Tracking Florida State Football Players in the 2012 NFL Draft

Today is the day that college football players around the nation have been dreaming of. For some of the Florida State players, their dreams of becoming an NFL player could become true over the next three days.

While Seminoles currently litter NFL rosters, there is a new group that is hoping that the 2012 draft will be their year. 

Representing Florida State this year will be players like Zebrie Sanders, Nigel Bradham and Andrew Datko. While these players are not expected to go early, Seminoles players have a strong history of performing well in the NFL, and these individuals are hoping to follow in those footsteps. 

As 8 p.m. ET creeps closer and closer, players and fans alike will become more anxious as the draft is drawing closer. What we do know is that when the pick is in, someone's life is about to change, and it could be a Seminole. 

Stay tuned to this slideshow as the draft progresses. As soon as a Florida State Seminole comes off the board, we will update it here live, letting you know where and when they went in this year's NFL draft. 

Nigel Bradham, OLB, Drafted by Buffalo Bills, No. 105 Overall

Former Florida State Seminole Nigel Bradham is a 6'1", 248-pound outside linebacker who displays freakish speed and athleticism for the position. He backed it up by starting his final 39 games in college and leading the Seminoles defense in tackles for three straight seasons.

A regular in the weight room, Bradham ripped off an impressive 24 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine in February. He was also a top performer in the 40-yard dash (4.64), 3-cone drill (7.18) and the broad jump (10'1").

Bradham is clearly an impressive player both on and off the gridiron. A testament to his 305 career tackles at the collegiate level, he displays superior tackling abilities and lives for the big hit. Bradham also tallied nine sacks at Florida State, including five in his junior season.

Bradham does have a few flaws, but they seem coachable. He has a tendency to leave his feet at times, and needs to react more quickly in pass coverage. Bradham was equipped with the speed and athleticism to make up for a lack of natural instincts at Florida State, but this area will require improvement in the NFL.

Obviously, there's a lot to be excited about with Bradham. Look for him to make an instant impact on special teams while competing for an expanded role on defense. With continued dedication to improve coupled with sound coaching, this youngster has the tools to become an every-down linebacker in the NFL and remain there for years to come.

Pick Analysis:

Solid pick here by the Bills. Bradham has all the tools to be a reliable starter in the NFL from an athletic and production perspective. Now, it's just about improving his instincts and burying his head in the Bills playbook. Definitely a high upside pick. 

Zabrie Sanders, OT, Drafted by Buffalo Bills, No. 144 Overall

Once considered a likely first-round pick, Zebrie Sanders saw his stock fall in pre-draft projections. Nonetheless, the combination of size and athleticism makes him an intriguing project at tackle.

The 6'6", 320-pounder started in 50 games at Florida State, tying a team record, and has played both right and left tackle.

Because of his athleticism and intelligence, Sanders' best fit comes in a zone-blocking scheme. This would utilize his quickness while covering up his lack of strength. 

Sanders struggles to get much of a push in the run game, and he can be driven back by powerful pass-rushers. Gaining more weight won't help Sanders here either, as he has already maxed out his frame.

Despite some definite flaws, Sanders possesses the ability to develop into a solid player in a zone scheme. He isn't ready to start yet, but, in time, he could reach his relatively high potential.

Pick Analysis:

Technically  not the most sound prospect, Sanders is physically dominant. He may need a year or two to develop before starting in the NFL, but has the potential to be a 16-game starter at either tackle position for the Bills.

Mike Harris, CB, Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 176 Overall

The Florida State Seminoles have always prided themselves on having a strong secondary.

Mickey Andrews had some amazing players to work with over the years: Deion Sanders, Terrell Buckley, Devin Bush and Clifton Abraham. Now, with a new coaching staff on board the past two seasons, Mike Harris will get recognition as a player who may not have been as good as those All-Americans, but he gave an effort worthy of being a Seminole.

According to fftoolbox.com, Harris spent two years at El Camino Community College in California before transferring to Florida State, where he returned two interceptions for touchdowns and a fumble for a score.

In Harris' first season in Tallahassee, he made 41 tackles and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. He enjoyed his best college campaign as a full-time starter in 2011. He was second on the team with 58 tackles (six for loss), had one sack, returned his lone interception for 89 yards and led the Seminoles with nine pass breakups and 10 passes defensed.

Harris has decent size at 5'11'' and 195 pounds. He generally runs in the low 4.5s in the 40-yard dash and he has been clocked as fast as 4.42 at that distance.

His abilities in the open field should make him a candidate for special teams.

Pick Analysis

A prototypical sixth round pick here. Harris will have to show if he can overcome the "average" marks all over his scouting report. Nothing too splashy about the selection. 

Andrew Datko, OT, Drafted by Green Bay Packers, No. 241

Offensive tackle prospect Andrew Datko, the Florida State senior from Weston, Florida, was a stalwart on the Seminoles offensive line when healthy. Unfortunately for him and his team, Datko was only able to play in four games during his senior campaign due to persistent shoulder injuries.

Datko looks the part of an NFL starting offensive tackle at 6'6" and 315 pounds, but his health will likely determine whether or not he finds success at the next level.

Projected Rookie Impact

Datko, if healthy, could become a solid backup in 2012. 

Going forward, as long as his shoulder doesn't give him any problems, he should become a solid starter in the league.

With better technique and strength, Datko may very well become a dominant tackle for the Packers in the years to come.