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NFL Draft 2012: Top 50 Prospects For 2012 Draft

Posted February 24, 2012

The final phase of scouting for 2012 begins this week with the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Now that the season and all of the following All Star games are complete, it's time to revisit and reshuffle the big board. Here are the top 50 players on SI.com's big board as we get ready for a busy week ahead (* denotes underclassman).

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford* -- Luck has been the top NFL prospect in the nation for almost two years and nothing has changed. He'll be the first player selected in the draft and the Indianapolis Colts will barely notice the bump in the road as they transition from the Peyton Manning era.

2. Matt Kalil, T, USC* -- Kalil's pass protection skills are on par with former Trojan great and All Pro tackle Tony Boselli. The junior needs to improve his run blocking, but possesses all the skills necessary to be a big-time left tackle in the NFL.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama* -- Richardson is the most complete running back in this draft, and likely the only first-round pick from the position. He's a versatile ball-carrier who also positively effects the game as a pass-catcher. The junior has the skills to immediately produce as a rookie in the NFL.

4. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor* -- Griffin has the misfortune of being in a draft that includes Andrew Luck, the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning. Despite that, he's a legitimate franchise signal-caller and a great combination of athleticism, arm strength and maturity.

5. Quinton Coples, DL, North Carolina -- The top senior on this list is a pure dominator who can play several spots on the defensive line. He's a man amongst boys when on his game, but scouts question Coples' intensity on an every-down basis.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State* -- His game was NFL ready last year, but Blackmon decided to return to school to improve his skills as well as work on his degree. Blackmon matured last season as a player and person. His style reminds many of Terrell Owens.

7. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU* -- Though not the caliber of athlete as former LSU star Patrick Peterson, the fifth pick in last April's draft, scouts think Claiborne is more polished in his ball skills. The junior has the ability to develop into a No. 1 corner for an NFL franchise.

8. Riley Reiff, T, Iowa* -- Reiff is a tremendous pass-blocking left tackle, though many scouts think he could shift to the right side. He possesses the footwork, body type and wherewithal to break into a starting lineup early into his rookie career.

9. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor -- Wright was the top recipient of passes coming from Robert Griffin, and scouts love his game. He's a legitimate field-stretcher with polished receiver skills. Wright's name sits atop the wideout position on a number of draft boards around the league.

10. Melvin Ingram, DL-OLB, South Carolina -- Few defensive prospects raised their game and draft stock as Ingram did last season. He's a playmaker who stands out in almost every aspect of the defense, with his ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage or out to the flanks.

11. David DeCastro, G, Stanford -- Andrew Luck's top blocker has been the dominant force on Stanford's offensive line the past two seasons. He's rightfully being compared to All Pro Steve Hutchinson and offers potential in a variety of NFL blocking schemes.

12. Michael Brockers, DL, LSU* -- Brockers capped off a tremendous sophomore season with an awesome showing in the national title game. He's an explosive interior lineman who eats up blocks and collapses the pocket.

13. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama* -- Kirkpatrick is a feisty corner who physically beats down opponents to defend passes. He possesses outstanding size, continues to display improved ball skills and projects as a No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.

14. Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State* -- Cox is one of the hidden values at the defensive line position. Scouts feel he's one of few available three-down defenders and offers the ability to play as many as four different positions on the defensive line.

15. Courtney Upshaw, DE-OLB, Alabama -- Upshaw was the feared pass-rusher in Alabama's suffocating defense, and scouts expect much the same from him at the next level. The lingering question is which position will Upshaw play at the next level, outside linebacker or defensive end? Or both?

SportingNews: NFL Draft top 50 prospects: Nos. 31-50

Posted February 16, 2012

42. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson. While he is a good blocker and strong receiver, Allen's lack of explosiveness and top-end speed will likely keep him from being a first-round pick.

43. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State. Perhaps the most intriguing defensive player in the draft, Worthy has draft rooms around the league split as teams try to figure out what it takes to get him to play hard on every snap.

44. Mark Barron, S, Alabama. Barron is a highly productive collegian whose strength is run support and violent hits.

45. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.). Miller has the vision to find open space and the explosive burst to hit holes and make big plays. He hasn't consistently shown the aggressive running style and strength to run through hits.

46. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest. Givens had a huge 2011 season where he showed the top speed and burst to get separation deep and make big plays. He reminds us a little of Baltimore Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

47. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State. Martin is a smooth athlete who can flip his hips easily to change directions. His speed gives him sideline range against the run and pass.

48. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina. Jones jumped off the film when evaluated, but struggled at the Senior Bowl. NFL teams are now trying to figure out if he has the speed and desire to be the dynamic big receiver.

49. Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal. Perry is not an explosive edge rusher, but he is strong and technically sound. He has consistently shown the ability to fight through blocks to pressure quarterbacks and make plays against the run.

50. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU. Randle, who came out early for the draft, impressed on film with his ability to pluck the ball and get free from the initial tackler.

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