
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?