1 Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Unlike the Panthers last year, the Colts removed the suspense from draft night by confirming Luck is their man, although it’s been presumed since Indy clinched the top pick. Luck is considered the best quarterback prospect since John Elway, though he will need help rebuilding a Colts franchise that has been torn asunder.
2 Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
If Luck is 1, Griffin is 1A. The Heisman Trophy winner has a stronger arm than Luck and is a dynamic runner. The Redskins will try to limit his hits when he leaves the pocket: RGIII is not as big as Panthers QB Cam Newton.
3 Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Like Patrick Peterson, his former college teammate and the No. 5 pick last year of Arizona, Claiborne is a heady, instinctive player who should be a lock-down corner for a long time.
4 Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
At 6-1, Blackmon measured a little shorter at combine than expected. But he plays bigger, thanks to his leaping ability and great hands. Panthers would love to see him fall to No. 9. He won’t.
5 Matt Kalil, T, Southern Cal
There’s late buzz that Kalil, the best offensive lineman in the draft and brother of Panthers center Ryan Kalil, could slide past the Vikings at 3. If he does, he won’t slide far. A pure pass-blocker, the 6-6, 306-pounder will only get better as he gets stronger.
6 Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson shines brightest in a somewhat lackluster running back class. Fast and solidly built, Richardson seldom goes down on the first hit. Good enough for the Browns to think QB Colt McCoy might be OK with Richardson in the backfield.
7 David DeCastro, G, Stanford
As the pre-draft process unfolded, it became clear DeCastro was a more complete lineman than teammate Jonathan Martin, a tackle who received heavy hype early. DeCastro can do it all – pull, run block, pass protect. Best interior lineman in the draft, and it’s not close.
8 Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Safeties typically don’t get drafted high, and Barron probably won’t either. But with his size (6-1, 213) and range, he will make an immediate impact for a team looking for safety help, such as Dallas.
9 Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Re-wrote the NCAA records books for tackles after averaging 14 a game over his career. Critics say his stats were inflated by playing on a bad BC defense. But Kuechly has good size, speed and smarts.
10 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Julius Peppers used to take plays off when he was with the Panthers. Some say Coples took his whole senior season off to avoid injury before his NFL payday. But like Peppers 10 years ago, there’s not another DE with Coples’ combination of size and upside.
11 Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Big, athletic receivers are all the rage in the NFL. Enter Floyd, who is 6-3, 220 pounds and can fly.
12 Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Rock Hill native jumped up draft boards when he ran a 4.40 40 at the combine. Technique isn’t perfect, but he’s an athlete who puts football first.
13 Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
Former high school tight end has good feet; probably best suited for right side.
14 Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Has the best interior push of any defensive tackle in the draft. Moves well for a 6-4, 298-pounder.
15 Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Ingram, a running back at Richmond County High, now is probably a better fit as an outside linebacker for a 3-4 team.
16 Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
At 6-5 and 345 pounds, Glenn can engulf opponents. Big enough to play tackle, agile enough to play guard.
17 Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Viewed as a bit of a “tweener” at 6-2 and 272 pounds, Upshaw has a high motor and should thrive as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
18 Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Great name, and a great edge rusher. Only did it one year in college, but it was a big one – NCAA-leading 16 sacks in 2011.
19 Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Could be among five Crimson Tide players taken in the first round Thursday.
20 Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Dominatede scouting combine drills, but didn’t dominate Conference USA linemen, and that has some worried he’s a “workout warrior.”
21 Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Good runner after the catch, had huge numbers as Robert Griffin’s top target. Could be the sleeper among the receivers.
22 Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Has risen up draft boards, primarily because he’s 6-5, 265 pounds and hard to block.
23 Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Demonstrated bad decision-making skills with three marijuana-related arrests at Florida. But coverage skills might be best in the draft.
24 Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Huge wingspan, with the upside to match. Stock fell after a disappointing combine.
25 Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Skilled player with nice size (6-2, 186) for a corner, though he’s not awesome in coverage.
26 Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
His so-so performances in big games helped get Mike Sherman fired; so why does everyone assume Sherman wants him in Miami?
27 Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
The 6-6 Fleener caught a lot of passes from Andrew Luck, including 10 for touchdowns last season.
28 Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
Martin has a high football IQ, although his toughness has been questioned.
29 Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal
Did 35 reps on the 225-pound bench press and had a 38 1/2-inch vertical at combine.
30 Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
Four-year starter for Fighting Irish can make plays in blitz packages.
31 Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
First Spartans DT to earn All-American honors in 30 years.
32 Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
At 6-4, averaged school-record 29.3 yards per catch last season.
33 Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Weeden, 28, put up big numbers after a stalled minor league baseball career.
34 Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
At 5-9, 219, nicknamed the “Muscle Hamster” because of strength, chubby cheeks.
35 Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
Transitioned from defensive line at JUCO, then dominated Division II competition.
36 Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
Had 11 sacks, seven forced fumbles and three blocked kicks last season.
37 Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
The 6-4, 314-pounder is a physical run-blocker.
38 Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
Slimmed-down Jeffery is one of three players in SEC history with 3,000 receiving yards.
39 Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Cousin of former NFL players Art Still and Levon Kirkland was Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
40 Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Part of huge Badgers’ line; disappointed at combine with only 18 reps on the pro bench.
41 Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Had best season ever by a Tigers tight end with 50 catches for 598 yards and 8 TDs last fall.
42 Jeff Allen, T, Illinois
Won’t win any bodybuilding contests, but had 47 consecutive starts to end college career.
43 Shea McClellin, LB, Boise State
Played DE for Broncos, but projects more as a 3-4 OLB.
44 Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
Good size (6-2, 204) and speed, but questionable work ethic.
45 Bobby Massie, T, Mississippi
Held his own against the SEC’s best defensive linemen.
46 Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
Posted 133 tackles last season and led Cornhuskers in nearly every defensive category.
47 Mike Adams, T, Ohio State
Looked soft at the combine, where he did only 19 reps on 225-pound bench.
48 Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Finished with 10.5 sacks in ’11 despite playing the last month with a hamstring injury.
49 Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
Strong player whose stock jumped with good showings at Senior Bowl and combine.
50 Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Underwent arthroscopic ankle surgery before Senior Bowl but still played in the game.
51 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech: Has great explosiveness and is capable of breaking big plays.
52 Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida: He fits the mold with size and speed; can play special teams.
53 Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois: Could be shifted inside to play guard depending on team that picks him.
54 Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia: A pass rush specialist who could help many teams.
55 Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma: Had 5.5 sacks, 5 PBUs and one interception as a senior.
56 Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State: He’s been rising on draft boards and could make it big.
57 Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia: Slight leg fracture at the Senior Bowl didn’t help his cause.
58 Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina: He’s a bit of a gamble but could pay off in a big way.
59 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami: Great speed but has only two years of college experience.
60 Rueben Randle, WR, LSU: Had a big 2011 college season but first two years were so-so.
61 Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State: At 6-7, can see over defensive lines.
62 Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington: Looks like an ideal nose tackle but will he play like one?
63 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia: Can play in 4-3 or 3-4; not great as a pass rusher.
64 Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin: Only question is if he’s tall enough to play QB in NFL.
65 Marvin Jones, WR, California: Big performances in Holiday and Senior Bowls helped him..
66 Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU: Had an excellent career at LSU where he was team captain.
67 Kelechi Osemele, G, Iowa State: One of the strongest linemen in the draft which never hurts.
68 Mychal Kendricks, LB, California: An outstanding athlete who should thrive in the NFL.
69 Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati: His skill set means he’ll likely end up in a 3-4 scheme.
70 Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State: Not flashy, but he’s reliable and effective.
71 Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (Ohio): Showed his strength at combine with impressive bench press.
72 Philip Blake, C, Baylor: Anchored the offensive line in front of Robert Griffin III.
73 Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: Caught 114 passes last season, fourth-most in college football.
74 A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois: Had big season for Illini but didn’t excel in postseason workouts.
75 Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: Possesses a terrific blend of speed and power.
76 Bobbie Massey, OT, Mississippi: Questions about consistency likely to affect draft status.
77 Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami: Some have questioned his decision to enter the draft this year.
78 Orson Charles, TE, Georgia: Off-the-field issues didn’t help him, dropping him down boards.
79 LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon: An intriguing talent, who could make it big in the NFL.
80 Ladarius Green, TE, La.-Lafayette: Has shown great potential but will need polish in the pros.
81 Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State: Good physical skills but started just one year on FBS level.
82 Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: Good receiver who could become a viable third-down option.
83 Dwight Bentley, CB, La.-Lafayette: Lacks size but could be a mid-round pick-up for right team.
84 Mike Martin, DT, Michigan: Had more sacks than Poe and Brockers combined last year.
85 Alonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Good talent but serious questions about off the field matters.
86 Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple: Early-entry prospect is a good inside runner.
87 Sean Spence, OLB, Miami: Very smart player which helps him offset a lack of size.
88 Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana: Has plenty of physical talent but often seemed to coast.
89 T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International: Has explosiveness teams want, but has been injury-prone.
90 Ben Jones, C, Georgia: Scouts like his toughness and work ethic, could help a team early.
91 DeQuan Menzie, FS, Alabama: Was a key part of an exceptional Alabama secondary.
92 Chris Polk, RB, Washington: Solid, reliable back with good receiving skills and versatility.
93 Billy Winn, DE, Boise State: Likely third-round picks despite questions about consistency.
94 Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State: Caught the eye of several teams after a solid pro day workout.
95 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State: Considered Seminoles’ best pro prospect by most scouts.
96 Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy: Solid prospect but has questions about ability to adapt to pro game.
97 Brandon Washington, OG, Miami: Big and strong but needs to improve technique to play in NFL.
98 Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State: Has a knack for big hits but needs to be more solid overall.
99 Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma: Only question is whether his size (6-2, 232) works against him.
100 Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas: Has the physical tools but needs to improve in pass coverage.
