2012 NFL Mock Draft: Offensive Powerhouses Ready to Explode in the NFL

The NFL Draft returns to give some teams that added boost they need to make huge leaps forward in the coming seasons. 

Here is the latest mock draft that highlights the teams that will go from competence to scary production in the matter of a few days at this 2012 draft. 

There is about to be a brilliant infusion of talent into the league, and some middling teams will become playoff-caliber, and the already rich with talent will get richer. 

Here is what that NFL Draft will look like. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

He has been the pick from Day 1, and nothing much has changed that. The Colts will need a lot more to become contenders again, but they now have the guy to build around.  

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

Another safe bet, Robert Griffin III is a near guarantee to fly off the board immediately. He is also as close as you get to a sure thing in a QB talent.  

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

I like the Vikings' chances in the coming years with a stalwart like Kalil up front. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

I still like Trent Richardson to the Browns who need a star running back that can give some measure of consistency. 

I hope and pray that they don't reach for Ryan Tannehill, which still remains a possibility. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bucs need to get far more physical on the corners, and Claiborne has the ability to really make Tampa Bay tough to beat on defense.  

6. St. Louis Rams (via WA): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Here is my first team on the rise with a pick that has people ranging on their opinions. I for one think Blackmon is the real deal as a solid receiver that is going to be enough to get the Rams to where they want to be as postseason contenders. 

With him and Sam Bradford clicking, the Rams will be a young and dynamic offense that will be fun to watch. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina 

Ingram is a tough defensive end that loves to get after it every single play. The best part is that he is versatile and can play pretty much anywhere up front. 

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M  

I continue to have issues with this pick, but it seems where Miami is headed. 

Such is the reality of the NFL Draft, where the need to have a franchise quarterback is so great, a QB better suited for the second round gets taken in the top 10. 

It's not that I hate Tannehill, but think the work needed warrants a later round pick. I could even forgive this pick in the late first round, but not here. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State 

Cox is ready to come in on Day 1 and make a positive impact with his tenacity and ability to explode off the line. 

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

I could see Michael Floyd at this point in the draft, but I like the Bills to make sure the offensive line is healthy moving forward. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Chiefs fill a need, and they get a player who squashed every last question surrounding his size and speed at the combine. 

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples has questions on his motor and consistency, but there is no denying his ability. I say he makes it count at the next level. 

13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

Glenn comes in with the versatility to play anywhere on the line, bolstering an offense that needs it.  

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis 

Poe's stock rose so dramatically after the combine that you knew it would take a hit at some point. I still can't get over a guy that is built like Poe and still delivers a sub-five second 40-yard dash time and 44 reps on the bench press. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Eagles would love to get some measure of consistency at the safety position, making Barron, the best in the nation, a no-brainer selection. 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Jets have a need at linebacker, and Upshaw has the talents to really make an impact next season. One of the most feared defenses just got better.  

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

I am ready to consider the Bengals scary good on offense if they win out and get Michael Floyd in the draft. 

He could be long gone by this point, but would be a steal for Cincinnati who needs a receiver to team up with the emerging talents of Andy Dalton. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

I like the way Mercilus took his game up a notch last season, signaling the maturity to be a success in the NFL. 

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa  

The Bears would get great value here in a gifted lineman that will finally have the Bears sound at the position. 

The Bears' woes could be attributed to a porous and inconsistent line. If they can get their house in order with Matt Forte, they will be scary good with a solid line in tow as well. 

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

Don't consider him a notch below Morris Claiborne; consider him a gifted corner who has great instincts and ability to stay in front of receivers. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

I like the Bengals to take care of the other side of the ball with this pick. If Gilmore lives up to the growing hype, the Bengals could be a great team to watch next season. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Sadly, if Tannehill is available at this time, the Browns will most likely take him. Being that he will be a Dolphin at this point, it's time to go with help on the line or get vertical. 

I say it's time to draft a game-changing receiver. 

23. Detroit Lions: David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The main goal for this season and any other for the next few years is keeping Matthew Stafford upright and healthy. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Steelers have other needs, but Hightower is an intriguing prospect when you consider him maturing on this storied franchise. 

25. Denver Broncos: Nick Perry, DE, USC

I could see the team getting some help on the offensive line, especially with Peyton Manning now taking snaps. But I like them to bolster their front line. 

26. Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

I still like Jeffery over any other receivers left on the board. When you consider that he will play alongside Andre Johnson, you have to like the Texans' chances moving forward. 

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

I love his size and ability to get after the ball. Sure, his combine saw him drop on boards, but I'm still sold. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

Branch may be a big figure, but he showed great ability to command that stature and switch directions at the combine. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame 

Smith was a combine wonder and continues to rise up draft boards. He is versatile and can be the heir apparent to Ed Reed. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

The 49ers are near complete on that side of the ball, but they need depth in the secondary, and that's where Hosley comes in. 

31. New England Patriots: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

I love Randle once he puts some polish on his game. The Patriots are the perfect team for this to happen.  

New England gets a player that just grabbed 53 receptions for 917 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season. 

32. New York Giants: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State (Texas)

Sure, the Giants were able to bring things together on the line to close out the season, but there is no reason to make sure another rash of inconsistencies doesn't occur again.  

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