2012 NFL Draft: 50 Things We've Learned This College Football Season

Approaching the 2011 college football season, draft fans had more questions than answers about the upcoming class. Sure, some players had shown promise in prior seasons, but could they continue to impress?

An evaluator can see potential from a single game, but it takes multiple games for the best of scouts to truly know a prospect. In many ways, this is true for seasons as well. Many players shine throughout one season, but few do it consistently throughout a college career.

Many prospects had shown flashes of ability prior to the 2011 season, but which ones have shown enough in 2012 to maintain or improve their draft statuses? Here's an analysis of what we've learned about many draft prospects.

1. Andrew Luck Is Still Legit

Going into this year, some people had questions about whether or not Andrew Luck could produce without Jim Harbaugh in charge. After three games, it would appear that the answer is yes, he can.

Luck is still completing passes at a great rate, while making good decisions and playing like the same guy he was last year. He is still a virtual certainty to go No. 1 in 2012.

2. Matt Kalil Is the Best Left Tackle Prospect Since Jake Long

Kalil is not the complete player that Long was, but he has tremendous feet and is excellent in pass protection.  The 6'7" 295-pounder has great length and technique, which he uses to keep defenders at bay.

The USC left tackle isn't a dominating run-blocker, but he is decent at the point of attack and excels in the second level. With Kalil's elite pass-blocking ability, he is a more than adequate run-blocker.

3. Don't Look for Mario Williams

You won't find the guy in this picture while preparing for the 2012 draft. There are some decent pass-rushers draft eligible, but none of them are elite. Most scouts have Quinton Coples as their top defensive end, but the North Carolina product is more of a complete player than a pass-rusher.

Many had high hopes for Devin Taylor entering this season, but he has disappointed and is obviously not an upper echelon prospect.  For the most part, the ends with the athleticism to dominate don't and the ends who do dominate don't have the talent to do so in the NFL.

4. Dre Kirkpatrick Isn’t Patrick Peterson, but He Isn’t Bad Either

At 6'3" 195-pounds, Kirkpatrick is a big cornerback, but he is not nearly as big or athletic as Peterson was as a prospect. This is not to say that the Alabama defender can't be a top ten pick, but he isn't a top five player either.

Kirkpatrick is a physical player and can lay the wood when he so desires. The top cornerback in 2012, Kirkpatrick does a good job in pressing at the line of scrimmage and projects as an upper level cover corner in the NFL.

5. Vontaze Burfict Is an Animal

This is not to say that Vontaze Burfict is an elite player, but his aggression can only be described as savage. The 6'3" 255-pounder has great athletic ability and hits harder than perhaps anyone else in the game.

Burfict's lack of discipline occasionally costs him, but he has a knack for making plays in the backfield. The Arizona State linebacker intimidates all opposing players and is an enforcer in the run game. Burfict also has the coverage ability to stick with tight ends and running backs. 

6. Matt Barkley Is Better Than Anyone Realized

Barkley has had some struggles this year, but more than anything he has shown elite passing ability. The USC quarterback isn't the most talented player in any one way, but his overall package is among the best to see the NFL draft.

The 6'2" 220-pounder has well above-average arm strength and displays fantastic ball placement as well. Barkley plays in a pro style offense at USC and is already adept at making progressions. This is not to say that Barkley won't face a learning curve, but it does offer scouts some comfort in their evaluations of him.

7. Trent Richardson Is Kind of Good

Richardson is not Adrian Peterson, but he may be the best thing since the Oklahoma product went 7th overall in 2007. The 5'11" 225-pound running back is a bowling ball with an incredible power and speed combination.

Mark Ingram's successor is a great receiver out of the backfield and is nearly impossible to tackle in the open field. The Alabama star is an absolute work house, and he can wear down the best and most physical of defenses.

8. Alshon Jeffery Was Overhyped

Entering this season, Jeffery was considered by many to be the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson. This sentiment has changed dramatically in the early part of the 2012 season, as Jeffery looks rather slow.

Jeffery doesn't have terrible deep speed, but it isn't particularly good either. The 6'3" 235-pound Gamecock can catch anything, but he may not have the burst and separation ability to be an elite wide receiver.

9. Landry Jones Isn’t Great, but He Will Be Drafted High Anyway

Many were fawning over Jones prior to the 2011 season, and this admiration has only grown. The 6'4" 230-pound Jones has impressive physical skills and has displayed excellent arm strength.

However, Jones plays in an offensive scheme that covers up many of his faults, and his accuracy hasn't shined. Some have compared Jones to Sam Bradford, but Bradford had the freedom to do much more at Oklahoma and was far superior to Jones as a prospect.

10. Justin Blackmon Is the Draft’s Best Receiver

The 6'1" 215-pound Blackmon isn't overly tall or fast, but he gets open and makes plays. Blackmon has good quickness and his yard-after-the-catch ability makes him ideal for a West Coast Offense.

The Oklahoma State wide out isn't an elite receiver, but he is a potential primary target and deserves to be a top ten pick. Blackmon has some of the best hands in football and makes some simply phenomenal catches. The Cowboy star may not have huge potential, but he will be a very solid receiver for whatever team drafts him.

11. Lamar Miller Is a 1st Round Pick

Above all else, Lamar Miller is fast. The Miami running back has great straight line speed and accelerates quickly. Miller is a huge playmaker and is surprisingly big as well. The 5'11" 210-pounder hits the hole with authority, often popping off long runs.

Miller is not a power back, but has enough size and strength to survive as a team's main running back. Miller isn't a top ten pick by any means, but he is exciting enough to go in the first round come April of 2012.

12. Most of This Draft Class Is Nothing to Write Home About

Outside of a select few players, the 2012 draft is not looking overly talented. Luck is obviously a phenomenal player, and Matt Barkley is an excellent second cornerback, but there is little beyond that.

Trent Richardson is a good running back prospect, and Matt Kalil is one of the better offensive line prospects lately, but neither is enough to make this class good. There is little talent towards the end of the first round and the depth is extremely weak at most positions.

13. Michael Floyd Is Still an Incredible Talent

Michael Floyd may not be a top 10 draft pick, but he still has the size and ability to dominate defensive backs. The 6'3" 224-pound Floyd catches nearly everything and uses his massive frame to overpower defenders.

The Notre Dame wide out has good jumping ability and excellent body control, and he actually compares to a poor man's Larry Fitzgerald. Injuries have hindered Floyd, but he remains a possible number one wide receiver in the NFL.

14. Michael Brewster Is Not an Elite Center

Going into this season, many had Brewster pegged as a 1st-round draft pick. While many centers are selected in the 1st, they have to be star blockers in order to reach this status.

Brewster is not at all a bad player, but he simply isn't dominant enough to warrant such a high selection. The Ohio State center occasionally dominates in the run and pass game but gets stood up way too often to be regarded so highly.

15. This Safety Class Is Bad

T.J. McDonald appears to be the 2012 draft's best safety, and even he is an unknown. McDonald is a good athlete but is out of position too often.

The 6'3" 204-pound McDonald probably doesn't deserve to be a 1st-rounder, but the lack of any other safeties near his level could drive his stock up. Robert Lester is a fairly one dimensional player, and he isn't good enough against he pass to justify this.

16. There Are Plenty of Decent Wide Receivers

Even after Justin Blackmon and Alshon Jeffery, many good wide receivers are in the draft. Michael Floyd has big potential and is trailed by Jeff Fuller, Ryan Broyles and Juron Criner.

None of these three is particularly exciting, but they should all develop into quality players. Broyles projects as a slot receiver while Fuller and Criner look to be consistent possession players.

17. Ryan Tannehill Has 1st Round Talent

A former wide receiver, Tannehill is extremely fast and possesses enormous talent. The Texas A&M signal caller has good arm strength and surprisingly good accuracy for such an inexperienced player.

Tannehill still needs to dramatically improve mentally, but the has the physical tools to dominate at any level of competition. Despite his running ability, Tannehill does a good job of remaining in the pcoket and has shown great improvement as a passer in his short time starting.

18. Luke Kuechly Is a Tackling Machine

Through just four games of 2011, Luke Kuechly has amassed 68 tackles. The Boston College linebacker has made numerous plays in the backfield and seems to just have a nose for the ball.

At just 6'3" 238-pounds, Kuechly isn't particularly big or fast, but has great instincts and intelligence to compensate for any lack of physical skills.

19. Riley Reiff Can Be a Good Left Tackle

Reiff will rightfully be overlooked by scouts analyzing the offensive tackle class. Reiff is far from an elite left tackle prospect, but he has the feet and quickness to possibly play on the blind side in the NFL.

The Iowa lineman is still raw as a player, but he has the physical skills to improve and become a quality lineman.

20. These Defensive Tackles Are Boring

Many scouts had high hopes for Jerel Worthy and Marcus Forston entering this season, but both have disappointed and seem unlikely to be selected in the 1st-round. Brandon Thompson has played well, but he isn't an elite player and seems like more of a top 15 player than top 10.

21. David DeCastro Is Good

The 6'5" 310-pound DeCastro has the strength to excel at the line of scrimmage, but also possesses the quickness to dominate in the second level. DeCastro is excellent in the pass and run game and is a likely 1st-round pick if he enters the draft early.

22. Quinton Coples May Be Overrated

Many believe that Coples is a top five pick, but he doesn't seem to have the burst to excel as a pass-rusher. The 6'6" 285-pounder isn't very explosive and is more of a complete player than a dominant threat off the edge.

23. Devin Taylor Is a Phenomenal Athlete, but He Needs Some Work

The 6'7" 260-pound Taylor is a phenomenal athlete with great length and burst. The South Carolina end produced as a sophomore but is not living up to expectations in his junior campaign. Unless Taylor produces the numbers to match his ability, he seems unlikely to come off the board in the 1st-round.

24. Dont'a Hightower Is Unspectacular

The 6'4" 260-pound Hightower is an impressive run stopper but is too big and slow to excel in coverage. Hightower is occasionally lined up at defensive end on passing downs to rush the passer. The Alabama star isn't a great athlete but looks like a solid two down defender for years to come.

25. Kelechi Osemele Can Be Dominant

The 6'6" 350-pound Osemele definitely cannot player left tackle at the next level but may be able to play on the strong side. However, it is more likely that Osemele will be moved to guard where his power is better utilized and his slow feet are less obvious.

26. Brandon Jenkins Looks Like a Good 3-4 Outside Linebacker

Jenkins is a big, fluid pass-rusher who fits best as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Florida State has already utilized Jenkins in this capacity to great success. This experience standing up will attract many 3-4 defenses to Jenkins's skill-set.

27. Jonathan Martin Is Not Elite, but He Is Good

The 6'6" 310-pounder is not better in one aspect of the game, but is instead a good all around player. Martin uses his above-average athletic ability to hold off pass-rushers and dominate in the second level. Martin isn't overly quick and can be beaten off the edge, but he will not be beaten regularly. The Stanford left tackle can struggle some in the power run game but does a great job in the open field.

28. Enjoy the Cornerbacks

Dre Kirkpatrick is obviously an excellent player, but he is not the only upper level cornerback. Morris Claiborne and Stephon Gilmore are both potential top 15 picks. Claiborne and Gilbert both have good size and explosive playmaking ability. The LSU and South Carolina cornerbacks rack up interceptions while not being beat too often. Alfonzo Dennard and Janoris Jenkins are also two potential 1st-round picks.

29. Robert Griffin May Be Good Enough for the First Round

Griffin has been nationally recognized for his game breaking speed and running ability, but he is starting to dramatically improve as a passer. The Baylor star has good accuracy and intelligence, but plays in an annoying spread offense.

The 6'2" 220-pound speedster has surprisingly good pocket presence but lacks a rocket arm. Griffin is definitely still raw, but he has the physical skills to dominate in the NFL as a dual threat quarterback.

30. Jared Crick Can Play in Any Defensive Scheme

Crick has played both defensive end and tackle at Nebraska, and could play in any defensive scheme. The 6'6" 290-pounder fits best as a 3-5 defensive end, but could also play defensive tackle or left end in a 4-3 defense.

Crick is a quick, disruptive defensive tackle, but dominates in the run game on the outside at end. Crick won't be a well rounded player in a 4-3 defense, but he could dominate in a rotation similar to the Giants' or Patriots'.

31. Cordy Glenn Is Overrated

The 6'5" 350-pound Glenn recently moved to left tackle and has struggled mightily in his new position. The Georgia lineman obviously won't be playing tackle in the NFL, but he looks too slow to even be a quality guard.

Glenn is virtually useless in the open field and is limited to a power offense. The immense lineman uses his size and power to his advantage, but this won't work nearly as well in the NFL.

32. Courtney Upshaw Will Be a Good 3-4 Linebacker

Upshaw has played both defensive end and linebacker but definitely belongs in a 3-4 defensive scheme. The 6'2" 265-pounder could play outside linebacker for a 3-4 team but may be best off as a versatile inside linebacker.

The Alabama defender has the pass-rushing ability to be an effective blitzer as well as the size to stuff the run game. Many 3-4 teams love this sort of versatility and Upshaw will be considerably more valuable to a 3-4 defense.

33. Alameda Ta'amu Has the Makings of a Good Nose Tackle

The 6'3" 335-pounder could probably play in a 4-3 defense but would be better suited as a 3-4 nose tackle. Ta'amu is an excellent plug in the middle of a run defense and can overpower the strongest of interior linemen.

The Washington defender is athletic enough to make plays in the back field but primarily serves as a run stopper. In a two gap defensive scheme, Ta'amu could develop into a Casey Hampton type player.

34. Jerel Worthy Has Been Disappointing

Entering the 2011 season, many expected Worthy to end up as a top 10 pick. Not only has Worthy not elevated his stock into this range, but he may have completely fallen out of the 1st-round.

The Michigan State tackle hasn't displayed enough quickness to consistently penetrate the back field and isn't overly strong against the run.

35. Ryan Broyles Could Be a 1st Round Pick

Broyles will never be a No. 1 wide receiver, but he could become a Wes Welker type player. At just 5'10" 188-pounds, Broyles best fits as a slot receiver.

The quick Oklahoma wide out makes plays with the ball in his hands and is consistent in catching the ball. Broyles will never be mistaken as a big play receiver, but he will consistently gain yardage.

36. Alabama Has Prospects Everywhere

With Dre Kirkpatrick, Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower on defense, the Alabama team is simply loaded with prospects. Nick Saban has transformed the Crimson Tide into a legitimate pro factory and the team continues to improve. When watching an Alabama football game, one is practically watching an NFL draft All-Star game.

37. Eventually People Will Talk About Miles Burris

The 6'3" 235-pound Burris isn't overly big but is fast and makes plays all over the field. In 2010, the San Diego State linebacker accumulated 9.5 sacks and demonstrated sideline-to-sideline speed, Burris isn't great in pass coverage but dominates as a run stopper and pass rusher. While Burris isn't well known yet, he will eventually be recognized as the playmaker he is.

38. Manti Te'o Is Still a Good Linebacker

In the early part of the 2011 season, Te'o has been criticized for a lack of playmaking ability and speed. The 6'2" 255-pounder has great size and instincts but may not be a true impact player.

The Notre Dame linebacker could play the MIKE or SAM position with his size and run stopping ability. If Te'o can only show a little more explosiveness, he can be an early 1st round draft pick.

39. There Are No Star Defensive Players

Dre Kirkpatrick, Vontaze Burfict, Luke Kuechly and others are solid players but aren't legitimate stars. All of these players have their pros and cons, and simply aren't top five picks. Any one of them may be a top 10 or 15 player, but none of them are well rounded enough to be worthy of a really high selection.

40. Most of These Offensive Tackles Are Nothing Special

After Kalil, none of the offensive tackles really stand out. Reiff and Martin are both solid players, but after them there is a serious drop off in talent. Nate Potter, Andrew Dakto and Levy Adcock are all early round selections, but none of them look like legitimate left tackles. All three of these players may become decent right tackles, but they simply aren't skilled enough to handle the blind side.

41. Dontari Poe Can Be Incredible

At 6'5" 350-pounds, Poe is a mountain of a man. The Memphis defensive tackle is a great athlete and can make plays in the backfield with ease. However, Poe is inconsistent and needs to dramatically  improve his technique. Poe is also out of shape and gets tired too easily, taking him out of many plays and costing the defense.

42. There Are a Lot of Linebackers

Vontaze Burfict, Manti Te'o, Luke Kuechly and Zach Brown all look like 1st-round draft picks. Not only is this an unusually high number of 1st-round linebackers, but all of them are better than last year's crop.

The 2012 draft class also features several other early round picks such as Travis Lewis, Miles Burris, and Brandon Lindsey. This is an immensely talented group and a team in need of a linebacker is licking its lips.

43. Jeff Fuller Is Solid If Unspectacular

The 6'4" 220-pound Fuller isn't a burner, but has enough speed and burst to get open as a possession receiver. The Texas A&M product is unlikely to ever be a primary wide out, but should become an excellent second wide out. Fuller uses his size to make difficult catches and convert in clutch situations.

It is somewhat unfair to call Fuller a pure possession wide receiver, however, as he does have enough quickness and burst to make plays.

44. Melvin Ingram Is South Carolina’s Second Best Defensive End

The other one is a freshman. Many have heard of Jadeveon Clowney, but not nearly as many have heard of Ingram. Ingram is a 6'1" 280-pound defensive end who utilizes power moves to get to the quarterback and stop the run.

The Gamecock end is not overly exciting but is a solid player in every aspect of the game. Ingram will never be a good right end but is worthy of a 1st-round pick at left end.

45. There Are No 1st Round Tight Ends

Nearly every draft has a tight end go in the first one or two rounds. Last year there was Kyle Rudolph and 2010 had Jermaine Gresham.

In the 2012 class, there is no one even in that discussion at the moment. Some players have shown promise as a receiving or blocking tight end, but none have shown enough ability to be worthy of early consideration.

46. Butch Davis Remains Relevant in North Carolina

Since Butch Davis arrived at North Carolina, the Tarheels have been churning out NFL talent left and right. Last year there were numerous North Carolina players selected in the early rounds of the draft.

In 2012, there will be more. Quinton Coples is a possible top ten pick, while Zach Brown and Donte Paige-Moss are both possible 1st-round picks. Brown is an especially exciting linebacker who has the athleticism to be a high pick by the right team.

47. Bruce Irvin Is Intriguing

Irvin is actually similar to a poor man's Von Miller in many ways.  The West Virginia pass rusher has a great first step and burst but lacks the size to play defensive end or linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Irvin will likely transition to standing up in a 4-3 defense.

The 6'3" 245-pounder has not shown much in coverage but is athletic enough to become adequate. Above all else, Irvin is a pass rusher limited by size who can be utilized in many ways.

48. Brandon Thompson Is a Lesser Nick Fairley

Thompson appears to be the best defensive tackle in the 2012 class, and it really isn't close. The 6'2" 310-pounder is extremely quick and will likely play the 3-technique in a 4-3 defense.

The Clemson tackle excels at reaching the backfield and has fantastic burst. Thompson isn't overly strong against the run, but penetrates and makes plays on a regular basis.

49. Kellen Moore Still Isn’t an NFL Quarterback

Many are convinced that Kellen Moore can succeed in the NFL due to his college production. This simply isn't true. At just 5'11" 190-pounds, Moore would easily be the NFL's smallest starting quarterback.

The Boise State signal caller also has a weak arm and cannot throw vertically. Moore also plays in a spread offense that greatly enhances statistics. In fact, it is highly unlikely that Moore can even make it in the NFL as a backup, and may end up following the footsteps of Ken Dorsey.

50. Janoris Jenkins Can Still Be a 1st Round Pick

Jenkins made a strong enough impression at Florida to still be talked about as a top 15 pick. The former Gator had numerous off the field incidents and was eventually kicked off the team. Now at North Alabama, Jenkins is still dominating the competition and may be the draft's most talented cornerback.

Teams will obviously be turned off by Jenkins's off the field conduct, but he could be one of the NFL's best defensive backs. A team that is willing to take a big chance in exchange for a potentially huge reward could select Jenkins in the early part of the 1st-round.