NFL Draft 2013: College Stars Quickly Fading into Oblivion

The 2013 NFL draft is rapidly approaching, as the combine is in the rear-view mirror and pro days aren’t too far off.

It seems that a number of stars from the collegiate ranks are starting to fall off the map and will need to defy the odds in order to have a fruitful career at the next level.

Let’s take a look at some of the players that wowed us with their college game, but don’t seem to be going much further in the football world.

Colin Klein, QB, Kansas State

After being a front-runner for the Heisman for much of the 2012 campaign, Klein’s career has taken a sharp turn downward.

The Wildcats 6’5”, 226-pound signal-caller certainly has the size to play the position, but doesn’t possess the mechanics, footwork and pocket presence that most NFL quarterbacks display.

He reminds many of a less-polarizing Tim Tebow, a prospect who is certainly a great athlete and can absolutely run the ball given an opportunity, but is highly questionable to succeed as a QB at the next level.

We doubt anyone will take Klein in the first round, and it seems he may need to convert to a different skill position in order to catch on with an offense.

If Klein is willing to embrace a role as some sort of back or receiver, he could carve out a niche in the pros.

Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon

Barner had an amazing 2012 season, running 278 times for 1,767 yards and 21 touchdowns, but he’s going to have to catch a break to find a regular role in an NFL offense.

The back ran a decent 4.52 40-yard dash and impressed in the vertical leap, shuttles and cone drill at the combine, but doesn’t have the appearance of a quality, starting caliber RB at the next level.

Outside of his immense speed, Barner isn’t a useful pass protector, has a high running style and mediocre strength that makes fumbling a major concern, plus a lean build that will limit the pounding he can take.

If Barner is drafted as a kick returner and change-of-pace back, he may be able to catch on to a 53-man roster in the 2013 season. However, he has a long road ahead of him and will not be the dangerous weapon he was during his time with the Ducks.

Denard Robinson, ATH, Michigan

Shoelace entered Indy as a wide receiver prospect, but we’re listing him as an athlete.

The former Wolverines star can line up in numerous spots on the field, but he’s not looking like a home run at any single one of them.

At 5’10”, 199 pounds, Robinson is simply too small to be a big-time receiver or running back. He could line up in the slot and occasionally take snaps in the backfield, but hasn’t proven the ability to do this consistently yet.

He could possibly return kicks and punts, but we’ve yet to see him prove his worth in the special teams department.

Regardless, Robinson is dangerous and has breakaway speed and is a big play threat, so we’re certain at least one organization will feel his potential is worth a decently early pick in the 2013 draft.

It remains to be seen if he will be able to pan out, but we’re betting against it due to Robinson’s minute stature and lack of defined position.