Which 2012 Draftees Are Due Mega Deals At The End Of The Year? By Michael Quinn August 04, 2014 2:54 pm 
If $115M sounds like a lot of money, well, that's because it is.Some may think Dalton, who's never won a Playoff game in his career, doesn't deserve such a lucrative deal. However his 80 TD's in only three seasons sits well with the Bengals front office, considering he's one of only three QB's to reach that achievement.Whether you agree or not with that ridiculous contract, isn't the point of this article. Instead, I want to take a look into some of the rising stars who are next in line to see their bank account explode.
Linebacker: Vontaze Burfict, Cincinatti Bengals This list was originally going to be all quarterbacks, but it's impossible to keep some of the other guys off this list.Vontaze Burfict is one of those guys.Like all the players on this list, Burfict is a member of the 2012 draft class. The only problem? He was never selected in the 2012 draft.Prior to draft weekend, every team had questions about the ASU star. From off the field issues to having constant problems with authority figures, he seemed like more of a distraction than a star.After going through the entire draft process without hearing his name called, Burfict was picked up by the Bengals almost immediately after it ended.That move by the team would wind up sky-rocketing them into a top NFL defense as Burfict became one of the leagues top tacklers by 2013.Heading into 2014, like the rest of the 2012 draftees, Burfict is looking at a contract year. If he plays lights out and comes close to leading the league in tackles, I wouldn't question any deal the Bengals gave him. 
Quarterback: Nick Foles, Philadelphia EaglesSome are likely on the fence about Nick Foles making this list. After a jaw-dropping 2013 (27 TD's, 2 INT's) most critics doubt Foles can duplicate his performance for 2014.He doesn't need to do that to get a big deal though.If Foles can put together a respectable season (maybe be the first Eagles QB to surpass 4K yards?), and finish all 16 games, he'll get his deal.Plus, if he can get his team into the Playoffs again, I would certainly put his deal into the $100M range.
Linebacker: LaVonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers At only 24 years of age, LaVonte David has gotten quite a few comparisons to HOFer Derrick Brooks.That might seem a little pre-mature, but if you look at his 2013 stats, it's easy to see why he got the praise he did.In the NFC South, where the Buccaneers have to face offensive powerhouses like the Saints, Panthers and the Falcons (usually), David totaled 145 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and somehow managed 5 interceptions.If David keeps playing the way he is, not only will he get the contract he wants, he could propel his team to the Playoffs for the first time since 2007.
Wide Receiver: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears The Bears have the best receiving core in the NFL. There, I said it.After a terrible 2013 filled with injuries and offensive woes, Roddy White and Julio Jones no longer hold that title.Instead, the "best duo award" goes to the combo of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery as they easily surpassed 2000 receiving yards between the two of them.Of course Brandon Marshall is no doubt a top 10 wideout, but his counterpart, Alshon Jeffery, is a top 5 wideout.In 2013 he took the league by storm when he caught only 89 balls for 1,421 yards and 7 TD's.Most of his amazing play came during clutch-time, when he was solely responsible for 2 or 3 of the teams' wins.Whether or not he lines up at the No.1 spot, it wouldn't be a shock to see Jeffery top his 2013 numbers.By the end of the 2014 season, expect Jeffery to get paid like a top 5 wideout should
Linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers All hail the NFL's best linebacker.Ok that might be a bit of a stretch, but is it really? Yes, it's hard to forget about Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman, but Kuechly is right behind them in terms of elite(ness?).In just two years, Kuechly has 320 tackles and six interceptions. The guy is a straight up workhorse.Every defense needs an anchor, and Kuechly is no doubt that guy. Entering the prime of his career, don't expect No.59 to fall from grace anytime soon.The best has yet to come.
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Seattle SeahawksMost expect Russell Wilson to get the $100M contract just because he won a Super Bowl. AKA the Joe Flacco treatment.While that's probably true, he's earned it far beyond that. At only 25 years old, Wilson is one of the smarter and more athletic QB's in the league.He can read a defense in a split second, yet has unbelievable pocket presence.As long as 2014 is on par with the last few years, don't be surprised when Wilson's deal blows away Andy Dalton's deal.
Quarterback: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts.Andrew Luck has been in the '$100M contract' talk since his freshman year of college.Everyone knows he'll eventually get the deal, we just wonder how massive it will be.Two years into replacing Peyton Manning, Luck has done an amazing job. He's totaled over 8,000 yards and has yet to miss a game.If he pushes the Colts to another Playoff appearance, I can't even imagine what the team would be willing to pay him.Who knows, we could be looking at the future highest-paid player in the NFL.
Just Missed The List These guys are right out of the "mega" conversation. They could change that with an amazing 2014, but let's just play it safe and put them in the Mega (mini) column. 1. Robert Griffin III, QB - After a disappointing 2013, RG3 is fighting an uphill battle. His critics have plenty to say, but his team still believes in him. The youngster certainly has age on his side. (Estimate: 5 year/$95M)2. Alfred Morris, RB - Morris is due for a contract extension, no question. No one expected the 6th-round pick from Florida-Atlantic University to turn into a top 10 back, but he's right there. (Estimate: 5-year/$24M)3. T.Y. Hilton, WR - For all the good Andrew Luck has done for the Colts, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton certainly deserves some of the credit. He's got unmatched game-breaking speed, and is one of the cleanest route-runners there is. Expect big things from the little guy in 2014. (Estimate: 5 year/$47M)4. Brandon Boykin, CB: The funny thing about the Eagles defense, their best player is a rotational player. Brandon Boykin isn't technically a starter, but he's regarded as the leagues best slot CB. His size is supposedly the only thing keeping him from an outside role. With the way he plays though, it might be impossible to keep him from it. (Estimate: 4 year/$20M)link
