2012 NFL Draft Rankings: College Football's Top Pro Prospects

The countdown to the 2011 NFL Draft is nearing an end, as we’re now less than two weeks away from watching Commissioner Roger Goodell waltz across the stage to put the Carolina Panthers on the clock.

We already know who the top players of this draft class are, even if we’re still not quite sure which team’s jersey they’ll be strapping on for the next few years.

So how about we have a look at the players left in college football, who are ready to step up and shine and take the places of guys like Cam Newton, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson.

There’s still a good amount of star power left in the college ranks. Next year’s draft class is shaping up to be a very strong group depending on how many top underclassmen end up declaring.

Here’s a look at some of the top eligible pro prospects in college football.

Top QB: Andrew Luck, Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal drops back to pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Andrew Luck shocked the world when he announced that he would return to Stanford for his junior year and forgo the chance to become the No. 1 pick of the 2011 Draft.

Luck, one of the best quarterback prospects we’ve seen in quite some time, will now enter the upcoming season as the face of college football.

He'll have almost impossible expectations to live up to, as both the Heisman favorite and the No.1 pick favorite, but if there’s any player out there who can handle the pressure, it’s Andrew Luck.

Quarterbacks: Top 10 Seniors

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes the ball in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Pho

1. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State

2. Nick Foles, Arizona

3. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

4. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

5. Kellen Moore, Boise State

6. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

7. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

8. John Brantley, Florida

9. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa

10. Dominique Davis, East Carolina

Quarterbacks: Top 10 Underclassmen

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal in action against the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford

2. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma

4. Matt Barkley, USC

5. Geno Smith, West Virginia

6. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

7. E.J. Manuel, Florida State

8. Darron Thomas, Oregon

9. Aaron Murray, Georgia

10. Ryan Katz, Oregon State

Top RB: Knile Davis, Arkansas

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks pushes away from Josh Dickerson #41 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lec

The SEC is loaded with star running backs this season but the most intriguing of the bunch is Knile Davis of Arkansas.

Even though the Razorback offense was primarily pass heavy in 2010, Davis still managed to finish second in the conference with over 1,300 yards on the ground.

The 6’0’’ 220 lb. junior is the complete package and he has the speed and power to torment any defense put in front of him.

Running Backs: Top 10 Seniors

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Brandon Bolden #34 of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

1. Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss

2. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

3. Montel Harris, Boston College

4. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

5. Doug Martin, Boise State

6. Boom Herrron, Ohio State

7. Jason Ford, Illinois

8. Jeff Demps, Florida

9. Tauren Poole, Tennessee

10. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

Running Backs: Top 10 Underclassmen

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Running back Knile Davis #7 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs with the ball during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 65-43. (Photo by

1. Knile Davis, Arkansas

2. LaMichael James, Oregon

3. Trent Richardson, Alabama

4. Chris Polk, Washington

5. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

6. Johnathan Franklin, UCLA

7. Andre Ellington, Clemson

8. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford

9. Kenjon Barner, Oregon

10. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

Top WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

If weren’t for the fascinating Cam Newton saga, Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon probably would have been the biggest story of the 2010 college football season.

Last year, Blackmon rose from relative obscurity to become the nation’s top wide receiver, finishing his sophomore season with 111 catches for over 1,700 yards and 21 total touchdowns, which earned him the Biletnikoff Award.

He’ll enter 2011 as college football’s most hyped wide receiver. Now Blackmon just has to prove he can handle the spotlight.

Wide Receivers: Top 10 Seniors

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 11: Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish onfield against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium October 11, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

1. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

2. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

3. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

4. Juron Criner, Arizona

5. Greg Childs, Arkansas

6. Chris Owusu, Stanford

7. Kendall Wright, Baylor

8. Dwight Jones, North Carolina

9. DeVier Posey, Ohio State

10. Marvin McNutt, Iowa

Wide Receivers: Top 10 Underclassmen

Justin Blackmon

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

2. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

3. Erik Highsmith, North Carolina

4. Tavon Austin, West Virginia

5. (QB) Denard Robinson, Michigan

6. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

7. (QB) Robert Griffin, Baylor

8. Chad Bumphis, Mississippi State

9. Rueben Randle, LSU

10. Roy Roundtree, Michigan

Top TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri

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KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 27: Cornerback Greg Brown #5 of the Kansas Jayhawks breaks up a pass intended for Michael Egnew #82 of the Missouri Tigers as Bradley McDougald #24 looks on during the game on November 27, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas Ci

Missouri’s Michael Egnew is the latest of the new breed of tight ends who are basically oversized wide receivers.

Egnew, a 6’6’’ 235 lb. senior, was a valuable weapon in the passing game for Missouri's spread offensive attack last season, hauling in 90 passes for over 750 yards.

His blocking skills may leave a bit to be desired but Egnew is a terrific athlete who can create mismatches against any linebacker or safety who tries to cover him.

Tight Ends: Top 10 Seniors

1. Michael Egnew, Missouri

2. Ladarius Green, Louisiana

3. George Bryan, North Carolina State

4. David Paulson, Oregon

5. James Hanna, Oklahoma

6. Coby Fleener, Stanford

7. Brandon Barden, Vanderbilt

8. Kevin Koger, Michigan

9. Deangelo Peterson, LSU

10. Brian Linthicum, Michigan State

Tight Ends: Top 10 Underclassmen

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Jake Stoneburner #11 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

1. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State

2. Dwayne Allen, Clemson

3. Lucas Reed, New Mexico

4. Orson Charles, Georgia

5. Terrence Miller, Arizona

6. Ryan Griffin, Connecticut

7. Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn

8. D.C. Jefferson, Rutgers

9. Michael Williams, Alabama

10. Ben Cotton, Nebraska

Top OL: Jonathan Martin, Stanford

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Jonathan Martin #55 and Richard Sherman #9 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate after they beat the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

As we’ve witnessed with this year’s offensive tackle class, there’s an obvious difference between how franchise tackles are valued and the prospects who are just considered potential solid starters.

Franchise tackles are top ten picks, solid starters are first rounders.

Stanford’s Jonathan Martin has a chance to be the former.

The 6’6’’ 305 lb. junior has been blessed with all the traits you look for in a franchise-type tackle and he should once again thrive at keeping Andrew Luck, college football’s most valuable quarterback, safe for another season.

Offensive Linemen: Top 10 Seniors

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Mike Adams #75 of the Ohio State Buckeyes prepares to block against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

1. Mike Adams, Ohio State

2. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State

3. Nate Potter, Boise State

4. Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State

5. Matt Reynolds, BYU

6. David Molk, Michigan

7. Cordy Glenn, Georgia

8. Al Netter, Northwestern

9. Blake DeChristopher, Virginia Tech

10. Joel Foreman, Michigan State

Offensive Linemen: Top 10 Underclassmen

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Michael Thomas #3 and Jonathan Martin #55 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate after beating the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Ima

1. Jonathan Martin, Stanford

2. Brandon Washington, Miami

3. Riley Reiff, Iowa

4. Matt Kalil, USC

5. Barrett Jones, Alabama

6. Morgan Moses, Virginia

7. Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

8. David DeCastro, Stanford

9. D.J. Fluker, Alabama

10. Larry Warford, Kentucky

Top DT: Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans moves past a block attempt by Brian Mulroe #72 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Ph

It only takes one quick glance at Jerel Worthy to realize he’s got obvious NFL potential.

The chiseled 6’3’’ 305 lb. monster is built exactly how you would want a dominant defensive tackle to look.

Worthy has the size-strength-athleticism combination that’s similar to other elite defensive tackle prospects of recent years.

Look for the big junior to improve on his four sacks and eight tackles for loss from 2010, as the key cog in the middle of the Michigan State defense this season.

Defensive Tackles: Top 10 Seniors

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Billy Winn #90 of the Boise State Broncos holds up a trophy as he celebrates the team's 26-3 victory over the Utah Utes in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan

1. Billy Winn, Boise State

2. Jared Crick, Nebraska

3. Mike Martin, Michigan

4. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut

5. Tydreke Powell, North Carolina

6. Kheeston Randall, Texas

7. Brandon Thompson, Clemson

8. Josh Chapman, Alabama

9. Logan Harrell, Fresno State

10. Alameda Ta’amu, Washington

Defensive Tackles: Top 10 Underclassmen

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a defensive play against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonatha

1. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

2. Marcus Forston, Miami

3. Kawann Short, Purdue

4. Josh Boyd, Mississippi State

5. T.J. Barnes, Georgia Tech

6. Jamarkus McFarland, Oklahoma

7. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska

8. Jacobbi McDaniel, Florida State

9. John Simon, Ohio State

10. Terrence Stephens, Stanford

Top DE: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

Brandon Jenkins 2010 Highlights

One of the reasons the Florida State defense changed from embarrassment back to respectability last season was the sensational play of pass-rushing phenom Brandon Jenkins.

Jenkins burst onto the ACC scene in 2010, finishing the season with 13.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss.

The 6’3’’ 255 lb. junior may not overwhelm anyone with his size, however, there are few offensive linemen in college football who are capable of controlling him off the edge.

Defensive Ends: Top 10 Seniors

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Quinton Coples #90 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

1. Quinton Coples, North Carolina

2. Jacquies Smith, Missouri

3. Jake Bequette, Arkansas

4. Adrian Robinson, Temple

5. Andre Branch, Clemson

6. Vince Browne, Northwestern

7. Armond Armstead, USC

8. Brandon Lindsey, Pitt

9. Julian Miller, West Virginia

10. Vinny Curry, Marshall

Defensive Ends: Top 10 Underclassmen

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Brandon Jenkins #49 of the Florida State Seminoles walks off the field after the game against the Boston College Eagles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College defeated Florida

1. Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

2. Devin Taylor, South Carolina

3. Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina

4. Cameron Meredith, Nebraska

5. Chandler Jones, Syracuse

6. Kapron Lewis-Moore, Notre Dame

7. Travis Long, Washington State

8. Nick Perry, USC

9. Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy

10. Sam Montgomery, LSU

Top LB: Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

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TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 04: (L-R) Gregory Smith #17, head coach Dennis Erickson, Vontaze Burfict #7 and Keelan Johnson #10 of the Arizona State Sun Devils lead teammates out onto the field prior the college football game against the Portland State Vikings

Vontaze Burfict may only be entering his junior season but he’s already put together quite a lengthy and impressive resume.

Burfict, one of the most physical and feared hitters in America, has been the main man of the Sun Devil defense since stepping foot on campus as a freshman.

The 6’3’’ 245 lb. junior has collected 160 tackles in his first two years and he has already distinguished himself as one of the standout defensive players in all of college football.

Linebackers: Top 10 Seniors

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ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Linebacker Travis Lewis #28 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrate a pass interception against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the Big 12 Championship at Cowboys Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald M

1. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

2. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

3. (DE) Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

4. Zach Brown, North Carolina

5. Lavonte David, Nebraska

6. Keenan Robinson, Texas

7. Nigel Bradham, Florida State

8. Tank Carder, TCU

9. Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

10. Sean Spence, Miami

Linebackers: Top 10 Underclassmen

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: John Clay #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers is tackled by the fask mask by Vontaze Burfict #7 of the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

1. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

2. Manti Te’o, Notre Dame

3. Dont’a Hightower, Alabama

4. Jelani Jenkins, Florida

5. Luke Kuechly, Boston College

6. Shayne Skov, Stanford

7. Zaviar Gooden, Missouri

8. Kevin Reddick, North Carolina

9. Demetrius Hartsfield, Maryland

10. Jon Bostic, Florida

Top CB: Cliff Harris, Oregon

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after he returned a punt for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Ge

Even though Cliff Harris doesn’t have the same type of size (5’11’’ 165 lbs.) as former LSU CB Patrick Peterson, he’s the exact same caliber of playmaker.

Harris, who finished the 2010 season with six interceptions, made an impact last year as both a defensive back and as a return man, much like Peterson.

The speedy junior enters the year as college football’s premier cornerback and he should once again be the central figure of an Oregon secondary that looks to be one of the best in the Pac-12 in 2011.

Cornerbacks: Top 10 Seniors

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 1: Alfonzo Dennard #15 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs for yardage during the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium January 1, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Gree

1. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

2. Chase Minnifield, Virginia

3. Janoris Jenkins, Florida

4. Coryell Judie, Texas A&M

5. Brandon Boykin, Georgia

6. Omar Bolden, Arizona State (Injured)

7. Shaun Prater, Iowa

8. Keith Tandy, West Virginia

9. Donnie Fletcher, Boston College

10. Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt

Cornerbacks: Top 10 Underclassmen

Steve Dykes/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 06: Cornerback Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks runs back a punt in the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Autzen Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 53-16. (Photo by St

1. Cliff Harris, Oregon

2. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

3. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

4. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

5. Corey Broomfield, Mississippi State

6. Desmond Trufant, Washington

7. Josh Robinson, Central Florida

8. Greg Reid, Florida State

9. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut

10. Morris Claiborne, LSU

Top S: Delano Howell, Stanford

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PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Ronald Johnson #83 of the USC Trojans loses control of the ball when he is hit by Delano Howell #26 of the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Next year’s safety class is already shaping up to be monumentally better than this year’s less-than-stellar group. There are a few key players to watch but one name you should definitely remember is Stanford’s Delano Howell.

Howell, who made the switch from running back to safety as a sophomore, enters his final season with two years of starting experience and he'll be counted on once again to be a leader on defense.

The 5’11’’ 200 lb. senior has racked up 137 tackles over the past two seasons and has showed the type of athleticism and instincts you look for in an NFL safety.

Safeties: Top 10 Seniors

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Delano Howell #26 of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after he intercepted a pass against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/

1. Delano Howell, Stanford

2. (LB) Kenny Tate, Maryland

3. Mark Barron, Alabama

4. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin

5. George Iloka, Boise State

6. Tony Dye, UCLA

7. Sean Cattouse, Cal

8. Brandon Taylor, LSU

9. Lance Mitchell, Oregon State

10. Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

Safeties: Top 10 Underclassmen

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COLUMBIA, SC - SEPTEMBER 11: Safety DeVonte Holloman #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks yells at teammates during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Mike

1. DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina

2. T.J. McDonald, USC

3. Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami

4. Robert Lester, Alabama

5. Rashard Hall, Clemson

6. Orhian Johnson, Ohio State

7. Baccarri Rambo, Georgia

8. Kemal Ishmael, Central Florida

9. Jon Lejiste, South Florida

10. Ray Polk, Colorado