Penn State Football: 5 Best NFL Prospects on the Nittany Lion Roster

The 2012 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. This causes many self-proclaimed draft gurus to foam at the mouth over eye-popping measurables, and NFL front offices to follow suit.

Penn State does not have any marquee talents outside of defensive tackle Devon Still, but the Nittany Lions are represented nonetheless. Still has a chance to be a first-round selection and continue Penn State's rich NFL tradition.

But, let's not forget about the players still calling Happy Valley their home. Many of those players have NFL aspirations, as well.

The Nittany Lions do not have an exorbitant amount of NFL game-breakers on their current roster, but they do have several players capable of contributing on Sundays.

Here are Penn State's five best NFL prospects.

Adrian Amos, CB

Adrian Amos emerged in Penn State's secondary as a true freshman last season.

Amos will take on a much larger role in 2012 with the departure of Chaz Powell and D'Anton Lynn.

He has a strong 6'0" frame for a young corner, which allows him to stay with larger receivers. His 200-plus pounds play well in the box, and offer adequate help in run support.

Amos must work on his ball skills and footwork, but he has a ton of raw talent.

The Nittany Lions do not produce a lot of top talent in the defensive backfield, but Amos has a chance to be a great player. Given his youth, he is just scratching the surface.

Justin Brown, WR

Justin Brown has the makeup of an NFL receiver.

Brown stands 6'3'' and 200-plus pounds. His size is evident on the field, but so are his inconsistencies.

Wide receivers must catch the ball on a consistent basis. The inability to do so can hurt prospects in a big way entering the NFL draft. Brown has had wonderful circus catches in his career, but he has also dropped some head-scratchers.

Brown will be Penn State's top receiving option this season. He will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself.

If he finds more consistency, Brown could make an NFL team very happy someday. He has the size, strength, speed and athleticism needed to be a playmaker at the next level.

Brown must work on his hands and his ability to separate on the outside in order to improve his draft stock.

Gerald Hodges, LB

Gerald Hodges emerged in a big way last season. He led the Nittany Lions in tackles and was a consistent force on Penn State's defense.

Hodges has the speed and size needed to play in the NFL. He is a solid tackler in the open field and sheds blocks to disrupt plays in the backfield.

He is also a pass-rushing presence, showcased by his 4.5 sacks last season.

Hodges would fit better in a 4-3 scheme. He can rush the passer, but his strengths lie in coverage. Covering players and playing in space allows Hodges to use his speed to track down the ball.

Penn State's defense will be great again this season, thanks in no small part to Hodges' talents.

Hodges could be a steal for someone in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Silas Redd, RB

Silas Redd must add strength before he is an NFL-ready running back, but he possesses enough tools to make him an intriguing prospect at this point.

Redd entered Happy Valley in 2010 surrounded by reasonable hype. The 4-star recruit from Connecticut did not disappoint. Redd's breakaway ability caught fans' attention immediately, even as a backup to Evan Royster.

Last season showed Redd's ability to improve. He turned in a 1,000-plus yard season, and carried the Nittany Lion offense for the majority of the season. Redd broke more tackles in the open field without sacrificing any of his electrifying quickness.

Redd has a chance to emerge on the national scene in 2012. He has the speed and quickness necessary, but he must work on his strength and recognition.

If Redd continues to improve, he will be a legitimate NFL draft prospect.

Jordan Hill, DT

Jordan Hill oozes potential. He disappeared at times in 2011, but he could explode in 2012 like Devon Still did last season.

Hill has a short, squat build. His 295-pound frame may not be worthy of nose tackle status, but it could be very effective as a run-stuffing 4-3 defensive tackle at the next level. Hill's combination of size, speed and explosiveness could provide a nightmare for opposing interior linemen.

He has a quick burst off the line and fights through blockers using his strength. If he can match his mental ability with his physical gifts, he could turn heads across the country this season.

Still enjoyed a senior season spectacular enough to catapult him up draft boards. Hill is capable of the same thing, and possibly more.