2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the Draft's Top 5 Picks

Despite the college and pro football seasons at full force right now, it's never too early to discuss the upcoming NFL draft.

Regardless of where you think your team might be drafting, or who the top prospects are, it's very important for franchises to scout college players early on.

And for the NFL fans who know their team is going to be drafting in the Top Five, here are the Top Five picks of the 2012 NFL draft.

5. Vontaze Burfict: LB, Arizona State

He's very quick and has good acceleration for his 6'3" 250 pound frame, and his nose for the ball is solid.

Last season Burficts was a first team All-American as a sophomore in 2010, so we know the talent is there.

Now if he can just control his emotions on the field, he won't get flagged for so many personal foul penalties. 

4. Manti Te'O: LB, Notre Dame

The heart and soul of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, LB Manti Te'O is the best defensive player is the 2012 NFL Draft.

His awareness is arguably the best in college football, and Te'O's football IQ is very, very high.

A year ago he was a second team All-American, and he was also a freshman All-American.

He rarely, if ever misses a tackle, and reads plays so well that when in coverage, he allows the pass rushers more time to get the QB, unlike most LBs.

3. Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State

The nation's best WR as a sophomore, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon could potentially be better than Dez Bryant, that's how sick of a talent Blackmon is.

He's by far the Cowboys' best player, and easily QB Brandon Weeden's No. 1 target.

And right now he's on pace to possibly catch over 120 passes for around 1,500 yards, and score 15 TDs.

2. Trent Richardson: RB, Alabama

By far the most impressive attribute of Alabama RB Trent Richardson is that not only does he not fumble, but he continually breaks tackles at the same token.

Watching him run it takes at least two or three guys to bring him down every time, which definitely bodes well in the NFL, where yards after first contact is so crucial.

Perhaps the scariest thing about Richardson also, is that he may be better than former Tide RB Mark Ingram.

1. Andrew Luck: QB, Stanford

It's no surprise to see Andrew Luck at the No. 1 overall pick.

That being said, his talent is so much higher than everyone else's that he could have been the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and had he been eligible, he would have been a first-rounder in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Luck has completely turned the Stanford football program around, something John Elway couldn't even do, which that by itself should earn him the No. 1 overall pick.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.