South Carolina stars Alshon Jeffery, Stephon Gilmore in 2012 NFL Draft

by Dan Kadar on Jan 5, 2012 11:58 AM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

The first round of the 2012 NFL Draft likely got two more members today as wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, both of South Carolina, announced they were going pro.

The moves were expected by both, especially Jeffery. Despite a poor season with 49 receptions for 762 yards and 8 touchdowns, Jeffery would have been a first-round pick last year had he been eligible. He struggled this season due to poor play from South Carolina's quarterback. There are also concerns that Jeffery is too bulky and not as quick as he was as a sophomore. The potential for Jeffery, though, is higher than any wide receiver in this year's class. He seems to know it too. Here's what he told ESPN.com:

"I'm ready for the next step. I'm physical and can make plays in the red zone. I can make big plays in big games. I can work on my speed and get quicker. I want to be like (NFL receivers) Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson."

Gilmore has great measurables and if he times out well, don't be shocked if he lands in the top 20 of the draft. On the year, he had 4 interceptions and 7 pass breakups.

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Jeffery goes #10 to the Bills :)

Ron Paul 2012

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 5, 2012 12:58 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Yup.

by Michael_Necci on Jan 5, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions

hopefully.

If not Tannehill,

Jeffery or Perry/Montgomery

Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)

1st Round Targets: Courtney Upshaw 3-4 OLB, Alshon Jeffery WR, David DeCastro OG, Justin Blackmon WR, Ryan Tannehill QB, Sam Montgomery 3-4 OLB
2nd Round Targets: Jared Crick (3-4DE & 4-3LDE), Melvin Ingram 3-4OLB, Kirk Cousins QB

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 5, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

???????

Call me crazy, but I could see him as a hybrid tight end at the next level.

by Catfanatic1979v1 on Jan 5, 2012 1:20 PM EST reply actions

You're crazy.

If anything he is gonna lose probably 10-15 pounds. He said recently he is gonna work on his speed and quickness, which will result in a loss in weight.

by flash_kiley on Jan 5, 2012 2:09 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

i don't think he is crazy

I fits the WR/TE type mold. Shannon Sharp / Aaron Hernandez type player. With a little Calvin Johnson type skill in those Jump ball situations.

He is just a good player that gets open and if you throw it too him he makes a play.

by Shankdiddy on Jan 5, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions

Those are TE/WRs, not WR, TEs

by jkp1516 on Jan 5, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions

Disagree about him being a TE

He will line up on the outside to create CB mismatches with his size, not in the slot or as a TE. I think he will be a wrecking ball in the NFL & will be at a Pro-bowl level within a couple of years if he finally ends up with a QB that can get the ball to him.

by ENsDad27 on Jan 5, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

you're nuts.

Jeffrey’s a Plaxico Burress type WR without the annoying.

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Jan 6, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

Jaguars - Draft this beast

7th overall, please do it. He will be a stud #1 WR, his quote about how he wants to be like Fitz, Megatron, & Dre makes him scary.

Gabbert to Jeffery, TOUCHDOWN!

by jagzman04 on Jan 5, 2012 2:44 PM EST reply actions

Gabbert to Anybody for a touchdown is a miracle.

Ron Paul 2012

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 5, 2012 2:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 3 recs

Eh, as much as he sucked he really has no one to throw to.

Da'Jon McKnight - WR (Minnesota) - 6'3'' 211Lbs. (5th Round)

by NordicBillsfan on Jan 5, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Coming from a Bills fan? lol thats funny. Losman sure was great, & I bet you guys are glad you have “Fitz-no-such-thing-as-magic” that huge contract.

by jagzman04 on Jan 13, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions

Wanna be like Andre?

Play under Andre. I would love to see this guy as a Texan.

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

Our Andre, who art from Heaven, hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Canton.

by Joe25 on Jan 5, 2012 6:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Amen.

Praying he falls to us in the draft.

by Slightly Obsessed on Jan 5, 2012 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

All the way to the 32nd pick? I dunno about that ;)

Go Texans (love rooting for the underdog)!

Ron Paul 2012

by BuffaloBlueBlood on Jan 6, 2012 1:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Carolina

will grab him if he’s still on the board. Before a lot of injury problems this season (nagging shoulder), Alshon was every bit the receiver Julio and AJ Green were. He definitely can drop 10-15 lbs pretty easily b/c he is soft (or at least looked soft in the bowl game).

That said, Dwayne Jarrett may scare us away from any receiver like Alshon w/ questionable work ethics

by LeventiJ on Jan 6, 2012 2:05 PM EST reply actions