2012 NFL Draft Predictions: Prospects That Will See Dramatic Falls on Draft Day

The 2012 NFL Draft will be no exception to early-round prospects falling to the middle rounds or thereafter.

In 2011 for example, we saw it happen to Da'Quan Bowers and it's going to occur again. Now, whether it's because a prospect lacks experience, production and/or has character issues, the smallest of red flags can cause a player to drop during draft weekend.

So, let's take a gander at some early-rounders that will fall this draft season.

Alfonzo Dennard: CB, Nebraska

Although Dennard will fall on draft weekend, his potential remains high. Despite having three solid years between 2009 and 2011 with 97 tackles, four picks and 24 defended passes, he underachieved against top competition at the Senior Bowl.

Still, Dennard possesses great size and is a physical player that can also help with run support. Compared to the elite corners however, Dennard didn't stand out at the combine and since the position is so deep, he'll go a bit overlooked.

That said, Dennard has also been injured on more than one occasion and does need to improve his awareness when in zone coverage. Provided that he remains solid in man and a reliable tackler, Dennard may have a greater rookie impact than expected.

Lamar Miller: RB, Miami (Fla.)

After just one solid college season, Lamar Miller enters the NFL with extremely high expectations. He is a projected second-rounder, but with limited experience and unproven consistency, Miller will drop farther than anticipated.

Had he remained for one more season, Miller would have been a Heisman candidate and first-round lock. Now, he is coming off a solid season with 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns, but he also struggled against the better defenses.

Also, considering that Miller wasn't a dual-threat back and the position isn't too deep, he could drop to Round 4. If so, Miller then becomes a gem as he can be productive in a limited role.

Andre Branch: DE, Clemson

Inconsistency on a weekly basis is concerning about Andre Branch. Although he collected 10.5 sacks in 2011, he recorded just 2.5 during the final seven weeks.

However, Branch does possess good quickness at the snap and can be a constant menace in the backfield. During his career, Branch accounted for 32 tackles for loss (31 from 2009-2011) and helped Clemson win the ACC last season.

Unfortunately, the Tigers also allowed an average of 29 points and 380 total yards per game. His inconsistency allowed opponents to dice up Clemson's already vulnerable secondary and that will greatly cost teams in the NFL.

Branch can make an impact as a strict passing situation rusher until he develops against the run and double-teams.

Mike Adams: OT, Ohio State

2011 was undoubtedly a disappointing season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Offensively, the Buckeyes averaged only 24 points (ranked No. 81) and 127 passing yards (ranked No. 115) per game.

A lot of that can be attributed to Mike Adams (who missed the first five games) and Ohio State's offensive line that allowed 46 sacks in just 13 games. Adams does bring great size and athleticism to the tackle position, but his impatience to extend the arms against faster blitzers is concerning.

If anything, Adams must significantly improve as a run-blocker. At Ohio State, Adams had the luxury of protecting two scrambling quarterbacks and he didn't have to get to the second level often.

In the pros, Adams must develop a quicker burst at the snap. Otherwise, linebackers will make plays in the lane before he can seal off to allow the ball-carrier a cutback option.

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