2012 NFL Draft: Questions for Justin Blackmon and 1st-Round Prospects' Buzz

Although many believe Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is the most complete wide receiver in the 2012 NFL draft class, he doesn't come without a few question marks. 

There are varying degrees of doubt about every player's ability—that's just the way it goes. 

Let's take a few minutes to comprehensively break down Blackmon's draft profile, while specifically looking at the biggest questions he'll have to answer in the NFL. 

Also, I've got the latest buzz regarding many first-round prospects. 


Justin Blackmon 

The 22-year-old Blackmon is 6'1'' and 210 pounds, although he plays bigger and more physical than that. He was wildly productive in college, collecting 232 receptions for 3,204 yards and 38 touchdowns over his last two seasons at Oklahoma State. 

During his pro day in March, ESPN's Josina Anderson reported that he clocked between a 4.41 and a 4.46 in his 40-yard dash.

He makes his living with his imposing frame and rangy athleticism. Blackmon has all the tools to be a fine possession receiver at the next level, and excels after the catch with nice footwork, decent burst and power to run through smaller defensive backs. 

The two-time Biletnikoff Award winner is a great leaper, but isn't at the Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald caliber of coming down with jump balls, though he demonstrated a fine ability to snatch the ball out of the air in traffic during his illustrious collegiate career. 


Biggest questions 

Acceleration 

Blackmon isn't the fastest receiver and could struggle separating from better cornerbacks at the next level. Because of that and the system in which he played in Stillwater, he wasn't called upon to stretch the field on many occasions.

Should a team make a top-10 or even a top-5 selection on purely a physical possession receiver that doesn't pose much of a deep threat? Can he become a well-rounded, do-it-all wideout in the NFL by moving the chains and making big plays downfield?

Arrest

In October 2010, Blackmon was arrested for a DUI, so there are off-field concerns as well. 

Since then, he's had a clean slate, and the arrest isn't ridiculously damning, but it's something that will always linger in the minds of coaches and general managers. 


Other draft buzz 

Ryan Tannehill 

Tannehill has slowly become the most mysterious and intriguing prospect that could possibly go in the top 10. 

We know all about Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Trent Richardson. But the majority of draft analysts and gurus are split on when and where Tannehill should be selected. 

B/R's Matt Miller said the following about where Tannehill should land in his most recent mock draft: 

"Say what you will, but the Dolphins desperately need a quarterback. This may not be a popular pick, and it's a huge stretch, but Miami needs to take the shot."

Although ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. called Tannehill "overrated, overhyped and that he shouldn't be a top-8 pick," in his mock draft 4.0, he too argued that the Texas A&M signal-caller should go to the Miami Dolphins, stating the following: 

"

We know Miami lacks a long-range plan at quarterback, and while Tannehill isn't a guy I'd endorse as an immediate starter, his ceiling is so high you can take him here with a plan in place because of his rate of growth. His already sound mechanics and skill set imply a bright future. The talent isn't in question.

"

He's probably right. Tannehill is a converted wide receiver and has a strong arm to make just about all the NFL throws. He's only started 19 games at the quarterback position and made a lot of inexperienced quarterback mistakes during his time with the Aggies.  

There's no questioning his upside, but is he ready to start this September and succeed? 

Jim Irsay sent out a tweet regarding Tannehill on Wednesday that created quite the stir in the Twitter world. 

Is this another semi-joking tweet from the eccentric owner, or is he onto something with Tannehill?


Vontaze Burfict 

This may come as no surprise, but Burfict's stock as plummeted over the last few months, so much so that he may not even get drafted. 

Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sent the following tweet regarding the Arizona State linebacker: 

Sad for a player who was once considered a first-round lock. 


Shea McClellin 

Draft oracle Greg Cosell pieced together a handy and insightful column titled "Diamonds in the Rough."

In it, he profiled Boise State outside linebacker/defensive end Shea McClellin who is shooting up draft boards. 

Says Cosell: 

"

What I liked immediately was his lateral agility and quickness. He showed the ability to get low and bend the edge as a pass rusher. He also had an instinctive feel as an inside rusher for getting skinny and getting through small cracks. He shed blocks and made plays in the run game.

My sense is he will get better in the NFL with a chance to be a dynamic edge pass rusher. He’s not as purely explosive as Clay Matthews, but I see some similarities as McClellin matures and develops.

"

He's not the only one. 

Kiper Jr. recently sent out a tweet that he has McClellin going in the first round. In his mock, he has him going No. 27 overall to the New England Patriots. 

Says Kiper Jr.: 

"

A player who has moved up boards during the draft process, he played with a hand on the ground at Boise State, but has enough athleticism and the smarts to transition to standing up on the edge in this type of a system. The Patriots have to work on the front seven in the draft, and McClellin is the type of heady player Bill Belichick can work with.

"

Another late draft riser who could hear his named called on Day 1. 


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