Early look at 2012 NFL Draft

Although the 2011 NFL Draft was only a few days ago, it is never too early to preview next year's prospects. Here is sneak peek of the top NCAA players eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: Would have been obvious #1 pick this year. Will be interesting to see which teams tank next season for a shot at the Heisman front-runner.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina: The latest in line of big, athletic SEC wideouts (see Green, A.J. and Jones, Julio) Jeffery will be one of the top players available next year, regardless of the QB situation in Columbia.

Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon: The top DB in next year's class, Harris is great coverage man who can also dominate in the return game. Harris led the country in passes defended (23) and passes broken up (17).

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: The latest defensive beast to come out of UNC. At 6'6" 270 lbs, he reminds scouts of former Tar Heel star and 2002 #2 overall pick Julius Peppers. Coples had 59 tackles and 10 sacks last season.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State: Had he declared for this year's draft, Blackmon would be right up there with A.J. Green and Julio Jones. Caught 111 passes for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore

Matt Kalil, T, USC: Younger brother of Panthers Pro Bowler, Ryan Kalil, Matt is so good that the Trojans had to move Cowboys first round pick Tyron Smith to the right side of the line.

Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford: Protecting Luck's blindside, Martin's size and athleticism will continue to be on display. The 6'6" 310 lb. lineman will continue to improve and should be in contention for the Outland Trophy in '11.

Matt Barkley, QB, USC: Likely the 2nd rated QB on the board next year, Barkley will continue to showcase his pro-ready arm and good decision making. In his second year as QB1, the sophomore threw 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: The next great Nebraska defensive lineman, Crick has the versatility to play tackle in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. He registered 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season.

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma: The big, strong-armed signal caller will continue to put up huge numbers in Norman. Jones completes 65.6% of his passes and threw 38 touchdowns as a sophomore.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: A better pro prospect than Saints first round pick Mark Ingram, Richardson can contribute both in the run and passing games. As a sophomore, he rushed for 658 yards on a 6.5 YPC average and caught 22 balls for 254 receiving yards.

Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State: An explosive, violent but often undisciplined 'backer, Burfict had a monster sophomore season with 90 tackles and 8.5 TFL.

Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami: At 6'3" 220 lbs. Armstrong reminds Canes fans of the late Sean Taylor. Armstrong had 79 tackles and three interceptions last season.

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College: A starter since he arrived at BC, Kuechly is a tackling machine. He led the nation in tackles last season and has registered 325 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks and two forced fumbles in his two seasons.