2012 Draft Prospects

First topic message reminder :

List of underclassmen who have declared for the 2012 NFL Draft:

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
QB Brock Osweiler, AZ State
QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
QB Darron Thomas, Oregon
RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
RB Lamar Miller, Miami
RB LaMichael James, Oregon
RB Robert Turbin, Utah State
RB Ronnie Hillman, SD State
RB Bernard Pierce, Temple
RB David Wilson, VT
RB Mike Ball, Nevada
RB Chris Polk, Washington
RB Darrell Scott, USF
RB Edwin Baker, Michigan State
RB Alvester Alexander, Wyoming
RB Jewel Hampton, Southern Illinois
WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR Tommy Streeter, Miami *
WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
WR Chris Givens, Wake Forrest
WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
WR Rueben Randle, LSU
WR Eric Page, Toledo
WR Damaris Johnson, Tulsa
TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson
TE Orson Charles, Georgia
OL Matt Kalil, USC
OL David DeCastro, Stanford
OL Brandon Washington, Miami
OL Riley Reiff, Iowa
OL Peter Konz, Wisconsin
OL Jonathan Martin, Stanford
OL Bobby Massie, Ole Miss
DT Marcus Forston, Miami *
DT Dontari Poe, Memphis
DT Jarel Worthy, Michigan State
DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
DT Michael Brockers, LSU
DE Nick Perry, USC *
DE Oliver Vernon, Miami
DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
DE Chandler Jones, Syracuse
DE Donte Page-Moss, UNC
DE Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
DE Max Holloway, Boston College
DE Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy
LB Donta Hightower, Alabama
LB Vontaze Burfict, AZ State
LB Luke Kuelchy, Boston College
LB Terrell Manning, North Carolina State
CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
CB Cliff Harris, Oregon *
CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
CB Josh Robinson, UCF

Very early look at the 2012 draft prospects plus some youtube videos to wet your appetite.

Senior quarterbacks to keep an eye on include:

Nick Foles, Arizona, 6’5, 245lbs
Ryan Lindley, San Diego State, 6’4, 218lbs
Kirk Cousins, Michigan State, 6’3, 205lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3rsj3fjoOQ
Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, 6’4, 220lbs
Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State, 6’6, 235lbs
John Brantley, Florida, 6’3, 220lbs

Top underclassmen:

Andrew Luck, Stanford, 6’4, 235lbs
Landry Jones, Oklahoma, 6’4, 220lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8FpwaR-GUo
Matt Barkley, USC, 6’2, 220lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAdo1OyqiPc

If the top underclassmen all declare (chances are they wont) then the quarterback class looks pretty well stocked but even without them there is some depth to the class.



Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 6’3, 228lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyfcBD_fZjU
Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M, 6’3, 215lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXJ4FcW8Nug
Juron Criner, Arizona, 6’4, 210lbs
Greg Childs, Arkansas, 6’3, 217lbs

Top underclassmen:

Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, 6’4, 232lbs
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, 6’1, 208lbs
Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers, 6’2, 218lbs

Much deeper class in 2012 than this year as beyond AJ Green and Julio Jones there weren’t many big guys who could run. Next year’s class however has a number of such types as well as others I haven’t mentioned.


Big year for offensive tackles?

Mike Adams, Ohio State, 6’8, 305lbs
Al Netter, Northwestern, 6’6, 310lbs
Nate Potter, Boise State, 6’6, 295lbs
Matt Reynolds, Bringham Young, 6’6, 322lbs
Andrew Datko, FSU, 6’6, 305lbs

Top underclassmen:

Matt Kalil, USC, 6’6, 295lbs
Jonathan Martin, Stanford, 6’6, 305lbs
Riley Reiff, Iowa, 6’6, 300lbs

There should be some good options for teams looking to improve their protection at the OT position even without the top underclassmen. There will probably be better depth in 2012 than there was this year as well.


LB has the potential to be the class of the draft, provided some of the top underclassmen declare:

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, 6’2, 260lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6DGTN-_qxU
Chris Galippo, Southern California, 6’2, 250lbs
Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh, 6’2, 250lbs
Tank Carder, TCU, 6'3, 237lbs

Top underclassmen:

Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State, 6’3, 245lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxQEkLHo0F4
Donta Hightower, Alabama, 6’4, 258lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyeXZTTcz8E
Shayne Skov, Stanford, 6’3, 243lbs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieo_ansbJmA
Manti Te’o, Notre Dame, 6’2, 245lbs
Luke Kuechly, BC, 6’2, 235lbs

I have included these prospects in particular because they are versatile and are moved around the defense regularly, particularly Upshaw, Hightower and Lindsey who are used at ILB, OLB and DE.

The rb class looks ok, obviously richardson should be a top 10 pick. It all depends on who declares but just assuming all the star players will declare. Lamar Miller is only a r soph but he may want to declare as miami aren't ging to improve much and he may was well take the opportunity while his stock is high and he has no serious injuries, he could go in 1st. Chris polk is another who has a mix of speed and power but just isnt as flashy as some others. Montee Ball looks really good but tbh, he may not have an o-line as good as that in the nfl. Obviously lamichael james is fun to watch but think he should be a mid round prospect much like rainey. Two guys I have liked a lot when watching, albeit only one or two games are isiah pead and pierce of temple. Isiah in particular looks really quick, i also read that he runs like a power back even though he isnt big and i'd have to agree.

Derbyblue wrote:Justin Blackmon is the best receiver in college football
In fact, he might be the best receiver in all of football. While fans of Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson will certainly disagree with my opinion, the Oklahoma State star is one of the best receiving prospects in years.

can't believe Bucky Brooks inferred Blackmon is as could as Dre' Johnson, Fitz and Megatron... maybe down the line... but don't use the like "might be the best receiver in all of football"

-----

Richardson is undoubtedly the star of the class, but no way is he top 10 niner. Not because he isn't worth it, but because the position isn't anymore. Scouts will look at Ingram from the same offence only a year earlier and ask themselves if it was worth it at pick 28 and i'm not sure it was. Richardson could be construed as the better runner but he would likely be looking at the tail end of the first round again.

Otherwise, Montee Ball from Wisconsin is definitely a good one. Saw some TD stats on ESPN today and he is on 27 for the season with a couple of games left, which puts him just outside the top 10 alongside a bunch of other NFL caliber backs and some no hopers.
Barry Sanders Oklahoma State 1988 39
Brock Forsey Boise State 2002 32
Troy Edwards Louisiana Tech 1998 31
Kevin Smith UCF 2007 30
Lydell Mitchell Penn State 1971 29
Mike Rozier Nebraska 1983 29
Toby Gerhart Stanford 2009 28
Luke Staley BYU 2001 28
Ricky Williams Texas 1998 28
Lee Suggs Virginia Tech 2000 28
Willis McGahee Miami (Fla.) 2002 28

Lamichael James will get some love, but is potentially a bit of a Reggie Bush.
Doug Martin from Boise State should get drafted in the mid rounds and can catch the ball out of the backfield as well as run between the tackles. His main issue is the schedule the Broncos have making him look better than he perhaps is.
I liked the look of the Pitt running back whose name escapes me (currently injured).

I suppose richardson could fall out of the top 10 but no way does he make the tail end of the first round. Cleveland will need a rb and they will be picking pretty high for instance, every mock I have seen which is over 20 mocks never has him falling out of the top 15. Tbh i though ingram was a reach at 28, if you look at richardson he is better in every way, has more speed, is stonger, has better hands, has a lot more big runs and he is a far superior blocker., in fact this has inspired me to do my first mock draft.

niner wrote:I suppose richardson could fall out of the top 10 but no way does he make the tail end of the first round. Cleveland will need a rb and they will be picking pretty high for instance, every mock I have seen which is over 20 mocks never has him falling out of the top 15.

The 1st rounder from Atlanta may have an impact on when they want to take Richardson though, obviously it depends where they finish but if they believe he will fall to the Browns second pick in the 1st round they could look at another position need with their probable top 10 pick (for me the key needs are probably RB, WR and someone in the front 7 who can stop RB's).

I think they would love to get richardson and then michael floyd with the atlanta pick, i would immediately think the browns offense is explosive

From what I've seen and heard about those two that instantly makes the Browns offense better, issue that a lot are talking about though is does Colt McCoy have the ability to be a quarterback for a team in the North? Personally I think you have to at least give him a season or two with talent on the team and preferably without him having to learn another new offense.

I agree, he has no weapns or run game so even the great qb's would struggle. I they got the guys mentioned above, all of a sudden they have the best lt in the league, a probable pro bowl running back and two big time receivers in floyd and little, if mcCoy cant then figure out what to do , you need a new qb

thought i should mention stephon gilmore as another good cb. He could go anywhere from the 1st to 3rd round, he does get beat badly sometimes but if you see his highlights, when he is playing well there aren't many better, as well as this he is the hardest hitting cb i have seen in a while plus his run support is way more developed than the normal college cb.

@AlbertBreerAlbert Breer
Just talked with an exec who thinks Boise's Kellen Moore is a better prospect than Baylor's Robert Griffin. Kinda interesting.
@AlbertBreerAlbert Breer
To expand on that point, he said Moore is better than Griffin or Case Keenum. There's skepticism about the offense Griffin & Keenum play in.

Who do you guys think is better?

I think...
RGIII will get drafted the highest - he has the intangibles as far as athleticism goes. He is not Mike Vick, but can be a viable threat running from time to time like say Rodgers is now if not a little more run heavy. He's shown it this year (and to an extent last) against better defenses in a more pressure environment than the others. Plus he has a great arm which is the "in" thing.

Kellen Moore is potentially Colt McCoy V2 - I like Kellen Moore and I've seen a fair amount of him being a fan of the blue turf. All the guy does is win, complete a high percentage of passes and doesn't throw INT's. The big knock on him is his height and the schedule he has played against to get most of those stats (it is worth saying he has looked very good against the top tier teams Boise have played and beat like VT last year and Georgia this...). A team will take a chance on him and they absolutely should, but as an NFL talent, he is say a round 3-4 prospect. McCoy had a higher rep than Moore does going into the draft, but I fear that he wouldn't excel in the NFL and like McCoy would face questions after two years as a starter in the NFL.

Keenum is an interesting one. Again he will get drafted probably mid to late rounds, but the history on guys that play in "air raid" offences is not exactly stellar. Think Graham Harrell (Packers Practice Squad), Colt Brennan, Timmy Chang, Ty Detmar who all put up massive passing yards in NCAA and never amounted to much. I'd say he was the third of the bunch.

Stanford's Luck displays complete package at quarterback By Bucky Brooks

It's not my intent to add to the endless hype that has surrounded the Stanford star over the past two seasons, but that is my opinion after getting an up-close look at his remarkable performance against Notre Dame this weekend. Luck simply possesses everything a QB needs to succeed at the next level, including...

Throws
The toughest part of evaluating quarterbacks on tape is accurately gauging their arm strength. You can't determine the speed and velocity of their throws without knowing the impact of the weather elements. Luck, however, possesses enough arm strength to make all the requisite throws in a pro offense. He can deliver pinpoint passes on deep outs from the opposite hash with zip, while also throwing the seam route on a rope from 25 yards away. He combines his superior arm strength with a deft touch that allows him to routinely lob high-arching tosses to a closely defended tight end or receiver on corner routes.

Luck's arm isn't as strong as Matthew Stafford's or Jay Cutler's, but he certainly shows the ability to fit the ball into tight windows from distance. Against Notre Dame, the Cardinal receivers had difficulty separating from their defenders, so Luck was routinely forced to squeeze the ball into contested areas. Yet he completed 20 of 30 passes for 233 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

Luck grades out well in accuracy and ball placement. He routinely puts the ball on the receiver's upfield shoulder, which leads to valuable yardage after the catch.

Fundamentals
Luck's technique is ready-made for the NFL. He has a compact windup and an over-the-top throwing motion. He appears to take his front hand off the ball earlier than most QBs, but his quick release and superb ball security make it a non-issue. Luck displays polished footwork in the pocket. He quickly retreats from under center on three-, five- and seven-step drops, and steps up with balance at the top of his drop. Interestingly, he uses a staggered stance with his left foot back when taking snaps from center. Even though this is a stance utilized by quarterbacks at every level, the placement of his left foot is a bit unorthodox for right-handed throwers. However, Aaron Rodgers uses a similar stance and it appears to allow him to get more depth in his drops, while still retaining his set-up quickness.

Luck also shows good set-up quickness when operating from the shotgun. His ability to catch, rock and throw allows him to connect on quick routes like hitches, slants and crossers from empty formations. His timing was superb on those throws, and he peppered Notre Dame's defense with an assortment of quick-rhythm tosses.

Extraordinary awareness allows Luck to routinely step forward when the pocket is crumbling off the edges. This helps him minimize lost yardage on sacks, which helps Stanford's offense remain on schedule.

Athletic ability
Luck is an underrated athlete and crafty runner on the edges who routinely extends plays with his feet. His ability to operate on the perimeter allows the team to utilize an assortment of bootleg and naked passes, which are staples of West Coast offensive systems.

More importantly, Luck shows the ability to avoid rushers in the pocket with nifty sidesteps. With pass rushers in the NFL possessing the speed and quickness of collegiate linebackers and safeties, it is essential to have a quarterback with these skills.

'It' factor
As much as physical ability is factored into the evaluation process for quarterbacks, certain intangibles set some guys apart. The most important one is the "it" factor. Does a player inspire confidence in others with his leadership and performance in critical situations?

Luck absolutely shines in this area. His presence in the huddle inspires his teammates and they raise their collective level of play when he is on the field. The Cardinal doesn't appear to have a wealth of NFL-caliber talent at their skill positions, meaning the pressure to win falls squarely on Luck's shoulders.

Against Notre Dame, Luck wasn't at his best for most of the game, but still delivered a handful of key plays that sealed the outcome in the Cardinal's favor. He masterfully directed a two-minute drill prior to halftime, which showcased his ability to thrive under pressure. He connected on four of five passes for 47 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ty Montgomery. He added 11 rushing yards on the drive, including a quarterback scamper for a first down.

The big picture
The demands of playing quarterback extend beyond producing big numbers. It is about finding a way to win through proper management of game situations. Luck possesses the rare ability to orchestrate the game from the line of scrimmage. He calls his own plays in the Cardinal's no-huddle package, and that freedom even extends to the team's regular offense. According to Stanford coach David Shaw, Luck comes to the line with three different plays to choose from based on the defensive alignment. He identifies the defensive front and coverage and makes the appropriate call for each situation. This is remarkable considering some pro quarterbacks aren't capable of the same task. For Luck to have extensive experience in this area gives him a decided advantage over others at the position.

Miami's underclassmen WR Tommy Streeter and DT Marcus Forston have declared for the 2012 NFL Draft, source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/hurricanes/fl-tommy-streeter-marcus-fortson-nfl-draft-1206-20111205,0,149518.story

I'll update the OP of this thread to track the underclassmen who declare.

Andrew Luck and Justin Blackmon have all but declared as well, just not official yet.

reports on nfl.com that kalil may stay for senior year, hope not as the vikings need him

niner wrote:reports on nfl.com that kalil may stay for senior year, hope not as the vikings need him

I think Kalil has since denied these reports-source:http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d824da5ea/printable/usc-ol-kalil-says-he-has-not-decided-on-his-playing-future

As I said Blackmon has all but declared: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7328638/2012-nfl-draft-justin-blackmon-oklahoma-state-cowboys-plans-declare-draft

Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o is going to return for his senior year. Hurts the LB Class.

thats sort of a shock, unless he has an unbelievable year, he won't get drafted any higher next year, burfict and keuchly(spelling) are 2 good ilb's though

niner wrote:thats sort of a shock, unless he has an unbelievable year, he won't get drafted any higher next year, burfict and keuchly(spelling) are 2 good ilb's though

No word yet on whether Kuechly or Burfict will declare. I'm really PO with Burfict this year, great physical ability, speed, reactions etc but this was the year to show some maturity and instead all he's proven is he's a hot head who lacks discipline. I wouldn't be willing to take the chance on him in the 1st round because of it. Sad.

Third Miami underclassman will declare for the draft-RB Lamar Miller. Source:http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7345641/miami-hurricanes-rb-lamar-miller-leaving-early-nfl-draft

burfict is the typical boom/bust prospect, in one sense i wouldn't be surprised to see him be a pro bowl player but in another, i wouldn't be shocked if he gets flagged for personal fouls every week. Good decision by lamar miller though, miami aren't going anywhere soon and he has no serious injuries, he could go in the 1st to a team like cincinatti

VT CB Jayron Hosley heading to the NFL-source:http://www2.vteffect.com/sports/2011/dec/11/hokies-hosley-heading-nfl-wilson-undecided-ar-1535498/

Miami S Ray Ray Armstrong set to return for senior year:http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/14/2545172/university-of-miami-safety-ray.html

happy that jayron hosley is heading to the nfl, wouldn't mind any of my teams taking between the last ten picks of the 1st round and onwards. Armstrong was dropping anyway, guys like markelle martin were getting mock drafted ahead of him and some see him as a poor mans tj mcdonald

LaMichael James looks to have declared for the draft

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7353835/2012-nfl-draft-lamichael-james-oregon-ducks-reportedly-declare-draft

Any views on where he will go? What is he like as a pass protector etc, from what I have seen he is a very talented runner, but slightly small? Then again look at MJD!

i think he is a 2nd or 3rd rounder. Don't think he will ever be used much in pass protection so his limited skills wont be a problem there. MJD is much more physical, i see him as more of a leon washington type

bambamwillis wrote:LaMichael James looks to have declared for the draft

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7353835/2012-nfl-draft-lamichael-james-oregon-ducks-reportedly-declare-draft

Any views on where he will go? What is he like as a pass protector etc, from what I have seen he is a very talented runner, but slightly small? Then again look at MJD!

James is listed at 5'9, 195lbs so size is a concern, especially if you're asking him to run inside. I think he'll struggle in pass protection at the next level, he'll be able throw some cut blocks like a Danny Woodhead but I don't see him holding anyone up. Playmakers tend to have some physical limitations overlooked so theres a chance he goes round 1.

Chris Mortensen reporting Matt Kalil has decided to turn pro: https://twitter.com/#!/mortreport/status/147496427923312641 I suspect there is a good chance Matt Barkley will follow him to the NFL.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports/NFL DS expects David DeCastro to declare: http://rob-rang.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/13682485/33889241

Two very good OL there, both will go high.

Tony Pauline of Draft Insider recently tweeted "Sources tell me Nick Perry/DE-OLB/#USC has signed with an agent" Suggesting Perry will likely declare. Very interesting player, gave LT Jonathan Martin real problems in the Stanford game this season.

the vikings will hopefully avoid winning again this season so that they can get kalil. I'm not a fan of green bay but at least they ensure the vikes are in position of the 2nd overall pick, but maybe st louis would take a wr

LB Tom Wort #21, Oklahoma-not draft eligible this year but i'll put these up anyway:

vs. Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDLndLgbuYk

vs. Texas A&M: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpI-UuRTaMA&feature=related

vs. Iowa State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b3oDgcs8lQ&feature=related

vs. FSU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpJ_JYPUj1g

Additional underclassmen who have now declared for the 2012 NFL Draft:
Nick Perry, DE/LB, USC
Oliver Vernon, DE, Miami and Brandon Washington, OL, Miami http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2011/12/um-cane-lt-brandon-washington-forgoing-sr-season-to-enter-nfl-draft.html
Cliff Harris, DB, Oregon, source Tony Pauline:
https://twitter.com/#!/TonyPauline/status/149627619111993344
Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State
Chris Polk, RB, Washington, source Dan Kadar:
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2012/1/2/2676959/washington-rb-chris-polk-entering-2012-nfl-draft
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse http://suathletics.syr.edu/news/2011/12/30/FB_1230113333.aspx
Vontaze Burfict, LB, AZ State https://twitter.com/#!/cmorgancbsfoxaz/statuses/154027639596789761
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Burfict was generating a lot of noise among Buc fans. I hear his draft status could drop though due to some poor performances he could be a winner though.

Happy to see that sanu has declared, now just waiting to see if fletcher cox does the same as they are really under the radar guys that may well go in the 1st round

Thomond wrote:Burfict was generating a lot of noise among Buc fans. I hear his draft status could drop though due to some poor performances he could be a winner though.

Yeah It's lack of discipline more than anything else that will cause Burfict to drop, if he does drop, as there is no doubt that physically and instinct wise he has talent. Here is what NFL Draft Scouts Chad Reuter said about him "His utter lack of discipline is a major concern for scouts; draws too many personal foul flags for late hits and constantly talks with officials and opponents. Was removed from starting line-up for one game in 2010 for head-butting Oregon State QB Ryan Katz."

niner wrote:Happy to see that sanu has declared, now just waiting to see if fletcher cox does the same as they are really under the radar guys that may well go in the 1st round

Rumours going around on twitter that Miss. State DT Fletcher Cox will declare and that Stanford OT Jonathan Martin will follow Andrew Luck and David DeCastro to the NFL.

this draft will be stacked if thats happens

Stanford OT Jonathan Martin is going pro and rated inside the top 10.

As is Justin Blackmon who announced it on the field post last nights Fiesta Bowl

OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
RB Ronnie Hillman, SD State
CB Jayron Hosley, VT

are all thought to be declaring for the 2012 draft.

If the niners are picking near the end of the draft, I'm very happy underclassmen like hosley and fletcher cox will be available

Alshon Jeffrey has declared... I like him as the number 2 WR behind Blackmon. Mid first round range.

Just watching the Sugar Bowl now, Hosley looks pretty handy.

I sort of value floyd and jeffery the same now and see floyd going higher, I can't really believe im saying that after seeing his play last year but I just think he looks really out of shape this year. Both have very good hands and are playmakers, floyd also would go into the nfl as a top 5 blocking wr. I think the 40 time could decide which of these gop higher as they are both mid to late 4.5's apparently.

I really like hosley too, said when I first joined the 606v2 forum that everyone should look out for him, he, minnifield and gilmore are all cb's and some of the players i'm most excited about

kendall wright could also be drafted top 20 if he wows at the combine which he probably will. Really like the fact all the receivers are different, jeffery being a big target, jump ball guy, floyd having the great hands etc. If jeffery can prove his fitness and if floyd can stay out of trouble, two teams will get future number 1 receivers.

niner wrote:I sort of value floyd and jeffery the same now and see floyd going higher, I can't really believe im saying that after seeing his play last year but I just think he looks really out of shape this year. Both have very good hands and are playmakers, floyd also would go into the nfl as a top 5 blocking wr. I think the 40 time could decide which of these gop higher as they are both mid to late 4.5's apparently.

I really like hosley too, said when I first joined the 606v2 forum that everyone should look out for him, he, minnifield and gilmore are all cb's and some of the players i'm most excited about

You'll be happy to know that Gilmore also appears to be favouring a move to the NFL along with Jeffery according to Joe Schad of ESPN. LINK: http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7427845/south-carolina-gamecocks-alshon-jeffery-declares-draft

As for Jeffery, I'm not as high on him as some seem to be but in saying that I havn't watched him as closely as the senior WRs. For now I don't put him in the same bracket as Blackmon and Floyd.

NBC Sports are reporting that Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy will enter the 2012 NFL draft.

UNC DE Donte Page-Moss: http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7415324/donte-paige-moss-north-carolina-tar-heels-enter-draft

wouldn't mind if the niners pick up gilmore in the 1st or trade up for him in the 2nd then. Not too high on worthy tbh, not sure if he presents any value in the 1st round the way he has played.

Worth remembering that some of those on the list may yet change their minds and return for their senior season, only those who have signed with an agent would I consider locks to enter the 2012 darft. I'll put an * next to the guys who have reportedly signed with an agent.

Players have untill the 15th of January to declare and then have a further 3 days in which to change their minds if they wish, so the final list will be available on the 18th January.

lots of great defensive backs and receiver, looks to be the deepest draft since 2003

niner wrote:lots of great defensive backs and receiver, looks to be the deepest draft since 2003

Looking at it right now OL is looking deep, particularly at the OT position with Kalil, Reiff, Adams and Martin. Then you've got interior guys like DeCastro, Washington, Jones, Zeitler. WR is shaping up nicely as well.

Undersized Oklahoma DE Ronnell Lewis and GT WR Stephen Hill are thought to be leaning towards declaring.

Kendall Wright looks a quality receiver, hoping that he will be around when the 49ers pick, but honestly have no idea where we will be looking to with our draft picks

Some of the guys I think the niners would consider at the tail end of the 1st round would be nick perry, courtney upshaw, kendall wright, mohamed sanu, chase minnifield, mark barron if goldson goes, jayron hosley, stephon gilmore, fletcher cox. At that point in the draft, bpa is the way to go and the niners will need a 3/4 olb, og, wr, cb and maybe safety

I see the draft's QB field has narrowed further with Landry Jones saying that he's staying on for his Senior year. My reading of it was that he looked like the next best prospect after Luck and RG3 but even at that was still a fair drop off from RG3. Looks like quite a steep drop now from RG3 to the next best prospect who I'll confess, I don't who that will be! So where does that leave QB needy teams picking early on in the draft? I'm thinking mainly here about my Redskins picking at 6. Anyone other than Luck and RG3 look like a major reach to be picked that high but it would be a major surprise should either of those guys not go in the top 5 - Luck should go to Indy and I don't see RG3 getting past Cleveland. I think for a team like the Skins, Matt Flynn really comes in to play now in FA and we should take a long hard look at Blackmon at number 6.

Luck, RG3, Flynn will start somewhere next year, the only other guy that could go in the 1st is Tannehill. I don't think he should but he is really athletic, has hardly played the position and so has lots of potential.

Well think about the draft for a moment. We have the Colts picking at 1 and they'll take Luck. Rams pick 2nd, they already have Bradford. Vikes pick 3rd, they'll stay with Ponder. Browns pick at 4 and I really don't think they'll draft a replacement for McCoy. No way the Bucs give up on Freeman.

RG3 could realistically be available to the Skins at 6.

Number-25 wrote:Anyone other than Luck and RG3 look like a major reach to be picked that high but it would be a major surprise should either of those guys not go in the top 5 - Luck should go to Indy and I don't see RG3 getting past Cleveland. I think for a team like the Skins, Matt Flynn really comes in to play now in FA and we should take a long hard look at Blackmon at number 6.

I do hope we don't take RG3, I'm sure he could be an improvement over McCoy (who doesn't use his legs much in the NFL) but he'll come into the same almost talentless offense, personally I think both 1st rounders should go to offense and hopefully on a WR and RB, if Richardson is taken in the top 3 or they try to let him drop to the Atlanta pick then Montee Ball could be around for the pick near the start of the second round.