Tracking Oklahoma State Football Players in the 2012 NFL Draft

The 2011 season marked a marquee year for Oklahoma State football, capped off by a 41-38 overtime victory over Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl. Several key members will now take the first step to the next level when their name is called during the 2012 NFL draft.

This slideshow will have you covered throughout the 2012 NFL draft as we track the Cowboys that are heading to play football at the next level. Follow the Cowboys' draft picks with live coverage and player profiles as they are selected.

Seventeen players from Oklahoma State have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft since it began in 1936.

That number will grow in 2012 when wide receiver Justin Blackmon is selected. According to the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller, Blackmon is projected to be selected 13th overall by the Arizona Cardinals.

Other Cowboys expected to be selected, according to Miller, include QB Brandon Weeden (Round 2), FS Markelle Martin (Round 3) and OT Levy Adcock (Round 7).

Also eligible for the draft according to NFL.com are DE Jamie Blatnick, WR Josh Cooper, C Grant Garner, DE Richetti Jones and FS Johnny Thomas.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 5 Overall

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon leaves college as one of the most productive wide receivers of the era. He did it all at Oklahoma State—winning big games and wracking up thousands of yards. But how does it translate to the NFL?

Blackmon's game is not without flaw. He's an average-sized receiver (6'0", 207) who lacks on-film speed to separate from NFL-level cornerbacks. There are moments when he'll drop an easy pass over the middle (see: 2011 Missouri game). That said, Blackmon does a lot well.

There are few players who move more fluid than Blackmon coming off the line of scrimmage and getting into his routes. He has smooth, clean footwork and a nice ability to plant and cut.

While he's not overpowering or physical, Blackmon does use his incredible wingspan to attack the football in flight and to separate from coverage. He's a finished, polished receiver who will require little acclimation time in the NFL.

All things considered, Blackmon is a very good prospect who has been a little overhyped in the pre-draft run. But he has the potential to be a good No. 1 receiver, and possibly an exceptional No. 2.

Pick Analysis:

The Jaguars trade up to grab their first legitimate wide receiver threat since Jimmy Smith, grabbing Justin Blackmon from Oklahoma State. He'll compliment Laurent Robinson, who the Jags signed to a big free agent deal in the offseason. Blackmon fills an immediate need for the Jags and should help out Blaine Gabbert, who struggled as a rookie.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Drafted by Cleveland Browns, No. 22 Overall

Looking at Brandon Weeden strictly from a football perspective, he could be in contention with Ryan Tannehill to be the next quarterback taken after Luck and RGIII.

In 2011, he had a 72.3 completion percentage and threw for 37 touchdowns and only 13 interceptions. 

However, at 27 years old, his ability to be a long-term answer for any team at quarterback is limited. But to discount him as a possible solution at quarterback for at least the next five years or so would be a mistake.

“You say, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna have a 15-year career, but I could have a real great seven, eight-year career,’ and there’s nothing wrong with that,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said about Weeden. “He’ll be expected to play right away.”

A former second-round pick by the New York Yankees, the 6'4" Weeden can make all the throws, is a smart player, and is a leader. In a way, his age can work to his advantage in terms of maturity. If asked to start right away, he won't be caught off guard by the limelight. 

In the NFL, Weeden has the ability to start under center as a rookie, and he may very well have to if he wants to maximize his relatively limited pro-football window. Age aside, Weeden has all the makings of a quality NFL starting quarterback, and will provide excellent value if drafted in an appropriate spot.   

Pick Analysis:

Apparently, Mike Holmgren wants to win now. The Browns draft a QB who will turn 29 during the season. Still, the offense is immediately upgraded and my money is on Weeden to beat out Colt McCoy in camp.

Markelle Martin, S, Drafted by Tennessee Titans, 6th Round, No. 190 Overall

Markelle Martin was both the emotional and physical leader of the hard-hitting Oklahoma State secondary. Were it not for injury concerns regarding Martin's knee, he would surely be the top-ranked FS in the draft.

Known for his physical play, Martin also had the reputation of being a big-game player for the Cowboys, as evidenced by his Player of the Game award in the 2010 Alamo Bowl. His impact is felt more in rush defense than pass defense, Martin has shown the ability to deflect a considerable amount of passes as well, highlighted by the 11 breakups his senior campaign.

Not being able to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine or the OSU pro day hurt the scouts' ability to get a more accurate assessment of Martin. But the tapes show a lot to love with this former Big 12 All-Conference safety, and Martin performed admirably in his own pro day recently. 

Chad Reuter of CBS Sports says this of Martin's tackling ability:

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Unleashes big hits on receivers, making them hear footsteps later in the game, using closing speed and tenacity to arrive with maximum impact. Strong upper body allows him to drag down backs to the ground in the space. 

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However, Reuter has concerns too:

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NFL quarterbacks may take advantage of his aggressiveness in man and zone, eyeing up short routes and going over the top behind him.

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Martin is a versatile player and will be a valuable defensive addition. He may find it difficult to start right out the gate due to his weakness in certain pass coverage schemes. Still, his aggressiveness can help create big plays on defense, and his physicality can help the team impose their will on opponents.

Pick Analysis

Ranked 81st on B/R's Big Board, Martin could prove to be one of the draft's better steals if he ups his game, and his field vision, at the next level.