NFL Draft 2012: 10 Flashiest Players in the Draft

The 2012 NFL draft is filled with exciting prospects sure to make an immediate impact in the National Football League.

Being termed a "flashy" NFL prospect is certainly not a negative connotation. It more accurately is defined by highlight-reel plays and college football stardom.

For one Robert Griffin III, exhibiting flashy play has led to an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City.

Let's take a closer look at Griffin and more as we give you the flashiest players in the upcoming NFL draft.  

10. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

NFL scouts need little time in the film room before recognizing the superior playmaking ability of Manti Te'o of the Fighting Irish.

The versatility of the inside linebacker has cemented his future as a budding star in the NFL.

More importantly, Te'o is always flocking to the football during college games.

Whenever a big defensive play is made for Notre Dame, chances are No. 5 is involved.

His lateral quickness makes him a hot commodity in the first round of the NFL draft.

His propensity to arrive at the ball-carrier in a flash stakes his claim as one of the flashiest players in the player pool.

 

9. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

Defensive lineman Melvin Ingram has assured his name is not to be overlooked playing next to the prodigy Jadeveon Clowney.

Ingram is No. 17 in the country in sacks with 8.5 on the year.

Moreover, Ingram plays the defensive line position like a safety. He has two interceptions on the season and two fumble recoveries for scores.

And how many other defensive line prospects can do this?

Look for Ingram's superior athletic prowess to translate nicely to the pro level.

 

8. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

NFL defensive coordinators drool at the thought of having an electric pass-rusher coming off the edge.

Many of those prospects, however, lack the consistent work ethic to consistently put pressure on the quarterback.

West Virginia's Bruce Irvin brings a combination of breathtaking speed and a high motor to the table. His lightning first step will terrorize offensive tackles in the NFL.

Irvin will need a year or two of polish and additional bulk to thrive. However, expect Irvin's name to be called often in the backfield in future seasons. 

7. Lamar Miller, Miami

Running back prospect Lamar Miller has quickly ascended into the No. 2 prospect at his position behind Trent Richardson of Alabama.

Miller is yet another future stud from Miami in a long chain of heralded ball-carriers.

Unlike Richardson, Miller projects as a back similar to the most successful carriers in today's NFL. Backs such as LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice and Maurice Jones-Drew combine speed with the ability to catch the ball to make serious impacts on their respective teams.

Miller will make a flashy addition to an offense looking for game-changing ability and perhaps is worth fantasy football consideration to boot. 

6. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Wide receivers are inherently flashy, and NFL prospect Alshon Jeffery is no exception.

The hype for the South Carolina player reached its peak prior to the 2011 college football season.

Disappointing production and poor quarterback play have lowered Jeffery's stock to a certain extent.

After accruing 1,517 yards receiving in 2010, Jeffery has just 614 yards in 2011 with seven touchdowns.

If he is overlooked for too long, however, a team in the middle of the first round will get a steal in Jeffery, who is a physical pass-catcher capable of making big plays. 

5. Morris Claiborne, LSU

Morris Claiborne may not receive the Heisman recognition that teammate Tyrann Mathieu deservedly receives, but No. 17 is sure to turn heads at the NFL combine.

Claiborne is a projected shut-down corner with the physicality to press cover and the speed to guard downfield.

When Mathieu is not making plays for the LSU defense, Claiborne is usually seen returning interceptions for big yards and can return kicks in the pros.

Former LSU corner Patrick Peterson's success in the NFL certainly will not hurt Claiborne's stock either.

4. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd is unfortunately known more for his flash off the field.

He has accumulated three alcohol-related incidents in his time in college, which throws up red flags for general managers.

Floyd does exhibit his share of flash on the field as well with stellar measurables for his position. Floyd is an exceptional runner after the catch and is difficult to bring down in the open field.

Expect Floyd to fall due to off-field concerns.

However, if Floyd can acquire discipline, he could be a bargain for a team willing to roll the dice. 

3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon follows in the footsteps of a flashy player in Dez Bryant—he plays in a flashy offense and has put up his share of flashy statistics.

Needless to say, Blackmon will be a flashy pickup for a team in need of a No. 1 receiver in the 2012 NFL draft.

Blackmon may lack the quickness of some prospects, but he makes up for it with his play underneath and extraordinary physical stature.

 

2. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict represents the ideal defensive prospect for the NFL draft.

The tangible aspects of his game are well-documented.

His 4.4 speed, elite size and playmaking abilities all over the field characterize his breathtaking style.

In addition to that, Burfict has a mean streak that draws comparisons to Ndamukong Suh and Ray Lewis.

If Burfict can transform that passion and aggression into a leadership role, expect him to be the perfect selection for a team searching for answers on defense. 

1. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Heisman finalist Robert Griffin III gets the slightly less distinguished award of being the flashiest player in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft.

Griffin's stock has skyrocketed in 2011. He has put up a staggering 3,998 yards of passing with 36 touchdowns for the Baylor Bears.

Combine that with 644 yards of rushing, and you have the most exciting player in college football.

Cam Newton's immense success as a dual-threat quarterback bodes well for Griffin in the upcoming draft. Bleacher Report NFL draft writer Matt Miller has Griffin as the second-best player on the draft board behind Andrew Luck. 

It will be fun to watch how Griffin's skills translate to the pro level.

If his performances mirror his college game, one general manager will be thrilled to have the services of the Baylor product.