It seems every year there are a number of players that go way too early in the NFL Draft and never live up to the monstrous expectations placed upon them by teams and fans.

I don’t foresee that changing in the 2012 Draft, so keep reading to see who is for real and who is likely going to disappoint their franchise when all is said and done.

 

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

Luck is a bona fide star and the closest thing to a can’t miss prospect in this draft.

2. St. Louis Rams (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

He’s certainly a reach at No. 2, but he’s going to be an effective NFL player and is vastly underrated by many pundits.

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

Kalil is a franchise tackle sure to make a difference on whatever team selects him.

4. Cleveland Browns (2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Browns, or whichever team selects RGIII, are making a huge mistake this early.

Griffin has a ton of upside, but he’s not a top-five or even top-ten prospect.

Cleveland is aware they need a franchise QB, but swinging and missing on one this early in the draft can be more devastating than not having one at all.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

This is insane value and a perfect fit for a future-star running back.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Tannehill has somehow found himself near the top of the draft despite a subpar body of work in college.

This is a classic case of upside and hype clouding a team’s judgment and it will come back to haunt them.

There are so many more players available at No. 6 and Tannehill is not even close to being worth a pick here or anywhere in the first-round.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Best defensive player available will immediately contribute.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC 

This pass-rusher has yet to prove he can handle being double-teamed and wasn’t nearly the force he was expected to be in 2011.

However, teams fall in love with guys who are 6’6”, 285-pounds and just 21 years old.

Coples isn’t talented enough to be a top-ten pick, but some crazy team will gamble and come up short with him regardless.

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

Will protect the ‘Fins QB—when they get one.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Impact pass-rusher helps turn the Bills back into winners soon.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The NFC West is only going to grow stronger at the QB position, which is why Seattle needs to figure out how to sack them. Ingram is the best player to do that.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Pure, instinctive linebacker who makes up for his lack of athleticism with knowledge.

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

The Cards must get serious about the ground game.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Best interior lineman in the draft.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Match made in heaven for Philadelphia—finally gives them a big receiver to target down field.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Monster guard will assist the Jets in reigniting its rushing attack.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Insane value for a lengthy corner that was going in the top-ten before his drug arrest.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Chargers continue to target pass-rushers and need to hit on one in 2012. They’ve been struggling to find an elite OLB/DE since Shawne Merriman fell apart.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Bolsters the Bears painfully weak line.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Needs some time to be coached up but has the most potential of any DT in the class.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Ideal replacement for Cedric Benson, if he leaves in free agency.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Cleveland is looking to overhaul their offense and adding a dynamic playmaker in the backfield can’t hurt.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Super-skilled but oft-troubled, Jenkins is worth the risk at No. 23.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Most NFL-ready DT can contribute immediately in Pittsburgh.

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

Can play anywhere along the line and becomes part of a young Broncos’ defense looking for bodies.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Texans secondary made massive strides in 2011-12 and can only get better with this selection.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Bill Belichick is hoping Wright can become the deep threat the team has missed since Randy Moss’ departure.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Extremely physical corner fits Packers’ system.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Baltimore needs a young lineman to add depth to an aging unit.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Overrated WR is finally falling down big boards. He cannot create separation or get jump balls the way a player of his size should.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Helps a New England secondary that was absolutely disgusting last season.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Another weapon for Eli Manning and the Super Bowl champs.

 

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine