NFL Draft 2012: Top 50 Big Board
By Chris Smith
Here you have it – this is my big board. This close to the draft I figured I’d put my cards on the table and give you some idea of how I rank these players. This list is by no means an indication of where I think these players should go in the draft but rather my personal opinion in terms of where they are in talent, versatility and also showing some bias toward certain positions that I believe are easier to find elsewhere.
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The best prospect available. No ifs, buts or maybe.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Should really say 1A rather than 2. Phenomenal player.
3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Arguably the best offensive tackle to be presented for drafting this century.
4. Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina
Versatility, ability, speed – it’s all there. This guy’s a keeper.
5. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Amazing prospect who is sure to be impressive. Against my better judgment I have him high despite my dislike for drafting running backs high.
6. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Your prototypical inside linebacker who will be a mainstay of someone’s defense for years to come. BC should be proud of this one.
7. David DeCastro, G, Stanford
The best guard to come out of college in a long time. Guards are rarely drafted high – this one should be.
8. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Terrific catcher of the ball who has speed despite what critics say. Lights out.
9. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Has the ability to be a quality ballhawk for years to come.
10. Quentin Coples, DE, North Carolina
Explosion and quickness are this man’s forte. Look forward to seeing how he adapts to the NFL.
11. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Off-field issues aside, here we have a solid technician in a league in desperate need of his skillset.
12. Mark Barron, S, Alabama
A superb athlete who really shone in college. Should translate to the NFL well.
13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
A truly gifted athlete with speed to burn. Off-field issues suggest he’s not as smart as he should be which is a definite detriment to his stock.
14. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Has all the tools to be a big time player. Off-field issues make him far less desirable.
15. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Versatile and able to rush the QB. Not on the level of defensive tackles that were drafted higher in previous years but well worthy of the number 1 spot for the position. Victim of a deep draft.
16. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Another quality Alabama product. Some concerns on size and technique but phenomenal natural ability.
17. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Solid performer who should convert well to the pro game.
18. Courtney Upshaw, OLB/DE, Alabama
Questions over which position he is best suited to in the NFL. Has loads of natural talent and one of the most athletically gifted defenders in the draft.
19. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Serious concerns over off-field issues plummet this prospect’s draft stock. Massively talent but that talent is wasted if he can’t behave. Beware.
20. Kendall Wright, WR/KR, Baylor
Much higher on many teams boards. Is highly thought of and could be a surprise top 10 pick come draft day. Dark horse.
21. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
22. Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
23. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
24. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
25. Michael Brockers, DT/DE, LSU
26. Nick Perry, OLB/DE, USC
27. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
28. Whitney Marcilus, OLB/DE, Illinois
29. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
30. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
31. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
32. Mike Adams, OL, Ohio State
33. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
34. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
35. Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
36. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State
37. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
38. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
39. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
40. Andre Branch, OLB/DE, Clemson
41. Jayron Hosley, CB/S, Central Florida
42. Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss
43. Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State
44. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
45. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
46. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
47. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
48. Lamar Miller, University of Miami (FL)
49. Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
50. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
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