2012 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 50 Big Board

Nearly half of the 2011 college football season is in the books, and as each week passes, more is revealed about each draft prospect. Andrew Luck of Stanford has only solidified his status as the best player in the 2012 NFL draft, but everyone else is still jockeying for position.

Some players are already being graded as elite, while others are seeing their status as former prospects come into question.

Here's a look at the current top 50 prospects for the 2012 NFL draft.

50. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The 6'4", 260-pound Hightower is a massive run-stopper who lacks elite athletic ability. While the Alabama junior is a good pass-rusher, he lacks the athletic ability to stick with tight ends and running backs in coverage.

Hightower will be drafted fairly high because of his run-stopping ability, but he will likely be limited to playing in a 3-4 defense.

49. Robert Lester, S, Alabama

Lester has not made much of an impact yet in 2011, but after recording eight interceptions in 2010, he deserves a chance. The Alabama safety isn't particularly good against the run, but he is a ball-hawking safety with huge playmaking ability.

If Lester can regain last year's form, he can still be a high draft pick. If he continues to play like he has this year, however, his stock will continue to slide.

48. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

A 5'10", 190-pound wide receiver, Wright has completely dominated this year. The Baylor star has had just one game with fewer than 100 receiving yards and has yet to go a week without crossing into the end zone.

Wright is somewhat hindered by his small frame, but he has the speed and shiftiness to dominate. He may end up as a slot receiver in the NFL, but he could be similar to Mike Williams as well.

47. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

At 6'6" and 320 pounds, Datko has great size. The Florida State lineman is technically sound and is a good athlete as well.

Datko isn't as powerful as is ideal, but he is a good player in space and holds his own in pass protection. He may not be a great prospect, but Datko will be driven up draft boards because of the important position he plays.

46. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Toon hasn't been incredibly productive, but his physical skills make him an intriguing prospect. The 6'3", 220-pounder has good speed and is a physical threat in the red zone.

While Toon isn't overly explosive, the Wisconsin wideout has good hands and is a consistent target. He may never be a primary receiver, but Toon should develop into a solid player.

45. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Tannehill is an outstanding athlete with excellent physical skills. The former wide receiver is surprisingly accurate for a player so new to the position but needs to improve his decision-making.

While Tannehill is obviously still raw, he has tremendous upside. The Texas A&M signal caller doesn't run as much as one might expect, but he is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback with an NFL future.

44. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The 6'8", 320-pound Adams has great size and tremendous upside. The Ohio State left tackle has been inconsistent at times but looked great in his first game of the year against Nebraska.

While Adams is a great athlete, he is still raw and needs to improve his technique. He occasionally looks lazy on the field, but he can be one of the best offensive linemen in college football.

43. Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

Egnew was incredibly productive in 2010 but hasn't been overly effective thus far in 2011. The 6'6", 245-pound tight end has great height but isn't very thick for his position.

While Egnew has improved as a blocker, he still isn't a complete player and will make his living as a receiver.

42. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

Broyles is an incredible college player, but his size leaves some questions about his NFL future. At 5'10" and 190 pounds, Broyles is definitely undersized at the wide receiver position.

The Oklahoma star has great hands and is shifty with the ball. His size could prove to be an issue at the next level, or it could be ignored, with Broyles dominating in a manner similar to Wes Welker of the New England Patriots.

41. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

The 5'10", 171-pound Hosley had eight interceptions in 2010 and has already recorded three in 2011. The junior cornerback is certainly a playmaker but can be beaten as well.

While Hosley is undersized and may be limited to playing the slot in the NFL, his playmaking ability is extremely appealing to NFL teams. The Virginia Tech star probably isn't big enough to be a first-round draft pick, but he could be off the boards shortly after.

40. Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

The 6'6", 350-pound Osemele is a dominating run-blocker with surprising quickness. Osemele may be able to play right tackle in the NFL but will probably kick inside to guard.

The Iowa State lineman isn't a bad pass-blocker and is virtually unbeatable once he engages. Even if Osemele is unable to play on the outside, he can develop into a dominating guard.

39. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

At 6'1" and 315 pounds, Chapman doesn't have the massive size that many associate with nose tackles. However, the Alabama defensive lineman is strong and extremely stout.

Chapman isn't overly agile and definitely isn't a pass-rusher, but he is difficult to move. While he may not be in the backfield a whole lot, Chapman will definitely clog up the run game and will make an impact.

38. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The 6'2", 218-pound Barron is a good run defender but can struggle in coverage. Barron isn't necessarily slow, but he isn't fast enough to be a ball hawk.

The Alabama safety is a physical player who is at his best when close to the line of scrimmage in run support. While Barron isn't a complete player by any means, he is good enough against the run to project as a decent strong safety in the NFL.

37. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Minnifield isn't a great cornerback prospect, but he is at least as good as his former teammate Ras-I Dowling. The Virginia defensive back excels in zone coverage and is one of the country's best when facing the quarterback.

While Minnifield does need to improve in man coverage, he isn't terrible in any one facet of the game and is good at most.

36. Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

The 6'4", 220-pound Fuller is a big possession receiver. The Texas A&M star isn't explosive enough to be a primary receiver in the NFL, but he should find his niche with a team.

Fuller has looked slower and less explosive in 2011 and has people wondering if last year was a fluke. While he is still an early-round pick, Fuller has already played himself out of the first round and could drop further.

35. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

The 6'2", 265-pound Upshaw could play outside or inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Upshaw is a good, but not great, pass-rusher but is versatile enough to be used in a variety of manners.

While Upshaw is valuable to a 3-4 defense, he doesn't have much of a place in a 4-3 scheme, and his draft stock may suffer as a result.

34. Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina

Paige-Moss is an excellent athlete but has not produced at a high level. The 6'4", 260-pound defensive end must improve his level of production or his draft stock will fall even further than it already has.

While Paige-Moss is a fantastic athlete, he doesn't have any great pass-rush moves and must improve against the run as well.

33. Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon

Harris is an extremely gifted cornerback but is limited by his small frame. At just 5'11" and 170 pounds, Harris is tiny and can be dominated by bigger wide receivers.

The Oregon cornerback has extremely smooth hips and is a huge playmaker on defense, but if he can't add weight he will probably not be a first-round draft pick.

32. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard was highly ranked entering the 2011 season, but he has struggled mightily when on the field. At 5'9" and 205 pounds, the Nebraska cornerback is a short but physical player.

While Dennard definitely has potential, he needs to play up to the hype in order to justify his draft status. Many thought that Dennard would surpass his former teammate Prince Amukamara as a prospect, but this has not come close to happening.

31. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

At 6'7" and 260 pounds, Taylor is an incredible athlete. The South Carolina defensive end has a fantastic first step and uses his length well as a pass-rusher.

However, Taylor simply has not produced in 2011. He has been the third-best defensive end for the Gamecocks and is still extremely raw.

30. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

The 6'2", 215-pounder is a physical player with above-average athleticism as well. Rhodes can jam the biggest of wideouts at the line of scrimmage but can also stick with quick and speedy players.

Only a redshirt sophomore, Rhodes may not enter the 2011 NFL draft, but if he does, he should be a first-round draft pick.

29. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

An explosive player, Gilmore is the rare playmaker in the secondary who doesn't get beaten consistently. The South Carolina cornerback can play in man or zone coverage and has two interceptions in 2011.

At 6'1" and 190 pounds, Gilmore has the size to play on the outside and should be able to immediately contribute as a nickel corner.

28. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The 6'2", 310-pound Worthy is a penetrating defensive tackle who lives in the backfield. Worthy hasn't quite lived up to the hype in 2011, but he is still a good player and a high draft pick.

While the Michigan State defensive tackle is occasionally dominant, he needs to play more consistently. Worthy definitely isn't an elite defensive lineman, but he can become a solid 3-technique in the NFL.

27. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

Crick has had a somewhat disappointing senior season thus far but is still a legitimate prospect. At 6'6" and 290 pounds, Crick is versatile but projects best to a 3-4 defense.

The Nebraska defensive lineman is capable of playing in any scheme but won't be a complete player in a 4-3 defense.

26. T.J. McDonald, S, USC

The 6'3", 205-pound McDonald is a big player with above-average athletic ability. While he doesn't shine in coverage, McDonald isn't an easy target in the passing game and can make some plays back deep.

The USC safety is best in run support and is a strong, physical player. McDonald already has good size but has the frame to add more weight and improve at shedding blocks.

25. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples has been labeled by many as an elite player but lacks the explosiveness to become a dominant pass-rusher. The 6'6", 285-pounder is a complete player but doesn't dominate in any one aspect.

Just as Da'Quan Bowers was overrated prior to the 2011 NFL draft, Coples is being ranked far too high for 2012. The North Carolina end is a good player, but he is not elite. Coples could play defensive end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

24. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

The 6'2", 310-pound Thompson is the ideal 3-technique and shoots gaps with intensity. Thompson isn't stout against the run by any means, but he will make plays and keep quarterbacks running.

The Clemson defensive tackle isn't explosive enough to be an elite defensive tackle prospect, but he is definitely a first-round pick and will be snatched up by a team in need of help along the defensive front.

23. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

At 6'3" and 235 pounds, Kuechly is not particularly big but has a knack for making tackles. The Boston College linebacker is constantly around the ball and has superb instincts.

While Kuechly doesn't make a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage, he is a smart player and will make very few mistakes.

22. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The 6'2", 275-pound Ingram lines up at defensive and and defensive tackle. While he isn't a dominant pass-rusher, Ingram is a good all-around player who can get after the quarterback some.

Ingram won't terrify any offense, but he will make his share of plays in the running and passing game.

21. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The 6'2", 210-pound Griffin is a superb athlete with good accuracy. The Baylor star is still developing as a passer but is immensely talented and could end up as a top-10 draft pick.

Griffin doesn't have a rocket arm by any means, but he throws an excellent deep ball. While Griffin is incredible at running, he has good pocket presence and is not too quick to give up and run.

20. Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

Jenkins is a good pass-rusher with the athletic ability to stand up and play linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The 6'3", 265-pounder has been utilized some in coverage and could become a valuable commodity for teams in need of a 3-4 outside linebacker.

While the Florida State defensive end doesn't have any great pass-rush moves, he is fluid and explosive. Jenkins is still somewhat raw but has the ability to beat any offensive tackle.

19. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The 6'3", 225-pound Floyd was once a highly praised prospect. However, the Notre Dame star has been hindered by injuries and hasn't always lived up to expectations.

Floyd is on his way to a big year in 2011 and is regaining his status as a first-round draft pick. The big wideout has great catching ability and can run some with the ball as well.

18. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro is an immensely talented guard who excels in every aspect of the game. The 6'4", 310-pound Cardinal does an excellent job at the second level and is extremely quick on his feet.

DeCastro is also strong at the point of attack and is difficult to beat when in pass protection.

17. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Brown is a speedy linebacker loaded with playmaking ability. However, the 6'2", 230-pound Tar Heel is definitely undersized and is somewhat limited schematically.

While Brown can struggle to shed blocks, he does a good job of using his speed to run down ball carriers. Brown also uses his speed to excel in coverage and projects as an excellent weakside linebacker in the NFL.

16. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins has been one of college football's best cornerbacks the past few years. The former Gator has great speed and can hang with the fastest and quickest of receivers.

At 5'10" and 185 pounds, Jenkins can handle physical wideouts and uses his speed to lure quarterbacks into ill-advised throws. If not for off-field problems, Jenkins would be universally considered an early first-round draft pick.

15. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

The 6'2", 255-pound Te'o isn't incredibly fast but has the speed to cover the entire field. The Notre Dame linebacker has good instincts and is rarely out of position.

While he does not exactly excel in coverage, Te'o isn't awful guarding tight ends and won't be completely picked apart. Te'o is, however, at his best in run support.

14. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

Miller is an incredibly explosive runner with the ability to score a touchdown on any given play. The 5'11", 210-pounder isn't an elite running back prospect, but he is a legitimate first-round pick.

While Miller isn't utilized very much as a receiver, he completely dominates in the ground game and is capable of catching the ball.

13. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

The 6'3", 335-pounder isn't an ideal fit for every defensive scheme, but he is a legitimate prospect nonetheless. Ta'amu is the prototype nose tackle and is a great run-stuffer.

While he is not a good pass-rusher, Ta'amu will take up blockers and free up linebackers to roam and wreak havoc.

12. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is an athletic player with high upside. At 6'6" and 300 pounds, Reiff could stand to add some bulk but isn't terribly undersized.

The former tight end is still raw but has the ability to dominate in pass protection. Reiff does need to get stronger in order to improve in the run game, however.

11. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

At 6'3" and 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick is taller than most cornerbacks and suffers for it. The Alabama cornerback doesn't have quick hips and struggles to run with receivers.

However, Kirkpatrick is still a good player and could become an excellent free safety. The jury is still out about which position Kirkpatrick will play in the NFL, but he will find a way to start and produce there.

10. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The 6'6", 305-pounder is quick and excels in the open field. Martin is capable of handling the most explosive of pass-rushers and isn't a bad run-blocker either.

However, the Stanford offensive lineman does need to gain some weight and become stronger in the run game. Martin can be overpowered at the point of attack and isn't a complete player yet.

9. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The 6'1", 215-pound Blackmon has become extremely well known but isn't as good of an NFL draft prospect as a college player. The Oklahoma State star isn't overly tall and lacks the elite burst to compensate for it.

However, Blackmon has great hands and is a physical player. While he may not ever be an elite wideout, Blackmon will be a solid go-to receiver.

8. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Jones has all the physical tools to be an elite quarterback but is not a polished player. The 6'4", 230-pound Sooner possesses a rocket arm but displays erratic accuracy.

Many are concerned about Oklahoma's spread offense covering up Jones' flaws, but the scheme does not at all play to his strengths. Jones does struggle some in the face of pressure, but if his accuracy continues to improve, he will become an elite prospect.

7. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The 6'1", 185-pound Claiborne isn't overly big but has everything else. Claiborne has good size, athleticism and technique.

While he hasn't gotten as much publicity as many high-level cornerbacks, Claiborne is an elite defensive back and should be a top-10 draft pick. If he can add a little weight without losing speed or quickness, the LSU star could end up drafted in the same area as Patrick Peterson and Joe Haden.

6. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

The 6'3", 250-pound Burfict is a terrifying player. Burfict plays with reckless abandon and is an absolute force against the run.

The Arizona State star has great speed and can cover as well. With four sacks so far in 2011, Burfict is a good pass-rusher and can play in any defensive scheme.

Burfict does need to become a more disciplined player, but he should become an absolute animal in the NFL.

5. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The 6'4", 235-pound Jeffery is a huge, dominating wideout. Jeffery isn't overly fast or quick but uses his strength and route-running ability to overpower defensive backs.

The South Carolina receiver is elite at going up for the ball and rarely suffers from the dropsies. Jeffery may not be as good a prospect as A.J. Green was, but he is not a scrub either.

4. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The 5'11", 225-pound Richardson is a bowling ball with incredible power. The best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson, Richardson has everything a running back needs.

The Alabama star is a good receiver out of the backfield and is virtually impossible to tackle without help. Richardson may not be overly shifty, but he is a workhorse and can carry an NFL offense.

3. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Barkley isn't at the same level as Andrew Luck, but he is an excellent quarterback prospect. The 6'2", 220-pounder possesses a strong arm and displays good accuracy as well.

Barkley isn't a great athlete but has excellent pocket presence and does an excellent job of avoiding the rush. The USC star also plays in the valued pro-style offense and has been starting for the Trojans since his freshman year.

2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The 6'7", 295-pound Kalil may be the best offensive line prospect since Jake Long in 2008. Kalil has incredible feet and can dominate the quickest and most explosive of edge-rushers.

While Kalil could definitely stand to improve in the run game, he is such a good pass-blocker that it's not a big issue. Kalil may not be Joe Thomas as a prospect, but he isn't too far from it either.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

As everyone knows, Andrew Luck is a big deal. The 6'4", 235-pound quarterback would have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 draft if he had entered and has even improved since then.

While Luck doesn't have a rocket arm, he is incredibly smart and possesses great accuracy. The Jim Harbaugh protégé is a good athlete and can make plays with his feet as well.

There are few things not to like about Luck, and though he isn't perfect, he is the unanimous best player in the draft.