Thread: This How NFP Ranks the Top 15 Prospects

These are the top 15 players in NFP's rankings and not the order they project they'll be drafted in. This isn't a mock draft but rather relative evaluation and ranking based on their success as NFL players. In other words an overall talent evaluation as a football player not a projection of their draft postions. Anyone on this list should become a very good pro.


Pre Combine: Top 15 prospect rankings

Who makes our top 15 before the start of the 2012 NFL combine? Wes Bunting

February 20, 2012 Share
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Ranking the NFP’s top 15 prospects…
ICONKirkpatrick has the size to handle the bigger receivers in the NFL.


15. CB Dre Kirkpatrick: Alabama (6-3, 192)
Will be an ideal zone corner at the next level because of his size, instincts and physicality. However, he can also press off the line and consistently re-route receivers. Isn't a dynamic quick-twitch athlete, but showcases good balance, can keep his feet under him and looks like a "plus" caliber starting cornerback in the NFL. Reminds me some of Chargers cornerback Quinton Jammer physically.


14. DT Alameda Ta'amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.


13. TE Orson Charles: Georgia (6-3, 241)
A gifted athlete who can create a lot of mismatches in the pass game. Should be able to improve as a route runner as well. Not quite as polished as Aaron Hernandez as an H-back coming out, but could end up playing a similar type role.


12. WR Kendall Wright: Baylor (5-10, 190)
In the same mold as a number of Pittsburgh Steelers receivers (Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders) and can be effective both inside and out making plays down the field at the next level.


11. DT Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
He really put it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of spots in both a 34 and 43 front in the NFL.


10. DE Quinton Coples: North Carolina (6-6, 285)
Can be as good as he wants to be in the NFL. The game comes very easy to him and he can be dominant if he learns to use his arms even better to slip blocks in the pass game, but with more time I expect that to improve. The sky is the limit as long as he's willing to work at his trade and keep his motor running.


9. OG Cordy Glenn: Georgia (6-5, 348)
Had had some struggles in space as a tackle prospect, but in tighter areas where he can get his hands on linemen quickly as a guard he showcases the ability to dominate. Looks like a starting caliber OG early in his NFL career.



8. WR Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma State (6-1, 215)
The lack of straight-line speed will limit him however, and when comparing him to first round receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones last year, I don't think he's in their class. Nevertheless, he's got the skill set to line-up all over an NFL offense and make plays on all levels of the field.
ICONGriffin III possesses a ton of upside to his game.


7. QB Robert Griffin III: Baylor (6-2, 220)
A "plus" athlete who can really throw the football, is a student of the game and is only starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Has as much upside as any prospect in the draft and looks like a future franchise signal caller.


6. DL Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.


5. OT Matt Kalil: Southern California (6-7, 295)
There are some negatives concerning his overall anchor strength. However, you have a "plus" athlete at the position with good foot quickness, natural change of direction skills who knows how to bend. Might need a year to get stronger. But has the skill set to play in year one and develop into one of the leagues better offensive tackles as he matures physically.


4. OG David DeCastro: Stanford (6-5, 310)
The best offensive line prospect I've evaluated since Maurkice Pouncey in 2010. He showcases the ability to get a push in-line and is a dominant move player as well. He's fluid/natural in pass protection and with a little more power in his base he's got the skill set to become on of the leagues best guards early in his NFL career.


3. RB Trent Richardson: Alabama (5-11, 224)
The best running back prospect I've seen since Adrian Peterson. His running style might limit his shell life a bit in the NFL. However, he's the kind of back you can ride like a rented mule from day one and should become one of the NFL's top runners early on.


2. CB Morris Claiborne: Louisiana State (6-0, 185)
The top corner in this year's draft. He's tall and long which allows him to play big off the line. However, he showcases the footwork, balance and quick-twitch ability of a much smaller corner out of his breaks. With improved technique he should mature into one of the leagues best.


1. QB Andrew Luck: Stanford (6-4, 235)
Doesn't have an elite arm, but is a "plus" in just about every other facet of the game. Is about as safe a franchise quarterback prospect you can find.