2012 NFL Draft: Building an Entire Team with This Year's Best Prospects

Building an entire team with this year's best prospects isn't simply a matter of choosing the players widely mocked as leading talents at their respective positions. For instance, many boards have Fletcher Cox and Dontari Poe as the first two defensive tackles selected.

However, this author's draft dream team would put any one of Jerel Worthy, Brandon Thompson or Kendall Reyes at least on a par with Poe. The same issue is evident at the tight end position.

Stanford's Coby Fleener may be the only tight end projected to have first-round value, but Clemson ace Dwayne Allen is the more complete player. These kind of considerations can be resolved by first establishing what schemes this team would run.

On offense, a Norv Turner style, simplified version of the old Ernie Zampese/Don Corryell system will be employed. The defense would be a 4-3, reminiscent of the old Jimmy Johnson, "college-style" front.

With this in mind, here is a team constructed with some of the best talent in the 2012 NFL draft.

Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Stanford

There may be some questions about Andrew Luck's arm strength, but these concerns are minor. He has the arm to make all NFL-standard throws and possesses the touch, accuracy and pocket mobility to be an efficient playmaker.

Luck's expertise as a play-action specialist will prove useful in a system designed around the symmetry of a balance between the run and the pass. With Luck under center, this team has a savvy signal-caller with experience of a pro-style scheme and the mechanics to handle any pass design.

Left Tackle: Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Size is the main requirement for this offensive line, so 6'5", 312-pounder Jonathan Martin edges out top tackle prospect Matt Kalil. Martin's familiarity as Luck's blindside protector also helps.

The Stanford blocker possess the excellent footwork, in addition to a wide, thick base to anchor the edge. Martin generates a strong push in the running game and has an aggressiveness that can be an asset at the pro level. 

Left Guard: David DeCastro, Stanford

The Stanford theme ends with David DeCastro as the school's final prospect to make this team. DeCastro will line up next to Martin at left guard and add a technically-skilled blocker along the interior.

The 6'5", 316-pounder is an exceptional drive blocker and would ensure a clean pocket for Luck, as well as knocking defenders off the ball to create lanes in the running game. His nimble movement skills will also be useful on trap and counter plays.

Center: Peter Konz, Wisconsin

Wisconsin powerhouse Peter Konz is the perfect fit to be the pivot man for such a sizeable front five. At 6'5" and 314 pounds, Konz offers rare size for the center position.

Although he can occasionally struggle with leverage due to his height, Konz is a physical blocker with above-average natural agility. Sound hands technique is the best part of Konz's game, and his mechanics and athleticism will expertly anchor the front.

Right Guard: Cordy Glenn, Georgia

Versatile lineman Cordy Glenn can slide inside to the right guard position. His exceptional size and balance mean Glenn transitions well to the interior at the pro level.

A long armed blocker, Glenn is able to use his massive 6'6", 345-pound frame to physically dominate at the point of attack. His technique can be inconsistent, and recognition skills could be sharper.

However, these are things that can quickly be solved with the right coaching. As a physical specimen, Glenn possesses the raw attributes to quickly excel as an NFL starter.

Right Tackle: Bobby Massie, Mississippi

Mississippi stalwart Bobby Massie rounds out a stout line. The 6'6", 316-pounder is a natural right tackle with the off-the-snap speed and long arms to neutralise most pass-rushers.

Massie has the raw physical intangibles to develop into a skilled blocker in the NFL. He hasn't always dominated at the collegiate level and has had his share of concentration issues.

However, if he can prove he has a strong work ethic, Massie can quickly become an accomplished starter.

Tight End: Dwayne Allen, Clemson

Former basketball standout Dwayne Allen is the kind of powerfully built, safe handed pass-catching tight end a classic pro offense demands. Allen has excellent movement skills and is a crafty route runner.

He works well in intermediate areas and is a dangerous target on screen passes. The Clemson star is a natural safety valve for a quarterback forced to work through his reads and would be a valuable third-down outlet.

Allen also offers polished blocking skills and works well down the line in the running game. With the wide receivers used to attack deep zones in this system, Allen is the perfect underneath foil.

H-Back: Evan Rodriguez, Temple

Evan Rodriguez is the ideal fit for the H-Back role in this two-back attack. The Temple prospect has the size and receiving skills to act as a credible lead blocker and be a decent receiver out in the flats.

Rodriguez has the willingness of a blocking back, but the 239-pounder may lack the ideal size for the role. However, his natural versatility and experience at both fullback and tight end would make him an asset in the right scheme.

Running Back: Doug Martin, Boise State

Doug Martin is the perfect back for this offense. He is strong and productive in every aspect of the game and is the kind of multi-use weapon NFL teams want in the backfield.

Martin has quick feet and deceptive upper body strength. He displays the low center of gravity and natural burst and power to be effective between the tackles. Martin is also elusive enough and has the initial quickness to break some long runs.

Sound receiving ability rounds out Martin's complete skill set and makes him a natural choice as a workhorse, with credible every-down skills.

Wide Receiver: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery is an explosive playmaking talent with the physical attributes to terrorise any defense. Prototype size at 6'3" and 216 pounds, along with the knack for making the spectacular grab, make Jeffery a natural weapon for the deep passing game.

He has the physicality and long striding quickness to victimise press coverage and is blessed with excellent hands and the stature to split corner, safety tandems against cover-2 schemes.

Fluctuating weight and concentration concerns plague Jeffery as he enters this draft, but as a raw talent with this kind of size and athleticism, he has the potential to be a steal.

Wide Receiver: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd is a big target with a penchant for finding the end zone. The 6'3", 220-pound flanker was prolific at the collegiate level and can attack a defense in a variety of ways.

Floyd can stretch the field vertically and also demonstrates the toughness and resourcefulness to go across the middle and be productive. The ex-Fighting Irish star wants the ball and relishes the chance to be a game changer.

3rd-Down Running Back: LaMichael James, Oregon

No offense would be complete without a third-down, change-of-pace running back. Diminutive speedster LaMichael James perfectly fits the bill.

The Oregon standout led college football in rushing and is a natural big-play specialist. His foot speed is exceptional and is matched by a wide range of nifty moves.

James is an excellent pass-catcher with the quickness and open-field skills to break away for big gains and also be a threat as a return man. He may lack elite pro size, but that shouldn't easily deter teams from considering the 5'8", 194-pounder who topped 5,000 yards from 2009-11.

Along with Martin, James gives this offense a LaDainian Tomlinson-Darren Sproles type of complimentary backfield rotation.

3rd Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

This passing attack needs a small, speedy slot receiver to provide a contrast to physical, outside flankers Floyd and Jeffery. Florida International's T.Y. Hilton is an excellent choice for the role.

The 5'10", 183-pounder works well in the slot and has the kind of toughness and soft hands a third receiver needs. Hilton's slight frame is likely to be tested by bump-and-run concepts in the NFL.

However, his deceptive straight-line speed could lead to plenty of big plays and solid production at the next level. Like James, Hilton also offers dangerous return skills.

Weakside Defensive End: Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

He may be viewed as a 'tweener by some, but this author believes Whitney Mercilus will be most effective as a 4-3 defensive end. He needs to be allowed to concentrate solely on attacking the line of scrimmage and getting after the quarterback.

Mercilus dominated in both areas during 2011. He led the nation in sacks with 16 and also notched nine forced fumbles. He is a natural playmaker on the edge and has the length, fluidity and first-step quickness to become the focal point of a pro pass-rush.

There may be concerns that he is a just a one-year wonder, but similar questions were raised about Jason Pierre-Paul. Mercilus possesses a rare combination of elite physical attributes that are hard to ignore. He can dominate in the right scheme.

Weakside Defensive Tackle: Brandon Thompson, Clemson

Brandon Thompson is one of the most underrated players in this draft and will be the steal of draft day if he slips any further than the early part of the second round.

He combines raw power with outstanding quickness off the snap and a natural ability to shoot the gaps. Thompson is a stout force with the traits to be a productive interior playmaker. He can take on and split double teams and is a constant threat to the pocket.

He has the burst and brute strength to regularly get through the line of scrimmage and destroy plays at their source. Thompson may lack ideal measurables and has some issues regarding technique, notably a limited repertoire of moves and an occasional failure to separate from blocks after the first step.

However, it is no coincidence that Clemson has been able to field top edge-rushers like Da'Quan Bowers and Andre Branch during Thompson's time disrupting the middle.

Strongside Defensive Tackle: Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

Like Thompson, Worhty's best attribute is his knack for splitting gaps and quickly getting into the backfield. He is a stout force blessed with exceptional off-the-snap quickness, who is criminally undervalued in this draft.

Pairing Worthy and Thompson together gives this defensive front two big bodies who are also active and can quickly penetrate the line of scrimmage. They are playmakers first rather than traditional pluggers.

Strongside Defensive End: Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Melvin Ingram is a pure playmaker along the defensive line. He has the speed, athleticism and versatility to wreak havoc in an attacking 4-3 defense.

He is a relentless and nimble-footed rusher who can collapse the edge with speed and brute strength. The 6'1", 264-pounder's ability to slide inside to tackle will also be invaluable in sub-packages.

He is shorter than the prototype 4-3 defensive end, but that won't stop Ingram from producing plenty of highlight worthy plays in the pros.

Weakside Linebacker: Sean Spence, University of Miami

Sean Spence is a perfect fit as a weakside linebacker in this scheme. The Hurricanes standout is a speedy and technically-sound sideline to sideline linebacker.

The 5'11", 231-pounder has superb recognition skills and excels in pursuit. He has the range of movement and instincts to be an asset in coverage.

4-3 teams should not make the mistake of shying away from a player this smart and active, simply due to a lack of elite pro size.

Middle Linebacker: Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

In a bit of a cheat, Dont'a Hightower takes the middle linebacker spot despite being perhaps a little too big for this particular scheme. However, Hightower combines his size with smarts, versatility and athleticism.

He is a fierce hitter who has deceptive quickness and lateral agility. Hightower possesses excellent diagnostic skills and was a key cog in a complex system at Alabama.

He also offers useful blitz ability and the flexibility to even act as a pass-rusher from a three-point stance. Hightower adds another multi-faceted playmaker to this defense.

Strongside Linebacker: Zach Brown, North Carolina

Zach Brown is arguably the best coverage linebacker in this draft class. Like Spence, he has the range and sideline-to-sideline quickness this defense needs.

Browns possesses keen instincts and good movement skills, allowing him to be an asset in underneath coverage. He is effective both across the middle and dropping out to cover the flats, or running along the sidelines.

His speed allows him to lock up in man coverage when necessary, and his recognition ability also makes him a threat on zone drops. Brown is by no means a robust tackler, but his athleticism will be invaluable in the right scheme.

Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Character concerns and the dip in his draft stock are well-documented, but in terms of talent, Janoris Jenkins is perhaps the best proponent of man coverage in this draft.

He is a smooth-moving corner with the fluidity to match receivers move for move and shadow them all over the field. In this defense, the ability to press is not as important as the ability to track receivers over the course of an entire route.

Jenkins has the skills to make a quarterback pause in the pocket and allow that extra split second for the marauding front to get the sack. Jenkins has a lot of personal issues for teams to overlook.

However, his pure ability will tempt somebody to take a chance on draft day. If he stays out of trouble, Jenkins could well emerge as the best cornerback from this draft class.

Cornerback: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

Stephon Gilmore is a natural ball-hawk with a penchant for the big play. Gilmore uses his body and feet extremely well, and like Jenkins, is able to stay with receivers and shadow their movements down the field.

The 6'0", 190-pounder has long arms that probably mean he is best suited to utilise bump-and-run techniques, rather than straight press, at the pro level. His athletic ability and innate cover instincts make Gilmore an ideal fit for aggressive coverage schemes.

Strong Safety: Mark Barron, Alabama

Mark Barron is a dynamic strong safety with a wide range of skills. He is an excellent run-stopper thanks to an imposing physique and the recognition skills to quickly diagnose a running play and close from deep.

He displays the same anticipation in coverage and will break on the ball in underneath areas. At 6'1" and 213 pounds, Barron has ideal size for the position.

Free Safety: George Iloka, Boise State

George Iloka is bigger than most free safeties at 6'3" and 216 pounds. However, that is OK in this system, which would funnel everything to the safeties anyway.

Iloka is a versatile defensive back who has seen time at both safety spots, and even moved down to corner on occasion. He has quick feet, a lengthy frame and fluid movement skills.

Iloka reacts quickly to plays and rarely guesses wrong, a key attribute for safeties. He has risen up draft board thanks to his diverse skill set and is the kind of interchangeable safety modern pro defenses covet.

3rd-Down Pass-Rusher: Andre Branch, Clemson

No defense can be considered complete without a nickel pass-rusher. They are invaluable weapons, particularly in today's pass-heavy NFL.

After Ingram, Clemson's Andre Branch is arguably the most athletically gifted edge-rusher in this draft. His takeoff speed is breathtaking and is combined with natural bend and lean.

Branch is blessed with outstanding balance and coordination and can be a match for any offensive tackle. In this defense, he would join the nickel front at end opposite Hightower, while Ingram slides inside to tackle.

Slot Cornerback: DeQuan Menzie, Alabama

DeQuan Menzie is a natural fit for the nickelback position. He has the size and physicality to stand up to and disrupt slot receivers.

Menzie is also a good blitzer and would be a dangerous weapon brought from either side of the defense. He lacks the pure athleticism needed for man coverage, particularly deep.

However, Menzie can be an asset in tight, underneath zone coverage. He also has the tenacity and appetite for contact that should see him be productive on special teams.

Kicker: Randy Bullock, Texas A&M

Reliability is the most important attribute a kicker must possess. Texas A&M's Randy Bullock was the most accurate and productive kicker in the nation, making him an easy choice.

His overall leg strength has been questioned, but that mostly concerns his depth on kickoffs. However, Bullock rarely misses from under 50 yards.

Punter: Bryan Anger, California

Anger's leg strength is on a par with the other punters in this draft class. It is his ability to angle his kicks and pin the opposition deep that makes the California product so appealing.

He downed 89 punts inside the 20 and also yielded 72 fair-catch calls at the collegiate level. Those stats reveal Anger as a useful weapon in the field position battle.

Return duties will be handles by LaMichael James and T.Y. Hilton, while DeQuan Menzie will act as chief special teamer. That rounds out the team.

Thanks for reading. Any alternative suggestions, apart from the obvious advice not to apply for a general manager's job anytime soon, would certainly be welcome.