2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post 2011 NFL Draft; Andrew Luck No. 1, Who Else Is Top 5?

After months and months of preparation, the 2011 NFL Draft has come and gone. If you all were sick and tired of the countless mock drafts and big boards out for that one, get ready for a full blown repeat as some are already preparing for the 2012 NFL Dratt.

For those who can't get enough, I've decided to take an early crack at it. Here's my 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Top 5.

Note: I will not include an order. Instead, I'm simply going to rank the Top 5 players available. 

5. USC QB Matt Barkley

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans drops back to pass against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

After four quarterbacks were drafted in the Top 12 of this past weekend's draft, it proved how in demand the position is.

That said, even though Mat Barkley may not be a sure-fire Top 5 talent, he will most likely be drafted this high simply based on the fact that he's a signal caller.

Of course, if he can continue to improve his accuracy then I could see him solidifying his spot regardless.  

South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: Alshon Jeffery #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks rushes during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

At 6-3, 230 lbs., Alshon Jeffery is a legitimate No. 1 receiver and his impressive stats (88 receptions for 1,517 yards and 9 touchdowns as a true sophomore) back it up.

Anytime a receiver like this shows up on the screen, he's usually taken in the Top 5 (Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, and most recently A.J. Green).

Expect Jeffery to be no different. 

3. USC LT Matt Kalil

Jeff Golden/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 29: Matt Kalil #75 of the USC Trojans walks on the field after the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on November 29, 2008 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. USC won 38-3. (Photo by Jeff Gold

USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith went No. 9 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft as a right tackle. Why would a right tackle be drafted so early you ask? 

Well because the guy protecting Barkley's blindside was Matt Kalil, who is Panthers 2-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kalil's brother.

In a league where everyone is trying to land the cornerstone of their offensive line in order to protect their prized quarterback, Matt Kalil will be one of the top selections in 2012. 

2. UNC DE Quinton Couples

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 11: Quinton Coples #90 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates after sacking Jimmy Clauson #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Kenan Stadium October 11, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty

In order of priority of positions this is how it goes: Quarterback, Get After the Quarterback, and Protect your quarterback.

Quinton Coples excels at the second as he registered ten sacks as a junior last year. Expect even more in his senior season.

And if I may, I'd like to point out that the program Butch Davis is running at UNC is proving that the Tar Heels aren't just a basketball school. In fact, three of the top 52 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft were Tar Heel defenders (Robert Quinn, Bruce Carter, and Marvin Austin) and if it weren't for injury or off-the-field issues they probably would've been Top 15 prospects. 

1. Stanford QB Andrew Luck

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal rolls out of the pocket against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Phot

After a draft that had no consensus No. 1 overall pick, this year's does and his name is Andrew Luck. He's got everything you ask for out of a franchise quarterback and I'm sure the Panthers are disappointed he opted to stay in school another year. 

Note, the last Stanford quarterback to go No. 1 overall was John Elway. Not bad company to be in if you ask me.  

But with head coach Jim Harbaugh bolting for the 49ers and three of his offensive lineman gone, Luck better persevere and stay consistent otherwise he may suffer a similar fate to the one Jake Locker did by having his draft stock drop in his senior campaign.