With players now declared for the 2012 NFL draft, it's worth it to get an early look at the talent hierarchy headed into next season across college football.
What you'll see below are the players who could have opted for the 2012 draft, but instead will return to college as seniors for next season. Many of these guys will be topped in the 2013 NFL draft by rising sophomores who will become draft-eligible juniors, but a number of these guys could be first-round picks next season. Bottom line, it's a group to keep an eye on both for draft and college football fans as we move into the 2012 season.
More Kiper NFL draft content:
Mock Draft 1.0 | Big Board | Top 5s: 2012 draft | Returnees | Regrading '11 draft