples can hypothetically play a number of positions in the NFL, but he may be best suited as a beast coming off the edge and attacking the backfield.

He’s most likely going to go top-10 overall because of his powerful build and potential to become a franchise DL player in the NFL.

If Coples lands with the right team that is willing to be patient and fit him into their scheme right, he’s going to pay dividends and become a stud.

Dontari Poe

Poe is another D-lineman who absolutely destroyed the 2012 draft combine in Indianapolis. This workout warrior vaulted himself from a fringe first-round selection to possibly going in the top five.

The Memphis DT benched 225 pounds a crazy 44 times and ran a 4.98 40-yard dash while measuring in at a ridiculous 6’4”, 346 pounds.

He looks like he’s going to be able to just swallow offensive lineman whole at the next level and punish anyone who stands in his way.

Poe can succeed in any system if he can maintain his elite fitness, and he will certainly be worth a high selection in this draft.