Sep 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide center Barrett Jones (75) and guard Chance Warmack (65) prior to the snap against the Michigan Wolverines at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

It shouldn’t be any surprise that Chance Warmack is the #1 OG on the list. You’ll also notice that he’s the #1 ranked player on my board, one of the only players who’s position is already set. He wont go #1 overall, or even in the top 10 in the draft because guards simply aren’t valued that way.Warmack is special, even more so that Decastro was a year ago. Whatever team gets him is getting a Steve Hutchinson type dominant player at the position.

The Seahawks don’t need a guard. They have 5 and a half (the half is backup C Lemuel Jeanpierre who started at RG for parts of 2011) on the roster and all but the half are likely to make the 53 man roster in 2013. If they do take one, it’ll be a late round player like Chadron State’s Garrett Gilkey

Oct 13, 2011; San Francisco CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive end Nick Perry (8) after a play against the California Golden Bears during the first quarter at AT

The Seahawks are not in need of a starting DT, so it’s the later round picks that I’ve paid the most attention to. Keep an eye on Brett Roy of Nevada in the 6th round area of the draft. He’s an undersized DT with quick first steps that could come in and play on passing downs and give Seattle’s big run stoppers a rest, and also increase the overall quality of the Seahawk pass rush.

This is an odd class of DEs. There are a few players with first round grades, but at the same time there is tremendous depth underneath that. This will lead to a few reaches early, and then likely a long gap before an DEs are picked, because there wont be an need to pick one when there’s a similar player that’ll be available later.

In spite of the all the media attention given to the Seahawk’s apparent need of a DE, don’t expect them to take one early in the Draft. Any DE picked by the Seahawks is going to be a part-time player who only comes in on 3rd downs to replace Red Bryant. That’s not something you use an early round pick on.

The exception to that would be a player like Melvin Ingram who can also play OLB. The same could be said for Nick Perry if the Seahawks choose to move down in round 1, even though he isn’t getting as much press and Ingram.

I don’t expect the Seahawks to take a DT this year. They have good talent and depth at the position already.

Oct 15, 2011; Pullman, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal offensive guard David DeCastro (52) looks to make a block against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

Guard isn’t usually a position that gets drafted very high, but Stanford’s DeCastro likely goes in the top 10. Glen could also go in round 1, with 2 others going in round 2. This is an especially good group of guards, at least at the top of the draft. It drops off a bit after the top 4, so don’t expect to see many go in rounds 2 or 3, but there’s good depth in the mid to late rounds.

Teams looking for a starting center in this years draft better be willing to trade up to Wisconsin C Peter Konz. He appears to be the only one of this class that is destined to be more than a backup in the NFL, though Jones and Brewster have enough talent that they might develop into a starting caliber player down the road.

The Seahawks need help on the offensive line again, in spite of taking 2 players in the top 3 rounds last season, and 4 players in the top half of the draft over the past 3 seasons. Until Carpenter shows he can fully return from his injury (likely not until 2013) the Seahawks need to continue to look to the future and draft offensive linemen.

DeCastro will be an interesting dilemma if he drops to #12, but I don’t think he will. Otherwise, don’t see the Seahawks taking an offensive linemen until somewhere in rounds 3-5. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Seahawks take a OT and a OG in this draft if they end up getting a couple extra picks by trading down.

NOV 25, 2011; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Boston College Eagles linebacker Luke Kuechly (40) in a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Outside linebacker is a coveted position for teams that play a 3-4 defense because that’s where their pass rush comes from. For 4-3 defense teams like Seattle, it’s not a priority at all. This makes ranking OLBs on a big board to be more difficult that other positions.

This particular draft class is a little light on the top end, but has great depth in the middle rounds.

There’s plenty of outside linebackers in this year’s draft that fit what the Seahawks like, but I think we should all pay close attention to Nebraska’s Levante David. I have him being drafted right about where I expect the Seahawks to be drafting in round 2. He’s a big and fast linebacker who’d be an upgrade of KJ Wright on the strong side, and would allow Wright to move inside to MLB where I think he’ll really excel.

As for MLB, it isn’t usually a first round position. Even the best players at the position are usually taken no higher than pick number 20, with rare exception, so you’ll almost never find MLB with first round grades. This year there is such a player in Luke Keuchly, but his value there is disputed.

Unfortunately, the talent drops off sharply after him and Hightower. I only have 11 players that I believe will be drafted at the position, which is very low. This will put a lot of pressure on the Seahawks to commit to moving KJ Wright from the SAM linebacker over into the middle.

Taking all that into account, I can see the Seahawks taking 2 LBs early in this draft, though I expect one to be a “tweener” like Melvin Ingram or Nick Perry who are listed as DEs on my board.

November 19, 2011; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (15) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

The Seahawks really don’t need a safety. Sure, you can always use some more depth, since Atari Bigby didn’t return, but it’s also true that the Seahawks have the best duo of safeties in the league and both are just finishing up their 2nd year.

If the Seahawks draft a safety, and I don’t expect them to, my guess would be on the selecting Kelcie McCray out of Arkansas St. in the 7th round. As a SS, he’s not a hard hitter like Chancellor, but he’s got the size and speed the Seahawks like. He’ll be versatile enough to backup both safety spots, as well and contribute as a special teams player.

As for CB, this is one of the deeper CB drafts in recent memory. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see 5 players drafted in the first round. At the same time, there are serious character concerns with Kirkpatrick and Jenkins, and both could fall deep into round 2.

The depth carries down through the entire draft, so expect to see a lot of corners coming off the board on all three draft days.

As for targets by Seattle, Alfonzo Dennard out of South Carolina would be an excellent fit in round 2. He’d be an instant upgrade, and gives Seattle someone who can cover the faster receivers that tend to victimize Brandon Browner.

After that I don’t see a great fit for Seattle’s defense until the later rounds. Boston College’s Donnie Fletcher and Montana’s Trumaine Johnson are names to keep in mind later in the draft.

Mar 9, 2012; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys receiver Justin Blackmon catches a pass during the Oklahoma State pro day at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Justin Blackmon is the best of the class, but he isn’t your typical Randy Moss/Megatron/Andre Johnson style #1 receiver. His much more of a Michael Crabtee type playmaker who does better with short passes that give him room to run. Because of that, it’s possible that Michael Floyd will be the first receiver off the board and go as high as #6.

The Seahawks will likely pick a WR at some point, but it’s difficult to determine where. I could see them picking a receiver in the lower part of the first round if they move down from 12. I could also see them waiting until later in the draft and looking for a developmental project.

If the Seahawks pick a TE, and that’s a huge “if”, I don’t expect it to be until very late in draft.

Dec. 3, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Dwayne Allen (83) scores a touchdown while playing against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the ACC Championship at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Jan 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson (3) carries the ball during the BCS National Championship game agains the LSU Tigers at the Louisiana Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

Trent Richardson is a very good player and, even though i’ve rated him at the 12th best player in the draft, I’d be shocked if he made it past the 7th pick.

As for the Seahawks, I expect them to look at a RB to backup Marshawn Lynch at some point in this draft. It probably wont be early, but a mid round selection isn’t out of the question. It all depends on if they move back in round 1 and get some extra mid-round picks. There’s a lot of value in that range, and not just at RB.

Oct. 15, 2011; Pullman, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinals quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back for a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-US PRESSWIRE

Despite of what you’ll read elsewhere, this is a very bad year for QBs. Aside from Andrew Luck, who’s a once in a generation talent, this QB class is one of the weakest in recent memory. Robert Griffin is a very good QB prospect, but he’s no where near the talent level you’d expect from all the hype. He’s going into the perfect situation for his skills in Washington’s offense, so that will help.

After that is a crap shoot of non-NFL ready prospects that likely wont amount to anything. Ryan Tannehill has an extremely high ceiling and could be one of the top players in the NFL. He’s also a very flawed player with a long way to go to reach that ceiling, and he’s the best of the rest.

The real wildcard in the group is Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson. He has all the skills and talent of a top 10 pick, but he’s on;y 5-10. If he was 6 inches taller, he’d likely be being picked ahead of RG3, instead he’s a 3rd -4th round pick who might never get a chance to start in the NFL.

As for the Seahawks, I actually don’t expect them to take a QB in this draft. John Clayton reported on his show that Pete Carroll thinks that Josh Portis would be a 3rd to 4th round pick in this years draft. With Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn already on the roster, I just don’t see the team throwing away Portis just to pick up a new protect.

Most notable on this list are the last 2 players. QBs Darron Thomas of Oregon and Kellen Moore of Boise State. Both QBs have a huge fan base, but neither are NFL Caliber QBs.

Jan 2, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Darron Thomas (5) carries the ball against Wisconsin Badgers in the 2012 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated Wisconsin 45-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Nov 26, 2011; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles (8) acknowledges fans after his final college game against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin

I have to say that I was one of people who had Burfict high on my draft board back in September. He’s a good athlete, but he has instincts that make Aaron Curry’s look great (that’s not a good thing). Similarly, Foles has the physical aspects of an NFL player, but consistently makes head scratchingly frustrating mental mistakes. At least i can say that I had Foles tabbed as a late round pick from the very beginning.

151) Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State

152) Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly

153) Kevin Koger TE, Michigan

154) Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State

155) Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

156) Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

157) Jarius Wright WR, Arkansas

158) A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

159) Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU

160) Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

161) Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami

162) Audie Cole, ILB, North Carolina St

163) Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

164) Emmanuel Acho, OLB, Texas

165) Josh LeRibeus, OG, Southern Methodist

166) George Bryan, TE, North Carolina St

167) Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota

168) Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

169) Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton

170) Jack Crawford, DE, Penn State

171) David Molk, C, Michigan

172) Eddie Whitley, FS, Virginia Tech

173) Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia

174) Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech

175) Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami

176) Edwin Baker, RB, Michigan St

177) Eddie Pleasant, SS, Oregon

178) Davin Meggett, RB, Maryland

179) Brett Roy, DT, Nevada

180) Andrew Datko, OT, Florida St

181) Rhett Ellison, TE, Southern Cal

182) Lamar Holmes, OT, Southern Mississippi

183) Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

184) Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

185) B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga

186) DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State

187) Emil Igwenagu, FB, Massachusetts

188) Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

189) Chris Galippo, ILB, Southern Cal

190) Evan Rodriguez, FB, Temple

191) Rishaw Johnson, OG, California (PA)

192) Tramain Thomas, FS, Arkansas

193) Brandon Lindsey, OLB, Pittsburgh

194) Justin Bethel, CB, Presbyterian

195) Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky

196) Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

197) Jacquies Smith, DE, Missouri

198) Ryan Miller, OG, Colorado

199) Bryan Anger, P, California

200) Hebron Fangupo, DT, Brigham Young

• Top 25
• 25-50
• 51-100

101) Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

January 28, 2012; Mobile, AL, USA; North Squad quarterback Russell Wilson (16) looks to throw a pass during the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-US PRESSWIRE

102) Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

103) Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas

104) Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State

105) Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

106) Trenton Robinson, FS, Michigan State

107) Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State

108) Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas

109) Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State

110) Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri

111) Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State

112) James-Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada

113) Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

114) Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

115) Tony Bergstrom, OT, Utah

116) Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (Ohio)

117) Kyle Wilber, OLB, Wake Forest

118) Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois

119) Marcus Forston, DT, Miami

120) Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

121) Philip Blake, C, Baylor

122) Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

123) Trevor Guyton, DE, California

124) Chris Rainey, RB, Florida

125) Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa

126) Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina

127) Janzen Jackson, FS, McNeese State

128) Deangelo Peterson, TE, LSU

129) Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

130) Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

131) Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh

132) Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati

133) Jonathan Massaquoi, OLB, Troy

134) Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

135) Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee

136) T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida Int

137) Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

138) DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

139) Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno State

140) DaJohn Harris, DT, Southern Cal

141) Brian Linthicum, TE, Michigan St.

142) Jaye Howard, DT, Florida

143) Matt Reynolds, OT, Brigham Young

144) Christian Thompson, FS, South Carolina St

145) Terrell Manning OLB, North Carolina St

146) Quentin Saulsberry, C, Mississippi St

147) Coryell Judie, CB, Arkansas

148) Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

149) Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State

150) Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin

Sep 3, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk (1) rushes the ball in the 1st half of the game against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

The unveiling of my NFL Big Board continues as we round out the top 100. This puts us down about the end of the third round, so there’s still a long way left to go.

There’s some big names on this list, including 3 from the University of Washington. Chris Polk checks in at #66, meaning he would be excellent value for the Seahawks should he still be there when the Seahawks pick in the third round (pick 76 overall)

• Top 25
• 25-50

NFL Draft Big Board, 51-100

51) Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

52) Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest

53) Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St.

54) Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

55) Ben Jones, C, Georgia

56) Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah St.

57)Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan

58) Sean Spence, OLB, Miami

59) Jogh Robinson, CB, UCF

60) Brandon Weeden, WB, Oklahoma St.

61) Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

62) Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

63) Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

64) Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

65) Bruce Irving, OLB, West Virginia

66) Chris Polk, RB, Washington

67) Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame

68) Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern St.

69) Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

70) Billy Winn, DE, Boise St.

71) LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

72) Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa St.

73) Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California

74) Dwight Bentley, CB, La.-Lafayette

75) Bobby Massie, OT, Mississippi

76) Brian Quick, WR,  Appalachian State

77) Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

78) George Iloka, FS, Boise St.

79) Brandon Washington, OG, Miami

80) James Brown, OG, Troy

81) Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

82) Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State

83) Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

84) Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon

85) Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State

86) Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn

87) Marvin Jones, WR, California

88) Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple

89) Orson Charles, TE, Georgia

90) Senio Kelemete, OG, Washington

91) Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma State

92) Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

93) Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State

94) Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington

95) Mychal Kendricks, ILB, California

96) Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

97) Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

98) Antonio Allen, SS, South Carolina

99) Ladarius Green, TE, LA-Lafayette

100) Matt McCants, OT, UAB

Jan 2, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback (12) Andrew Luck prior to the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL combine is long gone, so it’s time for me to finally unveil my NFL Draft Big-Board. For those of you unfamiliar with the idea of a big-board, it is an ordered ranking of every player in the draft from the best, down to the players who’s playing days are now done.

You’ll notice that this is not the order that players will be drafted. Robert Griffin will go #2 in the draft, but he isn’t close to being the 2nd best player in the draft. He just barely made my top 10, and that was a very generous placement. Likewise, David Decastro of Stanford is #3 on my big board, but guards, even one as talented as DeCastro, never get picked in the top 10.

There might be a few surprises on here for those of you that look at other sites that cover the draft. The Lack of Dre Kirkpatrick in the top perhaps, or that I have Dont’a Hightower in the top 25. One thing that shouldn’t surprise anyone is the man in the #1 spot.

It will take me a few days to get all of this posted on here, once that is done, I’ll update all the position pages with the proper rankings.

The 12th Man Rising 2012 Big Board

1) Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2) Matt Kalil, OT, USC

3) David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

4) Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

5) Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma

6) Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

7) Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

8) Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

9) Johnathan Martin, OT, Stanford

10) Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

11) Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

12) Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

13 )Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

14) Luke Leuchly, ILB, Boston College

15) Flether Cox, DT, Mississippi State

16) Dentari Poe, DT, Memphis

17) Cordy Glen, OG, Georgia

18) Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

19) Devon Still, DT, Penn State

20) Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal

21) Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

22) Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

23) Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinios

24) Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

25) Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Next 25

Dec 29 2011; San Antonio, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright (1) lunges for yardage against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter of the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Baylor beat Washington 67-56. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-US PRESSWIRE

Top 25 

26) Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

27) Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

28) Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

29) Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

30) Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

31) Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

32) Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

33) Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

34) Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

35) Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

36) Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St.

37) Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

38) Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn

39) David Wilson, RB, Virgina Tech

40) Levonte David, OLB, Nebraska

41) Kelechi Osemele, G, Iowa St.

42) Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

43) Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

44) Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

45) Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

46) Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

47) Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

48) Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Nebraska

49) Vinny Curry, DE, Marshal

50) Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise St.

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