2012 NFL Predictions: Early Predictions for This Season's All-Pro Team

Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson, Patrick Willis and Jason Pierre-Paul treated NFL fans to some outrageously spectacular seasons in 2011, and they're all locks to make the All-Pro team once again in 2012. 

Right?

Obviously, not every 2011 All-Pro will make the team this season, which will result in a handful of emerging stars gladly and deservingly reaching All-Pro status this year. 

As training camp nears, here are some predictions for this season's All-Pro roster. 

Jamaal Charles Returns to All-Pro Status, Replaces Maurice Jones-Drew

In 2010, Jamaal Charles was the most electrifying running back in the NFL. No one can dispute that. He finished second in the league with 1,467 yards on the ground and averaged a staggering 6.4 yards per carry—easily the highest average among runners. 

He was carted off with a knee injury in Week 2 of the 2011 season and missed the remainder of the year with a torn ACL. 

While Achilles injuries have historically slowed athletes upon returning to action, players have shown the ability to return to form after even the most severe knee injuries. 

With the addition of Pro Bowl tackle Eric Winston to an already dominating run-blocking offensive line, Charles should pick up where he left off and ride another high-octane year to his second All-Pro selection. 

Maurice Jones-Drew won't significantly regress in 2012, but a potential contract hold out could complicate things for the heart and soul of the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Geno Atkins and Marcell Dareus Represent Wave of Future at DT

Last year, Cincinnati Bengals second year defensive tackle Geno Atkins quietly had what many would define as a breakout season. 

In his famed "BR1000" series, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller graded him as the No. 2 defensive tackle in football after a 47-tackle, 10-tackle-for-loss, 7.5-sack campaign. 

His efforts yielded a second-team All-Pro selection for the former Georgia Bulldog standout, and at 24 years old, he'll only get better. 

The Bengals did part ways with defensive linemen Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker this offseason, but they added youthful talents Devon Still and Brandon Thompson to an already stout defense. 

Playing in Mike Zimmer's established scheme, the penetrating Akins will become a household name and supplant Haloti Ngata as the first team All-Pro defensive tackle. 

With him will be sophomore NFL'er Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills. Playing the majority of the 2011 season without Pro Bowler Kyle Williams, the former No. 3 overall draft choice racked up 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. 

With Kyle returning from injury, as well as the acquisition of edge-rushing specialist Mario Williams, the 340-pound mover won't be double-teamed as often and should terrorize interior offense lines, running backs and quarterbacks in 2012. 

Connor Barwin Replaces Terrell Suggs, Jason Pierre-Paul Again Makes First Team

Veterans DeMarcus Ware, Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs deservedly grabbed the defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker headlines in 2011. But not much was made of the season turned in by the Houston Texans' Connor Barwin. 

At the ripe age of 25, the former Cincinnati Bearcat amassed 11.5 sacks to go along with a respectable 47 tackles. 

All but two of his sacks came after Mario Williams was lost for the season, as the powerful yet agile Barwin was the centerpiece of one of the best defenses in football. 

Though Williams is now in Buffalo, the Texans defensive line is still undeniably stacked, meaning not one guy can be zeroed in on by opposing offensive lines. 

In a contract year, the fourth-year pro will experience a true breakout season and will be rewarded with a All-Pro selection. 

Jason Pierre-Paul is in a similar situation, one conducive to much success. He was a consensus first team All-Pro choice in 2011 after a ridiculous 86-tackle, 16.5-sack masterpiece. 

The 6'5'', 270-pound Paul isn't limited athletically in any way, and he plays alongside a trio of esteemed defensive linemen. 

Another huge year for JPP. 

Jeremy Maclin and Jordy Nelson Make First- and Second-Team All-Pro

Another player that surprised the masses but was tremendously productive in 2011 was the Green Bay Packers' receiver Jordy Nelson. 

Using a rare combination of size, strength and deceptive speed, the 6'3'', 217-pound Nelson had 68 catches for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns playing in one of the most dynamic offenses in football. 

Though Greg Jennings seemingly remains the go-to target for surgical quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the younger Nelson has proved himself to be just as deadly down the field and has just as reliable hands. 

Because of the variation of pass-catching talent in Green Bay, defenses won't be able to game-plan to solely stop Nelson, thereby allowing the 27-year-old to again wreak havoc on opposing secondaries in 2012. 

Jeremy Maclin wasn't able to practice until two weeks before the season opener in 2011, but he still pieced together a fine 63-catch, 859-yard, five-touchdown campaign on a disappointing Philadelphia Eagles team. 

DeSean Jackson signed a long-term deal this offseason, and although he'll likely take targets away from the former Missouri Tigers dynamo, Maclin's size and sprinter speed will lead to his first 1,000-yard receiving season and a Second-Team All-Pro selection. 

Aaron Rodgers Makes First-Team All-Pro for Second Straight Year

With Tom Brady and Drew Brees as challengers of epic proportion, Aaron Rodgers will again be named to the All-Pro's first team in 2012. 

The three quarterbacks formulate the true "elite quarterback" category in the NFL—guys capable of throwing for 350-plus with three touchdown tosses and no interceptions every time out.  

Rodgers is fresh off arguably the greatest season a quarterback has ever had in league history. He threw for 4,643 yards at a 68.3 percent completion clip with 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. 

With the newly-minted tight end Jermichael Finley looking to return to form in 2012, along with his stable of nimble pass-catchers, Rodgers will again carve through opposing defensive backfields at a torrid pace en route to a second straight All-Pro selection.