NFL Draft 2012: 5 Young Prospects with the Most to Gain

The NFL Draft process is a long one. Prospects will rise and fall on everyone's big board. This is the time that will either make or break every prospect's career. 

Some prospects have had off-field issues that have impacted their draft stock and are looking to make up that lost ground. Others went through the college football season under the radar and have skyrocketed up everyone's board. 

There is now less than three weeks until the draft and prospects have little left to do to try and impress coaches and scouts. Some prospects have everything to gain in the process, while others will unfortunately hurt their stock in the weeks leading up to the draft.

These are the prospects that have everything to gain.

Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Nobody benefited more from the Dolphins' inability to sign Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn than Ryan Tannehill. He will be part of the phenomenon that we have become accustomed to in the last few years—over-drafting quarterbacks.

Tannehill, a converted wide receiver, only has two years of experience at quarterback. He has all the physical tools and looks like he could be a franchise quarterback in the future.

His skill set at the moment would have him going from anywhere in the end of the first round to the early part of the second round.

With a few teams that need a promising quarterback at the top of the first round, Tannehill can benefit from their needs and perhaps get drafted higher than he should.

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

There are a few pass rushers in this year's draft that have the ability to be perennial pro bowlers for years to come. You can add Quinton Coples to that list. 

Coples is one of the more interesting prospects this year. He has the ability to outperform any offensive lineman anytime, but at times he lacks motivation to get after the quarterback. That is a big minus for someone whose main purpose is to rush the quarterback. 

With all the question marks he has, his upside is just too huge to let him slip out of the top-15. With good coaching and an improved motor, he will be a nightmare for any quarterback standing in front of him.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins could have been the first cornerback taken this year had he stayed out of trouble while he was attending the University of Florida. He is one of the top cornerbacks in the draft and, if he stays out of trouble, he could be the best defensive player out of this draft.

It will be hard for any team to take a chance on him given all the problems he's had. A team with a strong-minded coaching staff would be the best place for him to play. An established coach and leaders on the defense would make sure Jenkins stays out of trouble and plays to his potential.

If he does stay out of trouble, I can see Darrelle Revis-like comparisons for Jenkins. He will make any team happy.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Going into the college football season, Alshon Jeffery was regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the country alongside Justin Blackmon. He had a monstrous 2010 season, but saw his productivity drop off in 2011 mainly due to poor quarterback play.

Jeffery possesses the best hands for a receiver in this draft and his body will pose many problems for NFL cornerbacks. He will be a great red-zone threat and can be the top receiver out of this draft. 

Many experts questioned Jeffery's speed, but he proved them wrong at his pro day. Questions still linger about his ability to separate at the next level, but I don't think he will have any problems in that department. 

He's a first-round prospect that could fall to the second round and give the team that drafts him the biggest steal in the draft.

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Dontari Poe may have had one of the best combines for a defensive lineman. He ran a sub-5.0 40-yard dash, which opened everyone's eyes. 

He was played under the radar at the University of Memphis and was not mentioned as a first-round prospect until his combine performance. Some people question his ability since he didn't stand out for a non-football powerhouse.

I think he will immediately help any defensive line and will be able to plug up the holes with his massive body and incredible athleticism. If he's taken in the first round, he will not disappoint.