2012 NFL Draft Projections: Predicting the Biggest Stud at Every Position

There are many exceptional talents entering April's NFL Draft. Each NFL team does everything they can to ensure they draft the best player they can. But who is the best?

At each position, I believe there is one player above the rest. When thinking of a "stud" player, here's what comes to mind:

• Winning pedigree
• Immediate impact
• Proven, consistent performance in critical situations
• Commitment to the craft
• Worth the big bucks

In this article, we'll take a look at 14 positions (seven offensive, seven defensive) and name who is the biggest stud at that position and why.

Criteria will include:

• NFL Combine rating
• 2011 stats
• Projected 2012 stats
• How many years it will take them to make it to the Pro Bowl
• Analysis/why that player is the biggest stud at his position

To give you fair warning, some selections are obvious and some selections may surprise you. For example, only one of the following players made the cut: Morris Claiborne, Quinton Coples, Dont'a Hightower.

So without further delay, here are the biggest studs of the 2012 NFL Draft at every position.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford

NFL Combine rating: 97.0 (Future Hall of Famer)

NFL comparison: Aaron Rodgers

2011 stats: 288/404 (71.3 %), 3,517 yards, 37 TD, 10 INT, 169.7 QB rating

2012 stats (projected): 265/394 (67.2 %), 3,641 yards, 25 TD, 12 INT, 99.7 QB rating

He will make the Pro Bowl within: two years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: as advertised

Analysis: When watching Luck, it seems like he's an NFL player on a college team. He is that good.

His release, awareness, football IQ and game-management skills are incredible. He knows what every player on the offense is going to do and what many defensive players are going to do as well. Luck can operate in any type of offense, and can come from behind or move the chains to preserve a win.

In 2011, Luck's worst completion percentage was 63.9 percent (at Washington State), and his worst quarterback rating was 132.7 (Oregon). He never threw less than two touchdowns in a game, and never threw more than two interceptions in a game.

However you want to slice it, Luck is an MVP in the making.

Running Back: Trent Richardson, Alabama

NFL Combine rating: 98.0* (Future Hall of Famer)

NFL comparison: Adrian Peterson

2011 stats: 283 carries, 1,679 yards (5.9 yards per carry), 21 TD; 29 receptions, 338 yards (11.7 yards per reception), 3 TD

2012 stats (projected): 255 carries, 1,288 yards (5.1 yards per carry), 14 TD; 18 receptions, 206 yards (11.4 yards per reception), 2 TD

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: scary

Analysis: Whether watching Richardson in person or on TV, one thing is apparent: He is a dynamic force that even the best collegiate defenses couldn't stop.

He's a disciplined football player with excellent ball security, good vision and superior strength. When Richardson has the ball, he runs with bad intentions.

In 2011, Richardson was a touchdown machine. He scored two or more touchdowns seven times. He scored one touchdown or less six times. In only one game (9-6 overtime loss to LSU) did Richardson fail to reach pay dirt. In that game, he gained 169 total yards on 28 touches.

At his Pro Day, Richardson ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.45-4.49 second range. In blocking drills, he jolted the Cleveland Browns running backs coach (Gary Brown) to the ground.

In my opinion, Richardson is the best player in this year's draft.

* Richardson wasn't rated at the Combine. 98.0 is my rating of him.

Wide Receiver: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

NFL Combine rating: 93.5 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Roddy White

2011 stats: 121 receptions, 1,522 yards (12.6 yards per reception), 18 TD

2012 stats (projected): 101 receptions, 1,301 yards (14.6 yards per reception), 12 TD

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: game-changer

Analysis: In 2011, among all FBS (Division 1-A) wide receivers in, Blackmon ranked third in receptions, fourth in yards and second in touchdowns. He's also a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner (nation's top receiver).

In other words, he can't do anything else to improve his position as the best wide receiver in this draft. Every defense Blackmon faced knew he would get the ball, and they still couldn't stop him.

100 receptions, between 1,300-1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns could be his yearly average.

Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Clemson

NFL Combine rating: 87.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Fred Davis

2011 stats: 50 receptions, 598 yards (12.0 yards per reception), 8 TD

2012 stats (projected): 55 receptions, 725 yards (13.2 yards per reception), 6 TD

He will make the Pro Bowl within: three years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: strong

Analysis: Whether on the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, Allen is a good, willing blocker. His hands aren't great, but Allen can release well and adjust his route to get open. He might not get a lot of yards after the catch, but he will rarely (if ever) go down unless there are multiple tacklers around him.

Allen is a strong player with room to grow into a solid NFL tight end. At a school like Clemson that is loaded with athletes, he was among the best in 2011.

Offensive Tackle: Matt Kalil, USC

NFL Combine rating: 94.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Jason Peters

2011 stats: N/A

2012 stats (projected): N/A

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: polished

Analysis: His father Frank was drafted by Buffalo in 1982, and his brother Ryan has been the Carolina Panthers' center for the last five years. The pedigree is there.

Kalil is set to make a name for himself, as he's the most NFL-ready lineman in the draft. Coming from USC, a program with as much pressure to win (save for Alabama or LSU) as any, Kalil consistently performed at an All-American level.

Whatever block the play calls for, he will execute it. His blocking at the second level is outstanding. He will navigate the right path to a linebacker or perimeter defender, and take them out of the play. He possesses sound footwork and a strong punch.

At the combine, he benched 225 pounds 30 times and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.99 seconds. With his size (6'7", 306 pounds) and talent, I'd be really surprised if he didn't make the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.

Offensive Guard: David DeCastro, Stanford

NFL Combine rating: 92.5 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Marshal Yanda

2011 stats: N/A

2012 stats (projected): N/A

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: mean

Analysis: This guy is flat out nasty. He started every game of his three-year career at right guard, but could play any one of the three interior offensive line positions. The thing that stands out most is that he finishes blocks. The majority of the time, his defender will end up on their back.

There's a chance DeCastro will be asked to move to left guard in his rookie season, so if that happens, it will be something to keep an eye on. However, chances are he knows that and has been preparing for such a move, if it were to happen.

Other than Matt Kalil, DeCastro is the best offensive lineman in the draft. You want this guy on your team.

Center: Peter Konz, Wisconsin

NFL Combine rating: 85.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: John Sullivan

2011 stats: N/A

2012 stats (projected): N/A

He will make the Pro Bowl within: two years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: prepared

Analysis: You hear about how centers should be the quarterback of the offensive live. Konz is just that. He gets the other lineman set, and lets them know what to look for.

Konz is a very smart player, but is versatile as well. Although he may be able to switch to guard in a pinch, he's best suited to be a center. He looks comfortable in the middle of the line and knows how to adjust to defenses on the fly. Although he only benched 225 pounds 18 times at the combine, Konz is a player who will work hard to eliminate any weaknesses he may have.

In 2011, he led an offensive line that helped Wisconsin runners gain 5.4 yards per carry and score 48 rushing touchdowns. That's almost four rushing touchdowns per game.

Konz will probably get drafted in the late portion of the first round, mainly because most teams don't need a center.

Defensive End: Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

NFL Combine rating: 90.5 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Justin Tuck

2011 stats: 48 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 INT, 2 passes defensed

2012 stats (projected): 66 tackles, 10 sacks, 1 INT, 5 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: two years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: rare

Analysis: Ingram is the quintessential defensive lineman. At South Carolina, he played both tackle and end, on either side of the line. Who else in this draft can say that?

Although Ingram has played tackle, he will most likely be a defensive end in the NFL, where he succeeded the most. So often teams run plays away from Ingram, but when he gets a chance, he will shed blocks and hunt the ball carrier down.

He can bull rush, stunt and perform a swim or spin move on his blocker with routine success. He might not make the initial tackle, but his pursuit to the football makes up for missed chances.

Ingram's size isn't ideal, but his talent enables him to make the play on every down. That might cause him to move to linebacker in the future. But for now, he's a defensive end, and a very good one at that.

Put it this way: If Ingram were a few inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he'd easily be a top-five pick.

Defensive Tackle: Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

NFL Combine rating: 77.0 (Eventual Starter)

NFL comparison: Jay Ratliff

2011 stats: 56 tackles, 3.0 sacks

2012 stats (projected): 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: three years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: motor

Analysis: Cox is one of those players that might not be the biggest or most polished, but will out-hustle most players. He looks hungry to make the play on every snap.

At 6'4", 298 pounds, and with his long arms and large hands, he has the foundation to turn into a perennial Pro Bowl player. Although he mostly played defensive tackle in college, teams may alternate him between tackle and end, depending on their scheme.

When I watched tape of Cox versus Alabama, I saw someone determined to be the first man into the backfield. He uses his hands and leverage to rush upfield and shrink the pocket. If the offense runs screens or draws, Cox will recognize that and sprint to the ball.

Sure, he has work to do. But Cox is certainly worth a mid-to-late first-round selection.

Well-conditioned and defensive tackle aren't terms you're used to hearing together. Cox is just that.

Outside Linebacker: Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

NFL Combine rating: 88.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Terrell Suggs

2011 stats: 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT (45-yard TD vs. Arkansas)

2012 stats (projected): 67 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 3 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: 1 year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: disruptive

Analysis: Whether in a two- or three-point stance, Upshaw is an absolute beast on defense. For someone his size, he has remarkable agility.

On multiple occasions in the BCS National Championship game, LSU ran the option. On two of those occasions, Upshaw defended it by himself. He maintained outside-in leverage, then made a beeline for the ball carrier until he (Upshaw) made the tackle (check out this video from 0:45-1:21).

Folks, Upshaw weighs 272 pounds, and in that clip, he ran down a player (Jordan Jefferson) who is 49 pounds lighter than him.

That's not normal.

Inside Linebacker: Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

NFL Combine rating: 85.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Rolando McClain

2011 stats: 83 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 pass defensed

2012 stats (projected): 116 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 INT, 2 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: scheme-diverse

Analysis: There is a lot to like about Hightower. His command of the defense and play diagnosis is elite. His size and swagger make him a force many offensive lineman can't (or don't want to) handle. At 6'2", 265 pounds, he's bigger now than most NFL middle linebacker are in their prime.

Hightower can play inside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but is probably stronger in a 3-4 scheme. Although he's a little heavy for a linebacker, his athleticism allows him to cover backs and receivers on a constant basis (he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds).

Frequently at Alabama, Hightower would be charged with making audibles after the offense would change their play. He would have to diagnose the offense, diagnose the offensive audible, make the new defensive call(s) and make sure his defense was in the right spot, all within the span of about 25 seconds.

How great was that Crimson Tide defense, led by Hightower (and Mark Barron)?

Five times they allowed double-digit points. Three times they recorded shut-outs (including their 21-0 win over LSU in the BCS National Championship game). In their entire 13-game season, the Crimson Tide allowed just 106 points.

Cornerback: Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

NFL Combine rating: 92.0 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Richard Sherman

2011 stats: 29 tackles, 9 passes defensed

2012 stats (projected): 40 tackles, 2 INT, 8 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: two years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: total package

Analysis: He can blanket a receiver in coverage and he can also lay them out. His instincts are superb, and he seeks contact.

As good as Kirkpatrick is, there is still room for him to grow (physically, intellectually). Maybe he will move to safety down the road, maybe not. At 6'2", 186 pounds, he possesses NFL-caliber size right now.

Sure, Morris Claiborne is an excellent talent as well. But take arm length, hand length, height and vertical jump, and Kirkpatrick has a 4.5" advantage over Claiborne.

In a game of inches, where cornerbacks often are charged with breaking up jump balls in the end zone, that's a big deal.

Free Safety: Janzen Jackson, McNeese State

NFL Combine rating: 77.0 (Eventual Starter)

NFL comparison: Eric Berry

2011 stats: 3 INT, 96 yards, 1 TD

2012 stats (projected): 37 tackles, 2 INT, 2 passes defensed 2.0 sacks

He will make the Pro Bowl within: three years

One word/phrase that comes to mind: freak

Analysis: Jackson is not a finished product, but shows signs of becoming a special player in the near future.

In coverage, he flies to the ball. After a turnover, he seemingly glides with the ball in his hands. He's shown ability to blitz off the edge and will stick his nose in piles to help tackle or strip the ball lose.

He has fluid, natural talent that most players simply don't have. The challenge for Jackson (and his coaches) will be to refine that talent.

After his sophomore year at Tennessee, Jackson transferred to McNeese State because of a clash with UT coaches. But when NFL coaches and general managers watch his tape, they may not be so concerned with that situation.

Strong Safety: Mark Barron, Alabama

NFL Combine rating: 91.7 (Immediate Starter)

NFL comparison: Troy Polamalu

2011 stats: 63 tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 INT, 4 passes defensed

2012 stats (projected): 72 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 2 INT, 5 passes defensed

He will make the Pro Bowl within: one year

One word/phrase that comes to mind: NFL-ready

Analysis: Barron could very well turn out to be the best defender in this draft.

He plays like a linebacker inside a free safety's body. His technique matches his talent. Besides hernia surgery (which he's recovering well from), Barron has no medical or personal issues that would hinder his draft stock, which isn't always the case with a player of his caliber.

Like Luck, Richardson and Kalil, Barron is one of the few players in this draft that have few weaknesses. He's a quick thinker, he knows where the ball is going and often gets there before the receiver. He looks comfortable in any coverage and in any formation.

Whether he has inside, outside, short, intermediate or deep responsibility, Barron will get the job done.

It bears repeating: The 2011 Alabama defense was historically great. You can make a strong case for Barron being the best player on that defense. Physicality, coverage, leadership, instinct...Barron has them all.