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These 15 players were all considered for the first Big Board for the 2012 NFL draft
By Mel Kiper
ESPN Insider
On Wednesday, I released the first Big Board for the 2012 NFL draft. While there are some notable names, fans who aren't obsessive about tracking college players probably saw a lot of names for the first time. Of course, because the Big Board only goes to 25, one of the first questions always is: So who would have been next?
It's usually between a handful of guys, with recent play being a big deciding factor. But in the spring, the list is always a little longer. This is a pretty subjective stage -- many of the players on the Big Board really have only a year of starting experience. So that you have a few more names to consider, here are a number of other players who are right on the edge, broken down into class.
There's no clear No. 26, so they are just organized alphabetically.
SENIORS
Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma St.
The Pokes sent an offensive lineman to the NFL within the top 10 picks in 2010 when Russell Okung landed with Seattle, and the massive Adcock has the skills to land in Round 1 in 2012. A massive frame, at 6-foot-6, and north of 320 pounds.
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
It wouldn't have surprised me if Barron had jumped into the 2011 class, mostly just because it wasn't bursting with safety talent, but a year of development in coverage should do him well.
Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Brown is undersized, but has talent. He'll see great play in front of him on that defensive line and should develop as a playmaker.
Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Quarterbacks trying to keep the ball away from Prince Amukamara in 2010 had the misfortune of often throwing the way of Dennard. He had four INTs.
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Floyd was extremely productive working with a new quarterback in 2010, and could have been picked before Round 3 in the 2011 draft. Must maintain focus and improve.
Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
He seemed to have a better rapport with Jerrod Johnson, but I don't expect any drop-off now that Ryan Tannehill is throwing him the ball.
Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
As steady as they come, Lewis doesn't have elite size but has always maintained a great nose for the football. Expect another triple-digit tackle season.
Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St.
Lindley has a good arm, and the size is there at 6-4, but the next step for him will be accuracy. He's the top senior QB in my rankings, but I'd like to see that accuracy eclipse 60 percent.
Kelechi Osemele, OT/G, Iowa St.
Another player who can easily be moved along the offensive line, at 6-5, 335 pounds he can engulf defenders.
Nate Potter, OT/G, Boise St.
Athletic, Potter can also play multiple positions. Coming back for another year of experience, he'll finish with plenty of good tape.
Janoris Jenkins, CB, ?
I have a pretty good idea of where Jenkins will land, but after being dismissed from Florida, he needs to keep it together off the field in 2011. If he does, he has the potential to go in Round 1.
JUNIORS
Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Davis has every-down size, and I'd expect Bobby Petrino to use him often, particularly coming off a season in which he averaged 6.5 yards per carry.
Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Few will question Hightower's talent -- here's a guy who was a legit force on the Bama defense as a freshman. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be taken in Round 1.
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
I was a little surprised to see James return to Oregon, but he's probably having a lot of fun in the system. Legit sprinter's speed and runs without fear.
Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida St.
He may project better as an outside linebacker at the next level, but Jenkins has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He had 13.5 sacks in 2010.
By Mel Kiper
ESPN Insider
On Wednesday, I released the first Big Board for the 2012 NFL draft. While there are some notable names, fans who aren't obsessive about tracking college players probably saw a lot of names for the first time. Of course, because the Big Board only goes to 25, one of the first questions always is: So who would have been next?
It's usually between a handful of guys, with recent play being a big deciding factor. But in the spring, the list is always a little longer. This is a pretty subjective stage -- many of the players on the Big Board really have only a year of starting experience. So that you have a few more names to consider, here are a number of other players who are right on the edge, broken down into class.
There's no clear No. 26, so they are just organized alphabetically.
SENIORS
Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma St.
The Pokes sent an offensive lineman to the NFL within the top 10 picks in 2010 when Russell Okung landed with Seattle, and the massive Adcock has the skills to land in Round 1 in 2012. A massive frame, at 6-foot-6, and north of 320 pounds.
Mark Barron, S, Alabama
It wouldn't have surprised me if Barron had jumped into the 2011 class, mostly just because it wasn't bursting with safety talent, but a year of development in coverage should do him well.
Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Brown is undersized, but has talent. He'll see great play in front of him on that defensive line and should develop as a playmaker.
Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Quarterbacks trying to keep the ball away from Prince Amukamara in 2010 had the misfortune of often throwing the way of Dennard. He had four INTs.
Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Floyd was extremely productive working with a new quarterback in 2010, and could have been picked before Round 3 in the 2011 draft. Must maintain focus and improve.
Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
He seemed to have a better rapport with Jerrod Johnson, but I don't expect any drop-off now that Ryan Tannehill is throwing him the ball.
Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
As steady as they come, Lewis doesn't have elite size but has always maintained a great nose for the football. Expect another triple-digit tackle season.
Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego St.
Lindley has a good arm, and the size is there at 6-4, but the next step for him will be accuracy. He's the top senior QB in my rankings, but I'd like to see that accuracy eclipse 60 percent.
Kelechi Osemele, OT/G, Iowa St.
Another player who can easily be moved along the offensive line, at 6-5, 335 pounds he can engulf defenders.
Nate Potter, OT/G, Boise St.
Athletic, Potter can also play multiple positions. Coming back for another year of experience, he'll finish with plenty of good tape.
Janoris Jenkins, CB, ?
I have a pretty good idea of where Jenkins will land, but after being dismissed from Florida, he needs to keep it together off the field in 2011. If he does, he has the potential to go in Round 1.
JUNIORS
Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Davis has every-down size, and I'd expect Bobby Petrino to use him often, particularly coming off a season in which he averaged 6.5 yards per carry.
Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Few will question Hightower's talent -- here's a guy who was a legit force on the Bama defense as a freshman. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be taken in Round 1.
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
I was a little surprised to see James return to Oregon, but he's probably having a lot of fun in the system. Legit sprinter's speed and runs without fear.
Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida St.
He may project better as an outside linebacker at the next level, but Jenkins has a knack for getting to the quarterback. He had 13.5 sacks in 2010.