Latest Buzz on NFL Draft's Fastest Rising Stars

The rumors about the members of the 2012 NFL Draft class are flying fast and furious as we approach the kickoff of this year's event on April 26. 

Here is the latest buzz on the fastest rising players available in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd has begun rising back up draft boards, and has reportedly either visited with or is scheduled to visit with at least 11 teams, nine of whom have selections within the first 17 picks.

Floyd revealed that he has already spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers, and worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles this past week. He also has visits set up with the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets this week, and will meet with the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings next week. 

Most of the early buzz had Floyd falling into the early 20s, but this latest news could mean he's ticketed for the top 15 or even top 10.

Floyd has established himself as the second-best receiver in the 2012 draft class, but just where he will fall is still up in the air and seems to be constantly changing. He was a playmaker in college and concerns about his ability to separate from elite cornerbacks is the only thing standing between him and a high selection. 

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Tannehill is the draft's hot name right now and it should stay that way until he finally comes off the board on April 26. After acing his Pro Day, the 23-year-old quarterback has raced up draft boards and appears ticketed to land somewhere in the top 10. 

The Miami Dolphins own the No. 8 pick and a have a serious need for a franchise-type signal-caller to build around. Tannehill's upside is tremendous but he's also incredibly raw. 

Right now we know the Cleveland Browns also seem intrigued by Tannehill but won't take him with the No. 4 pick. That means the Dolphins won't have to worry about trading up to grab him, since none of the teams between the fourth and eighth picks have a dire need at quarterback.

It appears things are lining up perfectly for the Dolphins to land Tannehill at No. 8.

Dontari Poe, Memphis

Since absolutely blowing up at the NFL Scouting Combine with an incredible workout, Poe has been one of the hottest players in this year's draft. At 6'4" and 346 pounds, he projects as a prototypical nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.

It makes sense then that the Dallas Cowboys are trying to disguise their love for him, since they apparently do not want to draw attention to the mammoth lineman from Memphis.

Right now, I see Poe being snapped up by the Carolina Panthers at No. 9. Carolina passed on grabbing Marcell Dareus with the top pick in last year's draft to take Cam Newton, but the fact that the team was interested in Dareus is telling. Head coach Ron Rivera is well aware how valuable a dominant defensive tackle can be to a defense and the Panthers have a big-time need at that position.  

So while the Cowboys may love Poe, he probably won't be there when they are on the clock with the 14th pick in the first round.

Mark Barron, Alabama

Barron is another guy who has jumped up draft boards this postseason. I have yet to hear an analyst refer to anyone else as the best safety in this class, as Barron has firmly established himself at the top of a weak crop of safeties.

If Poe doesn't fall to the Cowboys, don't expect Barron to drop past the 14th pick. Dallas reportedly loves the Alabama product and he would bring leadership and versatility to what was a weak secondary in 2011. 

He would certainly fit in Dallas and would be a difference-maker immediately for them. I don't see him dropping out of the top 16, as the Jets would almost certainly snag him if he fell that far.