2012 NFL Draft: 50 Best NFL Draft Prospects in the BCS Top 25

In the Autumn, MLB fans begin to change their colors.

October begins with only eight teams remaining on the lonely branches of the baseball season. And as the weather cools and the daylight dwindles, baseball fans slowly change their colors, too, until eventually only two teams are left dangling.

And that brings us to the Fall Classic.

With each round of the playoffs, certain fans end up losing their favorite team. As a result, the World Series features two separate teams’ fans bases, along with additional viewers who now desire to cheer on a team other than their first choices.

For this year’s World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, many casual baseball fans will opt to root for one of the two based on their preferred allegiance or general positive attributes. Maybe they like a certain player; or one league over the other; or even a city or state.

On the flip side, other fans instead decide on a team to cheer based on which one they dislike the least. Not necessarily choosing to have a particular team win, but rather wanting so bad for the other team to lose.

Here are five reasons not to root for the St. Louis Cardinals.

50. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Standing at 5'11" and 200 pounds, Wilson is limited by his size more than perhaps any other player in college football. Wilson has almost everything a quarterback needs, except the ideal size for the position.

The Nebraska quarterback is currently having a great season and would be getting early round consideration if not for concerns about batted passes and field vision. While some players are able to succeed with Wilson's size, they are few and far between.

49. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

 A former baseball player, Weeden is 28 years old. The 6'4" 220-pounder has all the physical tools to be a great player but is simply too old and raw to be a legitimate prospect.

Weeden plays in the always-feared spread offense and isn't producing at an elite level either. The Oklahoma State star can be rattled by pressure and can make some questionable decisions under duress. However, Weeden has a great arm and may be talented enough to get a shot as a backup.

48. Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford

At 6'0" 200-pound, Owusu is a good player but lacks the physical tools to be a star at the next level. Owusu has good, consistent hands and is quick enough to make plays after the catch.

However, Owusu is not particularly fast or explosive and is not at all physically impressive. The Stanford wide receiver will not be a primary target in the NFL but should be able to contribute as a secondary option.

47. Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington

Kearse is a phenomenal athlete and is a definite underachiever. Though Kearse is big (6'2", 208lbs), strong and fast, he doesn't put up great numbers and isn't as much of a player as he is an athlete.

Kearse doesn't always extend his hands and snatch the ball out of the air but instead allows the ball to come into his body. The Washington wideout is capable of huge, dominating performances. Unfortunately, he disappears far too often.

46. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

Though the 6'4", 315-pound Zeigler is one of the most physically talented interior linemen in the draft, he is not a great player. Zeigler is a good run blocker who excels at the point of attack and in space, but needs to improve as a pass-blocker.

Zeigler packs a strong punch and can overpower the strongest of defenders. However, he sometimes overextends and loses his balance. Quick defenders can beat Zeigler with their athletic ability, and he will always be somewhat limited.

45. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

A&M's Gray definitely isn't an every down back in the NFL, weighing in at 5'10" and 200 pounds, but could serve as a good change of pace runner. Though Gray has good agility and speed, he doesn't run well between the tackles and lacks power.

The Texas A&M runner is an explosive player who is a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands. However, Gray's game just doesn't project well to the more physical NFL and he will serve as a backup.

44. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

Martin is a peculiar NFL prospect. The Michigan lineman plays like a 3-4 nose tackle but lacks the size to excel in this role at only 6'2" and 299 pounds, .

In the NFL, Martin may play the 1-tech in a 4-3 defense and serve as a block eater, or a team may try him in a 3-4 defense. Regardless of what scheme he plays in, Martin is not an explosive player and won't be seen in the backfield too often.

43. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

A good athlete with decent size, Martin is best when attacking the ball. The 6'1" 198-pounder isn't a great open field tackler but has good instincts and a knack for being around the play.

Martin is good when playing deep but doesn't have the straight line agility to excel in man coverage. The Oklahoma State safety is definitely limited, he does have flaws and is far from an upper level prospect.

42. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

The 6'5" 300 pound Randall is a good athlete and a great fit for a 3-4 defense but needs to improve his technique. Though Randall doesn't suffer from a lack of any physical trait, he can be dominated by offensive linemen.

The Texas lineman allows himself to play too high in his stance and surrenders leverage to the opposing player. When he does this, Randall is easily driven back and out of the play. Because of his athleticism Randall is still a good prospect but he needs to improve.

41. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

David has a limited future in the NFL. The Wisconsin linebacker is quick with great instincts but simply isn't big enough at 6'1" and 225 pounds to take on blockers at the next level.

Fortunately for David, some teams still run Tampa 2 defensive schemes. Due to his instincts and coverage ability, David is a perfect fit for one of these teams and could be a surprising player for whatever team does draft him.

40. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

James is a great college player but isn't quite the pro prospect. At just 5'9" 185-pounds, James is already suffering injuries and is not at all big enough to carry the load in the NFL.

The Oregon star doesn't have good vision between the tackles but is a threat to score a touchdown on any given play with his explosiveness. Though James is definitely only a role player in the NFL, he could become an explosive weapon for any offense.

39. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Still has always been an incredibly talented player but is just now producing up to his ability. The 6'5" 310-pounder is a great athlete with excellent strength.

Still is capable of playing in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme due to his size and athleticism. Though he doesn't have elite explosiveness, Still is capable of making plays in the backfield and could develop into an impact player.

38. Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

The 6'6" 300-pound Potter is an excellent athlete with the ability to play left tackle in the NFL. However, Potter is incredibly inconsistent and can look like a stud or bum depending on the game.

The Boise State lineman could definitely stand to add some bulk in order to improve at the point of attack in the run game. Potter also struggles sometimes with the bull rush and can be driven back into the quarterback by powerful defensive ends.

37. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin

Wagner is an excellent athlete who is at his best in pass protection. While Wagner is susceptible to explosive edge rushers, he does a good job of keeping most defenders at bay.

However, the Wisconsin tackle isn't overly powerful in the run game despite his 320-pound frame. Wagner definitely has potential, but may have to play right tackle at the next level.

36. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The 6'4" 265lb Mercilus has been one of the most productive players in college football during the 2011 season. With ten sacks, Mercilus has dominated offensive tackles as a pass-rusher.

However, Mercilus has also made plays in the run game and is not one-dimensional. Due to his size, the Illinois star may have to play linebacker at the next level but he could be a threat.

35. Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State

Adcock has excellent size and is a good athlete as well. However, the Oklahoma State offensive tackle is not as strong as his formidable 6'6", 320 pound size suggests and struggles to get a consistent push in the run game.

Despite his athletic ability, Adcock is fairly slow footed and struggles with edge rushers. Adcock does a good job of using his long arms but needs to become quicker in order to have a change at playing tackle in the NFL.

34. Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

Irvin is an explosive defensive end who will likely move to linebacker in the NFL. The 6'3" 245-pounder is not nearly big enough to play along the line and struggles in run support.

The West Virginia pass-rusher is a great threat off the edge but is fairly one dimensional. Irvin is not at all productive against the run and is easily taken out of the play by tight ends.

33. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

Winn is an explosive, high motor defensive tackle who lives in the backfield. The 6'4" 295-pound Bronco projects as a 3-tech in the NFL and will constantly be shooting the gaps.

A versatile player, Winn has played both defensive tackle and end. Because of this, Winn appeals to both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes. The Boise State star isn't great at getting off blocks, but in a 1-gap defense, he could excel.

32. Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

At just 6'2" 227-pounds, Lewis's problem is his lack of size. The Oklahoma linebacker is quick and excellent in coverage but struggles to disengage from blockers.

Due to his speed, coverage ability and lack of size, Lewis seems destined for an NFL team running the Tampa 2 defense. Though Lewis doesn't fit most defensive schemes, he could be a star for a team such as the Indianapolis Colts.

31. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

The 6'6" 245-pound Fleener is yet another one of many tall, lanky tight ends to enter the draft in recent years. Fleener's speed, burst, size and catching ability make him an excellent receiver.

However, Fleener's size does limit him. Because he is so tall, Fleener struggles to gain leverage when blocking and lacks the lower body strength to drive a defender. The technique is there, but Fleener needs to bulk up in order to become a decent blocker.

30. 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.

29. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

The 6'1" 315-pound Chapman doesn't have the massive size that many associate with nose tackles, but is a good player nonetheless.

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 clog up the run game and will make an impact. Though Chapman isn't the dominant nose tackle that defenses hope for, he should be a solid player in the NFL.

28. 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.

27. 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.

26. 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.

25. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

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.

24. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

The Clemson tight end is an excellent receiver with good athletic ability. Allen may not be good enough at a position like tight end to be drafted in the first round, but he should be selected on day two.

Though Allen is a great receiver, he is a poor blocker and offensive creators will need to be creating. However, Allen is athletic enough to play from the slot where his substandard blocking ability is not nearly as much of an issue.

23. 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.

22. 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.

21. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

Crick had a disappointing season in 2011, and his year has now ended due to injury. However, Crick remains a legitimate prospect and could still be a first-round selection. 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.

20. 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.

19. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Jerel 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.

18. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz is an excellent athlete who dominates when blocking in the open field. Konz is unusually gifted at pulling for a center and though it is unlikely, could play guard in the NFL.

While Konz does have great size at 6'5" and 315 pounds, he isn't a power blocker and can occasionally be beaten at the point of attack. However, Konz's athletic ability, technique and size make him a potential first-round draft selection.

17. 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.

16. 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.

15. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Alabama's 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.

14. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

His 6'2", 310-pound frame makes Thompson the ideal 3-technique, and he 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.

13. Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

While Lewis currently plays defensive end for the Sooners, he will likely stand up and play linebacker in the NFL. The 6'2" 245-pounder is extremely quick and has the flexibility to play in coverage as well as rush the passer.

Some have concerns about Lewis's strength against the run, and it would serve him well to add some bulk. However, as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Lewis isn't too undersized and won't need to add much weight.

12. 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. Though Taylor has played well, his statistics are not positive. No player should be judged purely on statistics, but production is a factor in the evaluation process. Even without a high level of production, Taylor may have the highest upside of any pass-rusher eligible for the 2012 draft.

11. 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.

10. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

South Carolina's 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.

9. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The 6'3" 192-pound Kirkpatrick is unusually tall for a cornerback and suffers for it. Kirkpatrick doesn't have overly quick hips and sometimes struggles to run with receivers in man coverage.

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.

8. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

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

However, the Stanford offensive lineman does need to gain some weight and become stronger at the point of attack. Martin can be overpowered and is not yet a complete player. Andrew Luck's left tackle isn't an elite prospect, but many teams would be glad to have him anchoring the blind side.

7. 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. In fact, DeCastro might be the a better interior line prospect than centers Mike and Maurkice Pouncey recently were.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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 at 6'1" 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.

5. 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.

4. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery isn't producing the same numbers he did a year ago, but he is still a great prospect. While he isn't overly fast or quick, Jeffery 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. However, because there are some concerns about Jeffery's work ethic and conditioning he is a high risk prospect.

3. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Just 6'1" 185-pounds, Claiborne could stand to bulk up, but has all the skills to become a dominant cover corner. The LSU star is a great athlete with tremendous technique, and may actually be a better cornerback (not player) than his teammate, Patrick Peterson, was a year ago.

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 as one of the 2012 draft's elite prospects.

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

A bowling ball with incredible power, Richardson is a great athlete with breakaway speed. Richardson may not be the most agile of backs, but he is a complete player and the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson.

The Alabama star is a good receiver out of the backfield and is rarely tackled by just one defender. Running back isn't a highly valued position in today's NFL, but Richardson might be good enough to come of the board in the first five picks.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

As everyone knows, Andrew Luck is a big deal. The 6'4", 235-pound quarterback has improved in the past year, and he would have been the No.1 pick in the 2011 NFL draft. In other words, an already elite prospect is now one of the best players to ever enter the draft.

Though Luck is incredibly accurate, his greatest strength is his intelligence. The Jim Harbaugh protégé may not have elite arm strength, but his other traits more than make up for it.

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