2013 NFL Draft: An Early Look at the Top 25 Prospects

The 2012 NFL draft is quickly fading in the rear view mirror, and the 2013 NFL draft is (kind of) approaching. For NFL fans, it's always draft season.

Matt Barkley was expected to enter the draft in 2012, but he instead chose to return for his senior season. Surely, the USC star is atop any rankings, right?

There's only one way to find out.

25. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

A big cornerback with terrific physical ability, Xavier Rhodes has a ton of potential. He was raw as a sophomore, but if he improves his technique, Rhodes could be a star.

24. William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

A 6'7", 280-pound physical freak, William Gholston follows in the footsteps of his not-so-successful cousin Vernon. The former Gholston may not be an elite pass-rusher, but he can defend the run and could develop as a threat off the edge.

23. Kawann Short, DT, Penn State

Kawann Short isn't spectacular at anything, but he's versatile and does many things well. The 6'3", 310-pounder could play 5-tech in a 3-4 defense or either defensive tackle position in a 4-3 scheme. 

22. Jelani Jenkins, LB, Florida

A small but explosive linebacker, Jelani Jenkins makes plays. He isn't the best at shredding blocks, but he is adequate there and excels in coverage. The Florida product will make an impact on any defense.

21. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

A massive 6'3", 335-pound defensive tackle, Johnathan Hankins is the ideal nose tackle. The Ohio State star eats up blockers and easily overpowers offensive linemen, driving them into the backfield.

20. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

Barrett Jones is a rare player. He has played tackle, guard and center. More surprisingly, he is athletic and big enough to play any of the positions in the NFL, though he will probably end up on the inside at guard or center.

19. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Alex Okafor has the physical ability to develop into an excellent pass-rusher. At 6'4", 260 pounds, he has the size to play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 and could do well in either scheme.

18. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

A powerful, run-blocking tackle, D.J. Fluker may not have the speed to handle the blind side in the NFL, but he could be a tremendous right tackle or guard. Few players offer Fluker's type of power and strength.

17. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

At 6'3", 320 pounds, Chance Warmack has terrific size to play guard. He is powerful in the run game and can play in space, as well. Warmack is a potentially elite interior line prospect.

16. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

Not many pass-rushers offer the skill-set Devin Taylor does. The South Carolina defensive end weighs in at 6'7", 266 pounds and has tremendous burst to go with his length. Taylor hasn't put it all together yet, but his potential is virtually unlimited.

15. T.J. McDonald, S, USC

T.J. McDonald is a versatile safety who can play center field or defend the run close to the line of scrimmage. McDonald weighs in at 6'3", 205 pounds and is a superb athlete.

14. Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Many expected Manti Te'o to enter the 2011 draft, and the Notre Dame linebacker could have been a first-round selection. The 6'2", 255-pounder is a good athlete with the ability to rush the passer or drop back in coverage while playing excellently against the run.

13. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

A 6'4", 200-pound wideout with 4.4 speed, Justin Hunter has terrific upside. He hasn't produced much yet, but he is poised to break out and establish himself as a first-round pick.

12. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

At 6'4", 245 pounds, Sam Montgomery is undersized, but he combines a great first step with excellent pass-rushing ability. If he can add a little weight and improve against the run, Montgomery should be a top-10 pick.

11. Robert Woods, WR, USC

After putting up 1,292 yards in 2011, Robert Woods established himself as an upper-level wide receiver prospect. He isn't that big or explosive, but Woods can catch the ball and get open.

10. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

A 6'6", 254-pound running quarterback, Logan Thomas has drawn comparisons to Cam Newton. Thomas isn't quite as physically skilled, but he has a big arm and good accuracy. Thomas is undoubtedly a top-10 talent.

9. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina

Few players have produced better than Marcus Lattimore. The 6'1", 232-pounder runs with tremendous power but has the speed to run away from defenders. Lattimore isn't Trent Richardson, but he isn't too far away either.

8. David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

Including his bowl game, David Amerson had 13 interceptions in 2011. Amerson weighs in at 6'3", 185 pounds and is a tremendous athlete with obvious playmaking ability. Few cornerbacks offer Amerson's upside.

7. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Star Lotulelei is an explosive athlete with tremendous power and quickness. He can play any position along the interior defensive line, and, when all is said and done, Lotulelei could be a top-five selection.

6. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Though he weighs in at just 6'5", 240 pounds, Barkevious Mingo is an incredible pass-rushing prospect. Mingo is as explosive as any defensive lineman in football and offers solid pass-rushing moves.

The LSU star needs to add strength and bulk to improve against the run, but he could be an absolute beast in the NFL.

5. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Surprise! Matt Barkley isn't No. 1.

Barkley displays elite ball placement and intelligence, but his physical abilities hinder his upside. Barkley is just 6'2", and he lacks the rocket arm needed to make all the throws.

The USC star is almost guaranteed to be a good player, but he may never be truly great.

4. Keenan Allen, WR, California

Not many wide receivers are as dynamic as Keenan Allen. At 6'3", 205 pounds, Allen is big, but his best traits are his speed, burst and quickness.

Allen has all the ability of an elite wideout and top-five pick. There is no reason why he shouldn't go top five or higher.

3. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jarvis Jones may be limited to playing linebacker, but he has Von Miller-esque ability as a stand-up pass-rusher. Jones is incredibly explosive and utilizes violent, effective pass-rush moves.

Even if he is limited to playing linebacker, Jones is an elite talent. Teams don't find players like Jones just anywhere.

2. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Arkansas lost a star quarterback in Ryan Mallett, but Tyler Wilson filled in without skipping a beat. Wilson isn't as big as Mallett is, but he's more athletic and is just as capable of throwing down field.

Wilson's arm is tremendous, and he is accurate as well. If it weren't for scheme questions, Wilson could have been a top-five pick in 2012. 

1. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

Tyler Bray is simply an incredible talent. He stands in at 6'6" and possesses a rocket arm and laser accuracy. There's nothing not to like about him throwing the ball.

The Tennessee star has incredible upside and is set to break out in 2012. Bray has all the qualities to be an elite quarterback prospect.