2012 NFL Mock Draft: Studs Who Are Trending Down

With both the NFL and college football seasons staring at us in the rearview mirror, our eyes have turned forward to the NFL Combine, which will eventually take us to the 2012 NFL Draft.

Since the college season began, players' stocks have been changing constantly as the weeks have passed by. Depending on their play, how things are looking in the league and other outside factors can cause a change in any player's value.

Now, things such as their combine results and how they have looked since the season ended will factor into the value they have heading into the draft.

The following is a breakdown of the first round of the 2012 draft and which players (in Italics) have been trending in the wrong direction.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

Things haven't changed much here, as Cardinal quarterback Luck is still the clear favorite pick to be taken No. 1 overall. The bigger question lies in four-time MVP QB Peyton Manning and what his future holds with the Colts' organization.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

Former Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Blackmon is still the top wide receiver in this draft.

While he sits behind other players in terms of stock, he is still my pick for the Rams. They need a wide receiver to team up with Sam Bradford, and new head coach Jeff Fisher would really get things started on the right foot by acquiring a huge playmaker in the first round.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

Kalil is still a Top Three guy in this draft. While offensive tackle isn't a sexy pick, the Trojans lineman will add some much-needed protection for second-year quarterback Cristian Ponder.

Kalil will be an instant starter the team can insert into their starting line.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

When you are the Heisman Trophy winner who threw for 4,293 yards with 37 touchdowns—not to mention just six picks—your stock isn't going anywhere but up.

Many people have Griffin tagged at No. 4 in this draft, and it seems like a safe spot with Luck going No. 1 and neither of the previous teams needing a passer. The Browns could be in trouble, though, if a team like the Redskins makes a move to get either the No. 2 or 3 pick to grab elusive QB from Baylor.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

Despite their team dropping the BCS title game, Tigers cornerback Morris Claiborne is standing steady at the top. The team still had a strong defensive showing against the Crimson Tide, even though their offense was in shambles during that matchup.

In my mind, Claiborne is a nice fit with the Buccaneers, and he easily addresses their aging position at cornerback.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

The Redskins have a lot of needs—most importantly quarterback.

I see them making a hard push to land RGIII, but if they fail to do so, they will play if safe by selecting the Gamecocks' defensive end, Melvin Ingram. This would be a huge jump for him, but the team could use some youth and talent on the front line of their defense.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

The Jaguars' biggest need in this draft is getting some offensive weapons for quarterback Blaine Gabbart, but honestly, none of the wide receivers are worth taking at this spot.

With that, the team can always use something more on defense, so landing the Tar Heels' elusive defensive end will help boost this team on the other side of the ball.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

The Panthers have pretty much all the pieces on offense, so now is the time to start adding the pieces to make the defense much stronger.

LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers has been jumping up the boards over the last few weeks, and he is now looking like a Top 10 pick. This would be a safe bet for the Panthers.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10): : Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Formerly, I had Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin in this spot, but Reiff has been a better tackle this past season despite playing for a worse team.

The Dolphins will want to bring in the best pieces to protect whomever they end up with under center, so selecting the Hawkeyes' stud tackle is the team's best option.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

The Bills' defense was pretty bad last season, so they will be looking to grab whatever big contributing pieces they can.

Crimson Tide linebacker Upshaw is a guy the team just can't pass on, as he has the athleticism and ability to help transform this defense the minute he arrives.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly (MLB)

The one major flaw the Chiefs have is a legitimate quarterback. They have a great defense, and plenty of offensive weapons in wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (if they re-sign him) and running back Jamal Charles.

With that said, the team will likely look to add another defensive specialist. Adding a linebacker like Kuechly will put the Chiefs' defense in an even better position in 2012.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

Many will question me having Trent Richardson falling this far into the draft, but the only reason I see all the other teams passing on him is because they all lack a need in running back. There is no doubt that Richardson is a game-changer, but the Crimson Tide back just doesn't address the needs of any of the previously mentioned teams.

Instead, I see Richardson being a perfect complement—or substitute—to running back Marshawn Lynch. The Seahawks would likely love to bring Lynch back, but he may have such a high asking price that the team may just find it unfeasible to sign him.

Lynch has certainly seen a boost in his numbers and reputation since joining the Seahawks, but he can always be a liability. If the Seahawks move on from Lynch, I see them playing it safe and moving up to get Richardson. If they keep him, I can still see him falling this far considering what other teams need.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

Previously, Hawkeyes offensive tackle Reiff sat in this spot, but as weeks have gone on, Martin's stock has fallen; now he sits here with the Cardinals.

The former Stanford OT will be able to get himself into the starting lineup right away since the Cardinals will be looking to add any sort of protection to their rotation of starting quarterbacks. Martin has many veteran traits and will be able to help the offense succeed right away.

He will also be a great addition for running back Beanie Wells, as we all know from last season that he can make some big plays when he is given any sort of opening.

Martin likely won't drop any more than this, and he is really a steal for Arizona since he was previously Top 10 talent.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

It will remain to be seen what the Cowboys will target in this year's draft, as they have plenty of needs on both offense and defense. If Cardinal offensive guard DeCastro is still available at this point, he would certainly be a nice addition to protect quarterback Tony Romo. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

With offensive weapons already in place, the Eagles will be putting all their focus on defense. After having a troublesome rush-defense in 2011, the team will be looking to add some serious playmakers up the middle.

Still has fallen the last couple weeks, but he is still the team's best option when it comes to defensive tackle.

The Eagles will certainly be able to bolster one of their biggest issues from a season ago with this pick, as Still will be a safe pick to help turn Philadelphia's front line around.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)

The Jets will be looking to add some additional help to their offensive line, as quarterback Mark Sanchez will be in need of some increased protection.

Ohio State offensive tackle Adams is a solid piece the team can add and insert into the lineup right away.

17. Cincinnati Bengals, from Oakland (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

The Bengals have their team rolling in the right direction, so the only thing they can look to do now is add some pieces to their offensive line to increase protection for quarterback Andy Dalton and whomever is playing running back.

Adding a guy like Glenn will be a huge boost to this team's offense and should make them even more productive in 2012.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Janoris Jenkins CB (Northern Alabama)

The Chargers' defense is just getting older, so they should be looking to add a playmaking defensive back to the mix. The man who fits the bill is Northern Alabama's cornerback Jenkins. He is from a smaller school, but the former Florida Gator is still considered to be a top cornerback in this year's draft.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

The Bears don't just need a wide receiver—they need one with size.

At 6'3" and 229 lbs, Fighting Irish wide receiver Floyd fits the bill. The Bears would finally have that wide receiver threat to team with quarterback Jay Cutler, which could help put this Bears team in position to win again in 2012.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Nick Perry, DE (USC)

The Titans will be looking to address plenty of holes in this year's draft, but one place where they can start is with the defensive line.

Trojans defensive end Nick Perry is a solid lineman who is athletic and can get inside and attack the backfield. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Mark Barron, S (Alabama)

The Bengals will be looking to continue bolstering their defense with young talent, and there is no better pick at this spot than Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron. 

Barron has fallen despite being the best safety in this year's draft because the position isn't the highest need for many teams, considering what is left on the board.

With Barron, the Bengals will get a replenished talent in their secondary, who should be able to spell some time in the beginning to potentially take over toward season's end.

22. Cleveland Browns, from Atlanta (10-6): Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

If the Browns do take RGIII earlier in the first round, selecting his counterpart in Bears wide receiver Wright seems like a logical choice; the two combined for 108 receptions of 1,663 yards with 14 TDs.

The Browns will hope that magic will translate to the NFL.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)

With the Lions secondary continuing to get older , the addition of a cornerback like the Cornhuskers' Dennard will help to add some youth to Jim Schwartz' defense. Dennard is still one of the top cornerbacks in this draft, despite there being a boatload of options for teams.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

The Steelers are always in need of adding younger defensive options, so Tigers defensive tackle Dontari Poe is a no-brainer here.

It will remain to be seen if they would turn to him during his rookie season, but if not, the team has plenty of veterans who can help shape him for many seasons to come.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

With the draft being invaded by defensive tackles, Bulldogs stud Cox has continued to slip in terms of his stock. He is a strong lineman who would only improve this Broncos' defense.

They already have a nice mix of veterans and young guns, so they should only become stronger through the addition of a tackle with the caliber of Cox's.

He may still get some interest from earlier picks, but with the increased depth of this position in the draft, Cox may be the one who suffers to fall the farthest.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)

The Texans have some questions to answer on each side of the ball, but at this spot in the draft, the team cannot risk passing up on the Gamecocks' Alshon Jeffery.

With quarterback Matt Schaub at the helm, the addition of Jeffery to complement wideout Andre Johnson and running back Arian Foster would only make this offense even more elite.

27. New England Patriots (13-3): Jerel Worthy, DT (MSU)

Offense doesn't seem to be the issue for the Patriots, but defense and age continue to be the problem.

With the Patriots having two first-round picks, they will need to address their first pick to add some youth to the defensive tackle position. Worthy out of MSU is an excellent pickup for coach Bill Belichick, as he can begin to rebuild his defensive line.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Since the end of the draft, Kirkpatrick has been falling in terms of stock. He got in trouble for possession of marijuana, so now he runs the risk of being a liability.

With the Packers having all their options on offense fulfilled, they should be looking to bolster this secondary, which was their weakest spot last season.

Adding a guy like Kirkpatrick would potentially give the Packers a player with huge upside to pair with Charles Woodson, not to mention Kirkpatrick could take on the role after Woodson steps away from the game.

Kirkpatrick is coming off a great performance against LSU in the title game, so there is definitely plenty of reasons to take him. His stock has just dropped from personal choices and not his ability to do things on the field.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Vontaze Burfict, LB (Arizona State)

While Burfict is this low, the Sun Devils' middle linebacker fell this far quite some time ago.

Many envision Burfict as the perfect successor to Ray Lewis in Baltimore, so there is no reason that the Ravens should pass him up. He may be labeled as a troublesome piece right now, but that isn't anything Lewis can't fix.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Rueben Randle, WR (LSU)

This is a riskier pick, but the 49ers are in serious need of a wide receiver. They could fulfill that need with Randle, while also banking on Michael Crabtree finally coming to the forefront of the offense.

If they can get solid production out of both these guys as well as tight end Vernon Davis, this offense will continue to be troublesome for defenses for seasons to come.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Andre Branch, LB (Clemson)

The Patriots will continue replenishing their defense by adding Tigers stud linebacker Branch.

After the way the Super Bowl went, this team knows they must address their defense. It wouldn't be unprecedented for Belichick to move these picks, but they may be too big of needs for him to continue wheeling and dealing.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

The one glaring hole in the Giants' offense was tight end. They haven't had a solid option since Kevin Boss left the scene, so adding Cardinal TE Fleener would bolster quarterback Eli Manning's arsenal even more.

This past season, Fleener had 34 receptions for 667 yards and 10 TDs. With anything close to that, the Giants will once again be a dangerous team on offense for 2012.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.