2012 NFL Mock Draft: Dynamic Skill Players Who Will Top Draft Boards in 2012

Looking at some of the worst teams in the NFL can help us think about where college players will land in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals could all use some help in the wide receiver/running back positions.

Not every team is going to be lucky enough to grab Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick. However, whoever gets these five guys will still be pretty lucky.

These are some of the best skill position players that may be available in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

No 5: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

LaMichael James may not have the size (5’9” 185 lbs), but his speed and desire is solid enough for him to be ranked high in the skill position category.

He could take any given run to the house, just like that. That’s how quick and elusive he is and has been throughout his college career.

James has 852 yards and eight touchdowns in five games played this season.

Not too many backs in the college realm can say they put up numbers like James has in his first two seasons. James rushed for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns in his freshman campaign. In 2010, James rushed for 1,731 yards and 24 combined touchdowns. 

He is as dynamic as they come.

No 4: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd isn’t getting the credit he deserves because of the quarterback play for his team. Quietly, Floyd has grabbed 53 receptions, 639 yards and four touchdowns for the Fighting Irish.

Floyd has 224 receptions, 3,178 yards and 32 touchdowns in his three-year Notre Dame career. If he decides to come out early, Floyd will be a great pick early in the first round.

He has the size at 6’3” 224 lbs, solid speed and good hands.

The Minnesota Vikings would be a great fit for Floyd. The Vikings, among other things, need wide receiving help.

The Carolina Panthers could use a flashy, young receiver for quarterback Cam Newton.

St. Louis would be another great fit for Floyd. However, they might look in another direction depending on what pick they get. Justin Blackmon or Alshon Jeffery may be their choice.

No 3: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has the size, strength and dynamics of being a great NFL player for years to come. He is 6’4” and 229 lbs.

The South Carolina Gamecocks are going through some quarterback issues with Stephen Garcia being dismissed from the team this past week. Connor Shaw has taken over the duties.

Jeffery has grabbed 30 receptions, 451 yards and five touchdowns in 2011. He collected 88 receptions, 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010.

He is just a junior, so he can stay for another season at Columbia, South Carolina. 

No 2: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson has the perfect blend of power and speed. At 5’11” 224 lbs, Richardson can either run over you or around you. He doesn’t mind either one.

He has 912 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns in 2011.

Richardson, a junior, has had a productive career at Alabama. Aside from winning a national championship, Richardson has collected at least 700 yards in each of his three seasons.

He should be the No. 1 running back off the board come NFL Draft time. 

No 1: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is an absolute beast at wide receiver. He is 6’1” 215 pounds and has great hands.

He is now in his third year at Oklahoma State and his numbers are impressive. After just 20 receptions in his freshman season, Blackmon exploded for 111 receptions, 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. So far in 2011, Blackmon has collected 53 receptions, 608 yards and seven touchdowns.

He has all the tools of being an explosive receiver on Sundays. He is one of the best skilled position players that will be available in the 2012 NFL Draft. He does have the option to stay for his senior year at Oklahoma State, but he will probably be on his way to the NFL after 2011.