2012 NFL Draft Big Board with Updated NFL Team Needs

College football's regular season is in the books, and that means it's officially NFL draft season at Bleacher Report.

With the NFL season winding down, it's time to update our top 50 players' big board and also look at which systems these college players would fit in best once in the NFL. Find out if Andrew Luck is a better fit in Indianapolis or Miami, and if Robert Griffin III is a fit in Washington or Seattle.

Players 50-41

50. Josh Chapman, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Best NFL fits: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons 

49. Mark Barron, Strong Safety, Alabama
Best NFL fits: New York Giants, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles

48. Ronnell Lewis, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oklahoma
Best NFL fits: San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals

47. Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson
Best NFL fits: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals

46. Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State
Best NFL fits: Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans

45. Robert Lester, Free Safety, Alabama
Best NFL fits: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New York Giants 

44. D.J. Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
Best NFL fits: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

43. Markelle Martin, Free Safety, Oklahoma State
Best NFL fits: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New York Giants

42. Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M
Best NFL fits: Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts

41. Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson
Best NFL fits: Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots

Players 40-33

40. Vinny Curry, Outside Linebacker, Marshall
Best NFL fits: New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins

39. Bruce Irvin, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, West Virginia
Best NFL fits: Indianapolis Colts (DE), Philadelphia Eagles (DE), New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings (DE), Pittsburgh Steelers 

38. Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama
Best NFL fits: Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans

37. Dont'a Hightower, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Best NFL fits: Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers

36. Brandon Jenkins, Outside Linebacker, FSU
Best NFL fits: New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins 

35. Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
Best NFL fits: Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings  

34. Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia
Best NFL fits: New England Patriots, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills

33. Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois
Best NFL fits: Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts 

32. Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Best NFL Fits: San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings

Dontari Poe is a huge body that will easily slide into a nose tackle situation in the NFL. He has the body type and strength to be an anchor in the middle of a three- or four-man defensive line.

Poe has the frame to demand double-teams, which makes him a smart pick for teams running a 3-4 defense—and there are many of those picking at the end of the first round.

31. Nick Toon, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin

Best NFL Fits: San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Browns

Nick Toon is a great fit in the NFL as a possession receiver, especially if working in a spread or West Coast offense. His ability to get off the line of scrimmage clean and quickly get his head around on routes will make him an ideal weapon playing on the line in an NFL offense.

Toon has battled injuries, which is why he's ranked lower than his talent would warrant, but if healthy he'll be an impact rookie.

30. Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Best NFL Fits: St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns

Kendall Wright is a dynamic receiver who could contribute early in the slot or at flanker, depending on the offense. Wright isn't the type of guy who will line up at split end, where he would have to play on the line of scrimmage.

Wright brings great speed to the position and could even be a contributor on special teams as a return man early in his career. He projects very well to a DeSean Jackson-like skill set.

29. Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

Best NFL Fits: Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans

Alfonzo Dennard has been great in press coverage, often lining up on or near the line of scrimmage and being asked to control the receiver at the snap. He's strong at the point of attack and is finally showing the aggressive style of play that was missing earlier this season.

Dennard isn't physically imposing, but his leaping ability more than makes up for his lack of height. He's a great fit in press schemes. 

28. Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Best NFL Fits: Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys

Peter Konz is a nasty blocker from the center of the Wisconsin Badger offensive line. Only a junior, he'll be a hot name should be enter the 2012 NFL draft.

Konz is a strong run blocker and smart enough to quickly handle line calls once in the NFL. He's unquestionably the top center in this class. The only questions are about an ankle injury that's bothered Konz over the last month, but he should be good to go by the time Wisconsin's bowl game rolls around.

27. Luke Kuechly, Inside Linebacker, Boston College

Best NFL Fits: Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns

Luke Kuechly is a tackling machine for Boston College, but there are disagreements as to where and how well he projects to the NFL.

I see Kuechly as a classic 4-3 MIKE linebacker. While he is great at flowing to the football, he can get held up in traffic and hasn't shown the strength to work through blockers at the second level. Playing behind two defensive tackles in a four-man front, Kuechly would be free to read and react.

26. Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

Best NFL Fits: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills

Courtney Upshaw went on a tear through the SEC this year, proving along the way that he has the skill set to make an easy transition to the NFL. 

Upshaw is an athletic player who could play inside or outside once in the NFL, but has a high ceiling as a pass rusher coming off the edge. He's simply an athlete, and reminiscent of Terrell Suggs, albeit a less fluid version of him. 

Upshaw could find a home in almost any system; his versatility could be a big asset and a reason he'll be drafted earlier than I currently grade him.

25. Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia

Best NFL Fits: Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons

Orson Charles makes his first appearance on the Big Board—in fact the only appearance by a tight end all season. He's worth it.

Charles is a great athlete at the position, and a proven receiver down the field. He's able to get off the line cleanly, has potential as a blocker and can be a matchup nightmare against slower linebackers or smaller defensive backs.

24. Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Best NFL Fits: Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills (DE), Green Bay Packers (DE), New England Patriots (DE)

Devon Still brings an interesting skill set to the NFL. He's aggressive and has the burst to penetrate against guards when placed in a three-technique position, but he's also strong enough to set the edge when in a five-technique. Still has great value as a 3-4 or 4-3 defender.

I see Still being drafted too early once the actual NFL draft gets here, as too many teams need defensive tackles and will reach to fill needs in his weak class at the position.

23. Jared Crick, Defensive End, Nebraska

Best NFL Fits: New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills

Nebraska's Jared Crick screams 3-4 defensive end to me. He has the body type, strength and motor to handle playing head-up on offensive tackles and being tasked with setting the edge in the run game.

That's not to say Crick couldn't make it in a 4-3 defense, I think he could, but his natural position is defensive end. He lacks the sudden movement ability to play as a right end in a four-man front, but would dominate in a 3-4.

Crick will be the type of player targeted at the end of Round 1 to anchor a winning team's defensive line.

22. Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Best NFL Fits: New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Chicago Bears (4-3), Cleveland Browns (4-3)

Having played both defensive end and defensive tackle at North Carolina, Quinton Coples is an ideal player to make the move to the left side of a four-man defensive line once in the NFL.

Similar to Cameron Heyward in the 2011 NFL draft, Coples could also play in a 3-4 defense if asked. He's quick, strong and does a nice job using his arms to keep blockers at bay. Coples would be a good choice at defensive end on either style of defensive line—and even on a defense that uses both a three- and four-man front.

21. Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs

Landry Jones is falling a bit this week after seeing him play poorly in consecutive weeks. The stat sheet may not show it, but Jones is still too inconsistent when throwing the football.

I do like Jones quite a bit, as I think his issues are much more correctable with proper technique, but he isn't the finished product that most thought he was entering the season.

Jones looks like the type of quarterback who would be best served sitting for at least one season in the NFL, or playing his rookie season in a wide-open offense that didn't ask him to make many reads outside the safety and MIKE.

20. Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Best NFL Fits: San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Diego Chargers

I've been down on Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick at times this season—he's redeemed himself a bit this week after rewatching the LSU/Alabama game. 

Kirkpatrick was brilliant in holding LSU wide receiver Reuben Randle to just two catches. Kirkpatrick's ability to lock down an elite wide receiver with speed during this game was impressive. I'm excited about seeing more of Kirkpatrick. 

My black mark on Kirkpatrick's report was initially that he lacked the speed to keep up with fast-moving wide receivers in the NFL. I'll be revisiting Kirkpatrick's full report soon.

19. Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Best NFL Fits: New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts

I'll start by saying Michael Floyd could end up drafted much higher than I rank him, and that's OK.

Floyd will leave Notre Dame ready to step into an NFL offense. Based on his time under Charlie Weis and Brian Kelly, Floyd has been exposed to NFL systems during his time in South Bend.

Floyd looks considerably quicker in 2011, showing a burst and second gear he hadn't flashed in previous years. His hands, size and this newfound speed make Floyd one of the more dangerous players in college football and the 2012 draft.

Floyd would be a great fit in a timing-based offense. Put him in New England, Cleveland or St. Louis, and he could immediately benefit the offense.

18. Cordy Glenn, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

Best NFL Fits: San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills

The beauty of a player like Cordy Glenn is that you can stick him at guard—on either side—or even at tackle. Players with this much raw ability and experience don't last long once the NFL draft starts.

Glenn has experience playing inside and out at Georgia, and it's that ability that intrigues me most. At 330 lbs, Glenn is able to move in space and get off the line to protect on the edge. He's a brick wall when he sets his feet and digs in, something that would make him a fine right tackle in the NFL.

17. Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

Best NFL Fits: Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals

Finding one position for Melvin Ingram has been tough—and maybe not even necessary. 

Ingram is a big man, tipping the scales at 270 lbs, but he moves like a linebacker and has excelled in space when asked to play there. He's quick, strong and a very good overall athlete.

The big question mark surrounding Ingram is how well he will play away from his talented linemates in South Carolina. We've seen far too often where a good unit makes a player shine, when in fact the individual is subpar.

I don't see that with Ingram, but only time will tell how dominant he is outside his system.

16. Manti Te'o, Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame

Best NFL Fits: Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens

Finding a linebacker with the natural athleticism, toughness and instincts to perform well at any of the four linebacker positions is almost unheard—but that's what I see when scouting Manti Te'o.

Te'o lines up at middle linebacker for the Irish and has experience in a 3-4 and 4-3 defense. I like his ability most as the MIKE linebacker in a 4-3, where his speed will make him an excellent sideline defender and allow him to drop into deep coverage.

15. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Best NFL Fits: San Francisco 49ers, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars

When scouting cornerbacks I like to find physical players who excel in run support and pass coverage. If you can find a player who does these two things well, you draft them as early as you can. The 2012 draft has a player who can stop the run, cover No. 1 wide receivers, and return kicks and punts.

Stephon Gilmore is an all-around player who can step into any defensive system and make early contributions. His value as a No. 1 cornerback—and a return man—make him a lock for the early first round.

14. Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants 

Jonathan Martin is a smooth operator at left tackle. He's tall, lean and athletic, with a nasty streak in the run game that makes him one of the best.

I would trust Martin with protecting my quarterback for the next 12 seasons, and you can bet that many NFL teams will be lining up for the services of this standout left tackle. Martin is currently a safe bet for a top-15 pick should he decide to enter the 2012 draft.

13. Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens

I continue to like what I see from Riley Reiff, and the more I watch the more I am convinced he's the second-best left tackle in this class.

Reiff's long arms and slender frame may fool you, but he's a dominating pass blocker. He has natural athleticism and is quick enough to kick out and stop the edge rush. I do worry a little about his strength and ability to drop anchor against a bull rush, but to date I haven't seen anything to concern me about his ability.

12. David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Best NFL Fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Houston Texans

The best guard of the 2012 draft class, David DeCastro's college success could make him an early pick in the first round of the draft.

A right guard for the Stanford Cardinal's pro-style offense, DeCastro could play left or right guard once in the NFL. He's an accomplished run blocker and an underrated pass protector. Playing in an offense that asks the quarterback to move around in the pocket, DeCastro does a great job getting out in space to protect a mobile passer.

11. Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker, North Carolina

Best NFL Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles

With the spread of the 3-4 defense across the NFL over the past five years, there is less of a focus on draft prospects who fit the 4-3 defense at linebacker. As opposed to the flashy pass rushing skills of their 3-4 counterparts, a 4-3 linebacker is asked to be a more complete player.

North Carolina's Zach Brown is both an elite player and a lock as the draft's best 4-3 outside linebacker. He has the speed and flexibility to drop into coverage while also showing the ability to come up in run support. 

10. Vontaze Burfict, Inside Linebacker, Arizona State

Best NFL Fits: Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts (OLB), New England Patriots (OLB), Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills (OLB)

There are few players in this class that I like more than Vontaze Burfict. His meanness and violence at the position are a throwback to days when football players were still allowed to hit each other—and that's the type of football I get excited about when scouting defensive players.

Burfict has the attitude of a Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley—guys who played hard right up to (and maybe a little after) the whistle. They take the rules and run right up to the wall, sometimes crashing into it head-first. 

There's a place in the NFL for a middle linebacker with 4.4 speed and a temper. Burfict, like Suh, will find a way to harness his aggression and use it to intimidate the opposition.

9. Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami (FL)

Best NFL Fits: Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers

The running back position may not be justifiable as a first-round need in many cities, but teams lacking a true threat at the running back position will disagree.

Lamar Miller is a complete back, and as a redshirt sophomore he would leave Miami with little wear and tear. His ability as a runner and receiver reminds me of LeSean McCoy, but he also provides great return skills. You can get a good number of NFL teams would love to have that player in their backfield.

8. Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Best NFL Fits: Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals

When you see Justin Blackmon on film, he stands out from the pack. At 6'1" with a chiseled frame, Blackmon is the ideal size for a possession receiver in today's NFL. His frame and strength give him the ability to beat press coverage, something he'll see often in the NFL.

Blackmon isn't the deep threat that other receivers in this class are, but his play inside the first 15 yards from the line of scrimmage is good enough to make him a top-10 player. He uses his body well to shield from defenders and is sure-handed under fire. I'd love to see Blackmon in a West Coast system like the ones run in St. Louis and Cleveland.

7. Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Best NFL Fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings

Alshon Jeffery hasn't had the type of season expected of him statistically because of horrible play at quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks. That doesn't take away from his raw ability as a receiver.

Jeffery isn't perfect; there are some question marks about his speed and his conditioning habits, but he has amazing potential—and that's all we can grade when looking at draft prospects.

Jeffery has the ideal size and concentration to make his mark as an outside receiver in a vertical passing attack once in the NFL. He's never going to be an elite route runner, but he will be able to get behind the coverage and make plays over the top.

We could either be looking at the next Andre Johnson or the next Mike Williams.

6. Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, San Diego Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens

There is a lot to like about Matt Kalil. As a three-year starter at USC he has become the best tackle in the country. He's smart, athletic, strong and has the ideal build to last on the edge for 10-plus seasons once in the NFL.

I like Kalil's ability to play either left or right tackle, although I would prefer to keep him on the left side to take full advantage of his athletic ability and pass-blocking skills. NFL teams may see Kalil's experience on both sides and decide he's a perfect fit on either side of their line.

5. Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Best NFL Fits: St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Morris Claiborne just keeps getting better. In big spots and blowouts, Claiborne rises to the occasion each week to make big plays and shutdown coverage. 

There will be a large number of teams looking for cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL draft—and this year's crop should be loaded with talent—but no player in this class has the special blend of skills that Morris Claiborne shows. 

He has the height (6'1") to lock down taller receivers, is fast enough to turn and run on quicker guys and has a toughness that makes him difficult to beat off the line of scrimmage. He may not be a Darrelle Revis-type prospect, but he has Nnamdi Asomugha-type potential.

4. Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles

Those of you who follow the Big Board each week have seen a gradual rise up the board for Matt Barkley. When the season began, I wasn't as sold on Barkley as other quarterbacks, but he's played his way up the rankings and is deservedly a top-five pick.

Barkley simply does everything well. He's improved his accuracy and is showing this year with better receivers that he's able to stretch the field and make plays. I also like that Barkley is a good overall athlete who can make plays on the run with his feet and/or arm.

With so many teams in need of quarterbacks at the top of the draft, Barkley will hear his name called early, should he choose to enter the 2012 NFL draft.

3. Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Best NFL Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts

Some may find it crazy to draft a running back in the top three. Given the chance to nail down Trent Richardson, however, I would make that pick.

A solid running game can change everything for a franchise. The play of Matt Forte, LeSean McCoy and Adrian Peterson this year alone proves that you must have a great running back to compete in the NFL today. While you can pick one up in the later rounds, it's more of a gamble, and you won't find a player with the skill set of Richardson waiting in Round 3.

Richardson is the most talented back I've scouted since Adrian Peterson, and he'll be ready to step in on three downs for his new team next year.

2. Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Best NFL Fits: Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns

If this is your first time reading the Big Board, know that ranking Robert Griffin III this high isn't a gut reaction to his big game Saturday night. Sure, Griffin rises based on great play against a top defense, but he has been hovering in the top five all season.

Those who have read before know that I'm enamored with Griffin's run/pass ability—which he displayed well in the final drive over Oklahoma. Like so many great quarterbacks before him, Griffin has a coolness in the pocket and a patience that's benefited by the fact he can escape with his feet when needed.

I'm not ready to place RG3 over Andrew Luck any time soon, but any quarterback-needy team that doesn't land Luck and passes on No. 10 will regret it for years.

1. Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Best NFL Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns

Andrew Luck hasn't lacked in hype all season; in fact, he's playing too often under the microscope of fans and media ready to proclaim every incomplete pass is proof that he's not the No. 1 prospect.

Sorry to disappoint—he is the No. 1 prospect, and no amount of incomplete passes will change that anytime soon.

Look at the talent, or lack thereof, on the Stanford offense. Outside of the offensive line, no player is making Luck look better. He doesn't have a Kendall Wright or Robert Woods helping him at wide receiver. There is no Ryan Broyles or Kenny Stills here.

Luck is doing it all alone, and even with a less impressive season statistically, he's still making throws and decisions that few college quarterbacks have ever shown the ability to make.