65 Underclassmen Declare For NFL Draft

Added on Jan 19, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The overall success or failure of all incoming draft classes can be attributed to the number of available underclassmen. The 2012 NFL Draft will be no different after 65 players were ruled eligible today. The list is, of course, highlighted by the likes of supposed number one pick Andrew Luck, Heisman Trophy-winner Robert Griffin III and Alabama running back Trent Richardson. Here’s a quick look at some of the other top prospects.

Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma St.) – The consensus number one wideout caught 232 passes for 3304 yards and 38 touchdowns during his last two seasons in Stillwater. His rare combination of size and speed have some experts comparing him to Andre Johnson and Terrell Owens. He should be the second player taken behind Luck, but the Vikings, Browns, Bucs, Redskins and Jaguars would love to see him slide.

Dwayne Allen (TE, Clemson) – In case you hadn’t noticed, game-changing tight ends are all the rage in the NFL these days. Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham raised the position to new heights in 2011, which will undoubtedly have several teams hungry to land a similar player in the draft. Allen has the tools to be a stud at the next level after snagging 50 receptions for 598 yards and 8 scores as a junior. He currently carries a second-round grade, although he could move into the first after a good showing at the Combine.

LaMichael James (RB, Oregon) – At 5/9″ 185 lbs., James lacks the prototype size to be a first-round pick. However, his speed, elusiveness and penchant for finding the end zone will make him a tempting selection in the second- or third-round for teams in need of explosive playmakers. In his three years as a Duck, James racked over 5500 total yards and 56 touchdowns. Think of him as a running back version of DeSean Jackson.

Morris Claiborne (DB, LSU) – Claiborne has the size and ball skills NFL general managers and scouts covet. The junior is rated as the top cornerback in the draft and likely won’t fall past Carolina at the 8th spot. He’s a rangy player with excellent instincts who compares favorably to ex-teammate and 2010 first-round pick Patrick Peterson. With big, physical wide receivers dominating the league, corners like Claiborne are valuable commodities.

Luke Kuechly (ILB, Boston College) – Finding quality inside linebackers like Patrick Willis in the opening round seems to be lost art these days. Kuechly is a veritable tackling machine after recording 532 in his three seasons with the Eagles. At 6’3″ 237 lbs., he has decent size, although some pundits question whether he has the lateral athleticism and upper body strength to excel as a professional.

The 2012 draft will take place April 26-28.