NFL Draft Predictions: Analyzing Alshon Jeffery and Top 2nd-Round Prospects

Since the 2011 college football season ended and the chaos embodied in the beginning of free agency, Round 2 of the 2012 NFL draft has seen quite a bit of changes.

And with the first-round having received much attention as usual, we can't overlook the best talent of Round 2. A gem can be found with any selection.

Alshon Jeffery: WR, South Carolina

With great size and reliable hands, Alshon Jeffery will be selected early in Round 2. Although it wouldn't be surprising to see him sneak back into Round 1, the South Carolina receiver does need to work at consistency, despite not being a part of an elite offense.

Right now, Jeffery makes for an excellent red-zone target on fade routes and anything over the deep middle. Quick slants will also be beneficial because Jeffery's combination of size, strength and acceleration will allow for many yards after the catch.

After all, the man did average over 16 yards per reception for his career and scored 23 touchdowns with Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw as his quarterbacks. 

Provided that Jeffery can develop as a threat to sit between zones over the middle, make pre-snap adjustments and become a force when run-blocking, he will reach full potential.

Coby Fleener: TE, Stanford

Arguably the most complete tight end in the draft, Stanford's Coby Fleener is an appealing prospect since the Cardinal ran a pro-style offense.

On the ground, Fleener was one of the best blocking tight ends simply because he took pride in doing so. Otherwise, Stanford would not have averaged 210 rush yards per game in 2011. He's not overly physical, but he has the wherewithal to wall off linebackers after chip-blocking defensive ends.

In the passing game, Fleener is as reliable as any receiving tight end in the country. He's a better athlete than advertised and has the quick agility to break routes and get open between the zones.

Averaging almost 20 yards per reception on 34 catches and scoring 10 touchdowns last year (seven in 2010), Fleener will be huge on third down.

Bobby Wagner: LB, Utah State

One of the draft's complete linebackers, Bobby Wagner collected an impressive 445 tackles in his career and saved his best season for last.

Despite playing against weaker competition in the WAC, Wagner proved his skill at the Senior Bowl with seven tackles and one interception.

He possesses the size and speed to develop as an inside and outside linebacker in either the 4-3 or 3-4 front. Include excellent instincts, quick play recognition awareness and reliability in coverage and Wagner can make some noise in 2012.

Now, if he adds the ability to be a consistent pass-rusher when needed, Wagner will emerge as one of the league's best defenders.

Isaiah Pead: RB, Cincinnati

An underrated yet versatile back, Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead was a consistent performer for the Bearcats the past three years.

Averaging 1,268 total yards between 2009-11, Pead also scored 33 total touchdowns and utilized his acceleration to dart past would-be tacklers every week. Pead has the top speed to beat linebackers to the edge and can be a solid receiving back as well.

He's not the most reliable blocking back, so he'll likely begin as a third-down back and contribute in some short-yard situations.

Pead's athleticism will pay off at sifting through traffic on the interior. However, if he improves at selling blocks to setup screens and play-action, he'll become a complete and every-down back.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)

18. San Diego Chargers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

20. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin)

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

John Rozum on Twitter.