LSU vs. Alabama: Scouting the 2012 NFL Draft 1st Round Talent on Both Teams

There is a reason Alabama and LSU are two of the top teams in the country, and that's because they both have a ton of pro potential. Almost every player on both of these teams will get a look in the NFL once they decide to make the move to the next level.

Regardless of which side of the ball they play on, these teams are loaded with NFL talent.

Here are the players in the game that will most likely be drafted in the first round of next year's NFL draft.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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Alabama Running Back Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is by far the best running back in this draft and has a tremendous combination of speed of power. He can either blow by you for a 60-yard touchdown run or lower his shoulder for the few extra yards to pick up the first down.

At 5'11, 224 pounds Richardson already has the NFL body and may be the most well-built player in the country.

He doesn't have many flaws to his game and, in terms of talent, may already have a step on 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram.

He is a guaranteed Top 10 pick and will be the first running back taken off the board. 

Alabama Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick

Kirkpatrick is one of the top cornerbacks in the country and has the ability to play safety with his 6'2", 191-pound frame.

He has shown great ability to play man coverage and, with his long arms, he would be able to shut down opposing NFL receivers. He has great ball skills and has solid hand-eye coordination. His 71 tackles in the last two years have also shown he can be great in run support.

Kirkpatrick should be the first cornerback taken in the draft and one of the top defensive players taken.

LSU Cornerback Morris Claiborne

Much like Kirkpatrick, Claiborne will be fighting to be the first cornerback taken in the draft. He has solid size at 6'0", 185 pounds, and is quick enough and physical enough to keep up with any receiver in the country.

He is used mainly in man-to-man coverage, and his eight interceptions in two years shows that he will make quarterbacks pay for a bad throw.

It's pretty much a toss up on who the better cornerback is between Claiborne and Kirkpatrick, and it will be interesting to see who gets drafted first.

Alabama Linebacker Dont’a Hightower

Hightower, at 6'4", 260 pounds, has a great combination of speed and size, and will provide any team with a great pass rush. He leads this Alabama team with 47 tackles on the year, and has 1.5 sacks and an interception to go with it.

Hightower is as tough and physical as they come, and is versatile enough to rush the quarterback or drop back into coverage.

The only problem is his injury history that may shy teams away.

Regardless, he is too talented to slip out of the first round.

Alabama Linebacker Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw is the blitzing linebacker for Alabama, and he has come through, picking up 11.5 sacks during the last two seasons. His 6'2", 263-pound frame provides a lot of versatility as far as where NFL teams might want to put him on the field.

He should get a lot of looks from teams in the 3-4 that need outside and inside linebacker help.

Although his speed is in question regarding whether he can drop back in coverage well enough. He may have to change positions, but the upside is there, so you can't see him falling out of the first round.