NFL Draft 2012: 5 College Stars Whose Stock Is Falling

Draft experts are constantly adjusting their draft big boards week after week according to how NFL prospects play on the field.

It's nothing strange to see a player rise up the board at a blistering pace, and it's certainly nothing out of the ordinary to see a player's stock plummet (see: Da'Quan Bowers, 2011).

The draft board is always fluctuating, even in the off season, so it's always tough to get a clear look this early. 

However, here are five college studs whose draft stock is on the decline. Keep them in mind and see if they have the ability to play their way back up.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Alfonzo Dennard was all the hype during the preseason, drawing comparisons to former Huskers great, Prince Amukamara.

When Dennard lined up across from Wisconsin's Nick Toon Saturday night, it was all Nick Toon.

Dennard looked slow—possibly from missing time in the early season—but he was continually letting Toon have his way on every route.

Perhaps he was rusty, but bad is about the only word I can think of to describe Dennard's game against Wisconsin.

We'll see if getting back in the swing of things gets him his swagger back.

Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina

Donte Paige-Moss was a player many people had high up on their draft boards based solely on infinite potential.

Thus far this season it's no secret that Paige-Moss hasn't lived up to that expectation.

He's only recorded one sack in five games, which is disheartening because I saw him as a premier pass-rusher that would fit perfectly into the 3-4 outside line backer spot in the NFL.

He still could become that player. We'll see, though.

Unless he starts making plays on the field, Donte Paige-Moss could be a player you see drop out of the first round completely.

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

For those who don't remember, Janoris Jenkins is a former Florida Gator cornerback who has since been dismissed from the team following multiple run-ins with the law.

On the field, Jenkins' play speaks for itself. He's arguably a top 10 player in the draft based on ability, and even more dangerous in the special teams game.

He's dominating his senior season at North Alabama even though opposing teams aren't really testing him. His off-the-field issues are what killed his draft stock.

Similar to players in the past like Randy Moss and Dez Bryant, Jenkins' inability to stay out of the blotter is what will hurt his draft chances.

Someone will take a chance on him, just not as high as his talent warrants.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

I have a feeling I'm going to catch some flack for this one—that's OK.

Burfict is a freak, I'm not going to deny that.

He played a great game against USC, tearing apart fellow No. 7 Matt Barkley in the process.

However, the issue I have with Burfict is that he's hit or miss. There's no in between.

When his game is on, he makes as much of an impact as anyone, but when he's off, he's seemingly absent from the game.

He's hasn't dropped by much. He's still a first-round pick in my opinion, just not as high as I originally thought.

Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California

With the Trojans technically having nothing to play for this season, I anticipated Matt Barkley to wow draft scouts with his individual play on the field.

Boy, was I wrong.

Barkley has been a dud this season, and for those of you who only look at statistics, you're going to disagree with me.

He continues to struggle reading defenses while only focusing in on one receiver.

He's predictable.

Predictability is a no-no in the NFL. Defenses are too fast.

Barkley needs to show me something, because I really like this kid—he's a great talent.

One day his game will be next-level ready, and once again we overvalued Barkley, but it's clear to me that he's not quite there yet.