2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full 1st-Round Predictions

It is Week 8 of the NFL season, and we continue to draw closer to the April draft. For some fanbases, the draft is the only positive thing remaining in their football world. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts find themselves already out of the playoff picture.

The talk surrounding the 2012 NFL Draft is focused in on Stanford's Andrew Luck. Luck is considered the best prospect to come around in a long time. The majority see Luck as a can't miss prospect and someone who will change the future for one NFL franchise.

Outside of Luck, there are several other intriguing prospects. The left tackle position features three players who all could land in the top 10. Matt Kalil, Jonathan Martin and Riley Reiff could potentially be the next best left tackles in the NFL.

Defensively, this draft could see three middle linebackers selected in the top 20. Manti Te'o, Vontaze Burfict and Luke Kuechly all have the potential to lead the NFL in tackles. These are three explosive players, capable of developing into the next great middle linebacker.

I used Matt Miller's power rankings as the base for my draft order. However, please don't put to much focus on the draft order. The order isn't all that important and will likely change each week.

No. 1 Miami Dolphins: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

This is a dream come true for the Miami Dolphins. As terrible as this season has gone, it would be all worth it if they can land Stanford's Andrew Luck. The Dolphins' biggest need is at the quarterback position, where they are still searching for the next Dan Marino.

Andrew Luck is the top player on everyone's draft board. He is an NFL ready quarterback with tons of upside. Luck has a strong throwing arm combined with a great feel for the position. He is a tremendous player and leader.

The addition of Luck would likely be accompanied by a new head coach. If the Dolphins land the top pick, the head coaching position would look very attractive.

No. 2 Indianapolis Colts: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

The Indianapolis Colts are playing terrible football, barely looking like an NFL team. With Peyton Manning's injury, everyone expected the Colts to struggle, but not this badly. This team looks to have several major needs, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

I could see the Colts looking to trade down in the draft, adding more picks and allowing them to address several needs. However, if they don't trade down, USC's Matt Kalil would be a good addition to this football team.

Kalil would immediately step in at left tackle, pushing Anthony Castonzo to the right side of the line. This addition would solidify two offensive line positions. If the Colts cannot land Andrew Luck, they need to focus on protecting Peyton Manning.

No. 3 St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

The St. Louis Rams need to add offensive playmakers to help out their young quarterback, Sam Bradford. Until the recent addition of Brandon Lloyd, St. Louis had one of the most unimpressive receiving units in the league.

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon is the top receiving prospect eligible for the 2012 NFL draft. He is an explosive playmaker who is capable of scoring quickly. His ability to stretch the field will open up the entire Rams offense.

Sam Bradford has taken a step back, but he still shows plenty of signs of promise. He needs to have players around him capable of picking up the slack. Blackmon and Bradford would be able to grow and develop together.

No. 4 Denver Broncos: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

The Denver Broncos and John Fox are trying to rebuild this football team, starting with the defensive side of the ball. Despite the addition of Von Miller, this unit is still one of the worst in the entire NFL. They struggle to generate a consistent pass rush from the defensive line.

Elvis Dumervil and Robert Ayers are not the long term answer at the position. Dumervil is best suited to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. He could be used as an offseason trade chip, allowing the Broncos to add a few more draft choices.

North Carolina's Quinton Coples is the top rated defensive end in the country. He has a good combination of size and athletic ability. His production is down this year, but he still possesses a ton of upside. Coples is not just a pass rushing specialist, as he is also strong against the run.

The addition of Coples alongside Von Miller would give Denver two very good pass rushers.

No. 5 Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tacke, Stanford

The Arizona Cardinals appear to be going through a full out rebuilding project. Many felt the addition of Kevin Kolb would immediately improve this football team. However, things have not gone as planned, with the Cardinals off to a terrible start.

There doesn't seem to be an easy fix for this football team. However, adding a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle would be a great start. Stanford's Jonathan Martin would immediately step in and help protect Kolb's blindside.

Martin is an athletic offensive lineman who excels at protecting the passer. He would allow Levi Brown to slide to the right side and upgrade two positions.

No. 6 Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma

The Seattle Seahawks decided that they were ready to move on from the Matthew Hasselbeck era, turning the keys over to Tavaris Jackson. Nobody sees this as their long term plan of action, as they are likely to select a quarterback early in the 2012 draft.

Oklahoma's Landry Jones is battling to be the second quarterback selected behind Andrew Luck. However, he continues to play inconsistent football. Jones needs to find a way to solidify his draft stock and lock down the number two quarterback ranking.

Jones would be a nice fit in Seattle, where he would be surrounded by some talented playmakers. He would have the opportunity to throw to wide receivers Sidney Rice and Mike Williams. The Seahawks also have tight end Zach Miller and running back Marshawn Lynch.

No. 7 Minnesota Vikings: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Iowa's Riley Reiff is one of the fastest rising prospects in all of college football. He is an athletic offensive lineman who projects as a left tackle in the NFL. Reiff is currently the third rated offensive tackle prospect behind Jonathan Martin and Matt Kalil.

The Minnesota Vikings have a glaring hole at the left tackle position. This need at a vital position could result in a reach. Reiff is a good looking prospect, but might have more value in the middle of the first round.

Minnesota could also look at adding a wide receiver to the mix, but either way, they need to find someone to help Christian Ponder.

No. 8 Washington Redskins: Matt Barkley, Quarterback: USC

Mike Shanahan and the Washington Redskins need to find a long-term answer at the quarterback position. They currently have been dealing with the inconsistent play of John Beck and Rex Grossman. The longer this team fails to address this position, the shorter Shanahan's head coaching gig will last.

USC's Matt Barkley is one of the top quarterbacks in the 2012 draft. He is an experienced player with a lot of smarts and savvy. His leadership is one of his best attributes and something that NFL teams will appreciate.

Barkley is rated slightly behind Landry Jones because of questions about his arm strength. Arm strength his an important attribute, but not only key factor when rating quarterbacks. Barkley possesses good anticipation and accuracy, which helps some of the arm strength concerns.

No. 9 Cleveland Browns: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

This has been a less than stellar season for South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery. He was expected to emerge as the nations top receiver, but hasn't really stood out. His struggles can be attributed to the less than stellar quarterback play.

Jeffery may be having a tough season, but he is still a great NFL prospect. He possesses excellent size and leaping ability. Jeffery is rarely out battled for a jump ball, making him an excellent redzone threat. He is the type of player that will go up and make the tough catch, helping out his quarterback.

The Cleveland Browns really need to add another playmaker on the outside. Their offense is one of the least efficient in the NFL. Jeffery's ability would help the Browns extend drives and score points. Colt McCoy would welcome this type of player to his team.

No. 10 Kansas City Chiefs: Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Many wrote off the Kansas City Chiefs, including myself. However, this football team has made a good turn around and are playing competitive football. Without Jamal Charles, the Chiefs will still struggle to make the playoffs. However, it is nice to see them playing good football.

Defensively, this football team needs to make some improvements. They are struggling to stop both the run and the pass. Kansas City could look to add the best defensive player available, which in this case is Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict.

Burfict would be a good replacement for Jovan Belcher and bring a nastiness to the Chiefs defense. He is an aggressive football player, someone that loves to attack the football. His ability to stuff the run would be a welcome addition to the Chiefs defense.

No. 11 Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

In my past few mock drafts, I have had the Carolina Panthers selecting Clemson's Brandon Thompson. He seems like a perfect fit for the Panthers' defensive rebuilding effort. Thompson is a disruptive defensive tackle who also is versatile.

Thompson is capable of playing either defensive tackle position. He can hold at the point of attack and occupy blockers, while also penetrating the pocket. His best attribute is his ability to eat up blocks and collapse the pocket.

The addition of Thompson would give the Panthers a young and effective defensive tackle rotation. Thompson would be paired with Sione Fua and Terrell McClain.

No. 12 Jacksonville Jaguars: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a bit of a awkward position, as they are trying to rebuild but also win games. This roster as more than a few holes, but that leaves them in a position to add the best player available.

LSU's Morris Claiborne is an exciting player who has a knack for making big plays. He plays the game with a lot of heart and drive. When teams attempt to test Claiborne, they are often left regretting that decision. Claiborne is the type of player who can excel in any system, but might be best in a zone scheme. This would allow him to read and react to the football.

Claiborne would be able to make an immediate impact for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

No. 13 Tennessee Titans: Manti Te'o, Linebacker, Notre Dame

During the offseason, the Tennessee Titans added Barrett Ruud to their defense. He has been playing middle linebacker, but many feel he is undersized for the position. Ruud might be a better fit at one of the outside linebacker positions.

Notre Dame's Manti Te'o is a terrific player, who is capable of making an immediate impact. He is a smart player who also possesses a ton of athletic ability.  Te'o is a perfect fit for the middle linebacker position and someone who can immediately upgrade a defense.

This might not be a major need, but Te'o is a special player.

No. 14 Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK): Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

The Cincinnati Bengals are a team on the rise thanks to their recent success through the draft. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green provide a lot of hope for the offense, while the defense is one of the best units in the NFL.

This football team has a lot of young talent in place, but could use more offensive help. The biggest question mark on the offense is at the running back position. Cedric Benson has revived his career in Cincinnati but remains very unreliable. He seems to always be on the verge of a suspension.

Alabama's Trent Richardson would be more than capable of replacing the inconsistent Benson. He is actually more talented, possessing a great combination of size and speed.

No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

The Philadelphia Eagles will spend much of the offseason trying to upgrade their linebacking corps. They have a need at all three positions, but mainly at middle linebacker. The addition of a of a linebacker capable of plugging the hole would immediately upgrade the defense.

Boston College's Luke Kuechly is a very instinctual player, capable of playing both the run and pass. He is a true playmaker always around the football. His ability to identify and pursue the play helps him pile up a ton of tackles.

Kuechly also possesses some versatility, as he can also play either of the outside linebacker positions. He would be an immediate starter for the Philadelphia Eagles.

No. 16 New York Jets: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

The New York Jets want to feature an offense that is capable of running the football. Head coach Rex Ryan is constantly saying the slogan "ground and pound." However, New York has struggled to find consistency running the football.

A strong running game is typically the result of a powerful offensive line. The big guys up front need to be able to control the line and open running lanes. The Jets have some issues on the right side of the line, especially at right tackle.

Georgia's Cordy Glenn would be a great addition to the Jets offensive line. He is a massive player, who excels at moving defenders off the line. Glenn is a versatile player capable of playing either guard or tackle.

No. 17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have young talent across their entire roster. It seems as though they have a young stub at each position. However, they need to add some more talent to the cornerback position. Cornerback is the one position facing a lot of question marks.

Ronde Barber and Aquib Talib both face uncertain futures. Barber is on the downside of his career, with likely only a year or two remaining. Talib is a constant off the field problem and appears only a short period away from a long suspension.

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick is a terrific player capable of playing right away. He would be a nice replacement for either of the current starters. Kirkpatrick is a good fit in Tampa's system, which would allow him to read and react.

No. 18 Chicago Bears: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

The Chicago Bears need offensive line help, and need it at several positions. Ideally, last year's first round pick Gabe Carimi will eventually lock down the right tackle spot. However, the rest of the starting positions are up for grabs.

Chicago desperately needs a left tackle, but there isn't one available worthy of this selection. However, they have a chance to add Stanford's David DeCastro. DeCastro is one of the top offensive guards in the 2012 draft. He is above average in both the run and passing game.

DeCastro would immediately start at one of the guard spots.

No. 19 Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback: North Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys secondary is a unit needing to add some fresh blood. Current starters Terrance Newman and Mike Jenkins are talented, but are not playing at a high level. Newman is starting to show signs of age.

North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins is a top 10 talent who has seen his stock drop due to character issues. Jenkins was kicked off the Florida football team after a few citations for marijuana use. However, he is still someone NFL teams will consider.

Dallas and the other franchises need to determine if the reward is worth the risk.

No. 20 Cincinnati Bengals: Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

The Cincinnati Bengals own two first round picks thanks to the trade of Carson Palmer. Earlier, I had them selecting Trent Richardson, and now they have an opportunity add another talented player. The addition of Richardson helped solidify the offensive side of the ball; now, they address the defense.

Cincinnati's defense is one of the better units in the NFL, but they still have some needs. During the offseason, the Bengals lost Jonathan Joseph to free agency. He was replaced by Nate Clements, who has played well. However, Clements is on the downside of his career, meaning Cincinnati should consider bringing in some youth.

Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard is one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft. He is a physical player who loves to play at the line of scrimmage. His ability to play bump and run coverage will be something defensive coordinators find intriguing.

No. 21 Cleveland Browns (from AtL): Zach Brown, Linebacker, North Carolina

The Cleveland Browns are still working to bring in players capable of playing in a 4-3 system. Cleveland decided to make the switch from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 alignment. This change is going to take time, as it requires different types of players.

One area on the Browns defense that needs an upgrade is the linebacker position. Scott Fujita is on the back stretch of his career and no longer capable of covering a lot of ground. Cleveland needs to find a young and more athletic outside linebacker.

North Carolina's Zach Brown is the perfect fit as an athletic outside linebacker. He plays with a lot of quickness and tenacity. Brown is constantly flowing to the football, capable of making plays sideline to sideline. He would be a good fit for the Browns new defensive system.

No. 22 San Diego Chargers: Ronnell Lewis, Linebacker, Oklahoma

The San Diego Chargers need to move on from the Larry English era, as he can officially be labeled a bust. He was selected in the first round with hopes that he would develop into a dominant pass rusher. However, he was never able to find a way to make his presence known, losing his starting job to Travis Laboy.

Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis is currently the top rated 3-4 rush linebacker prospect on my board. He is having a breakout season, showing the ability to create a ton of pressure. His quickness off the football allows him to consistently attack the edge.

Lewis would immediately help bolster the Chargers pass rush.

No. 23 Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta'amu, Nose Tackle, Washington

A lot of the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense can be attributed to the play of nose tackle Casey Hampton. Hampton's job is to occupy blockers and stuff the run. He is expected to hold at the point of attack and allow the linebackers to cleanly flow to the football.

Pittsburgh's linebackers get all the attention, but they are only effective because of the play of the defensive line. Hampton is starting to show signs of age, meaning that a long-term replacement needs to be found.

Washington's Alameda Ta'amu is the top rated nose tackle in the 2012 draft class. He is a massive player who excels at stuffing the run. Ta'amu is more than capable of making an early impact on the Steelers defense.

No. 24 Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

The Detroit Lions are in the middle of a breakout season, with a lot of that success due to the play of their defense. This defensive unit relies on the play of the defensive line, who does a great job creating pressure. They are a nasty bunch, capable of striking fear into the heart of the offensive players.

As well as the defense has performed, they still need to add some help in the secondary. This unit has received a boost from the defensive line. The pressure created by the line means the defensive backs have to spend less time in coverage.

South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore is someone who would be a nice fit in Detroit's system. He is an explosive player, who can quickly break on the football. Gilmore also possesses good ball skills, making him a threat to create a turnover.

No. 25 Houston Texans: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

During last offseason, the Houston Texans spend the majority of their focus on upgrading the defense. They went out and signed Jonathan Joseph and Daniel Manning while also drafting J.J. Watt in the first round of the draft.

All the additions to the defense left the offense without a ton of playmakers. They have stars Arian Foster and Andre Johnson, but other than that, it is pretty bare. This has become more apparent after the injury to Andre Johnson.

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would be a great complement to Andre Johnson. He would provide the Texans offense with another big time receiving threat. Floyd has a good combination of size and speed, allowing him to attack the deep part of the field.

The addition of Floyd would add another playmaker, which would draw some double teams away from Johnson.

No. 26 New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

The entire New York Giants organization was surprised when tight end Kevin Boss decided to sign with the Oakland Raiders. New York took their time negotiating with Boss, and in the end, it cost them his services. Boss was not a superstar, but was a good security blanket for Eli Manning.

Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum have done a nice job filling the hole, but neither are exceptional talents. I fully expect the Giants to set their sights on upgrading this important position.

Clemson's Dwayne Allen is the most well-rounded tight end prospect eligible for the 2012 draft. He possesses a good combination of size and quickness. Allen is a good in-line blocker, as well as a threat down the field.

Allen's best attribute is his ability to make the tough catch. He always attacks the ball at its highest point, rarely missing a grab.

No. 27 Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills have been a nice story, but will need to improve some areas if they want to keep winning. Buffalo's offense has carried the football team, putting up a ton of early season points. However, the defense isn't holding up their end of the bargain.

Defensively, the Bills are relying on turnovers to slow down the opposing offenses. This is a good theory, but turnovers are not something you can count on. The Bills need to continue to add talent to the defensive side of the ball, starting at linebacker.

The outside linebacker position has been sort of a black hole. It is too important of a position to be lacking top level talent. Alabama's Courtney Upshaw would be an immediate upgrade to the Bills linebacking corps.

He would be an excellent presence on the outside, as someone who can stuff the run and create pressure off th edge. Upshaw has a great combination of size and speed.

No. 28 Baltimore Ravens: Levy Adcock, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State

The Baltimore Ravens are going to have more than a few decisions to make this offseason. This team has been getting by on the play of their defense, a unit that features some aging stars. The Ravens defense is not going to be great forever; Ray Lewis will eventually need to retire.

At some point, the Ravens offense needs to find a way to control football games. They are an offensive team that likes to feature the run, meaning they need a strong offensive line. The current unit has more than a few late additions, including Bryant McKinnie. McKinnie is another aging star at the end of his career, meaning Baltimore may want to add another tackle to the mix.

Oklahoma State's Levi Adcock is a massive offensive lineman. He does a good job in protecting the passer, as well as opening running lanes. Adcock seems like he would be a good fit at the right tackle position.

No. 29 New England Patriots (from NO): Brandon Jenkins, Linebacker, FSU

It is tough to figure out what Bill Belichick will do next, but I feel that he prefers the 3-4 system to the 4-3 alignment. This season, New England has used a 4-3 base because of the their personnel. However, I feel the future of the Patriots defense will be in a 3-4 alignment.

If New England is going to run a 3-4, they will need to add a pass rushing linebacker. They currently do not have a player of capable of consistently bringing pressure off the edge. This will likely be one of the main targets during the offseason.

Florida State's Brandon Jenkins is considered one of the top edge pass rushers. He has excellent quickness and a great motor. Jenkins does a great job of firing off the ball and flattening out around the edge. He is also someone capable of lining up at defensive end if New England wants to run some 4-3 sets.

No. 30 San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Fuller, Wide Receiver, Texas A&M

The San Francisco 49ers are winning football games because of ground control and defense. They are playing a physical type of football that makes them very tough to beat. The 49ers are playing this system because it is effective and because of their personnel.

This team doesn't have a lot of offensive playmakers capable of attacking a defense. Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore are the only guys that defenses fear. These three players are good, but more firepower is needed.

Texas A&M's Jeff Fuller is a very good receiving prospect. He isn't the fastest player on the field, but knows how to get open. Fuller is constantly making plays and attacking the defense. He would be a nice option opposite Michael Crabtree.

No. 31 New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line, Connecticut

The New England Patriots use their second first-round selection to continue to improve their defense. I discussed earlier that I feel the Patriots will eventually get back to their 3-4 routes. In order to make this adjustment, New England needs to add some more pieces.

Connecticut's Kendall Reyes is an underrated player who possesses a lot of versatility. He is capable of playing in any type of defensive system. Reyes would be able to fill one of the 5-technique spots in the Patriots 3-4 scheme. His powerful base and anchor allow him to hold at the point of attack. He is also capable of exploding off the ball and penetrating the pocket.

No. 32 Green Bay Packers: Bruce Irvin, Linebacker, West Virginia

The Green Bay Packers find themselves as the lone undefeated team in the NFL. They have avoided the Super Bowl hangover and have dominated their opponents. Despite their great play, Green Bay could stand to upgrade a few positions.

Aaron Rodgers has received a lot of the credit for Green Bay's Super Bowl run. However, they would have never found success without the play of their defense. So much of the defense's success could be pin pointed to the play of Clay Matthews. His ability to create pressure is a real game changer.

Matthews and the Packers are finding it much harder to get to the quarterback this season. They need to add another edge threat to the team. West Virginia's Bruce Irvin is arguably the most explosive defender in all of college football.

Irvin is a very raw player who possesses a lethal ability to rush the passer. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers is just the guy to develop his talents.