NFL Draft 2012: Top 50 Big Board

With the 2012 NFL Draft only a month and a half away, teams are going to start finalizing their big boards for the big day in April.

Some players have completely fallen off NFL boards (see Vontaze Burfict) while others continue to rise up it (see Dontari Poe).

We've put together our own big board, and today we'll look at the top 50 players on that big board. Remember, this big board has nothing to do with where a player will be drafted, but rather is a simple ranking of the best NFL prospects.

50. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

The only thing that is holding Brandon Weeden from possibly going in the first round is his age. At 28 years old, Weeden reminds many of Florida State's Chris Weinke from 2001 NFL draft.

While Weeden has the skill set to be a starting quarterback in the league, he's likely to only give a team seven to eight years of quality starting time. That isn't enough for a team looking to spend their first draft pick on a franchise signal caller.

However, Weeden should be drafted sometime on the second day, and depending on where he gets drafted, he could see the field rather soon in his career.

49. Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

When the college football season ended, Whitney Mercilus looked to be the top pass rusher available. He led the nation in sacks during 2011, but it was his sudden rise to stardom that ultimately has teams wondering about his production.

Had Mercilus put up two straight years of great numbers, he'd likely be a top-10 selection. However, that didn't happen and now he'll be lucky if he gets drafted in the first round.

Whenever Mercilus does get drafted, you can be sure that he will add some pressure to opposing quarterbacks. He has a non-stop motor with a bevy of pass rushing moves to get into the backfield.

48. Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State

In a weak safety class, Markelle Martin has separated himself as the top free safety available. 

He's still a rather raw prospect, but the athleticism and playmaking abilities are definitely there. Martin is also a vicious hitter, which is exactly what teams are looking for at free safety.

While it would be extremely surprising to see Martin sneak into the first round, we could see his name called early on the second day of the draft.

47. Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State

As the only small school prospect on this list, Amini Silatolu brings a great deal of talent to the table for an NFL team.

There is no doubt that he will take a year or two to fully develop his talents, but once that happens, Silatolu could become one of the top guards in the league. He simply has that much potential.

He's a mammoth of a player who is explosive and powerful. He could probably be a dominant force as a run blocker right now, but he'll need to improve his technique and footwork to be as good in pass protection.

Don't forget this name because he will be a starting guard for whoever drafts him in a few years.

46. Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

There is only one thing that Bruce Irvin will be able to do in the NFL right now and that is rush the quarterback.

His elite athleticism will make him a unique pass rusher off the edge instantly. However, that is all he can do right now. He can't drop back into coverage, and he is rather useless against the run.

For a team looking to add a talented pass rusher to their roster, Irvin is their man. Look for a team like the Green Bay Packers to take a hard look at Irvin late in the first round.

45. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Ever since his outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl, Doug Martin has been slowly creeping up draft boards. 

Now, it's unlikely that he'll reach players like Trent Richardson, Lamar Miller or David Wilson, but teams looking for a complete running back will be pleased if they draft Martin. While he isn't elite in any category of his game, he is an extremely solid all-around player.

He's a talented runner who can make men miss, but he also has the ability to bounce it outside and accelerate past defenders. His hands are decent out of the backfield and he is willing to block.

Martin's overall skill set could make him be quite the steal in this year's draft.

44. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

One of the big things you want from a safety prospect is instincts. NFL teams are looking for naturally instinctive safeties, and Harrison Smith is that type of player.

When you watch him on the football field, you just know that this kid is going to do well in the league. He isn't the most athletic of prospects, and he could have trouble early on with turning and running with receivers down the field, but he can hit and make plays in the secondary.

For a team looking to add a talented playmaker to their secondary, Smith could very well be their man.

43. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The buzz around Mohamed Sanu has dropped off considerably in the past month, but he should still be one of the first five or six receivers off the board in April.

Sanu's greatest ability is to get the football. Whether that is a jumpball, catch in traffic or difficult reception, Sanu will usually make the reception. He's also a physically imposing player who reminds many of Hakeem Nicks from the New York Giants.

It will take some time for Sanu to fully tap into his talents in the NFL, but he should be able to contribute right away as a starter, and could become a No. 1 receiver for a team in a short period of time.

42. Ben Jones, OC, Georgia

As the second best center prospect in this year's draft, Ben Jones should get plenty of looks from teams looking to improve their interior offensive line.

Jones is an intelligent player who does a good job blocking in tight areas. He'll be able to step in from day one and provide quality play for whichever team signs him.

41. Cam Johnson, DE, Virgina

One name that could really gain steam as we get close to the NFL draft is Cam Johnson out of Virginia.

While he isn't an overly athletic pass rusher, but he has the tools to be a talented one with proper instruction. He improved against the run his senior season, but what really makes him such a valuable prospect is his versatility.

Johnson has the ability to be effective in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, which means that all 32 teams will take a hard look at him. He may not go in the first round, but he shouldn't still be on the board past the second round.

40. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

The only problem with Jared Crick is that he is pretty well maxed out on his potential. It's basically a case of what you see is what you're going to get.

With that said, you're going to get a productive player, but he won't ever change into a "game-changing" talent. He can play against both the pass and the run, gives 100 percent when he is on the field, but his ceiling isn't very high.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it should keep Crick from getting drafted in the first round.

39. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

Even though Lavonte David is a little undersized for his position, his plus instincts and overall athleticism makes him one of the better outside linebacker prospects in the draft.

His best talents may come while in coverage, as David looks almost like a gigantic safety roaming the middle of the field. He's got the athleticism to stick with tight ends and initially stay with slot receivers.

If he can add some weight to his frame without losing any speed or athleticism, he could turn into quite the player.

38. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Brandon Boykin is another undersized player, but he also plays with a much bigger physical presence than his size would indicate.

He has the ability to press at the line of scrimmage and he also displays the ability to create turnovers. Boykin also brings a little special teams ability to the table with the ability to make plays once the ball is in his hands.

His overall size may limit Boykin to only covering slot receivers in the NFL, but he has the skills to excel at that position. Throw in his return ability, and you have a good-looking prospect.

37. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Where Brandon Boykin lacked ideal size, Stephon Gilmore has plus size. Now, Gilmore isn't quite as athletic as Boykin, but he still brings plenty to the table.

The one major area that Gilmore needs to improve in is in regards to his footwork. He'll waste steps at time when dropping back into coverage, and this makes him give up plenty of big plays down the field.

If Gilmore can improve his footwork, he should turn into one of the better cornerbacks in this draft class.

36. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

If Mark Barron gets hooked up with the right team, he should have a quality career in the NFL. What I mean by a right team is a team that doesn't force Barron to play a "centerfield" role in the secondary.

Barron is a hitter who excels against the run. He can play with receivers or tight ends who are in front of him, but he really struggles when asked to turn and chase the football. He'll also need to continue to improve his instincts in order to be a true threat against the pass.

A team looking to boost their run defense in the secondary would do good to draft Barron. While he can still develop skills against the pass, he could be a liability in that category early in his career.

35. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

There is no doubting that Orson Charles is one of the most athletic tight ends, if not the most athletic tight end, in this year's draft. While he originally started much higher on draft boards, recent off-field issues have brought up some character concerns.

If teams can get past Charles' character issues, they could find a rather versatile and explosive offensive threat. He reminds many of Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots, but he wouldn't be quite as effective out of the backfield.

Still, Charles has the athleticism to be a potential mismatch across the field for defenses, and that could be quite valuable to a team.

34. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Brandon Thompson is a naturally physical and strong defensive lineman with good experience and overall talent.

He'll be a handful for teams trying to run on him as he eats up blockers like Cookie Monster eats Chips Ahoy. He isn't much of a pass rusher right now, and to be honest, there really doesn't appear to be much room for improvement in that area of his game.

However, he'll be a two-down lineman instantly and could start from day one in a 4-3 defense.

33. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

With impressive athleticism and the ability to cover large portions of the field, Zach Brown should probably be a first-round pick.

However, his lack of effort on the football field at North Carolina is a major red flag for teams. His production never matched his skills, and that is not something you want to see out of a potential draft pick.

Should Brown bring 110 percent to the field, though, he could really be a special player. He is an aggressive tackler who displays an explosive element to his game. He also drops into coverage well and has some natural instincts for teams to work with.

It will be interested to see how high Brown gets drafted based on potential alone. He could ultimately sneak into the first round.

32. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

As the top overall pass catching tight end, Coby Fleener will likely be the first tight end off the draft board. He could even get drafted near the end of the first round by the New York Giants if everything goes right for him.

One thing that Fleener currently lacks is strength as a blocker in the run game. He'll need to add some weight, but he has the frame to do so. He should develop into a very nice starting tight end in the league.

31. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

For a player of his size, Alameda Ta'amu is quite an athletic being. While he lacks initial quickness of the ball, he possesses a good motor with the ability to contribute in both the run and pass game.

Ta'amu still has difficulty finding the football at times. He'll make a great play to win at the point of attack, but then he'll let the ball carrier get past him or miss on the quarterback. This is an area that will need to be improved for him to be a consistent and productive player.

His versatility to play in any type of defense should make Ta'amu an earlier round pick.

30. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

David Wilson's speed is what makes him one of the top running backs available in the draft. When you watch him play, it's almost as if everyone around him is playing in slow motion.

What makes him such a dangerous prospect is that he doesn't lose any speed once the ball is in his hands. He can also make plays as a receiver out of the backfield, which is definitely a bonus for teams.

While most players with Wilson's size and speed aren't overly physical, Wilson does a good job at breaking arm tackles and picking up yards after contact. He'll need to improve his overall blocking ability, but once he does that, he should become a dynamic every-down running back in the league.

29. Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State

Few players were as impressive at the NFL Combine as Fletcher Cox, but I still have some reservations about his overall game.

Sure, he is an extremely unique prospect athletically, but his overall technique and strength needs improvement. He certainly has the potential to turn into quite the defensive end, but he still has a ways to ultimately tap into all that potential.

He should eventually develop into a starting-caliber player in the league, but it may take a year or two.

28. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Behind Trent Richardson, Lamar Miller is the best running back available. He possesses an impressive set of skills that makes him dangerous as both a running back and receiver.

When you watch Miller on the field, you will instantly recognize that he appears to be the most athletic player out there. He has a great first-step burst and the vision to see where a play is going. Add to that soft hands and some ability to block, and you have quite the football player.

The only real knock on Miller is his overall lack of playing time because he only started one year at Miami. However, he still has all the tools to become an every down back in the NFL.

27. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Stephen Hill was another big winner at the combine where his elite athleticism really jumped off the charts. 

The problem with Hill is that he is still an extremely raw route runner. While that didn't affect his production so much in college, it could definitely hinder him in the NFL.

However, if Hill can learn this necessary trait, he has everything else you could want from a receiver. He has great hands, the ability to catch the football away from his frame and beat defenders vertically and in jump-ball situations.

Give Hill some time to learn the game and he should be just fine.

26. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Of all the prospects in this year's draft, Ryan Tannehill is definitely the most curious player. When you talk to some scouts, they rave about him and say he is absolutely worth a top-10 pick. However, other scouts say he isn't even worth a second-round pick.

What you can't deny about Tannehill is his athleticism and overall skill set, even if it is still rather raw. This is a kid who can make all the throws necessary in the NFL, looks comfortable both inside and outside the pocket and is a playmaker.

Yes, he'll take two or three years to reach his potential, but with proper coaching and development, he has the abilities to turn into a true franchise quarterback.

25. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

There are players who have character concerns that they continuously run away from, and then there is a player like Janoris Jenkins who made mistakes in the past, but is now willing to face them and move on from them.

That overall mentality is something that teams like to see in a young player, and when you add that to Jenkins' overall skill set, you have quite the intriguing prospect. Jenkins displays natural fluidity in his hips and the ability to turn and run with a receiver.

He isn't afraid to get physical, even despite his smaller frame. He'll likely fight for a starting spot from day one and as long as he keeps his head straight, he should do a good job at shutting down opposing receivers.

24. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

No player has risen up draft boards as quick as Dontari Poe has in the last month. This is a player who started out as a mid-round pick, and now people are talking about him potentially being drafted before the 10th pick.

The fascination with Poe all begins with his athleticism and potential. He's been compared to a raw version of Haloti Ngata if he can put it all together.

And that is the big question concerning Poe. Can he put it all together? If he does, he'll be an All-Pro player for many years. 

However, if he can't, he could have difficulty being a consistent contributor for a team.

23. Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Dont'a Hightower is the second best inside linebacker available in the draft.

He's a naturally instinctive player who can produce against the run and get after the quarterback as a pass rusher. Hightower has above average speed and the ability to pursue in open space.

There are some questions about him playing at full speed 100 percent of the time. He appears to take plays off at times, which is something that NFL teams hate seeing.

As long as Hightower can prove that he is fully committed to the game of football, he should hear his name called in the first round.

22. Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia

The reason that Cordy Glenn ranks this low for me is because his exact position in the NFL has yet to be figured out.

Teams are going to look at his overall size, athleticism and strength and say that he belongs on the outside as an offensive tackle. However, Glenn really struggles with blocking in space, and is a much better prospect when playing in a box.

As long as the team that drafts him intends to use him as a guard, he'll turn into quite the player. If that team tries to move him outside, they could end up rather disappointed.

21. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

While Courtney Upshaw may not be an elite pass rushing outside linebacker, nearly every other aspect of his game is well polished.

He has the ability to dominate against the run, and even showcases some natural ability in pass protection. This is player who constantly finds himself around the football, and he knows how to make plays when given the opportunity.

The team that drafts Upshaw in the first round will get a player that can contribute mightily from day one in a few different defensive sets.

20. Nick Perry, OLB, USC

Right now, Nick Perry looks like a pure pass rusher. He has a great bust off the edge and the ability to use different pass rushing moves to get to the quarterback.

He'll need to get stronger and learn to be a factor against the run and in coverage, but he reminds me a lot of Clay Matthews as a rookie. As a rookie, Perry should be able to put up impressive sack numbers, but do little else for a team.

As long as he can do that one thing effectively, he should have a home in the NFL for a long time.

19. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

When looking at offensive tackles, you want to see a player that can sit in his stance and anchor. While Jonathan Martin has athleticism and size, he still struggles to anchor against NFL-caliber players.

That is the big question surrounding Martin. If he can improve his technique and learn to use his natural ability to his advantage, then teams will see a future Pro Bowl player.

However, he also has the ability to turn into a complete bust if he can never become physical enough to dominate at the point of attack.

18. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Even though Kendall Right timed slower than expected at the combine, he should still be one of the first three receivers drafted in April.

This is a player who has the ability to make plays on every level in the NFL. He is not only a vertical threat, but Wright also isn't afraid to go over the middle and make a play. He compares favorably to the Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, except Wright might actually be a better athlete.

Teams looking for a true No. 1 receiver will definitely be hoping that Wright falls in their laps come draft day.

17. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

While Mike Adams' overall strength is still a concern for many teams, when you look at his overall size, you see a future starting left tackle in the NFL.

Adams has the frame to get bigger and stronger, and he should do that once he gets into the league. His overall technique is fundamentally sound and he has the athleticism to stick with faster pass rushers off the edge.

There are some minor character concerns from his time at Ohio State, but he has appeared to put that behind him. Teams that are looking to add some talent across their offensive line will take a hard look at Adams in the middle of the first round.

16. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The big problem with Devon Still revolves around his overall commitment to the game of football. There were times at Penn State when Still would look like the best defensive tackle in the nation on one play, and completely take the next play off.

That type of inconsistent play simply won't be acceptable in the NFL. However, as long as Still stays motivated, he has everything you could want from a defensive tackle. He is big, strong, physical and has some athletic ability.

He's dominant against the run, and has even show some ability to get into the backfield as a pass rusher. As long as Still has the desire to play at a high level, he should produce instantly for whoever drafts him.

15. Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin

As the best center available in this year's draft, Peter Konz could see himself get drafted in the middle of the first round.

He's as polished as they come out of college. He has the intelligence to play center from day one in the NFL along with the overall skill set to excel at the position.

He'll be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL for a long, long time.

14. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

There may not be a more polished wide receiver prospect in this year's draft than Michael Floyd from Notre Dame.

Floyd has the athleticism, size and pass-catching ability to make an instant impact in the NFL. He will quickly become a team's No. 1 receiver and excel in that position.

The only question surround Floyd is his character after numerous run-ins with the law. As long as Floyd gets his act straightened out, he could turn out to be one of the most productive players in this year's draft class.

13. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

One player that Riley Reiff reminds me quite a bit of as a prospect is Bryan Bulaga of the Green Bay Packers.

Both Reiff and Bulaga have similar bodies and overall skill sets. It's also likely that Reiff could begin his career as a right tackle, much like Bulaga has done with the Packers.

He needs to improve his footwork in pass protection, but as a run blocker, there may not be a better offensive lineman than Reiff. He should be a nice addition to an NFL roster early in the draft.

12. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Had Michael Brockers stayed one more year in draft, he could have been a top-5 pick in the 2013 NFL draft. However, because of his extremely high ceiling, Brockers is still likely to be drafted before the first 15 picks of the 2012 NFL draft.

Brockers still needs to improve mightily as a pass rusher, but he could step in from day one and be productive against the run. He's got elite athleticism and simply needs to learn how to fully apply that in games.

Once he does that, Brockers should be able to have huge impacts on game and become one of the better defensive tackles in the league.

11. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The biggest knock on Luke Kuechly has always been his lack of athleticism. However, Kuechly completely blew everyone away at the NFL Combine and showed people that he is much more athletic than originally thought to be.

With his elite instincts and his ability to always be around the ball, Kuechly will likely be a starting middle linebacker from the start of training camp. He's the type of player that teams love to build their defenses around.

He should become one of the most productive tackling linebackers in the NFL very early on in his career.

10. Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

As far as a pass rusher, Melvin Ingram is a unique prospect. He's got the athleticism and quickness to excel as an outside linebacker, but he also has the strength to bull rush as a defensive end.

What makes Ingram such a scary player for opposing offenses is that he is still rather raw in his overall technique. Once he learns to use his natural skills better, he'll be an absolute force on the defensive side of the football.

It would be extremely surprising to see Ingram get past the first 10 picks of the draft.

9. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

This may seem a little high for a player who was arrested two months ago, but the truth is that Dre Kirkpatrick is a unique talent and one of the best overall players available.

He is a big, physical cornerback with the ability to press off the line of scrimmage and turn and run with receivers. He displays great instincts with the ability to locate the football and make a play on it.

He may not be as athletic as other cornerbacks, but Kirkpatrick should still develop into a top shutdown cornerback in the NFL.

8. Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Say what you want about Quinton Coples lack of production during the 2011 season. This kid is going to be a dominant pass rusher in the NFL.

He is a freak athlete who has a repertoire of pass rushing moves. He can be physical when he needs to be, but he also has the ability to counter or use his speed and athleticism to get after the quarterback.

As long as the team that drafts Coples early in the first round can motivate him, they should be pleased with a pass rushing virtuoso for many years.

7. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon solidified his position as the top receiver available with an impressive Pro Day performance. His 4.4 40-yard dash proved to teams that he has top speed to go along with great hands and route-running ability.

Blackmon will likely be drafted in the top-10 picks, possibly going as high as fourth overall to the Cleveland Browns. He's talented enough to enter training camp as a team's No. 1 receiver and have a productive season.

While his impact may not be felt like A.J. Green's was last year, Blackmon should still contend for Rookie of the Year honors all season long.

6. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

It's been a few years since we've seen an offensive tackle prospect like Matt Kalil.

Not only is he an absolute mammoth of a man, but he plays with a ridiculous amount of athleticism for a player his size. He has quick enough feet to deal with speed rushers off the edge, and he is also strong enough to handle the bull rush.

Kalil looks every bit the part of a All-Pro left tackle in the NFL, and could have a very similar early career to the Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas.

5. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

As good as Robert Griffin III is going to be in the NFL, the price that was paid for him by the Washington Redskins seems a little steep.

However, the Redskins were in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and Griffin will definitely become that for the team. When you combine his arm strength, accuracy, vision, intelligence and athleticism, you have quite the NFL prospect.

He'll start from day one for Washington as the whole weight of the city will rest on his shoulders. While that is certainly a lot of pressure for a rookie to handle, Griffin seems ready to take it.

4. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

It's a shame that teams don't spend high draft picks on offensive guards because David DeCastro deserves to be a top-5 draft pick.

He's one of the most complete interior offensive line prospects that we've ever seen. He can be dominant in pass protection, but also has the ability to get into space, find a man and put him on his back.

Whoever ends up drafting DeCastro will be getting an All-Pro player year after year.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

While it has become uncommon to see running backs drafted in the top-10 anymore, Trent Richardson will likely break that trend come April.

Why? Well, Richardson is simply too good of a prospect for teams to pass on. There is very little that lacks in his overall game. He has speed and strength as an inside and outside runner. He can act as a receiver out of the backfield, but is also extremely willing to help in pass protection.

Richardson is an absolute game-changing prospect, much like Adrian Peterson was for the Minnesota Vikings. He's in for a long and dominating career in the NFL.

2. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Morris Claiborne is the best defensive player available this year, and is even a better defensive prospect than Patrick Peterson was last year.

Now, Claiborne may not be as athletic or dynamic with the ball in his hands as Peterson is, but as a defensive back, Claiborne is a better player. He has the size, strength and mentality to be a true shutdown cornerback early in his career. His lengthy arms in conjunction with his footwork makes him an extremely difficult player for receivers to get away from.

There are some improvements as far as overall technique that will need to be made, but once Claiborne does that, he should become on of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

What is there to say about Andrew Luck that hasn't already been said?

There hasn't been a better quarterback prospect enter the NFL in the last decade. In fact, the Indianapolis Colts are so enamored with Luck that they were willing to release a Hall of Fame quarterback for the chance to draft him.

This is going to be a special, special player from the day he first steps onto an NFL field.