NFL Draft 2012: 25 Players with the Highest Potential

Draft analysts like to use the terms "floor" and "ceiling." 

But what do these expressions even mean?  A ceiling is the level that is believed to be the absolute best a player can be, while the floor is the opposite; it is the absolute worst a player can be.

To an extent, these phrases are overused and misunderstood. For almost any NFL player, his floor is that of an absolute bust who is out of a playing job in just a few years.

Ceiling, on the other hand, is used more accurately, but it still is not perfect. A "high-ceiling player" often describes a player who is loaded with athletic ability. 

While many of the NFL's best players are superb athletes, all of them have football skills. This list combines players who excel due to athleticism with those who may excel due to football skills. 

These are the guys who may someday be the NFL's best.

Donte Paige-Moss, DE (North Carolina)

In many ways, Paige-Moss exemplifies the stereotype high-potential player. The North Carolina defensive end is a great athlete, but has yet to find great success. 

At 6'4" and 260 pounds, Paige-Moss has the size of a pass-rusher, but lacks the moves to make a great impact. Paige-Moss has the ability to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. His pass-rushing repertoire's best weapon is the bull-rush, which Paige-Moss uses quite frequently to great success. 

If he can add a few more moves, this defensive end could develop into a great rusher.

Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

At this time last year, many had Floyd as a possible first-round draft selection.

However, Floyd once again had some injury problems and he didn't display the quickness required to eventually be a dominant receiver in the NFL.

The 6'3", 224-pound Notre Dame star has had two alcohol-related incidents, and this is a concern to some NFL teams. But if Floyd stays healthy and produces at his expected level, his catching ability and size will likely make him a first-round pick with the potential to be a No. 1 wide receiver.

Marcus Forston, DT (Miami (Fla.))

Due to the recent scandal involving Miami's football team, Forston is suspended for the first game of the 2011 season. 

This is, however, unlikely to affect the Hurricane star's draft stock. 

While he only weighs 300 pounds, Forston makes up for any lack of size with quickness and burst. He isn't a great prospect, but Forston is a legitimate first-round selection, and his athletic ability gives him the potential to be an impact defensive tackle. 

Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

Brown is a fast, athletic linebacker with a tendency to make plays. A great player in coverage, Brown can hang with fast tight ends and some running backs. While Brown could stand to add weight, he projects as an exciting WILL linebacker.

The Tar Heels linebacker has great burst and can get into the backfield in a hurry. If Brown can just add a little weight, his athleticism could make him a great linebacker with superb playmaking ability.

T.J. McDnald, S (USC)

When Taylor Mays entered the draft a little more than a year ago, T.J. McDonald stepped up at the safety position for the Trojans.

McDonald isn't quite as athletic or big as Mays, but he is a much better football player.

Despite weighing in at 6'3" and 205 pounds, McDonald can pack a real punch and lives for the big hit.  The USC safety is also adept in coverage and can play either safety position at a high level. This versatility is important, and it could help McDonald become a star defensive back.

Brandon Thompson, DT (Clemson)

While his numbers aren't incredibly impressive, Thompson has demonstrated the ability to attack the backfield and make plays. Despite being relatively stout at 6'2" and 310 pounds, Thompson has the burst and quickness to play the 3-tech position.

Thompson occasionally struggles with gap control, but his quickness allows for him to make more plays than he gives up. The Tiger lineman isn't yet elite, but he has the burst to be a huge playmaker in the NFL.

Jared Crick, DT (Nebraska)

While Crick is capable of playing in any defensive scheme, he would probably be best off as a 5-tech defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. At 6'5" and 290 pounds, Crick isn't overly big, but he gets by at defensive tackle due to his athleticism and motor.

In a 3-4 defense, Crick won't be great at stopping the run, but his athletic ability will make him an excellent pass-rusher.

In many ways, the Nebraska defensive tackle is actually similar to former Wisconsin defensive end and the 11th pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, J.J. Watt. Both players weigh in around 290 pounds and are athletic enough to play defensive end in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.

Manti Te'o, LB (Notre Dame)

The 6'2", 255-pound Te'o is a versatile defender who can play any of the three linebacker positions. Te'o is a good athlete and is a sideline-to-sideline defender in coverage, as well as a strong player against the run. 

While Te'o isn't the best linebacker yet, his athletic ability and size make him a potential defensive star.  Many linebackers simply make tackles downfield, but Te'o excels at making plays in the backfield, and offenses legitimately fear the Notre Dame linebacker.

Kelechi Osemele, OL (Iowa State)

While the 6'5", 350-pound Osemele is unlikely to stay at left tackle, he could be a real star along the interior offensive line. Osemele is a powerful blocker who dominates defensive linemen at the point of attack.

The Iowa State lineman's feet may not be quick enough on the edge, but at guard, he has the quickness to handle the most explosive of defensive tackles. Osemele's combination of size, brute strength and athletic ability is rare, and he could develop into a stud lineman.

Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

In 2010, Blackmon emerged as one of college football's premiere wide receivers, catching 111 passes for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns. The Oklahoma State receiver only gained 260 yards in 2009, but Blackmon's skills suggest that last year was not a fluke.

At 6'1" and 215 pounds, Blackmon isn't very tall and doesn't have the speed to be a true deep threat.  However, he has great catching ability and can gain yards after making the catch. 

Blackmon may not have the ability to be an elite wide receiver, but he should at the least be a solid primary target.

Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

Worthy is yet another quick defensive tackle who likes to play in the backfield.

The 6'3", 310-pound Michigan State lineman is bigger than some 3-techs, but Worthy certainly penetrates like one. While he doesn't have an elite first step, Worthy has great quickness and can easily get past slower offensive linemen.

Even if Worthy doesn't have the ability to be an elite interior pass-rusher, he could easily become a player who consistently puts up more than five sacks a year. The Spartan 3-tech can sometimes be out of position against the run, but he makes enough plays to justify these lapses.

Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

To many, Kalil is a Top-Five draft pick and a future franchise left tackle.

While the 6'5", 295-pound lineman certainly has the athleticism to protect the quarterback's blind-side, he still has work to do.

Kalil has all the physical tools desired, but more bulk would definitely benefit the Trojan left tackle. He can be bull-rushed by stronger defensive ends and isn't very strong at the point of attack. Both of these potential issues can be fixed, but that is easier said than done.

Kalil will likely become a great pass-blocking tackle who will struggle in the run game, so his potential is somewhat limited.

Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Coples isn't quite the dynamic pass-rusher some think he is, but he's still a very solid player. The 6'6", 285-pound end could play in virtually any defensive scheme at the end position.

As his size suggests, Coples is a well-rounded player who is a weapon regardless of the situation.

The North Carolina defender doesn't have great athletic ability, and his first step holds him back some as a pass-rusher. Coples can, however, make a move once he gets to the offensive lineman and has an extensive pass-rush arsenal. 

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

The 6'3", 190-pound cornerback has the size for press coverage, as well as the ability to play in zone.  Kirkpatrick is a good but not great athlete who uses his size to shut down opposing receivers.  The Alabama defensive back can struggle some with quick receivers, but few are better against big targets.

While Kirkpatrick is relatively NFL-ready, he doesn't really project as a shut-down cornerback. Few defenders with his length are able to handle quick, explosive cuts, and tend to get burnt fairly often. 

But Kirkpatrick should be a quality No. 1 cornerback capable of guarding a team's best receiver.

Brandon Jenkins, DE (Florida State)

A fluid but undersized pass-rusher, Jenkins could easily end up standing up as a linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  At 6'4" and 260 pounds, the Florida State pass-rusher has ideal size for a 3-4 defense and could be a good defender in every aspect of the game.

Jenkins has a good first step, but needs to develop more pass-rush moves in order to keep offensive linemen off balance. Despite his athletic ability, Jenkins is still very raw and needs a lot of work, but he could develop into one of the game's best pass-rushers.

Landry Jones, QB (Oklahoma)

As former Heisman winner Sam Bradford's replacement, Jones has had big shoes to fill—and thus far, he has succeeded. 

The Oklahoma quarterback threw for 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns in 2010, and demonstrated the ability to be an excellent NFL quarterback.

Oklahoma's spread offense certainly helps inflate Jones' numbers, but the 6'4", 230-pound quarterback has shown excellent accuracy and decision-making. He won't be as good of a prospect as Bradford was in 2010, but Jones could easily be a Top-10 draft pick and top-notch quarterback.

Janoris Jenkins, CB (North Alabama)

Jenkins showed great ability while playing at Florida, but after being kicked off the team, the young cornerback transferred to North Alabama. Jenkins has great speed and quickness, and can shut down the fastest and most explosive of receivers.

The 5'10", 180-pound defensive back isn't very big, but he plays with enough physicality to survive against the strongest of wide receivers. Jenkins is extremely aggressive, and though this sometimes pays off with interceptions, he is often burnt fairly regularly.

The former Gator's potential is through the roof due to his athletic ability, but he will never be a Darrelle Revis-type of cornerback.

Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

Martin is a good athlete, and though he needs to improve his technique, he is already good enough to play for many NFL teams. The 6'6", 305-pound left tackle has great footwork and can handle great pass-rushers with ease.

The Stanford lineman could use some more bulk to help against bull-rushers. He could also stand to improve in the run game, especially at the point of attack. 

With a little more strength, Martin could develop into an elite left tackle.

Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carlina)

Jeffery blew up in 2010 and caught 88 passes for more than 1,500 yards. The 6'4", 235-pound receiver isn't overly fast or explosive, but is extremely strong and can beat press coverage. Jeffery catches nearly everything and will overpower the biggest of cornerbacks.

The biggest concern with Jeffery is his lack of elite burst. There are concerns he won't be able to get open as easily in the NFL, and he may not be a huge playmaker.

The South Carolina star has drawn both positive and negative comparisons to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams. If Jeffery can keep his weight at a reasonable level, he should be a star.

Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

Poe is a sensational athlete, and at 6'5" and 350 pounds, he has fantastic burst. 

The Memphis interior lineman projects best as a 3-4 nose tackle or 4-3 1-tech, but he could play other roles as well. Somewhat similar to Shaun Rogers, Poe is inconsistent, but occasionally dominates and shows the ability to be a Top-10 draft pick.

Poe is freakishly strong and can manhandle offensive linemen. While he is currently a fairly one-dimensional run-stopper, he has the athletic ability to develop into a penetrating defensive tackle like Rogers.

Matt Barkley, QB (USC)

Barkley has a rocket arm and great pocket presence, but does need to improve in some areas. 

While the USC quarterback is fairly accurate, he tends to get lazy with his footwork and will throw off of his back foot, leading to inconsistent throws.

The 6'2", 220-pound signal-caller has played in a pro-style offense during his career with the Trojans and won't have a huge adjustment to make in the NFL. Barkley's physical tools and intelligence give him a very high ceiling, and he could easily become an elite quarterback.

Vontaze Burfict, LB (Arizona State)

To put it simply, Vontaze Burfict is dangerous. 

The 6'3", 250-pound linebacker unleashes ferocious hits and charges the line of scrimmage. Burfict can make some dumb decisions and is sometimes too aggressive, but his athletic ability and size make him a potential monster.

Burfict has great speed and has great range in coverage. The Arizona State linebacker's instincts aren't always the best, but he is able to make plays regardless. 

Burfict needs some coaching and has bust potential, but he could be the best defensive player in the NFL.

Devin Taylor, DE (South Carolina)

At 6'7" and 260 pounds, Devin Taylor is a freakish athlete. When watching the South Carolina end play, his burst is immediately noticed. Few players have such a quick and explosive first step. 

Taylor still needs to develop some better pass-rushing moves, but he has already produced at a college level.

The DE is a bit too tall to really play in a 3-4 defense, and he needs to bulk up to play defensive end at the pro level. If Taylor adds just 10 pounds, he will have the size and ability to be the best defensive end in football. 

Taylor is still raw and may not pan out at all, but his upside is huge.

Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

Arguably the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, Richardson has incredible power and good speed to boot. At 5'11" and 225 pounds, Richardson is a bowling ball who never goes down on first contact. 

The Alabama star is also a capable receiver and can make defenders miss if he doesn't feel like running over them. Few young running backs are as well-rounded as Richardson is, and barring injury, he looks like a guaranteed stud. 

While Richardson's former teammate, Mark Ingram, was a solid first-round pick, Richardson is a legitimate Top-Five selection.

Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

Everyone has heard the Peyton Manning comparisons. It may seem absurd to compare a college quarterback to one of the best players of all time, but it is surprisingly reasonable. 

Luck has played in a pro-style offense his entire career, has great accuracy and is incredibly smart.

He doesn't have a rocket arm, but that's about the only discernible weakness in his play. The Stanford quarterback could have left after 2010,—along with his head coach, Jim Harbaugh—and he would have been the first pick of the draft. 

Now, entering Luck's second year of draft eligibility, he will almost certainly declare for the draft and be the first player selected in 2012.