2012 NFL Mock Draft: Fastest Rising Prospects on Draft Board
We can't talk about fast rising prospects without talking about the fastest of them all: Robert Griffin III.
The Heisman Trophy winner went from a well-known Big 12 star to a household name in a matter of a few weeks.
He's not the only prospect quickly rising up draft boards though.
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Here are some of the fastest rising prospects in the draft.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
You've probably already heard enough about RGIII, but this is just the beginning.
But, barring any real surprise (as in a real surprise), he won't be the No. 1 pick. Stanford's Andrew Luck has been the top prospect for two years running, and that isn't going to change.
RGIII has a real shot at moving up to the No. 2 quarterback spot though. He's already surpassed the quarterback he upended earlier this year, Landry Jones, on most draft boards and is now chasing down USC's Matt Barkley.
Both quarterbacks finished the season on extremely high notes and, depending on the team and coach, either one can stake a claim as the No. 2 quarterback off the board.
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
The Hurricanes tailback made big noise yesterday announcing his intention to leave the "U" early for the NFL.
It isn't a huge surprise considering Miami doesn't know what is in store for the program, and the draft class is also bereft of running back talent behind Alabama's Trent Richardson. That No. 2 spot is being filled by Miller pretty quickly.
The redshirt sophomore possesses good size, great reported speed (sub-4.4 range) and flashed brilliance at times in the past two seasons.
He's the best backfield prospect from Miami since Willis McGahee in 2003.
Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
The 6'4", 295-pound defensive tackle isn't well known outside the SEC ranks, but he caught the eye of the NFL this season with his impressive performances and overall potential.
He didn't dominate statistically, but he led his team in sacks with four and was very disruptive with 12.5 tackles for loss. He also forced and a recovered a fumble, and blocked a kick.
The key for Cox is versatility. He has the athleticism and strength to be a force in either a three-man or four-man front at the next level and could be damn good too. He's still coming into his own as a player.
We've seen teams put a premium on versatile defensive lineman in recent years and Cox fits that mold.
Honorable Mention
Devon Still, DT, Penn State - The top player on the Nittany Lions has always had "it", but this season he finally put "it" all together.
Mark Barron, S, Alabama - Far from unknown, Barron is still rising up the draft board because of a shortage of talent at the position and his overall skill set. He is a complete player who deserves a first round grade.
*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.
| 1. | Indianapolis Colts (0-13) | Andrew Luck, QB |
| 2. | St. Louis Rams (2-11) | Justin Blackmon, WR |
| 3. | Minnesota Vikings (2-11) | Matt Kalil, OT |
| 4. | Miami Dolphins (4-9) | Matt Barkley, QB |
| 5. | Carolina Panthers (4-9) | Morris Claiborne, CB |
| 6. | Buffalo Bills (5-8) | Robert Griffin III, QB |
| 7. | Cleveland Browns (4-9) | Trent Richardson, RB |
| 8. | Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) | Michael Floyd, WR |
| 9. | Washington Redskins (4-9) | Landry Jones, QB |
| 10. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9) | Quinton Coples, DE |
| 11. | Philadelphia Eagles (5-8) | Alshon Jeffery, WR |
| 12. | Kansas City Chiefs (5-8) | Riley Reiff, OT |
| 13. | Seattle Seahawks (6-7) | Dre Kirkpatrick, CB |
| 14. | San Diego Chargers (6-7) | Alfonzo Dennard, CB |
| 15. | Arizona Cardinals (6-7) | Jonathan Martin, OT |
| 16. | Tennessee Titans (7-6) | Vontaze Burfict, LB |
| 17. | Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-6) | Lamar Miller, RB |
| 18. | Chicago Bears (7-6) | Peter Konz, C |
| 19. | Dallas Cowboys (7-6) | Devon Still, DT |
| 20. | Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) | Janoris Jenkins, CB |
| 21. | Detroit Lions (8-5) | Luke Kuechly, LB |
| 22. | New York Jets (8-5) | David DeCastro, OG |
| 23. | Denver Broncos (8-5) | Brandon Thompson, DT |
| 24. | Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (8-5) | Jarvis Jones, LB |
| 25. | Houston Texans (10-3) | Mark Barron, S |
| 26. | Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) | Dont'a Hightower, LB |
| 27. | New York Giants (7-6) | Zach Brown, LB |
| 28. | New England (via NO 10-3) | Chase Minnifield, CB |
| 29. | Baltimore Ravens (10-3) | Courtney Upshaw, DE |
| 30. | San Francisco 49ers (10-3) | Kendall Wright, WR |
| 31. | New England Patriots (10-3) | Mohamed Sanu, WR |
| 32. | Green Bay Packers (13-0) | Cordy Glenn, OG |
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