2012 NFL Draft – Updated First Round Rankings

Though the NFL season has just finished its fifth week of play, it's never too early to look at next year's draft. Teams around the league have already shown a need for certain positions, and here is a closer look at those needs and the college football players who can help beginning next season.

Andrew Luck entered this season as the consensus number-one pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and the Stanford quarterback has done nothing to change the minds of most experts. Luck has the size, arm strength, and intellect coaches covet, and unless a trade is made, Luck should stay as the top prospect entering the league next season.

Vontaze Burfict has been a big play linebacker for the Arizona State Sun Devils ever since he stepped foot on the field. Burfict is leading the team to its best season in years and has been at his best against the better competition. His draft stock has risen over the last few weeks, and he is clearly the best defensive player in college football.

Alshon Jeffery would be a Heisman Trophy candidate if South Carolina had a quarterback that could get him the ball. His size and speed are tremendous, and his overall athletic ability makes him easily a top-five player in next year's NFL Draft.

There are a number of players that have underperformed and hurt their stock, but when one player falls, another steps into his place. It's still early in the football season, but barring injuries, these young men will hear their names called very early next April and will soon be paid to play the game they love.