2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All 32 1st-Round Picks

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With bowl games beginning and the NFL regular season winding down, there is one logical thing to start thinking about: the 2012 NFL Draft. 

With end of season college football awards being presented and many key players trying to decide whether to jump to the pros or spend another year in college, there are many draft developments to keep track of. 

Some picks have remained fairly steady, but others have shifted dramatically based on late-season play. 

NFL teams are also solidifying their rosters for the playoffs and any personnel needs are becoming apparent. 

Here is a complete analysis of the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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Peyton Manning, watch out. Andrew Luck is the Indianapolis Colts’ heir apparent at quarterback.

Luck has all the tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. He is strong, has good arm strength and since he went to Stanford, he is a smart guy. 

Luck might be able to avoid some of the growing pains involved in taking the next step to the pros because of his skill in reading defenses and learning plays.

Manning was a great quarterback for the Colts, but with his health still an issue, it is impossible for Indianapolis to skip on Luck. The question then becomes, will the consensus No. 1 pick stay in Indy?

2. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

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Matt Kalil has been steadily moving up draft boards during his strong season at USC. The Minnesota Vikings could use help on the offensive line, especially with rookie quarterback Christian Ponder at the helm. 

Great offensive tackles don’t come around everyday, but Kalil could be the next. He is a strong player who can protect Ponder and also open up huge holes for running back Adrian Peterson.   

The Vikings will take major strides in their rebuilding process by drafting Kalil. 

3. St. Louis Rams: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

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The St. Louis Rams need help in a lot of places. Their pass defense is nothing to scoff at, but it is almost impossible to pass up a talent like Morris Claiborne.

Despite often being overshadowed by teammate Tyrann Mathieu, Claiborne is definitely the best corner in the draft. He knows the position well and blankets receivers, almost never allowing the deep ball.

A wide receiver is also a possibility here, but after signing Brandon Lloyd and with Danny Amendola ready for 2012, there is a chance the Rams will go for a premiere talent like Claiborne, especially with such an early pick. 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

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The Jacksonville Jaguars are in need of a defensive end and Quinton Coples is the best one available.

The Jaguars defense has had stretches of looking dominant this season, but then has games in which they appear lackadaisical and inexperienced.

A player that can sack the opposing quarterback would provide a much-needed boost to the team and Coples is just the man for the job.

Coples’ quickness has allowed him to record 17.5 sacks in the past two seasons. He is also strong enough to stop the run while going up against NFL offensive linemen.

5. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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Colt McCoy is admittedly struggling as the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. A solid running threat might give him more success throwing play-action passes and looking deep. 

Trent Richardson is by far the best running back in the draft. He has run for more than 1,500 yards this season for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Richardson can juke defenders, has the strength to run up the middle and the speed to turn the corner. 

Peyton Hillis has proven this season that he is not ready to be the franchise running back that the Browns need. Richardson can.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The team is giving up a whopping 248 passing yards per game. Hence, they need some help in the secondary.

Dre Kirkpatrick could be the answer for Tampa Bay. The cornerback is brimming with confidence, which will make the entire Bucs defense better. 

Kirkpatrick has benefited from excellent coaching at Alabama and will further benefit from talented veteran tutors in Tampa Bay.

7. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

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No player has done more to boost his draft stock in recent weeks than Robert Griffin III from the Baylor Bears. Once thought to be a fringe first round selection, Griffin has morphed into a super quarterback, winning the Heisman and carrying Baylor to its best record in years.

The Washington Redskins have suffered through an entire season with Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback. The team needs an upgrade…yesterday.

Mike Shanahan has a history of coaching great quarterbacks. Griffin has the skill-set that, combined with Shanahan’s tutelage, could turn him into an elite NFL player.

8. Carolina Panthers: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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Cam Newton has established himself as one of the Carolina Panthers’ best playmakers. One of the few things that could improve his play for his sophomore campaign would be to have more targets to throw to.

Steve Smith is solid, but reaching the end of his career. What better mentor for a young receiver just entering the league?

Justin Blackmon is far and away the best receiver in the draft. He has great jumping ability, amazing control of his body and sure hands that come down with every ball thrown his way.

Teaming up Blackmon and Newton is almost unfair to the rest of the league. The two should have highlight plays week in and week out.

9. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

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The Matt Moore era for the Miami Dolphins was better than many thought it would be. Still, though, Moore is not the quarterback of the future for the Dolphins. And neither is Chad Henne.

Matt Barkley has a tremendous skill set. He has had a great year with the USC Trojans and continues to improve every game. 

Miami has a young receiving corps, but after finally committing to a quarterback by drafting Barkley, the entire offense should come together. 

Reggie Bush is having a career year. He will take a lot of pressure off Barkley at the beginning of the season. By the end, however, the two USC alumni will spark the Dolphins’ offense.

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

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Buffalo Bills fans hope that Ryan Fitzpatrick’s end-of-season woes are not all his fault. One other problem might be the Bills' offensive line. The team has needed to draft a tackle for years, and this could finally be their time. 

Jonathan Martin has spent his years in college protecting an extremely prized possession: quarterback Andrew Luck. And he has done a great job. Much of Luck’s success can be attributed to his having time to see the field and make the right pass. Martin is responsible for that.

At the next level, Martin will make Fitzpatrick’s life much easier. He can protect the quarterback while still making room for Fred Jackson to break off long runs.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

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Offensive tackle is the Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest need. Riley Reiff is a little raw at this point, but his body and instincts are good. He could be an important factor in the Chiefs’ rebuilding offensive line.

12. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram, DE, Alabama

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The Tennessee Titans struggle at times to create defensive pressure. The team is not sacking opposing quarterbacks and are allowing almost 130 rushing yards per game.

Melvin Ingram is a quick end who excels at rushing the passer. He can help the Titans right away. 

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

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All season, the Philadelphia Eagles have lacked a true linebacker to anchor their defense.

Luke Kuechly has been all over the field for Boston College this year. He recorded double-digit tackles in 11 out of 12 games this season, with a high of 23. Keuchly can be the commanding force the Eagles need.

14. Arizona Cardinals: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

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The most pressing need for the Arizona Cardinals is an offensive tackle. After the first three prospects, though, the talent level drops off considerably. Unless Arizona moves up in the draft order, they will probably have to settle for their next need—outside linebacker.

Courtney Upshaw has the size, speed and power to fit in well with Arizona’s defense. He can defend against the run and can also help out by rushing the passer.

15. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina

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Jay Cutler made much more of a difference for the Chicago Bears than many thought. When he went down with an injury, the offense stalled completely. 

One way to make Cutler even more effective would be to give him more receivers to whom to throw. 

Alshon Jeffrey has proved that he can be a big-play receiver. He would help the Bears offense dramatically by providing a deep threat to showcase Cutler’s strong arm.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

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Pete Carroll develops quarterbacks. At USC, he coached Heisman Trophy winners, but in the NFL he has Tavaris Jackson to run his offense for the Seattle Seahawks. 

Jackson has been serviceable, but Carroll is probably salivating at the quarterback talent available in this year’s draft.

Landry Jones has been a solid quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners, but he could benefit from one-on-one coaching at the next level.

He has good command of a team and can quickly learn an NFL offense. The more action Jones sees for the Seahawks, the better he will be.

17. San Diego Chargers: Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

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The San Diego Chargers used to consider outside linebacker one of their strongest positions. However, because of trades and injuries, the team is currently rebuilding.

Zach Brown would be a great fit in San Diego because of his explosiveness and speed. Brown is by far the fastest prospect at his position and, with some weight training, could become an asset for the Chargers.

18. New York Giants: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

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Vontaze Burfict has great ability. He has great size, can help out against the run and can deflect passes in coverage.

The New York Giants are looking for a new inside linebacker. Burfict might have some character issues, but on a team surrounded by defensive veterans, his skill might win out.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

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The Cincinnati Bengals have a solid defense, but could use depth in the secondary. Mark Barron has had a great career for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He is a solid contributor who has the skills and intelligence to succeed at the next level.

20. New York Jets: Brandon Jenkins OLB, Florida State

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Rex Ryan and the New York Jets pride themselves on their defense. One area in which they have been struggling in recent years, however, has been getting to the quarterback.

Brandon Jenkins can sack opposing quarterbacks as he has seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss this season. He could be a major upgrade for a below average pass attack in New York.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

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Rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have proved that first-year players can lead an NFL team. The one area in which they could use some help is at running back as Cedric Benson is nearing the end of his career. 

While the Bengals might be able to wait until the second round to get a skilled rusher, the team could take a chance on LaMichael James. He is a dynamic player who puts up monster numbers every night.

22. Denver Broncos: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

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Apparently, the Tim Tebow era will live to see another season in Denver. With the offense fairly stable, the Denver Broncos should focus on improving an already good defense.

Brandon Thompson is a player who could start right away. His versatility and leadership make him a good fit for the Broncos.

23. Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

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The Dallas Cowboys like tough, physical players, and Alfonzo Dennard fits the bill. He can disrupt receivers’ routes with his strength and has the playmaking ability to knock down passes.

Dallas could certainly stand an upgrade at cornerback, but might also be looking for a linebacker or a guard.

24. Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB, Northern Alabama

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The Detroit Lions have a history of taking players with a few attitude problems. Although they might have their hands full with Ndamukong Suh, if they are willing to take another risk, Janoris Jenkins would be a great fit.

Jenkins starred for the Florida Gators and was widely considered a first-round pick last season before being kicked off the team.

If Jenkins skills are unchanged, he could really help out Detroit’s oft-injured secondary.

25. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

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With the Cleveland Browns filling their void at running back earlier in the draft, the next logical step for the team is to upgrade their receiving corps.

Michael Floyd is a steady receiver who has two straight 1,000 yard receiving seasons. He will provide much-needed depth and skill at a position where Cleveland has struggled.

26. Houston Texans: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

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The Houston Texans have made great strides this season on the defensive side of the football. Now, it is time to support their offense.

Zebrie Sanders is a versatile tackle who has experience playing in Houston’s offensive system. He is a competent blocker and will protect Matt Schaub while opening up the edge for Arian Foster.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

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Ray Lewis has been a force in the middle for the Baltimore Ravens for years. Unfortunately, he cannot keep up his high level of play forever. 

The Ravens need to start thinking about drafting a successor for one of their most beloved players.

Dont’a Hightower is one of the best prospects left in the draft and will undoubtedly benefit from spending a few years learning from one of the best defenses in the NFL.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

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The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have many pressing needs and thus can afford to spend their pick on a player with a great upside.

Chapman is a strong player who could emerge as a key tackle in Pittsburgh’s vaunted defense. He can maintain position in the middle of the line and use his long arms to get around blockers.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

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Alex Smith needs more weapons. The San Francisco 49ers have a solid running game, but very few deep threats for their passing game. 

Kendall Wright is a crazy fast receiver who has been a steady contributor in his four years playing for the Baylor Bears.

He could provide the kind of spark the 49ers offense desperately needs.

30. New England Patriots (via New Orleans Saints): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinoi

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The New England Patriots’ defense could use an upgrade or two. One pressing need is a rushing linebacker. 

Whitney Mercilus could be a solid contributor as his speed and size allow him to get to the opposing quarterback. He can also play both the 3-4 and 4-3, both schemes the Patriots employ.

31. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, CB, USC

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Another defensive need for the New England Patriots is in the secondary. The team has given up far too many passing yards this season.

Chase Minnifield is a strong corner out of Virginia who plays a physical style of defense that will translate well to the NFL.

32. Green Bay Packers: Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State

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The Green Bay Packers don’t have too many glaring holes to fill on their team, so they are in the enviable position of picking based on potential.

Fletcher Cox is a confident defensive lineman with long arms and active hands that allow him to disrupt the front line.

He has shown constant improvement during his time in college and could benefit greatly from spending a few years learning from Green Bay's veterans.