2012 NFL Draft Rankings: The 3 Best Players at Each Position

The NFL draft is finally here. Teams have spent months preparing for three days that could change the course of their franchises forever.

Fans have spent the past few months pouring over every little trickle of information regarding the draft. They likely know exactly who their favorites teams should pick, and especially know who the best players available are at each position.

This year’s draft class is no different from years past. Each position is peppered with extraordinary talent that will reshape the landscape of the NFL. The very best at each position are the names fans will hear called for the next decade and the rest of the league will dread to see on the schedule.

Here are the three best players at each position in the 2012 NFL draft:

Quarterback

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford

There’s no question that Luck is the best quarterback in the draft. He is the best quarterback to enter the draft since Peyton Manning, ironically enough. Luck can do it all, is surprisingly athletic and has great leadership qualities.

Luck is a can’t-miss prospect that is as NFL ready as a collegiate quarterback can be. The Colts are getting a very special player in Luck, and he’ll jump-start the rebuilding phase in Indy.

2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Griffin is a freak athlete that happens to play the quarterback position. He’s faster than any quarterback to ever play the position not named Michael Vick and has an arm that can make any NFL throw.

Griffin has a great personality and passion for the game that is hard to find. He’d be the first overall pick in a lot of drafts in years past, but this year he is unfortunate enough to be behind a once-in-a-generation prospect. Griffin will land in Washington and have a similar impact to what Cam Newton did in Carolina last season.

3. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

Cousins doesn’t have the extreme athleticism of the quarterbacks that will be taken before him, but he has an NFL arm and amazing leadership qualities. He’s a natural leader who had his stock diminished by playing in an offense at Michigan State that preferred to run the ball.

Cousins’ best NFL comparison is Andy Dalton. The two are eerily similar, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Cousins follow a similar career path.

Honorable Mentions: Brock Osweiler, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill

Running Back

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama

No surprise here. Richardson is the best running back to enter the league since Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. He’s a physical runner that seeks out contact rather than avoiding it. He catches passes well enough and is fast enough to break any game open on one play.

Richardson is the last of a dying breed in terms of workhorse running backs. He doesn’t need a spell back to share carries with—he can do it all.

2. Doug Martin, Boise State

Martin joins Richardson in what seems to be the last hurrah of three-down backs as the league shifts more toward a committee approach. Martin is a great runner that has effective ball skills that makes him a threat in the passing game as well.

Martin will find a home earlier in the draft than most think. He’s a rare talent that takes over a game on his own and is dynamic enough to make defenses account for him on every play.

3. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Wilson makes the list because he is such a game-breaking back. He’s not a three-down back like the others on this list, but his elite speed makes him a threat to score on every play. Wilson is effective enough when running the ball but struggled mightily with fumbles during his college days.

Wilson will likely be taken in the second round this year. He has a lot to offer to potential suitors as long as he works on securing the ball.

Honorable Mentions: Isaiah Pead, Lamar Miller, LaMichael James

Fullback

1. Cody Rodriguez, Temple

Rodriguez is the headline in an extremely weak class. He’s more versatile than any fullback in the draft with his ability to catch passes as well as be an effective lead blocker. He could find a starting gig somewhere if he performs well in a camp.

2. Cody Johnson, Texas

Cody Johnson is a traditional fullback that paved the way as a lead blocker for Texas last season. He’ll be a great short-yardage option in the NFL and could find himself a starting job as he makes a name for himself in the trenches.

3. Terrance Ganaway, Baylor

Ganaway doesn’t really have a shot in the NFL as a running back, but he would make one heck of a lead blocker from the fullback position. He’s a big back that could excel in goal-line situations if picked up by the right team. He’s a fullback at heart and one of the better ones in the draft.

Honorable Mentions: Drake Dunsmore, Bradie Ewing, Joe Suhey

Wide Receiver

1 Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Floyd is a big receiver that can run any route and doesn’t have many issues when it comes to catching passes. He has an elite vertical that makes him a great red-zone threat and has great speed for his size, allowing him to get by defenders and down the field.

Floyd may not be the first receiver taken in the draft, but he’s the most NFL-ready at this point. He didn’t put up eye-popping stats more because of the offense he was in than his ability. He’ll be a star in the league.

2. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Blackmon will likely be the first receiver off the board. He’s got amazing upside and had a prestigious collegiate career to boot. However, Blackmon is smaller and slower than Floyd and could have issues creating separation at the line of scrimmage.

Blackmon is an elite athlete that makes the highlight grab with ease. He’ll latch on somewhere in the NFL and be a solid No. 1 or an elite No. 2.

3. Kendall Wright, Baylor

Wright is knocked by everyone for his size, but he plays the game much bigger than he really is. Baylor’s all-time leading receiver is a sure-handed, crisp-route-running prospect who has no qualms with going over the middle and blocking in the running game.

Wright is an amazing all-around receiver that could be a legitimate No. 1 in the NFL someday. He’ll fall on draft day but shock even the team that drafts him once he gets on the field.

Honorable Mentions: Alshon Jeffery, Stephen Hill, Rueben Randle

Tight End

1. Coby Fleener, Stanford

Fleener is an elite prospect who was fortunate enough to catch passes from Andrew Luck in college. He’s massive at 6’6”, which allows him to create a mismatch wherever he lines up on the field. He’s NFL-ready and will make an immediate impact somewhere.

2. Dwayne Allen, Clemson

Allen doesn’t measure as very fast in drills, but in-game he’s elusively fast. He typically gets around the secondary with ease. Allen isn’t as big as Fleener, but he could have just as good of a career if he lands in the right scenario. He’s another tight end who will have an immediate impact on the team that takes him.

3. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette

Green is the tight end with the most upside in the draft. He’s massive at 6’6” and runs a ridiculous 4.53 40-yard dash. Those measurements alone should sell anyone on Green as a great player. Add in the fact he’s physical, has sure hands and was productive in college, and he grades out as an elite tight end prospect.

Honorable Mentions: Orson Charles, Deangelo Peterson, Michael Egnew

Offensive Tackle

1. Matt Kalil, USC

Kalil is easily the best tackle in the draft. He’s got prototypical size at 6’7”, 305lbs and absolutely dominated any competition he faced at the collegiate level.

It’s not a stretch to say Kalil could end up being one of the best linemen in the NFL by the end of his rookie season. He has all the intangibles, and one lucky team will have a franchise left tackle for a decade or more in Kalil.

2. Riley Reiff, Iowa

Reiff has seen his stock take a hit recently due to scouts proclaiming he has short arms, which he does. Turn on the film when it really matters though, and Kalil was simply dominant while at Iowa.

Reiff isn’t the best on the board, but he’s a respectable No. 2 in comparison to the ridiculous prospect that is Kalil. Reiff has the ability to start from day one at right tackle and be groomed to play left tackle as well.

3. Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Martin is another great tackle prospect who will find himself with a new NFL home before the first day of the draft is over. Martin is a prototypical tackle who will have no issues making the transition to the NFL. 

Martin excels at run-blocking but will only improve in terms of pass-blocking at the next level. He’ll make several Pro-Bowls at the next level before all is said and done.        

Honorable Mentions: Zerbie Sanders, Mike Adams, Bobby Massie

Offensive Guard

1. David DeCastro, Stanford

DeCastro is arguably the best guard to enter the draft since Steve Hutchinson. He’s an elite prospect that has all the tools physically and mentally to be a franchise player for a long time.

DeCastro is a beast in the running game, discarding defensive linemen with ease and making it to the second level. He makes a strong case for a top-15 position despite the position he plays not historically being drafted that high.               

2. Cordy Glenn, Georgia

Glenn is a monster guard that weighs in at 345 lbs and uses his frame and strength to physically dominate opposition with ease. He was a force at Georgia, and it’s not hard to imagine he’ll be a force in the NFL.

Not only is Glenn one of the best guards in the draft, he’s also one of the best tackles. He’s athletic enough to play anywhere on the offensive line, which only makes him that much more attractive in the eyes of potential suitors.

3. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin

Zeitler has seen his stock skyrocket as of late, and it’s about time. He’s a massive guard who gets to the second level of defenses with relative ease. Last season he put together another amazing year of film with his impressive run blocking.

It’s likely Zeitler will be taken in the first round now that he is receiving the attention he deserves. He’s an elite prospect who shouldn’t have many issues making the transition to the NFL.

Honorable Mentions: Amini Silatolu, Brandon Washington, Kelechi Osemele

Center

1. Peter Konz, Wisconsin

Konz has a real shot at being taken in the first round this year. Not only is Konz far and away the best center in the draft, he’s versatile enough to play guard at the next level as well.

Konz will likely land somewhere that needs him to start right away. He’s big enough to do so, and the only knock on him is his injury history. Should Konz stay healthy, he will have himself a solid career at guard or center.

2. Ben Jones, Georgia

Jones is a solid prospect who could eventually play himself into a starting role. He won’t be taken until the mid-rounds as a backup because he needs to work on his overall game and his body. He played well in college but needs to put on some muscle if he wants to stand a chance against the massive defensive tackles in the NFL.

3. Michael Brewster, Ohio State

Brewster is a mid-round prospect who has seen his stock drop drastically this offseason after mediocre performances at the scouting combine and pro day. He played well at Ohio State but could struggle to adapt to the NFL. He’ll be better in a pass-heavy offense where he doesn’t have to run block frequently.

Honorable Mentions: Philip Blake, Garth Gehart, David Molk

Defensive End

1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Coples is an elite defensive end prospect who was simply dominant while at North Carolina. He’s a physical freak who is eerily fast for his frame and uses his pure athleticism alone to get around the edge of an offensive line quickly.

There have been some questions about Coples’ effort on every down that could hurt his stock come draft day. On potential alone, he’s the best in at his position and should be gone in the first 15 picks.

2. Nick Perry, USC

Above, Coples was called a freak. That means words can’t describe what Perry is in terms of athleticism. Perry is 6’3”, 270 lbs and somehow manages to run a 4.6 40-yard dash and rep 225 lbs on the bench press 35 times.

Perry is a one-trick-pony right now. He’s amazing at getting to opposing quarterbacks, but his overall game needs some work. It will take a few years, but Perry has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL.

3. Vinny Curry, Marshall

Curry mostly played defensive end at the collegiate level and looks to make the transition flawlessly to the NFL. He’s a talented athlete who faced double teams on every down in college and still managed to be one of the best defensive ends in the nation.

Curry is a well-rounded prospect who shuts down the run as well as rushing the passer. The knock against him is that he played at Marshall, a small school, but his natural ability should be able to put that argument to rest early in his career.

Honorable Mentions: Chandler Jones, Andre Branch, Jake Bequette

Defensive Tackle

1. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

Cox has a rare combination of size and speed that allows him to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He’s had an impressive offseason, and watching tape has revealed he’s gifted when it comes to putting pressure on the quarterback.

Cox plays with a relentless motor and is effective against the run as well. He isn’t the heaviest tackle in the draft but can hold his own against double teams. Cox will likely be a top-15 draft pick on Day 1 and have a productive rookie season.

2. Michael Brockers, LSU

Brockers has a ridiculously high ceiling as he matures as a pass-rusher. He dominated the stiff competition in the SEC while at LSU. His lackluster scouting combine performance knocked him out of the top 10.

Brockers is a huge tackle who can play any position on the defensive line. He’s fast, strong and a disruptive force whenever he is on the field. He’ll be selected in the first without a doubt, but he’ll need some time to develop.

3. Dontari Poe, Memphis

Poe has seen his stock drop as of late now that the hype from the scouting combine has cooled off. Still, the fact a 345 lbs man can run a 4.97 40-yard dash and get 44 reps on the bench press is very impressive.

The problem for Poe is that he played at a small school and wasn’t very productive while doing so. He won’t fall out of the first round, but he’s a project pick for sure.

Honorable Mentions: Kendall Reyes, Alameda Ta’amu, Josh Chapman

Outside Linebacker

1. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Ingram is a top-10 pick thanks to his unbelievable combination of speed and strength. Add in an extremely productive college career, and Ingram is a can’t-miss prospect this year. He’s played both outside linebacker spots and every position on the defensive line—his versatility is unquestioned.

Ingram is going to be in the NFL for an extremely long time. He’s a rare talent who won’t have any issues making the transition and should already be in the conversation for Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.

2. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

Mercilus is another gifted athlete entering the draft at his position. He also has a jaw-dropping combination of strength and speed that allows him to reach opposing quarterbacks with relative ease.

Mercilus led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles last season. He recorded 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles. His transition to the league should be an easy one that sees one lucky team happy to have his elite talents.

3. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Upshaw is a anomaly that measures in at only 6’1” but is 270 lbs of sheer muscle. He carries the weight well and uses it to terrorize quarterbacks with regularity.

Upshaw’s stock is dwindling a bit because it’s hard to tell exactly what position he’ll play in the NFL. At the outside linebacker spot he’ll be able to rush the passer or play solid pass coverage. Upshaw should still be off the board in the top 20.

Honorable Mentions: Shea McClellin, Lavonte David, Zach Brown

Inside Linebacker

1. Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Kuechly isn’t the best inside linebacker in the draft by much, but his excellent productivity and strong scouting combine showing have helped to solidify his draft status. Kuechly is a highly intelligent player with great instincts and feel for the game.

Keuchly is fast enough to go sideline to sideline quickly and is a tackle machine. He can play effective coverage when he needs to but excels against the run. He’ll be gone in the top 20.

2. Dont’a Hightower, Alabama

Hightower is a heavy inside linebacker who had a very productive career at Alabama. He’s a natural against the run and plays with impressive instincts and ferocity.

Hightower is very effective when rushing the passer from the inside and plays much faster than what drills would lead many to believe. Hightower is a vastly underrated prospect who will have a major impact on an NFL team next season.

3. Mychal Kendricks, California

Kendricks rounds out the top three because of his ridiculous athleticism that was on display at the scouting combine. He weighs about 240 lbs but somehow managed to run a 4.41 40-yard dash.

Kendricks has the collegiate production to match the impressive measurables. He had 107 tackles a season ago along with three sacks and two interceptions. He has the ability to do it all at the next level and should be a second-round selection.

Honorable Mentions: Audie Cole, Bobby Wagner, Vontaze Burfict

Cornerback

1. Morris Claiborne, LSU

Claiborne is a rare cornerback prospect who excels in all facets of pass defense and is physical enough to provide stout run support as well. He possesses an incredible amount of speed to go alone with unmatched instincts.

Claiborne is a top-five selection that could be the difference between an a mediocre defensive unit and an elite unit. He’s a special player that will adapt quickly to the NFL.

2. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Jenkins is another gifted athlete entering the draft at the corner position this year. His athleticism and natural instincts will allow him to excel at the NFL level from the start. In college, Jenkins had no problems shutting down receivers like A.J. Green.

Jenkins was a top-15 pick before his plethora of arrests. Now it’s hard to tell where he’ll go, but if he can stay out of trouble, he could end up being one of the better corners in the league.

3. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

It has taken some time for the public to realize Gilmore is a first-round pick, but now he’s set to go in the mid first round thanks to his impressive career at South Carolina.

Gilmore is a natural in any type of coverage thanks to his flexibility and speed. He matches up well with most receivers and has the physicality to help against the run as well.

Honorable Mentions: Dre Kirkpatrick, Josh Robinson, Trumaine Johnson

Free Safety

1. George Iloka, Boise State

Iloka is a physical safety who is efficient against the run but has the tendency to give up big pass plays behind him. He’s a work in progress but will make a solid special teams contributor in his first season. With the right coaching, he could turn out to be a solid rotational player.

2. Brandon Taylor, LSU

Taylor managed to be very productive on a team full of stars at LSU. He’s a very physical safety who has battled injuries recently but finally has seen his draft stock rise as of late. He’s one of the better safeties available on draft day, but not a starter for some time.

3. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

Martin is a natural free safety who doesn’t allow many big plays to happen behind him. He’s smart with good instincts in coverage and is known to blow offensive players up with big hits. He’ll be a solid contributor to an NFL team a few years down the road.

Honorable Mentions:  Aaron Henry, Christian Thompson, Trenton Robinson

Strong Safety

1. Mark Barron, Alabama

Barron is a first-round talent who has seen his stock fall because he can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s the most NFL-ready safety in this draft and put together an excellent collegiate career at Alabama.

Barron has instincts that are hard to find in the NFL. He can be inconsistent at times in coverage but almost always reads a running play correctly and shuts it down. He can start for an NFL team from day one if he can manage to stay healthy.

2. Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

Smith won’t shock many with his cover skills, but his run defense is very good. He’s been wildly consistent throughout his collegiate career but has enough talent in place that he could be a starter with proper coaching. He’ll be taken in the second round and be a rotational guy right away.

3. Antonio Allen, South Carolina

Allen is a classic strong safety that excels against the run and struggles at times to defend the pass. He stood out as one of the better safeties in the SEC, which is hard to do. Allen will be a rotational player only for his first few years in the league.

Honorable Mentions: Eddie Pleasant, Kelcie McCray, Winston Guy

Kicker

1. Randy Bullock, Texas A&M

Bullock went 29-of-33 last year and was named to the All-American First Team. He can hit field goals as long as 50 yards and could be drafted in the sixth or seventh round.

2. Carson Wiggs, Purdue

Wiggs hit 19-of-25 last year. He’s got a very strong leg that allows him to hit from long range and be effective on kickoffs.

3. Blair Walsh, Georgia

Walsh struggled last season as he went 21-35. His three years before that were extremely consistent, so a team hoping 2011 was an anomaly could look at him in the seventh round.

Punter

1. Bryan Anger, California

Anger is easily the best punter in the draft and could force some teams to take a look at him as early as the fourth round. Last year he had 18 punts of 50 or more yards and a ridiculous 19 punts placed inside the 20-yard line.

2. Drew Butler, Georgia

Butler averaged 44 yards per punt last season and had some highlight-worthy games that have seen his stock rise to that of actually being drafted. Teams looking for an upgrade in the sixth or seventh round will likely be calling Butler.

3. Brian Stahovich, San Diego State

Stahovich averaged 44 yards per punt as well last season and has received a lot of attention from NFL teams. He’s another late option in the draft who could enter the NFL as a starter.

Follow @Chris_Roling