2012 NFL Draft Big Board: Week 11 Update

Fans across the country, from Washington to Arizona, are already looking ahead to the 2012 NFL Draft as their teams fall out of playoff contention. For the fans of the Indianapolis Colts, it's more enjoyable to watch Andrew Luck quarterbacking Stanford on Saturday night than it is to see Dan Orlovsky quarterbacking their own team on Sunday. 

The NFL draft brings hope, promise and a fresh start for fans of struggling franchises. In places like Green Bay and San Francisco, the draft brings a chance to add more talent to an already loaded roster. This is what makes the draft a year-round process for fans, writers and scouts.

With just under a month left in the college football season, here is a look at the 32 best draft-eligible players in college football.

32. Dont'a Hightower

Strengths:

Dont'a Hightower is a big, physical linebacker with the ideal size and strength to play inside on a 3-4 defense. Hightower is a productive tackler with good instincts and the football IQ to read and react to the play. He comes from a defense at Alabama that is very similar to those ran in New England, Kansas City and New York and will be ready to plug-in to the lineup of a 3-4 defense.

Weaknesses:

Hightower does not show the quickness or flexibility to be a factor in coverage. Due to a lack of speed and burst, he could be played only on first and second down. Hightower does not have the ability to track to the sideline to make plays outside the box. Would struggle to play in any system that asks him to drop into coverage.

Best Fit: "TED" linebacker, 3-4 defense

31. Courtney Upshaw

Strengths:

Is a big-play linebacker who is seemingly always around the football. Courtney Upshaw has the size to line up either on the inside or outside in an NFL defense. Upshaw is very versatile and could be used much like a Lawrence Timmons in multiple positions and alignments to find the best matchup against blockers. Is an able and willing blitzer from inside or outside. Can help some in coverage.

Weaknesses:

Upshaw does not show the burst at the snap to drive blockers off the ball when blitzing. I also wonder how well Upshaw will play outside the Alabama defense that is loaded with NFL talent. Upshaw lacks elite speed and could struggle to play in space against NFL speed. When considering Upshaw for an NFL scheme, he may be a better fit in the middle than outside.

Best Fit: Weakside Linebacker, 3-4 defense

30. Peter Konz

Strengths:

Peter Konz is an elite center with experience running a pro-style offense as well as a shotgun system at Wisconsin. Konz has ideal size for the position and is quick enough to get out in space and work to second level in blocking. Konz is quick out of the snap and does a good job transitioning from snap to block. Has quick hands and does not show delay after snap in punching.

Weaknesses:

Was carted off field last week after suffering injury. Status of this injury is unknown as of this writing. Konz may also be seen as too tall (6'5") for some offenses that feature shorter quarterbacks and could see a move to guard in these systems.

Best Fit: Center

29. Alameda Ta'Amu

Strengths:

Alameda Ta'Amu has excellent size and strength for the position. Has the girth to sit in a gap and demand a double team. Ta'Amu has the power to demand attention and can throw around smaller blockers. Has quick hands and surprising burst for a man his size.

Weaknesses:

Ta'Amu has struggled with his weight in previous seasons and had a foot injury in high school that could be a problem if his weight isn't maintained. Does not always play with leverage. Will look too often to get into backfield and not play assignment football, giving up running lanes. 

Best Fit: One-technique tackle, 4-3 defense

28. Brandon Jenkins

Strengths:

A college defensive end with the size of an outside linebacker, Brandon Jenkins figures to make an easy transition to the 3-4 defense in the NFL. Does a good job sinking his hips and turning the corner. Has a nice shoulder dip and speed move around the edge. A very good athlete with ideal agility and flexibility.

Weaknesses:

Has limited experience and exposure to pass coverage. Can be overpowered at the point of attack. Jenkins must learn secondary pass rushing moves. Is not much of a factor against the run. Will need to learn to use leverage to set the edge against the run. Jenkins can freelance too often.

Best Fit: Weakside Linebacker, 3-4 defense

27. Luke Kuechly

Strengths:

Luke Kuechly is among the most productive tacklers in college football. Is a smart player with good vision. Kuechly is a read-and-react player who excels when he can see the ball and track to it. Has good speed and can cover the entire field in pursuit. A high-character player with no black marks off the field.

Weaknesses:

Kuechly is undersized for the middle linebacker position. Could stand to add at least 10 lbs. Will need to play in a two-tackle system that protects him from blockers. Kuechly does not work well when fighting through traffic and can be countered on outside runs with strong downfield blocking.

Best Fit: Middle Linebacker, 4-3 defense

26. Jared Crick

Strengths:

Jared Crick has the ideal size and strength to play either inside on a 40 defense or outside in a 30 system. Crick is highly productive as a college player. Has the burst to play either inside or outside along the offensive line. Crick is a very good athlete with the flexibility and leverage to be a factor as a rookie.

 

Weaknesses:

A torn pectoral muscle has Crick out for the season and his pre-draft workouts in question. Crick hasn't shown the same ability playing without Ndamukong Suh beside him at defensive tackle. Can disappear at times against strong offensive tackles.  

Best Fit: Left Defensive End, 3-4 defense

25. Janoris Jenkins

Strengths:

Janoris Jenkins excels at press coverage. He has the strength and aggressive style of play to line up across from wide receivers and redirect the route. Jenkins has ideal size and excellent closing speed to be a No. 1 cornerback. Would excel in popular press coverage schemes like those ran in Green Bay and Tampa Bay.

Weaknesses:

Jenkins has been arrested three times over the last two seasons, twice for drug related offenses, and was eventually dismissed from Florida. Jenkins must be drug tested at the NFL Scouting Combine and may need extra attention once he has an NFL paycheck coming in. Issues with accountability and is not a leader.

Best Fit: Cover 2/Press defense

24. Brandon Thompson

Strengths:

Exceptional burst off the line. Brandon Thompson has the look of a three-technique defensive tackle thanks to his burst and pass rushing ability. Can get off the ball in a hurry and will command a double team from the guard/center based on his penetration. 

 

Weaknesses:

Thompson doesn't show the strength on film to move the line of scrimmage. Could do a much better job of firing off low to rock the center or guard onto their heels. Can get caught chicken-fighting at the line of scrimmage instead of lowering his shoulder to run through or occupy blockers. Must learn to play his assignment.

Best Fit: Undertackle, 4-3 defense

23. Quinton Coples

Strengths:

Quinton Coples is a versatile defender who has played both defensive end and defensive tackle at North Carolina. Has good size and build to play left or right defensive end. Good initial burst off the line of scrimmage allows him to stun offensive tackles. Coples has shown very good strength to pop the offensive tackle and rock him off the line. Most notably, Coples is very strong and will show up well in workouts. 

 

Weaknesses:

Has not always shown the speed and flexibility to be a consistent pass rusher on the edge. Coples has not been as productive as other top defensive ends. Coples hasn't shown elite agility, particularly lateral agility, and may struggle in space and in pursuit. Does not show much change of direction ability. Questionable flexibility.  

Best Fit: Left Defensive End, 4-3 defense

22. Melvin Ingram

Strengths:

Melvin Ingram is a versatile defender who can play in space or in-line. Ingram has good size and bulk and fills out his 275 lb. frame well. Has good speed and burst off the line of scrimmage, with the agility to make plays in space. Ingram is strong at the point of attack and has the vision to read and react from either the end or outside linebacker position. 

 

Weaknesses:

Ingram is a player without a true position. Could be benefiting from elite talent around him on the South Carolina defensive line. Ingram may not have the quickness to keep up with backs and tight ends if expected to play in space and may lack the strength to stay in-line. 

Best Fit: Weakside Linebacker, 3-4 defense

21. David DeCastro

Strengths:

A highly decorated right guard who has excelled in a pro-style offense at Stanford, David DeCastro is as accomplished as any guard in the country. Stanford loves to pull DeCastro, and he has the speed and balance to be a factor in space. DeCastro has textbook technique and is tough enough to handle the pounding an NFL guard will take. As a Stanford student, DeCastro is highly intelligent. 

 

Weaknesses:

There are not many weaknesses here. DeCastro can overextend at times and will get beaten if he tries to stand up and hand fight with defensive tackles. Is a bit light for the position and may struggle when facing larger defenders in the NFL. As good as DeCastro is in space, he does not have top-level foot speed. 

Best Fit: Guard, Zone Blocking Scheme

20. Cordy Glenn

Strengths:

Cordy Glenn has shown the versatility to play guard and tackle at the next level. At 6'5" and 350 lbs., Glenn has a massive frame coupled with surprisingly agility and quickness off the ball. Glenn shows a good kick-step from the tackle position and has shown this season he can play in space. Glenn is a very patient blocker who doesn't overextend. Glenn is a powerful drive blocker off the line of scrimmage from both guard and tackle.

 

Weaknesses:

Glenn can be inconsistent in his quickness out of his stance. As a taller player, he struggles to maintain his pad height and will get too high at times. Gets off the ball late too often, which could be either technical or a concentration issue.

Best Fit: Left Tackle, Power Blocking Scheme

19. Dre Kirkpatrick

Strengths:

Dre Kirkpatrick is a tall cornerback with good range and the height to high-point the ball against taller wide receivers. Kirkpatrick has ideal size for man coverage and is very physical on the boundary, both in coverage and against the run. Has good hips and shows the agility to flip his hips and run with receivers. Has good enough speed, but is not a burner. Has been used on corner blitzes and is productive here.

 

Weaknesses:

Is only a second-year starter who can be inconsistent at times. Kirkpatrick has questionable foot speed and can be beat off the break in routes. Kirkpatrick can be too weak against the run and will drop his eyes, showing poor form. Can be overaggressive when in press coverage and will be beat off the ball by experienced receivers.  

Best Fit: Man Coverage, Cornerback

18. Stephon Gilmore

Strengths:

Stephon Gilmore is a true four-down player. He has ability to come up and play the run, excels in coverage and doubles as a return man. Gilmore plays mostly in a zone coverage for South Carolina and has the quickness to plant and drive on the ball. Gilmore grades highest among all eligible cornerbacks in run support and is a very aggressive tackler. Is a threat to make plays after interceptions and has been a factor with the ball in his hands both on defense and special teams. 

 

Weaknesses:

Limited experience in man coverage and may lack strength to knock receivers off the ball. Will need to be taught press technique if drafted into that system. May time poorly in 40-yard dash and doesn't show the same elite straight-line speed as other cornerbacks.  

Best Fit: Zone Cover Scheme, Cornerback

17. Zach Brown

Strengths:

A two-sport standout for the North Carolina football and track teams, Zach Brown is an elite athlete. On film, he shows the agility, speed, strength and quickness of an instant contributor at the NFL level. Has been clocked in the high-4.2 range in the 40-yard dash by UNC coaches. Brown has the speed and agility to eventually help in coverage. Brown has good hands and is coachable enough to become an asset in coverage.

 

Weaknesses:

Brown excels mostly due to his athleticism. A classic freelancer who struggles to read and react to the play. Can be beaten on playaction and misdirection plays. Is very raw as a pass rusher and may not contribute in this area once in the NFL. Relies too often on pure speed and lacks technique to rush passer and drop into coverage.

Best Fit: Strongside Linebacker, 4-3 defense

16. Michael Floyd

Strengths:

Since dropping weight before 2011 season, Michael Floyd has shown renewed burst and explosion in his routes. Floyd has protypical size and route-running ability for the NFL. Floyd has quick feet and very good balance. During 2011 season, Floyd's route running has been much improved, as has his burst off the line of scrimmage and concentration. Floyd has the size to box-out defenders when running slants and ins. 

 

Weaknesses:

Floyd has several blackmarks on his report today. He's had trouble with injuries twice, with arrests and with other off-field character issues. Three alcohol-related arrests in two years should cause concern among NFL teams. Floyd has average straight-line speed and will struggle against quicker cornerbacks in NFL. Can be inconsistent as a receiver, will drop easy catches too often.  

Best Fit: Wide Receiver, West Coast Offense

15. Ronnell Lewis

Strengths:

Ronnell Lewis is a college right defensive end who excels in rushing the passer. He has excellent burst off the football and shows the balance and hands to separate from pass blockers. Shows the agility and flexibility to dip his hips and turn the corner against tackles. A very active defensive end who is enjoying a productive 2011 season. Plays with excellent leverage and will be a factor in the outside pass rush.

 

Weaknesses:

Lewis may not have elite speed for the position and will not time out as well as other outside linebackers. As a defensive end, he has limited experience in space and no experience in pass coverage. Has limited production and has been overshadowed by other more high profile defenders.

Best Fit: Weakside Linebacker, 3-4 defense

14. Landry Jones

Strengths:

A highly productive and decorated quarterback while at Oklahoma, Landry Jones is a well-known quarterback in the 2012 class. Just a junior, few quarterbacks can match Jones' productivity. Jones does a nice job throwing both on the run and when set up in the pocket. Is a good athlete who can make plays with his feet on designed roll-outs. Jones has good accuracy on short to intermediate routes. Best attribute is strong arm that allows him to make all required throws. 

 

Weaknesses:

Plays in a system that inflates his numbers. Does not push the ball down the field well, and is rarely asked to do so. Has only above-average accuracy. Has not been asked to read a defense, as he gets audible calls from sideline coaches.  

Best Fit: Spread Offense

13. Lamar Miller

Strengths:

A two-year starter with little wear and tear, Lamar Miller is a complete and powerful running back with three-down ability. Miller shows exceptional burst from the backfield and does not hesitate or pause when attacking the line of scrimmage. While showing great burst, he's also a patient runner who can let his blockers develop on the outside. A very good receiver who has the ability to make plays out of the backfield or lined up in a slot position. Could help as a return man. Elite, LeSean McCoy-level agility. Surprisingly violent in attacking tacklers. 

 

Weaknesses:

Can be too aggressive approaching the line of scrimmage and will run into blockers. Can forget to cover up the ball with both hands when running through the line. Is not much of a blocker.

Best Fit: West Coast Offense, Starting Running Back

12. Manti Te'o

Strengths:

A highly recruited prep linebacker who has lived up to expectations at Notre Dame. Manti Te'o is among the best tacklers, both in production and technique, in college football. Among his best traits are his speed and overall athleticism. Is quick and able to track the ball in space. Could play outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme with his agility and open-field tackling skills. Has experience in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. Shows top-level vision and reaction when reading the play. 

 

Weaknesses:

Relies too much on his athleticism and does not always show elite instincts. Te'o can be late at reading the play at times, which puts him a step behind the offense. He gets away with this in college but will struggle to do so in the NFL. May not be quite as tall as listed (6'2").

Best Fit: Middle Linebacker, 4-3 defense

11. Riley Reiff

Strengths:

Riley Reiff is a big, athletic offensive tackle who passes the eyeball test on the left side. He's long, lean and solid without much loose fat. Reiff has elite lateral agility and quickness, showing good foot speed and balance when working to get out in space against edge rushers. Is strong enough to drop his weight and become a power blocker in the run game. Hip flexibility, arm length and feet are all upper-level.  

 

Weaknesses:

Reiff was arrested in 2008, but has since avoided trouble. Reiff is very sound, but doesn't always show elite quickness off the ball and could stand to add strength to help with inside power rushers. 

Best Fit: Left Tackle, Starter

10. Jonathan Martin

Strengths:

Jonathan Martin is as solid as they come at left tackle. He has good feet and lateral agility to wall off defensive ends and the quickness to jump out in space and take on an outside pass rush. Martin plays with a wide base and has shown he can anchor the edge against either the pass rush or in the run game. Tall and lean, has the look of a tight end on film. Has the length to reach defenders at the second level and in space. Martin plays with a mean streak that will help him transition to the pounding of the NFL.

Weaknesses:

For all his good qualities, Martin will most likely test as an average athlete. He has struggled with upper-body strength and consistency sustaining blocks in the past, although he has looked slightly better in 2011. Martin hasn't shown the strength to lock on and drive block, but does do a nice job keeping his feet moving. 

Best Fit: Left Tackle, Starter

9. Vontaze Burfict

Strengths:

Vontaze Burfict is a freakish athlete with the size and speed of an NFL linebacker. Burfict has excellent vision from the MIKE position and does a great job tracking the ball side-to-side. Has the speed to run in space and make plays from behind. Does a good job blitzing from "A" gaps and has the strength to push past blockers on the inside. Has experience dropping into coverage and is able to come up with interceptions. Is a violent and aggressive tackler who throws himself into run support. Can fight through traffic to make the play. Burfict shows excellent burst from the snap and has ideal recovery speed, as he plays much faster than timed.

Weaknesses:

Burfict's greatest weakness is also a strength. His inability to control his aggression leads to over-playing the ball at times and penalties for late hits. Some scouts and teams may remove Burfict from their board for his reckless style of play. Once harnessed, could be a dangerous player in the middle of the field. 

Best Fit: Middle Linebacker, 4-3 defense

8. Justin Blackmon

Strengths:

Justin Blackmon has a chiseled frame that is loaded with muscle. He passes the eye ball test and has the frame of an NFL wide receiver. Blackmon has exceptional strength for the job and will not be jammed at the line by NFL cornerbacks. With good hands and run after catch skills, Blackmon is dangerous on short to intermediate routes where he can use his frame to box out defenders. Has been used both outside and in the slot and is comfortable with both. Would be used best in a West Coast offense that lets him work off the line of scrimmage and does not ask him to separate downfield. 

Weaknesses:

Blackmon may not time as well athletically as other wide receivers. Is limited in straight-line speed on film and can struggle to get separation. Was arrested for misdemeanor DUI in October 2010 and suspended for one game. Suffered a high left ankle sprain in 2010 against Kansas that has shown no ill-effects. The biggest issue on the field is that Blackmon does not have elite speed to separate in his route.

Best Fit: West Coast Offense, Wide Receiver

7. Matt Barkley

Strengths:

Matt Barkley is exceptionally accurate and as productive as anyone could hope from a starting quarterback. With good athleticism and the ability to throw on the run, Barkley is an ideal fit for the schemes of the Washington Redskins or Seattle Seahawks. Has played in a pro-style system at USC and has shown drastic improvement each season. While he doesn't have a cannon of an arm, Barkley is able to make every NFL throw and has underrated velocity and touch. Good timing and accuracy make his deep ball very catchable.

Weaknesses:

Matt Barkley has a few weaknesses that will be a lingering question before the draft. Some doubt that, at 6'2", he can see over an NFL offensive line. Another question mark is his arm strength, which is good but not great.

Best Fit: West Coast Offense

6. Morris Claiborne

Strengths:

With added weight this summer, Morris Claiborne has the size and speed to be a lock down cornerback in the NFL. A former wide receiver, Claiborne has a mix of athleticism and intelligence on the edge, giving him an advantage over most wide receivers. Claiborne has the size, quick feet and reach to make an impact early in his NFL career as a cover man. Playing in a pro-style defense, Claiborne is ready to step into a man-cover scheme in the NFL. Is very willing in run support and has been used on blitzes. Is a strong tackler. 

Weaknesses:

Claiborne has limited experience in zone coverage and could take time to learn a new scheme. There are few negatives to point out, but one would be that Claiborne gives too much of a cushion at times and can be inconsistent in his alignment. 

Best Fit: Man Coverage Scheme, Starting Cornerback

5. Robert Griffin III

Strengths:

Robert Griffin III is a dangerous player both as a passer and a runner. Has running back speed and moves in the open field but is a skilled and productive passer both from the pocket and on the move. Griffin has improved as a passer dramatically over the last three seasons. Enters the end of his junior year with over 70 percent of passes being completed. Griffin has the arm strength to put the ball on a line when throwing outside the hashes and down field. Top-notch arm strength is there, but he also has the touch and accuracy to throw a catchable ball over the middle. I've heard complaints about his mechanics, but since the 2011 season started, I have not seen any issues in his delivery or release.

Weaknesses:

Playing with limited offensive talent, Griffin will too often press or force throws out of frustration. Is listed at 6'2", and some question this measurement. Will take hits in the pocket and the open-field too often. Like most college quarterbacks, he relies on coaches to make reads and adjust the play call.

Best Fit: Starting Quarterback

4. Alshon Jeffery

Strengths:

Alson Jeffery has the size, speed and athleticism to stand out among the best players in the country. Jeffery's size and strength jump off the film at you. He's strong at the point of attack and can get off a jam at the line of scrimmage. Has the height and length to high-point the ball over even tall cornerbacks. Has long legs and a thick frame. Good agility to work in and out of breaks. Shows some ability to make plays after the catch and is a strong, powerful runner.

Weaknesses:

His production is not on a level with other top wide receivers, but this is due more to a lack of sound quarterback play. Is not a player with much quickness or burst, but has to build up to his top speed.

Best Fit: Vertical Passing Game

3. Matt Kalil

Strengths:

Matt Kalil is an elite athlete with the quickness, balance and lateral agility to step in as a left tackle right away at the next level. Kalil has ideal size and strength, with good length and quickness for the position. Switched to left tackle in 2010 and became an immediate impact player. He has experience on both left and right side. Kalil is quick and agile, showing the balance and flexibility of an elite prospect. Kalil is an accomplished pass protector coming from a pro-style offense. He has every trait of an elite tackle and should be an immediate upper-level starter in the NFL. Would have ranked as my No. 1 offensive tackle last year had he been eligible.

Weaknesses:

Just a two-year starter at left tackle, so there is still learning to be done. Kalil doesn't show a ton of burst off the snap, but so far, this hasn't been an issue for him in blocking. May need to add strength at the NFL level, depending on the scheme he's drafted into.

Best Fit: Left Tackle, All Schemes

2. Trent Richardson

Strengths:

Trent Richardson is college football's most productive and talented running back. Coming from a pro-style offense at Alabama, Richardson is asked to be a runner, receiver and blocker. Has the ideal frame, with big legs and a powerful upper body, to play in the NFL. Richardson has been timed in the 4.4-range in the 40-yard dash and is much quicker than he appears initially. Is an accomplished receiver and blocker who could contribute early on third downs. Is just a first-year starter after sharing carries with Mark Ingram and has relatively little wear. Is a strong, powerful runner who will break tackles but also has elite agility to cut back and change direction.

Weaknesses:

Richardson can show limited vision at times and will lose yards when looking for cutback, but this is rare. As complete of a prospect at running back as I've seen.

Best Fit: Starting Running Back, All Schemes

1. Andrew Luck

Strengths:

Andrew Luck will leave Stanford as the most complete NFL draft prospect I have seen. Compared by many to a Peyton Manning or John Elway, Luck has lived up to high expectations and enormous pressure this season. Luck does it all—his accuracy is off the charts, he has more than enough arm strength to throw every pass and has elite level intelligence and field vision. Is mobile and able to make throws on the move or tuck the ball and run. Is light on his feet in the pocket and does a great job moving up or out to find passing windows. Luck grades out at least a "9" in every category and is overall the gold standard for how a quarterback prospect should look.

Weaknesses:

There are fundamentally no weaknesses. To be picky, Luck doesn't have a rocket of an arm, and in 2011, he's forcing too many throws (probably trying to live up to expectations of perfection on every throw).

Best Fit: Starting Quarterback