2012 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Predictions with Pro Day Schedules

The NFL Combine is all wrapped up, and as we move from the pressures of Indianapolis, many prospects will now prepare to show off their skills at their school's pro day. 

A chance for prospects to take advantage of the comforts of home coaching, staff and facilities, many players can see their stock shift from their final performances for scouts.

With that in mind, it's time for another mock draft to show how the first round could go. Like last time, this mock draft does not attempt to predict the likely trading that will take place throughout the opening round. 

There are few changes from my last mock draft, with the major switch being the inclusion of Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who I somehow left off my initial list (in retrospect, it doesn't make sense to me either).

Here are the predictions for the first round of the NFL Draft, with each potential pick's scheduled pro day.

1) Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

The consensus No. 1 pick for months now, Andrew Luck didn't disappoint in his combine performance.

While known for his passing abilities, Luck's athleticism was the highlight of his combine performance. His 40-yard dash time of 4.59 was one of the best for the position, and comparable to last year's No. 1 pick, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

The Colts will be very happy with their new man under center.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

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

There is plenty of speculation on how the St. Louis Rams could move this pick to a team desperate for quarterback Robert Griffin III. Both the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins would make excellent destinations, but Cleveland has the better picks this year to make something happen. For its part, Washington appears to be willing to give up much more for Griffin.

Either way, they should pull in a king's ransom of picks.

However, if the Rams stay at No. 2, they should be in good shape with wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He fills an immediate need and would bring good value in a weaker draft for wide receivers.  

Scheduled Pro Day: March 9

3) Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (University of Southern California)

Even Matt Kalil (pictured) seems bored with the wait. He is without a doubt the best offensive line prospect in the draft and would be a starter for the Minnesota Vikings for at least the next 10 years.

This is as much of a no-brainer as a draft pick can be.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

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

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III is an excellent quarterback and will have plenty of suitors for his skills at the No. 2 pick.

In a hypothetical world without trades, he would be the obvious pick of the Cleveland Browns at No. 4. They haven't had a great quarterback in years (no offense, Colt McCoy), and by drafting Griffin they would get a player who could start almost right away. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 21

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

He didn't perform in any of the drills during the combine, but Alabama running back Trent Richardson has shown through his play that he'll be an immediate contributor for whoever grabs him.

He would be a nice addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who would be able to pair him with their more bruising back LeGarrette Blount. The pairing would immediately become one of the fiercest one-two rushing attacks in the league.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

6) Washington Redskins: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

The Washington Redskins could use more talent in its defensive secondary, and they will be set up pretty nicely if they grab LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

While he may not have been the top performer in every drill at the combine, he showed enough to prove he will be an immediate contributor to any defensive coverage scheme. 

Again, the Redskins may also be major contenders for the No. 2 pick to grab Robert Griffin III.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

7) Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of needs to fill, but they would do very well in snagging North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples.

He has been criticized for his perceived lack of effort, but Coples' size and versatility should make him into a dominant force for a defensive line in need of help from all positions.

If he can continue the kind of performance that made him a Senior Bowl standout, the Jaguars will be happy they picked him.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 20

8) Miami Dolphins, Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff may not have long enough arms to impress some scouts, but it will not be a reach for the Miami Dolphins to grab him with the No. 8 pick.

His perceived deficiencies shouldn't take away from what we already know about him. He has fantastic athleticism and excellent strength and he is prepared to handle a pro-style offense. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 19

9) Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram rose in the minds of many evaluators with an excellent combine performance.

Like Quinton Coples, Ingram is a versatile pass-rusher that should create a lot of problems for opposing offensive lines. 

In some ways, he has been labeled as the safer pick, which should be encouraging for a Carolina Panthers squad in desperate need of defensive contributors.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 28

10) Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

A major performer for one of the best defenses in college football history, Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw has all the physicality and intelligence necessary for the next level.

If he falls all the way to the No. 10 pick held by the Buffalo Bills, he'll find a team thrilled to put him to use right away. The Bills were often lacking in the middle of the field and could get some great value out of Upshaw's skill set.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

11) Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

The Kansas City Chiefs would like some extra protection to cover their quarterback Matt Cassell, and offensive Jonathan Martin brings a lot of value at the No. 11 pick.

He has the experience necessary to hang in a pro-style offense and has a great pairing of size and strength that will make him an immediate contributor in Kansas City.

He may not be the top tackle in the draft, as he might like to claim, but he will be an excellent player in the NFL.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

12) Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

A tackling machine like few others, Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly will be an immediate contributor to the Seattle Seahawks, who can grab him with the No. 12 pick.

He proved his worth with an excellent combine performance, which was noticed by several squads. Unfortunately for them, the Seahawks will get their man.

He will join a defense in desperate need of some extra muscle toward the middle of the field. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 21

13) Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

With Ohio State offensive lineman Mike Adams falling down the draft board following a lackluster combine performance, the Arizona Cardinals will grab Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro with the No. 13 pick.

Pairing with Jonathan Martin to make one of the best line tandems in college football, he will be an instant spark plug for a Cardinals offense desperate for some more protection for their big investment, quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

14) Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

The Dallas Cowboys secondary was a major problem area in 2011. They could do some major rebuilding in that area of the field with the selection of Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick with the No. 14 pick.

He has quality (if not elite) speed, great awareness and exceptional hands.

However, his selection does provide some red flags—most worrisome is his marijuana arrest in January (even if the charges were dropped).

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

15) Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, ILB (Alabama)

Let's be honest: The Philadelphia Eagles were beyond terrible at the linebacker position last season. It was a major weakness for a defense solid at both the line and the secondary.

However, they could do themselves some major favors with the selection of Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower with the No. 15 pick.

He has the right mix of size and speed to contribute immediately. If he could understand the complex schemes of coach Nick Saban, he should do fine in Philadelphia.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

16) New York Jets: Cordy Glenn, G/T (Georgia)

Solidifying his first-round placement with an excellent combine performance, Georgia's Cordy Glenn should be a great fit for a New York Jets team that will look to run the ball more in 2012.

Glenn has the speed to block where needed, and he also provides the size and strength necessary to hold down the fort on passing downs.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 5

17) Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders): Janoris Jenkins,CB (North Alabama)

Yes, there are plenty of question marks about the character of cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

He's admitted it himself. He has four kids. He has multiple arrests and a failed drug test. 

However, he has major talent, as he showed during the combine and the Senior Bowl. Also, the Cincinnati Bengals have shown an ability to oversee character flaws to get the guy they want.

They'll find a lot of value with Jenkins if they grab him with the No. 17 pick (as long as Jenkins can stay out of trouble).

Scheduled Pro Day: March 8

18) San Diego Chargers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

One of the best performers of the entire combine, Memphis defensive tackle showed an impressive array of talents in his combine workout. His performance should put to bed any complaints of not facing elite talent.

While it would be amazing to see him fall this far, he wouldn't get past the San Diego Chargers at the No. 18 pick. The team's defense is in need of pass-rushers, and Poe would provide an immediate boost to the defensive line.

His signing could also allow for the exit of veteran nose tackle Antonio Garay.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

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

The Chicago Bears are in desperate need of blockers to protect their oft-sacked quarterback Jay Cutler. The best talent left for the position would be Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams.

He has great size and, when healthy, he can be effective blocking down the field.

However, the Bears should be concerned about his fitness levels, especially after his less than stellar performance at the combine. Adams will have to hope the Bears like what they see from his game footage to make him their man. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 9

20) Tennessee Titans: Nick Perry, DE/OLB (University of Southern California)

USC defensive end and linebacker Nick Perry impressed many with a solid workout, with one writer calling the performance "a workout for the ages."

Given this praise, his talents will most likely be sought out by the Tennessee Titans at the No. 20 spot.

The Titans fell short last year in generating anything that could be considered a pass rush. Adding Perry would be an immediate boost for the whole defensive unit.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

The Cincinnati Bengals could use a possession receiver to go with the speedy A.J. Green, who they scooped up with last year's first-round pick. They'll find a great option in Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.

While there are some character issues to worry about with Floyd, he brings to the table great athleticism and sure hands. 

It would also serve as another high-quality weapon for second-year quarterback Andy Dalton. 

Scheduled Pro Day: April 3

22) Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)

If this pick still belongs to the Cleveland Browns (they will likely give it up to make a move for the second pick), they could find some value at wide receiver.

One such option would be South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery. A solid producer despite less-than-solid quarterback play in college, he surprised many by coming into the combine leaner than expected.

While he didn't show what the weight loss meant by skipping the 40-yard dash, the fact he's leaner has to be a positive sign. He'll need a solid performance at his school's pro day to justify this spot in later mock drafts.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 28

23) Detroit Lions: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)

The Detroit Lions secondary was lacking in a major way last year. As a result, the cornerback and safety positions will be top priorities in the draft's early going.

The Lions could make off like bandits if they can snag Alabama safety Mark Barron. Coaches love watching him play, he's a natural leader and he has no known character issues.

The only thing pushing him this far back is a double-hernia surgery he underwent after the national championship in January. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go come draft time.  

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

24) Pittsburgh Steelers: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

The Pittsburgh Steelers could use some fresh legs in their defense. With the No. 24 pick, they could look at Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still.

While he is a great pairing of size and game awareness, Still was a bit of a disappointment in combine exercises.

However, if Still can turn it around at his pro day, there could be a great value for the Steelers in keeping the Nittany Lion standout in the state.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 14

25) Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

The Denver Broncos need some help at the defensive line to get toward opposing quarterbacks, and they may have luck if they could get LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers.

While Brockers showed a lot of impressive attributes and game readiness this past season, his performance at the combine showed he may not be a top-10 pick. He showed a lack of strength and athleticism in some of the test events, and ran slower than nearly everyone at his position in the 40-yard dash.

However, if the Broncos are willing to spend some time developing him, Brockers could have a lot of upside. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

26) Houston Texans: Rueben Randle, WR (LSU)

The Houston Texans showed some weaknesses in their passing game when superstar Andre Johnson was away. They could use some additional support to add depth to the position.

With that in mind, LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle could be the one on the Texans' minds as they make the No. 26 pick. He has great size and a very fluid motion, and his hand-eye coordination was complimented by many who saw him work out.

He should be able to prove himself and improve his draft ranking when he works out at LSU's upcoming pro day.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22

27) New England Patriots (from Saints): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

The New England Patriots like smart players. They might find some great value in Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus.

Not only does he have great size and strength, as proven in his solid workouts, but he has a lot of confidence about himself and self-assurance as he goes through the draft process.

Those last traits were clearly highlighted as I was reading his journal about his combine workout experience, which he wrote up for the Chicago Tribune.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 6

28) Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

The Green Bay Packers could use a versatile defender at the line, and they may have their man in Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry. 

In addition to having some great measurables, Curry put together a very solid day at the combine, running a very competitive 40-yard dash time.

He may also show some versatility if he can show some more speed in his pro day, by being able to slide to linebacker.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 13

29) Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C (Wisconsin)

Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk is 36. While he may not appear to have lost a step, Birk's age would suggest it could be a good idea to grab his heir apparent.

They'll get some good value out of Wisconsin center Peter Konz. He has a great mix of size and speed for the position, and demonstrates a real comfort in leading an offensive line unit.

His versatility could allow him to play guard as Birk plays out what many are considering his final season in the league. 

Scheduled Pro Day: March 7

30) San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

The San Francisco 49ers could use a speed threat to push the field for the offense. They might have their guy in Georgia Tech standout Stephen Hill.

While there are some concerns (mainly his hands, but also his time in a triple-option offense), his speed and combine times could be the difference. His 4.36 time in the 40-yard dash was the fastest among wide receivers.

However, the Niners may want to be careful when grabbing a receiver this late in the first round. Their last wide receiver pick near this point of the draft, Oklahoma State's Rashaun Woods in 2004, was less than a non-factor in the team's plans.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 6

31) New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi St.)

The New England Patriots and their head coach Bill Belichick value versatility over almost any other quality. In that case, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is their man.

Not only does he have great size and athleticism, he has the ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line. He should be an excellent contributor for a defense in need of some extra help rushing opposing quarterbacks.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 8

32) New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

The New York Giants might want to grab a tight end early, as they lost both of their starters to nasty ACL injuries during the Super Bowl.

They'll get good value from Stanford tight end Coby Fleener. A great combination of size and athleticism, he also has a pretty solid hands. He could be a contributor from day one.

Scheduled Pro Day: March 22