2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Projecting the First Round's Biggest Busts

Like linebacker Rolando McClain (No. 8 overall in 2010), Aaron Maybin in 2009 (11th overall) and most famously quarterback Jamarcus Russell in 2007 (when he was chosen first overall by the Oakland Raiders), sometimes players enter the NFL draft with great fanfare, are selected in the first round and then proceed to swiftly and surely fall flat on their faces.

Sometimes these draft day busts come as complete surprises, but more often than not there were some warning signs. The 2012 draft class is no different, as while it contains a boatload of talented young players, there are also some first-round prospects sporting their share of red flags.

Using the latest mock draft penned by Don Banks of Sports Illustrated (which is as good a jumping off point as any) here's a look at three players who will likely hear their names called in the first round of April's draft by teams that may end up wishing they'd just kept their mouths shut.

Ryan Tannehill – QB, Texas A&M

Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill is widely considered the third-best prospect at his position in the 2012 draft class after throwing for over 4,700 yards in 2011. There's very little chance that Tannehill will make it past the eighth overall pick and the Miami Dolphins given their desperate search for a quarterback this offseason.

However, while the 6'4", 221-pound Tannehill was certainly a prolific passer last year, he also possesses a limited resume (15 career starts) and a tendency to force the ball into coverage (15 interceptions in 2011). Tannehill is also much less of a sure bet than either Robert Griffin or Andrew Luck, and the team that takes him in the top 10 of April's draft is going to be rolling the dice.

Given the Dolphins luck at the tables this offseason, that ain't good.

Quinton Coples – DE, North Carolina

Defensive end Quinton Coples of North Carolina is considered a top-10 prospect by many pundits. While Banks may not share that assessment, he concedes that Coples' 6'6", 281-pound frame and quickness may be hard for a team like the Dallas Cowboys to pass on at 14th overall.

That jibes with a scouting report on Coples by ESPN's Bryan Broaddus.

"

If you were to physically draw up with a 3-4 base end would look like, he would be your model. When I worked for Bill Parcells and we were switching from the 4-3 to the 3-4, this was the perfect height and weight that he wanted at end.

"

However, a dip in Coples' production as a senior has led many to question whether he may take some plays off. There have been numerous examples of players, such as Vernon Gholston, who looked spectacular on paper, only to flop miserably when it was time to finally take the field.

Janoris Jenkins – CB, North Alabama

As last year's playoff loss to the New Orleans Saints showed quite clearly, the Detroit Lions are badly in need of help in the defensive backfield, so it's completely understandable that the team could look to the cornerback position with the 23rd pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

However, if the Lions choose cornerback Janoris Jenkins of North Alabama (as Banks predicts), the team will be taking a big gamble. The 5'10", 193-pound Jenkins has proven to be just as adept at getting into trouble off the field as he is covering opposing players on it.

Jenkins was dismissed from the University of Florida after numerous marijuana arrests and has reportedly fathered four children by three different women.

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press doesn't think the talented but troubled youngster's skills on the field are worth the grief he could cause the Lions off of it.

"

Acknowledging past lapses in judgment doesn't mean they won't happen again. And at pick No. 23, for a team that's close to doing special things, there are bound to be better gambles to take.

"

It's possible that each of these collegiate standouts could overcome their perceived shortcomings and go on to long and productive careers in the NFL. However, it's vitally important that the teams that take them in the draft's first round do so knowing that their first draft pick may be much more coin flip than done deal.

Follow @IDPManor