2012 NFL Mock Draft: Latest Stock Report for College Football's Top LBs

In the 2012 NFL draft, there will be three junior linebackers that should go off the board rather quickly. All three guys are impressive on film, but each carry big question marks. 

Here are my assessments on the stock of each guy as we approach the end of their college seasons.

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

Kuechly is 6'2" and 235 pounds, and while he may lack elite athleticism, he has phenomenal instincts that help him make up for that. He is almost always in the right place at the right time, and he is probably the most productive inside linebacker in the nation. 

He sheds blockers well and has a tough, physical nature despite not being a top-shelf athlete. I think he's the first linebacker who comes off the board, and he reminds me of a more well-rounded, better version of James Laurinaitis.

Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Te'o's stock has taken a small hit this year, as questions about his tackling ability have arisen. In addition to that that, he may not truly be a sideline-to-sideline type of middle linebacker thanks to his limited agility. But at a solid 6'2" and 255 pounds, he does have athleticism for his size.

Te'o has phenomenal instincts and unrivaled toughness. He is a leader on the field by example. His tackling may not always be perfect, but it's not for a lack of effort. Questions about his range will persist, but he has ideal size to play on the inside at the next level, and he should be off the board early.

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Mentally Burfict still has a long way to go to prove he'll be able to handle all the things that go along with playing in the NFL, but from a physical standpoint, he may be as close to perfect as you'll find.

He is a physical freak at 6'3" and 252 pounds. He's a heavy-hitter in the run game and has incredible range for a guy his size. He is almost always around the ball, and he shows great awareness against the run and the short passing game. 

If he can prove he has matured on and off the field, he could be the first linebacker taken in April.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd
3. Carolina Panthers: Matt Kalil	19. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
4. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III	20. Cleveland Browns: Nick Toon
5. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne	22. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower
7. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict	23. Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Minnifield
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon	24. San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy
10. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	26. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff	27. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
12. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram	29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
14. Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick	31. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
16. New York Jets: Alameda Ta'Amu	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins