2012 NFL Mock Draft: Will Alshon Jeffery Be the First Wide Receiver Selected?

2012 NFL mock drafts are starting to come in, because the reality is us football fans still can't help salivating about next season's draft class even when the National Football League is mired in a lockout.

If a collective bargaining agreement isn't agreed upon by April 2012, there is no provision allowing for the 2012 NFL Draft, but I think it's safe to say if no progress has been made by then, the world as we know it will have already descended into chaos.

But, because we are optimistic people here at Bleacher Report, we've decided to preview the potential 2012 draft class regardless of the NFL lockout, and pretend we aren't thoroughly depressed by the state of affairs thus far.

So here's to joy around the world.

One receiver who could bring joy to whichever NFL team drafts him next season is South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery, who is currently being pegged as the preeminent receiver in next year's draft class.

As a sophomore with the Gamecocks last season, Jeffery posted totals of 1,517 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches.

He's already shown the ability to rise to the occasion, with huge games against Auburn and Alabama last season, as well as a nine-catch, 130-yard performance against Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

For a look at the rest of the draft class, including top talents Andrew Luck of Stanford and Quinton Coples of North Carolina, follow along, fellow NFL fans.