2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting Pro Bowl Potential for Every First Round Pick

The NFL draft is the time of the year for teams to get a chance to find their starters and the league to see its future stars in the making.

That was definitely the case with the draft class of 2011, which turned several rookies into Pro Bowl team members (including quarterbacks Cam Newton and Andy Dalton).

This leads us to the question: Who will be able to repeat the feat?

Here are the Pro Bowl odds for each potential first-round pick. 

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

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will likely be given the starting job for the Indianapolis Colts immediately after the team takes him with their No. 1 pick. 

However, the Colts have been doing a lot of clearing to their roster, meaning they may not be good enough to boost a Luck Pro Bowl bid for a few years.

One positive sign: Peyton Manning was able to do a major jump in both his own stats and the team's record in his second year, leading a 10-game turnaround. 

Colts fans have to be crossing their fingers that they will see that kind of quick turnaround with Luck.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 35 percent

2) Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

Like Andrew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III has all the skills necessary to be a star in the NFL.

He's likely to be the second overall pick for the Washington Redskins after they moved up several spots to grab him. 

While the Redskins must address their porous offensive line, the team's willingness to sign some extra talent for Griffin to throw to (I really like the recent signing of wide receiver Josh Morgan) should be seen as a good sign.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 35 percent

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

The Minnesota Vikings' likely pick, offensive tackle Matt Kalil, is the real deal.

While it may take about three to four years for name recognition to build up for a Pro Bowl entry, his immediate placement as a starter and his impressive physical attributes should make him the name people hype up enough to enhance his overall outlook.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 45 percent

4) Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

The all-around favorite defensive player of the draft class, LSU's Morris Claiborne should be the likely pick for a Cleveland Browns team that could definitely use some extra help in their secondary.

Unfortunately, bad teams have a way of not sending along too many Pro Bowlers. While the Browns should be a little better in 2012 and beyond, I'm not sure they're going to be legitimate playoff contenders in a time frame that would be helpful for Claiborne.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 25 percent

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma St.)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be getting a great value if they were to grab wide receiver Justin Blackmon with the No. 5 pick.

Paired with new signing Vincent Jackson, they could create a formidable receiving pair similar to their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons. 

Unfortunately for Blackmon, if that were the case, it could be tough for him to distinguish himself when he's not even the top receiver on his own team. However, if Jackson's play were to dip, it wouldn't be too big of a surprise to see Blackmon take over as the Bucs leading receiver.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

6) St. Louis Rams: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

It may take a few years for him to take enough carries on his own to justify a Pro Bowl bid (he plays behind current Pro Bowler Steven Jackson), but Trent Richardson has the potential to be a big star in the league.

Jackson's injury history suggests that Richardson could get some carries at some point during his rookie campaign.

Should he take advantage of his opportunity, it could definitely make an impression with fans and voters.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

Quinton Coples could be a good fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars at the No. 7 spot, as his size and versatility would work with a team in need of help across the defense. 

However, there are some concerns about having a low work ethic—a trait that would not endear him to voters.

The lousy play of the Jaguars could end up hindering his chances as well.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

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

As the likely second overall offensive line pick of this draft, Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff will probably be overlooked in the shuffle of offensive lineman. 

Reiff will have to play out of his mind to get the recognition necessary for the Pro Bowl.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, a good fit to be the Carolina Panthers' pick, could be an interesting possibility for being a Pro Bowl addition.

Ingram may show some signs of struggling against the run, but he can rush the quarterback like few others in this class.

A few good years of rushing the quarterback and Ingram could earn his way into the Pro Bowl discussion. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

If taken with the No. 10 pick, Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw could make the suddenly imposing Buffalo Bills defense look even more dangerous. 

He has great awareness of the action around him, great physicality and a strong work ethic—all skills that will make him an instant contributor at the pro level.

Look for his name to come up often in discussions of some of the best young talent in the league, and his name to pop up among Pro Bowl voters.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin could be a good fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.

He works hard and has great speed, which would help him protect Matt Cassel and fill an immediate hole in their line.

However, the problems of Riley Reiff also apply to Martin. He'll have a lot of work to do to slip from the depths of anonymity that comes with playing on the offensive line. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

It's hard not to like the effort put out by Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, and he could be a good fit for a Seattle Seahawks.

However, he faces an uphill battle for recognition, as the NFC has a lot of great linebackers already in place (like Patrick Willis, Clay Matthews and DeMarcus Ware).

Then again, Kuechly would join a Seahawks defense that contributed a trio of Pro Bowl players, including starter Earl Thomas and late fill-ins Kam Chancellor and cornerback Brandon Browner. If Kuechly can continue to put up good numbers like he did at Boston College, he might be able to surprise some folks with a Pro Bowl appearance of his own.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

The Cardinals could definitely use some help on their offensive line after giving up 54 sacks in 2011—good for second worst in the league.

Stanford offensive guard David DeCastro may be a great value at the No. 13 pick. If he can pop up as an immediate contributor, he could be able to escape the anonymity that comes with the position.

The Cardinals likely improvement in the next few years may also help his candidacy as well. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

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

The consensus top cornerback of the draft class, Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick would be a great pick for a Dallas Cowboys' team desperate for some help defensively.

A solid combination of size and speed, Kirkpatrick should be an immediate contributor, giving him more time to build up his resume for voters. 

While his aggressiveness could lead to some early struggles and big plays against him, it could help him generate some big numbers necessary for a Pro Bowl run.

The fact he'd be playing for the Cowboys wouldn't hurt either.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

The Philadelphia Eagles need some help in the middle badly, and Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower may be the man for the job. 

His biggest challenge will be accumulating the requisite stats to impress voters (especially the fans who don't particularly care to follow the position closely).

The Eagles' defensive line can produce a lot of sacks, so it could be a struggle for him to get some of the attention his way.

However, good teams draw more Pro Bowl votes than bad ones. Hightower could be an immediate benefactor of this.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

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

I don't think the odds are great for a quick Pro Bowl run for likely New York Jets pick Cordy Glenn.

While he does have some factors in his favor, like his versatility, medical history and tremendous athleticism, he'll have a lot to overcome to make it to Hawaii.

Glenn will likely be on a team better known for its dysfunction for the next few years, and he plays a less recognized position. He'll need some luck to turn things his way. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins has a freakish amount of talent, but his character issues have pushed him down the draft for many analysts (myself included).

The Cincinnati Bengals have a need in their secondary, and they aren't afraid to take chances on players with some character issues. They have to be the favorite to bring him in.

If he can limit the off-the-field distractions, Jenkins could show off the talents that made him a top prospect in the first place, putting him on the right track for a Pro Bowl bid.

The Bengals likely promising future should also help bring more attention his way for the stats he can put up.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

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

The San Diego Chargers need a good bit of help in sacking opposing quarterbacks (their 32 sacks last season is good for a tie for 23rd most in the league), and Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe may be the guy they go for.

He's versatile enough to fit in their 3-4 defensive setup and has a combination of size and speed most dream about. However, the Chargers coaches will have to help him refine his technique in order to handle more skilled blockers that are a part of the pro game.

With that said, if the Chargers can show any sign of improvement in pursuing opposing quarterbacks, then voters might link that improvement to Poe. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

While it will be a big challenge for potential No. 19 pick Mike Adams to get the publicity needed for a Pro Bowl run, he could be joining the perfect situation to make it happen.

Adams would join a Chicago Bears team that gave up 49 sacks last season, tied for fifth worst in the league. 

If that number could go down, Adams (deservedly or not) could get a lot of the credit for that improvement.

Even if it doesn't lead to a Pro Bowl, a drop in sack count would be very helpful to the Pro Bowl chances of the team's starting quarterback, Jay Cutler (he hasn't been to the game since 2008).

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 15 percent

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

The Tennessee Titans could be getting good value with the No. 20 pick by going with University of Southern California star Nick Perry. Perry has a lot of speed, and his pass-rushing skills could make him an immediate contributor to the Titans (one of the worst in that stat category). 

With stats, like sacks, being such an important part of the discussion when it comes to Pro Bowl voting, Perry could find himself at a great advantage when it comes to voting time. 

However, the team's low sack numbers from this past season suggest he may have a tough time immediately putting up Pro Bowl-type numbers.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

I hope my low ranking of Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd doesn't lead anyone to believe he won't be a solid producer in the league.

However, I see his Pro Bowl chances slide by sharing the field with the mega-talented A.J. Green.

Like T.J. Houshmandzadeh overshadowed by a pre-name change Chad Ochocinco, Floyd could find his biggest Pro Bowl competition sharing the same uniform.

Floyd has the talent to succeed. I'm just not sure he'll be able to get the attention while sharing the field with Green.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: five percent

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

South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has proven himself to be one of the top wide receivers of the draft class, but that may not make much of a difference in assessing his short-term Pro Bowl chances.

The Browns have struggled badly in moving things in the passing game, and as a result, Jeffery may not have a whole lot of positive stats to show off to voters for at least a few years.

One upside: Jeffery would bring some athleticism to the position that the team has been lacking for years. He could immediately get a lot passes thrown his way, which could lead to some decent numbers.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: five percent

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

If the Detroit Lions were to snag Alabama safety Mark Barron with the No. 23 pick, they would be addressing a major need and grabbing a quality talent at the position.

With the type of pressure the Lions defensive line can bring, there could be some bad passes forced into Barron's direction, leading to some impressive interception and pass defended numbers. He's also very capable in run support.

However, it could take a few years to adjust to the pro game and to become recognized beyond some of the other young talent in the conference.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers would be thrilled to find Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still around this deep into the first round.

The Steelers desperately need to inject some youth into their defense, and Still would benefit from the refining of his technique with the team's coaching staff.

While he should be a difference maker, his abilities as a run stuffer may limit his chances to build the necessary stats to be an immediate Pro Bowl favorite.

However, if Still were to have any success in black and yellow, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the rabid fans stuff the ballot box to ensure their guy got to Hawaii. 

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

The Denver Broncos would be excited to see LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers fall to them at the No. 25 pick.

However, I'm not sure if he would be able to be a Pro Bowl candidate immediately.

Regardless of how good he played, he would have an uphill climb to take votes away from perennial Pro Bowlers Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata.

With that said, Brockers should be a pretty regular contributor to the Broncos line. He's got good size and speed and will bring a good deal of pressure to opposing quarterbacks.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

LSU's Rueben Randle will have a tough time breaking through to get the stats and attention necessary for a Pro Bowl selection. 

Two words: Andre Johnson.

Randle will have to wait his turn if he wants the leading role in the Texans offense.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

There's a lot to like about Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, who could be taken by the New England Patriots with the No. 25 pick. The defender is looking better and better after a solid pro day performance.

While he will be a regular contributor early in his time in Foxboro, it doesn't appear that he's the kind of elite player who will immediately spring off the score sheet and into the minds of Pro Bowl voters.

Like other defensive lineman picks in this draft, they'll have to face a deep backlog of young talent at that area of the field if they want to be on the Pro Bowl roster.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

There's a lot to like about Vinny Curry, if the Green Bay Packers were to grab him with the No. 28 pick. He's got good speed, intelligence and he's a leader on the field.

However, he'll have to get past not only the other talented rookies but also deal with the logjam of regular Pro Bowl starters who play at the position.

In other words, Curry is going to have to put together some really excellent play to make a Pro Bowl appearance happen.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

Were the Baltimore Ravens to select Wisconsin center Peter Konz with the No. 29 pick, he would be a great replacement to their long-term center Matt Birk (though Konz may be put in at other spots on the line to start).

If the Ravens line can handle the transition from Birk to Konz well, he would earn a big boost to his reputation that would immediately work with voters. 

Additionally, he may benefit from the team's likely success in the next few years.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 20 percent

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

Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill will have a tough time breaking out to find the spotlight if he wants to have a shot at the Pro Bowl.

The deep threat will first need to prove he can fit into an offense that has Randy Moss and possibly another top-level, free-agent acquisition (Brandon Lloyd is a name that has been thrown out as a potential option). 

If things go well, Hill could create buzz for himself in his rookie year for a future run similar to what Baltimore Ravens speedster Torrey Smith did this season.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

Versatility is the word when it comes to Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox which would make him a good fit for the New England Patriots. He could take advantage of his size and speed to play in multiple spots on the line.

Not to sound like a broken record, but Cox will have an immense challenge getting past the talent on his own team and throughout the AFC.

He could be a Pro Bowler, but he's got some major work cut out for him to get to the level necessary to make that happen.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years: 10 percent

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

While the New York Giants could get some great value from its potential draftee Coby Fleener, it might be tough for him to break out amongst the other great tight ends in the conference (like Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham and Jason Witten).

Not to totally dismiss his chances, but it would be a very uphill climb.

Odds of being in a Pro Bowl in five years:  five percent