2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Cliff Harris and Other DBs with the Most to Prove

In the NFL draft, every selection is a risk that each franchise puts on itself.

Some, though, are bigger risks than others, no matter if the prospect is taken early, in the middle rounds or late.

As for those who are added risks, there's much to prove. Here, we look at some in the secondary, whose development is vital in a pass-oriented league.

Janzen Jackson, McNeese State/Tennessee

With quite a few off the field issues, former Tennessee Volunteer Janzen Jackson has some character concerns.

In addition, Jackson was then dismissed from the Vols and played out his junior season with NCAA FCS, McNeese State.

Jackson then proceeded to leave early for the NFL despite his intangible flaws. He is, though, a ridiculous athlete and recorded 106 tackles, six picks and defended a total of 15 passes in two seasons with Tennessee.

So, Jackson's natural football instincts and playmaking skills aren't questioned. For his position, however, Jackson is an undersized safety that need to build muscle while maintaining speed.

He must also improve as a tackler. Despite having solid numbers during his time spent in the SEC, bigger and stronger NFL receivers will run him over and the quicker players will easily elude him.

An expected fourth-rounder, Jackson has a lot of room to makeup if he wants a legitimate shot at contributing in the pros.

Omar Bolden, Arizona State

Here we have a sound cornerback in Arizona State's Omar Bolden, but unfortunately, the man has dealt with injuries on more than one occasion.

After two solid campaigns in 2007 and 2008 where he combined for 16 defended passes, three picks and 61 tackles, Bolden had 2008 cut short before the mid season mark.

Getting healthy for the 2010 season, Bolden didn't miss a beat and made 37 tackles, picked off three passes, defended a total of 10 and forced one fumble. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 321 yards, including one touchdown.

So it was expected that 2011 would be a breakout season and Bolden would see a significant boost in his draft stock. Well, he never saw the field in 2011 after another injury during the spring practice session, so it's obvious that Bolden's durability alone is a concern.

In turn, this also transitions into consistency, because without the ability to remain healthy, a player can't prove to be consistent. Now, Bolden did improve during his healthy seasons, which provides optimism.

That said, it would be surprising to see him go higher than the middle of the fourth round come April.

Cliff Harris, Oregon

Arguably the most explosive return man in the draft, Oregon's Cliff Harris was also a lockdown cornerback for the Ducks in 2009 and 2010.

Then, 2011 happened, Harris was involved with considerable off-the-field problems that ultimately got him suspended. Thereafter, Harris was dismissed from the program, and forwent his 2012 season to try his hand in the NFL.

It was an unfortunate ending to a college career that was unbelievably exciting and showed promise in 2010. It was Harris's only legitimate college season, but my, was it impressive.

The man had defended 23 total passes, picked off six passes (taking one back to the house) and returned 29 punts for 546 yards, including four back for touchdowns.

Harris also returned seven kickoffs for 143 yards and made 33 total tackles.

2011 was a year to forget and before we knew it, Harris was gone and is now a high-risk/high-reward selection. Harris's recent character issues will be of the utmost concern in his transition to the pros, not to mention he's also undersized at 5'11", 175 pounds.

Any big receiver will overpower Harris and his inability to be reliable in run support will limit playing time to a nickel/dime back position.

Donnie Fletcher, Boston College

Boston College's Donnie Fletcher easily goes overlooked because of linebacker teammate Luke Kuechly.

Fletcher also goes overlooked, not for character flaws or injury concerns, but simply minimal improvement throughout his career. He didn't make significant strides from his freshman campaign in 2008 through his senior season in 2011.

Consistency is certainly worth noting, but Fletcher never had that breakout performance needed to bolster his draft status.

As a freshman, Fletcher recorded 36 tackles and three picks. Definitely a solid year to build from, however, with two picks and just 35 tackles as a senior there's not much improvement. All together, Fletcher recorded 11 picks, 178 tackles and defended 21 passes.

Now, he was definitely challenged less as a senior, so his blanket coverage when singled up displays promise. But, without explosive acceleration or the needed top speed, Fletcher is vulnerable to quicker slot receivers and bigger tight ends.

Considered a fifth-rounder, Fletcher has all the intangibles to emerge in the pros. It's taking that next step into making significant strides as a complete defender that will make him less of a risk.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Melvin Ingram, LB (South Carolina)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.