2012 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck and the 10 Biggest Locks for NFL Stardom

There are players who could become NFL stars, and there are those who would surprise if they didn't become NFL stars.

Every NFL draft, there are "sure things" and sure things who disappoint once they hit the bright lights. A lot of this has to do with how a collegiate star projects at the NFL level. Sometimes a player's success in college blinds NFL scouts to how they'll translate to the pro ranks.

This season, there are 10 players in particular who are not only putting up big numbers and proving to be forces for their respective teams, but also project well at the next level.

Here are the 10 biggest locks for NFL stardom.

10. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

At 6'3", 265 pounds, Florida State defensive end Brandon Jenkins is a scary player for offenses to match up with.

He can use his athleticism to burst through the offensive line and sack the quarterback or use his hands and instincts to play outside linebacker in the NFL. He can also defend the run very well, something uncommon for such a pass-rusher of his magnitude.

Jenkins is a big reason why the Seminoles were ranked in the Top 5 to start this season. Last season, he had 13.5 sacks, and this season he's already recorded two sacks and five tackles for a loss.

There's a whole lot to like about this kid.

9. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been disappointing for a team with big expectations this season, but none of that has been because of linebacker Manti Te'o.

After racking up 133 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble in 2010, Te'o has picked up right where he left off this season, with 36 tackles in four games.

At 6'2", 255 pounds, Te'o is physical, fast and plays with an intensity nearly unmatched in college football. If he doesn't become a tackling machine when he hits the NFL, I'd be shocked.

8. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Like Manti Te'o, Luke Kuechly figures to be a force in the NFL manning the middle of the field.

He's fast, strong and, above all, very intelligent. There are things this kid does that go beyond the measurables, and he backs up his talent with the determined mindset needed to be an inside linebacker.

After recording a whopping 183 tackles in 2010, Kuechly already has 69 tackles and an interception for 23 yards in just four games.

Something tells me Kuechly is going to learn the intricacies of the NFL very quickly.

7. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Former Alabama star running back Mark Ingram was highly touted before the 2011 NFL draft.

Trent Richardson may be even better.

Richardson not only has the size, speed and balance needed to excel in the NFL, but he also has the determination, vision and mentality that should see him surprise a lot of people with the ball in his hands at the pro level.

After averaging 6.3 yards per carry last season, Richardson has actually improved on that mark four games into the season upon Ingram's departure. So far, Richardson has 67 rushes for 441 yards and eight touchdowns, including 126 rushing yards and 85 receiving yards and a TD against Arkansas last week.

Richardson has the build and intangibles that project him as a better NFL prospect than Ingram.

6. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Arizona State is a Top 25 team right now in college football, and a lot of that has to do with one Vontaze Burfict, a tenacious linebacker who is one of the most feared defenders in college football.

He's one of the hardest hitters in college football and he makes blockers look like mere dummies sometimes. He also has incredible instincts and has the kind of closing speed that always has running backs looking over their shoulder.

Against Missouri, it actually appeared as if the backfield was avoiding Burfict. He has the ability to change a game without even making a tackle.

So far, Burfict has 22 tackles, four sacks and one interception through four games. Last season he recorded 89 tackles and two forced fumbles.

One of those players who plays even better than his numbers.

5. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Matt Barkley's blind side protector Matt Kalil may be the best tackle prospect in the last few years.

He has tremendous strength, enough to hold defenders for an impressive amount of time, and he's quick enough that he can make blocks at the second level, as well. Above all, he has great technique and has been described as human Velcro (without the holding).

There are few tackles who have the entire package. Kalil has it and then some.

4. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples has dropped a bit in the rankings after being widely projected as a Top 2 pick in 2012, but his athleticism has drawn comparisons to former Tar Heel Julius Peppers.

Last season, Coples had 10 sacks and a forced fumble. He has gotten off to a bit of a slow start in 2011, mainly because he's being double-teamed all the time, but there's no doubt he's a freak athlete who was born to rush the passer.

The biggest problem for the 285-pounder is that he tends to play too aggressive and actually overshoots running backs. But if he can get that under control, he's going to be a nightmare going after the quarterback and running back.

3. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery has already drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson.

He has great burst, very good speed (he's been known to simply run away from top cornerbacks), top-notch field vision, excellent hands, explosive leaping ability, the lateral movement to make defenders look silly in the open field, is a great route-runner and can catch the ball in traffic with the best of them.

He also has the size, at 6'4", 229 pounds, to win his fair share of wrestling matches in the air, and press coverage only helps him break free down the sideline once he bursts through.

The only question about Jeffery's game is his blocking ability, but, beyond that, he looks like a star in the making.

2. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

While Alshon Jeffery is being compared to Calvin Johnson, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is being compared to none other than Terrell Owens after a spectacular first four games.

In four games, Blackmon already has 38 receptions for 450 yards and four touchdowns, including an 11-catch, 121-yard performance against Texas A&M in the Cowboys' 30-29 thrilling comeback victory on Saturday.

He's big, physical, explosive and there has simply been no answer for him in the last two seasons.

Did I mention he racked up 111 catches, over 1,700 yards and 20 touchdowns last season?

If Blackmon doesn't become a superstar in the NFL, I'd be surprised.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

What can you say about Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck that hasn't already been said?

He's not only been compared to Peyton Manning—some actually believe he's an even better prospect than Manning was when he entered the draft out of Tennessee, including Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller.

You name it, Luck is excellent in every area besides running. And even there, he's a better runner than Manning ever has been.

It's hard to call a quarterback prospect a lock given all the busts throughout the years, but Luck is one of a kind and is going to make one lucky team very happy.

I usually don't condone losing just to get the No. 1 pick in the next year's draft, but in Luck's case, I wouldn't be surprised if some teams tanked at the end of the season.

A quarterback of Luck's caliber rarely comes around.

Through three games, Luck has completed 67 percent of his passes for 786 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception.