2012 NFL Draft Predictions: 10 Talented Prospects Who May Turn into Busts

While we are focused on free agency for the next few days, NFL hopefuls are completing their Pro Days with the hope of attracting a suitor for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Many of the so called "players" in the first round have wowed scouts with size, strength and speed in their workouts.

But those workouts are without pads and without contact. Things happen once the equipment is strapped on and contact is made.

There could be some real surprises and some who could be busts. While there is not need to panic, teams will have their eyes on players who have skyrocketed up the draft boards and could take a tumble.

These are players who could cause nightmares for teams once they are drafted.

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Running back may be the hardest position to figure out.

There is no explanation when the Broncos are able to snag a good runner in the later rounds of the draft and 31 other teams fail from time to time finding the right one.

Richardson is the best back in this draft, and I could see him going as early as fourth to Cleveland or fifth to Tampa Bay.

Richardson could be a steal to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU

Michael Brockers has all the talent in the world. But there have been defensive tackles who have been drafted before with his talent and his youth who have not been ready.

Is he Pat Williams or is he Demitrius Underwood?

It will take a year or two for him to be a the true tackle teams want him to be.

Alfonzo Dennard, DB, Nebraska

Alfonzo Dennard was considered a late first round pick before the post season. Then an injury the week of the Senior Bowl has caused his stock to fall.

He had a hip flexor, which also did not help his fluidity moving with receivers. He was a good defender in college, but can he regain his forward motion and be effective?

He could still be a second- or third-round pick, but he will come with question marks.

Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

This is a case of wowing everyone and hoping he hangs on.

Vinny Curry was "the" stud at the Senior Bowl and pretty good at the combine,

He has worlds of talent and a tremendous upside. But will he be competitive on the pro level with bigger talent?

Nick Perry, Defensive End, Southern Cal

This one is a hunch because he could be the best pure defensive end in the draft.

Nick Perry is 6'3" and 271 pounds. He is a pure rusher and could play stand-up linebacker in some situations.

The problem I have with him is he is a risk-reward player who may take a season to get acclimated to the NFL.

Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

He made the biggest jump of anyone at the combine.

Dontari Poe is a beast who impressed everyone with his drills and his interview.

Poe could be taken as high as sixth to St. Louis or as low as ninth to Carolina.

He has all-world talent, but he needs to show it every game.

LaMichael James, Running Back, Oregon

LaMichael James was impressive with the scouts, and small backs like him get a lot of attention thanks to Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice and Darren Sproles.

Small backs are hard to come by and if he fits in a great system, then he should stick around. But if the wrong team drafts him, he could be out of the league as soon as he gets in.

Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Part of me wants Quinton Coples to succeed and part of me wants him to fail.

He is very good when he wants to be and plays like a backup when he wants to as well. Is he worth a first-round pick if he is going to be a major headache?

But if a team hits with him, they will have another Jared Allen.

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M

It would seem teams are locked into this idea that Ryan Tannehill has to be the third-best passer in this draft.

Let's hope everyone is correct. Tannehill has had a broken foot in the offseason, which makes assessing him that much more difficult.

If he is as good as advertised, then he will shine and possibly be a first-round selection. If not, he could tumble into the second round.