2012 NFL Draft: 10 Juniors Who Will Be First Round Draft Picks

College football's Week 7 is officially in the books, and the majority of next year's top draft prospects will have the option to go back to school or cash in.The list of players who could leave school early for the draft contains an incredible depth of talent.

Everyone around the NFL has been talking about next year's undisputed No. 1 draft pick: Andrew Luck. However, if it weren't for the hype surrounding Luck, we would be talking about the instant impact several other players will be making come Sundays next fall.

On to the best draft picks for the 2012 NFL draft that will be leaving school before graduation.

10. Dwayne Allen TE

The NFL has transformed into a tight end friendly league. The emergence of Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham and Jermichael Finley amongst other established tight ends have made the position a force for offenses and a nightmare for defenses.

Dwayne Allen fits the bill to be another dangerous tight end at the next level. With his 6'4'', 255-pound frame, the Clemson Tigers standout tight end will provide matchup problems at the next level.

Allen has already recorded 27 receptions, 381 yards and four touchdowns through the first seven games of the season. He should go mid- to late-first round to a team that needs a playmaker at tight end.

9. Matt Kalil OT

Matt Kalil is currently in his second season experiencing playing time with the USC Trojans. The big, athletic offensive tackle would certainly be a nice pickup for an NFL club looking to sure up their offensive line.

His technical ability has scouts throughout the league raving about his potential upside as he gains more experience at the collegiate level. Kalil's 6'7'', 295-pound frame fits seamlessly into the mold of an athletic NFL offensive tackle.

The biggest question lies in whether or not the USC junior will opt out of his senior year or not. If he chooses to make the jump to the next level, he should be considered one of the better offensive tackle prospects in the draft.

8. Vontaze Burfict LB

If the picture above does not tell you enough about this kid's gusto, watch his game film. The Arizona State Sun Devils have an intimidating force at linebacker.

This guy plays downhill and stops the run at full speed. Vontaze Burfict has a reputation for laying the wood as well. Opposing offenses know this and game plan to stay clear of Burfict's path.

He has already been compared to the likes of Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis and Rolando McClain. The only problem that faces Burfict is his discipline off the field.

If he can contain his aggression within the confines of the football field, Burfict will be a first-round pick and one of the top players at his position. 

7. Morris Claiborne CB

One year removed from having the top cornerback prospect in the NFL 2011 draft, the LSU Tigers could see yet another one of their other cornerbacks leave for the draft in 2012. Morris Claiborne has made his case to be the country's best defensive back in 2011.

He has also helped people forget about Patrick Peterson's departure.

The 6'0'', 185-pound cornerback has helped guide LSU to their No. 1 ranking in the polls through Week 7. Claiborne already has three interceptions and 26 tackles on the year.

LSU's national exposure should only help Claiborne's standing going forward.

6. Brandon Jenkins DE

Brandon Jenkins has helped Florida State's defensive line become one of the most destructive lines in college football over the past two years. His non-stop motor and quickness off the ball allows Jenkins to get to the quarterback continuously.

Jenkins recorded 13.5 sacks in 2010 and has suffered a slow start in 2011 due to nagging injuries. The FSU defensive end has been tipped with a move to a 3-4 linebacker in the NFL.

Whether Jenkins stays as a true down lineman or moves to a 3-4 linebacker, he has emerged as one of the better defensive line prospects in the country.

5. Dre Kirkpatrick CB

Outside of Courtney Upshaw, Dre Kirkpatrick will be the top defensive prospect to come out of the University of Alabama, and there's a ton of them. His statistics may not be on par with his 2010 production, but that is due to the sheer dominance of Alabama's defense.

Kirkpatrick has the perfect attributes for his position. Not many cornerbacks measure up to six foot or taller, but Kirkpatrick is listed at 6'2''. Add in his solid 192-pound frame coupled with his 4.49 40-yard dash speed, and you have the best defensive back prospect in the draft.

Nick Saban's defensive players have proven to be swell pro athletes in the NFL due to his pro-style scheme. Kirkpatrick will be the next in line to shine at the highest level.

4. Justin Blackmon WR

Oklahoma State boasts one of the most explosive wide receivers to come out in the draft, well, since the last explosive Oklahoma State wide receiver in Dez Bryant. Justin Blackmon has proven to be the most exciting wide receiver in college football and has arguably held that title for two years running.

In 2010, Blackmon caught 111 balls for 1,782 yards and saw the endzone 20 times. Through seven games in 2011, he already has 53 receptions for 608 yards and seven touchdowns. The kid is an offensive machine.

Blackmon will quickly transition into the NFL and could be a perennial all-pro player at the next level if he continues to develop. He has all the tools to do so.

3. Alshon Jeffrey WR

Alshon Jeffrey narrowly beats out the previous wide receiver due to his power and physical dominance over defenders. The South Carolina Gamecock can be the next Calvin Johnson-type player in the NFL.

His 6'4'', 230-pound frame allows him to bully most cornerbacks and safeties out of the way. Jeffrey can go up and grab the ball at its highest point before the defender has a chance to deflect the ball away.

With all the noise coming out of Columbia, South Carolina about quarterback troubles and Marcus Lattimore going down for the season, Alshon Jeffrey more than likely will opt to leave school early.

Jeffrey's numbers may not be as stellar as they were a year ago, but do not let that fool you, this guy is the real deal. Every quarterback and offensive coordinator in the NFL would love to draft Jeffrey.

2. Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson unequivocally is the best running back in the 2012 NFL draft. The Alabama Crimson Tide look to be on pace for a national championship appearance—barring a loss at home versus the LSU Tigers—and Trent Richardson is a big reason why.

If it weren't for the next guy on this list, I'd have Richardson as the top draft choice. Having seen him play since his freshman year, he has continued to develop into one of the top running back prospects in recent memory.

His strength, agility and cutting ability makes him nearly unstoppable. I've written before and will say it again, I think Trent Richardson will be a better NFL running back than his former Heisman trophy-winning teammate Mark Ingram.

He's just that good.

1. Andrew Luck

The best thing since sliced bread enters the draft next year, well, maybe. The Stanford University stud of a quarterback is expected to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft.

Andrew Luck has universally been named the best quarterback to come out of college since John Elway. He contains all the right ingredients that NFL scouts look for.

Luck has smarts, a strong arm, running ability, accuracy and a strong grip on the game of football itself. He is without a doubt the No. 1 draft pick in 2012.

In case you haven't heard, teams have begun to tank their season to try and earn the first overall pick in the draft.

When's the last time you've heard of an NFL team tanking their season after six games for a draft pick? Heck, when's the last time you thought Stanford could be an outside national championship contender?

That alone should tell you how good this kid is.