Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Early Look at the Top 10 NFL Draft Prospects




1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
-There's no question Luck is the clear-cut top prospect in the 2012 draft. He possess all the traits you look for in a franchise QB and is all but penciled in as the Colts selection. With incredible athleticism, accuracy, and knowledge for the game Andrew Luck has the makings of a future All-Pro.
2. Trent Richardson, RB. Alabama
-I think the world of Richardson and think he is a can't-miss prospect. If the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning wasn't in the draft, Richardson would be in serious consideration for the top selection. While not the fastest running back, Richardson has excellent vision and never goes down on first contact. I'll put my money on the Pro Bowl for Richardson in 2012.
3. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
-Kalil is a bona-fide franchise left tackle who will play at a high level for 8+ seasons. At 6'7'' 295 lbs, Kalil has the size you look for along with tremendous athleticism. Kalil did not allow a sack in 2011 while protecting future number one draft pick Matt Barkley's blindside. Oh yeah, and his brother, Ryan, is an All-Pro center for the Carolina Panthers.
4. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
-Claiborne began his college career as a freshman backup to 2011 5th overall pick Patrick Peterson and has since lived up quite favorably to the former Tiger. Claiborne is a better pure cornerback than Peterson and also can help out in the return-game. At 6'0'', Claiborne can match up with most receivers and will make many jaw-dropping, highlight reel plays.
5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
-Oklahoma State fans quickly forgot about Dez Bryant when Blackmon burst onto the scene in 2010. In just two seasons, Blackmon accumulated 232 receptions for 3304 yards and 38 touchdowns, and was named the 2012 Fiesta Bowl MVP after catching 8 passes for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns in a victory over Stanford. Blackmon is a legit number one WR.
6. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
-Like Kalil, Martin has all the makings of being an elite LT. He has great size at 6'6'' 304 lbs and has protected Luck's blindside the past two seasons. Martin has good technique and doesn't take plays off. Look for Martin to rise up the draft boards and eventually be a top 10 selection.
7. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
-The "sexiest" prospect in the draft and Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin is a very interesting QB prospect. Griffin broke Texas state records in the 110 meter and 300 meter hurdle and has an extremely strong arm. The thing I worry about Griffin is durability issues and the fact he played in a shotgun-spread offense in college, but the potential is too great and Griffin will be a very high selection.
8. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
-There are some character concerns with Floyd, but I believe he has moved past them. Floyd had an extremely productive career at Notre Dame and will be an impact player at the next level. For me, he is a similar receiver to Hakeem Nicks and Larry Fitzgerald- tremendous hands and very physical, but won't blow you away with his speed. Floyd could be picked as high as 7 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
9. Mark Barron, S, Alabama
-Barron is one of my favorite prospects in the draft and will rise up the draft boards in the coming months. Playing under Nick Saban, Barron was very well coached and was one of the leaders on a defense, which consistently ranked among the best in the nation. Though there may never be another player of Sean Taylor's caliber, I see a bit of Taylor in Barron's physical play. Some team will be very happy adding Barron to their defensive secondary come April.
10. Andre Branch, OLB/DE, Clemson
-Branch is my sleeper prospect who will eventually rise up the draft boards. The Clemson product has great length at 6'5'' 260 lbs and is athletic enough to possibly make the transition to a 3-4 OLB. He reminds me of DeMarcus Ware coming out of Troy, but has a lot to prove in the NFL to garner further comparisons.

7 comments:

  1. this is a pretty spot on list if you ask me

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  2. ARE SERIOUS? MATT KALIL IS #2 OVERALL PICK LOCK

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    1. I've seen most mock's predicting that Griffin somehow ends up going #2 in the draft (most likely via trade). I agree with your sentiment, however, that Kalil not only is the obvious 2nd best player in the draft, but should also be the Rams selection at #2. Their needs on the O-Line are glaring and need to be addressed early in April's draft.

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  3. ^this is a prospect list not a mock draft

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  4. yeah peterson im not buying the whole trent richardson thing, but besides that great list.

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    1. Agree not buying the Trent Richardson Love....I think he is going to slide down draft boards.

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