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

The 2012 NFL draft is only four months away and the speculation of which players are going where is heating up.

NFL teams are learning of their final positions in the draft with the regular season ending and draft strategies are beginning to form.

Numerous mock drafts have already been constructed and decisions like Matt Barkley choosing to stay for his senior year are impacting these draft boards significantly.

Nevertheless, mock drafts are always an exciting thing to predict and the drama of who will go where only increases as the draft draws nearer.

Here is an updated 2012 NFL mock draft for the entire first round.

**Draft positions are based off of current NFL standings as of 12/29/11

1. Indianapolis Colts: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

You guessed it.

Although I'm not quite sure if the Indianapolis Colts will keep the first overall pick, Andrew Luck is the obvious choice with the first overall selection.

This kid is the real deal, who has the complete package. His arm strength, accuracy and intangibles are unparalleled with the rest of the prospects.

Selecting Luck at No. 1 by the Colts will present them with an interesting situation of either trading Peyton Manning or keeping Manning on the roster and having Luck learn from the best.

While I don't necessarily agree with the move, I think the Colts would rather trade Manning in order to acquire other assets to strengthen other areas of weaknesses on the team.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Matt Kalil

Sam Bradford experienced a sophomore slump this season, which leads me to believe the St. Louis Rams will invest in protecting their 2010 No. 1 overall pick.

Matt Kalil would provide some instant depth at the offensive line for the Rams, a position that has been an area of need in St. Louis for some time.

Kalil, who is 6'7", 295 pounds, has great size but amazing speed and athleticism for a man his size. He's been a force on the line at USC and would continue to do the same for the Rams.

3. Minnesota Vikings: CB Morris Claiborne

The Minnesota Vikings have several areas of need heading into the offseason, but none more prevalent than at cornerback.

Minnesota is 30th in pass defense this season, giving up 260 yards per game. 

A player like Morris Claiborne could bring some intensity and stability to that position for the Vikings. The Jim Thorpe award-winner would be an excellent addition to a weak Vikings secondary.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Dre Kirkpatrick

The biggest question mark for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into the offseason is cornerback. 

Rumors of Ronde Barber retiring are swirling and if he doesn't this offseason, it will be sooner rather than later. Former first-round pick Aqib Talib has been a disruption on the team through incidents with law enforcement and his attitude on the field.

With their two best cornerbacks' futures unknown at this point, the Bucs would be smart to go after a cornerback to fill that void.

Dre Kirkpatrick is a physical corner that can hang with any wide receiver. The Bucs need a new mentality on defense, so Kirkpatrick would be a great start.

5. Cleveland Browns: RB Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is one of the most physically gifted running backs to come out of college in a while. He's a physical, downfield runner, but he can also beat you with his speed and acceleration. 

Richardson is the complete package.

The Cleveland Browns are in dire need of a playmaker on offense and Richardson would be a great fit. It would help solidify the Browns run game in a major way, allowing Colt McCoy better opportunities to throw the football.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Justin Blackmon

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a state of uncertainty as they currently have no head coach and are spiraling down the NFL standings and gaining draft positions.

Last year, the Jaguars went for a franchise quarterback in Blaine Gabbert and the first few picks for the Jaguars this season should be directed at giving Gabbert some immediate help.

A player like Justin Blackmon would instantly give Gabbert a No. 1 receiver who could have an A.J. Green- or Calvin Johnson-like impact on the Jaguars offense.

He's a physical wide receiver who is not brought down easily. The addition of Blackmon would make life much easier for Gabbert as he looks to prove he was worthy of a first-round pick.

7. Washington Redskins: QB Robert Griffin III

Although I'm a fan of Rex Grossman (go Gators), he is just not getting the job done in Washington. He's not someone a franchise can tab as a franchise quarterback. Grossman is just inconsistent at best.

The Redskins need someone to revitalize their fanbase and team. Robert Griffin III would do just that for them.

He's arguably the most exciting player in the entire draft. He runs like a wide receiver, but has the arm strength of a top-tier quarterback. RGIII would be someone the Redskins could believe in and develop into a franchise quarterback. Plus, it never hurts to draft the Heisman Trophy winner.

The options would be endless with RGIII at the helm.

8. Miami Dolphins: OT Riley Reiff

If the Miami Dolphins lose out on getting Robert Griffin III, look for the Dolphins to strengthen their offensive line by taking Riley Reiff.

Reiff projects as an excellent NFL offensive tackle due to his durability and strength off the line.

Although he remains behind Matt Kalil for top offensive lineman in this draft, Reiff would be an excellent pickup for any team with offensive line needs.

Pairing him with Jake Long would give the Dolphins arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the league. And that's a scenario the Dolphins just may not be able to pass up.

9. Buffalo Bills: OT Jonathan Martin

With so much money being handed to Ryan Fitzpatrick, it would be smart for the Buffalo Bills to do their best in protecting this investment.

Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin is the next-best lineman on the board.

Martin has developed a good reputation around college football as one of the most durable and intelligent offensive linemen in the nation. Plus, protecting Andrew Luck for most of his college career has made Martin look better and better as his career went on.

10. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Fletcher Cox

Fletcher Cox has outstanding size for a defensive tackle, especially in a 3-4 defensive system. 

Cox has been compared to former SEC tackle Nick Fairley, who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs can still upgrade at the defensive tackle position as they head into the offseason. Clearly, the Chiefs have been building through defense when you observe their last few drafts. Cox is a great pass-rusher for his size and could be a handful to guard at the next level.

11. Carolina Panthers: WR Alshon Jeffery

Cam Newton shined this season and the Carolina Panthers will do everything they can to give him the weapons to allow him to succeed.

Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery would be a great pick here for the Panthers. Alongside Steve Smith, Jeffery would give Newton a legitimate deep threat, but also a receiver who can go up and catch virtually any ball thrown his way.

His height will make him a tough cover for opposing defensive backs and would instantly make Carolina's offense even more dangerous.

12. Seattle Seahawks: QB Landry Jones

The Seattle Seahawks really need a quarterback and Landry Jones will be the best option for them at this point in the draft.

Jones has developed into a top quarterback with a solid arm and great accuracy on his throws. He still has a lot of room to grow and could be a year or two away from being a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Still, he's a player the Seahawks can't miss out on.

13. Arizona Cardinals: LB Courtney Upshaw

The Arizona Cardinals need help on defense, especially at the linebacker position.

Courtney Upshaw is one of the best linebackers in the draft and could compete for a starting job immediately. 

Upshaw can do just about anything, but his strength is rushing the passer. This season, Upshaw recorded 7.5 sacks for the top-ranked defense of the Crimson Tide.

His intangibles are fantastic and could be a leader on the defense, alongside Patrick Peterson.

14. Chicago Bears: WR Michael Floyd

Notre Dame's all-time leader in receptions, Michael Floyd has been a huge playmaker for the Fighting Irish. The Chicago Bears, who desperately need some production out of the wide receiver position, should look Floyd's way.

Floyd is a big body that is as athletic as anybody out on the field. Occasionally, his hands are an issue as he drops balls every now and then, but you can deny the kind of impact he would have on an offense.

Pairing Jay Cutler with Michael Floyd would be an instant success for the Bears and could provide a huge spark for lackluster passing game.

15. San Diego Chargers: OT Cordy Glenn

The San Diego Chargers have a huge need at offensive line and Cordy Glenn is their man.

He played offensive tackle, but could play either tackle or guard in the NFL. He's an experienced player who has a very polished game for a lineman.

If the Chargers take Glenn, they'll be getting a sure-fire player who will be an instant impact player on their offensive line.

16. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Luke Kuechly

The stats of Luke Kuechly are incredible. In 2011, Kuechly recorded an astounding 191 tackles, along with three interceptions.

His instincts are as great as anybody on the field and he's a natural leader at the linebacker position.

The Philadelphia Eagles are in need of a reliable player like Kuechly at the linebacker position. He'll cover a lot of room in the middle of the field and is an absolute tackle machine.

He's a great fit for the Eagles. Watch out for him to possibly go to the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the round.

17. Tennessee Titans: DE Quinton Coples

At 6'6", 285 pounds, Quinton Coples has the measurables to be an elite defensive end at the next level.

His 7.5 sacks were impressive this past season and Coples will only get better over the next few seasons. He is definitely someone to watch out for.

The Tennessee Titans have some great young defensive players in Akeem Ayers, Derrick Morgan and Jurrell Casey, but they could use another piece at defensive end.

Coples to the Titans would be a perfect match for both parties involved.

18. New York Giants: LB Vontaze Burfict

Vontaze Burfict has started since he was a freshman at Arizona State and his projection as a NFL linebacker is very highly thought of.

Burfict is an intimidating presence on the field and has the swagger to fit that of the New York Giants.

The Giants have some linebackers hitting the free-agent market this offseason, so Burfict would be a great addition to their defense. He could develop into a true leader on their defense over the next few seasons.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): S Mark Barron

Mark Barron would fit in nicely to a Cincinnati Bengals secondary that has dropped off some after losing Jonathan Joseph to free agency.

Barron is excellent at play recognition and can be a force in stopping the run game. He has a knack for always knowing where the football is and is a sure tackler.

He gained a lot of experience by starting in the SEC for a couple of seasons and Barron could bring a more polished game than other safety prospects to the NFL.

Barron is also a great coverage safety, who is not exposed by the deep ball very often. Adding him to the team would make a good defense even better.

20. Dallas Cowboys: CB Alfonzo Dennard

Alfonzo Dennard had tough shoes to fill when Prince Amukamara left Nebraska last season. Not afraid of the pressure, Dennard stepped up by shutting down Big Ten wide receivers all season and significantly improving his draft stock.

The Dallas Cowboys have long been needing a cornerback in the draft. Their defense is 23rd in passing yards allowed per game and they need some young talent at the position. Bringing in Dennard would make sense for the Cowboys because it'll immediately fill a need for them and Dennard could easily compete for a starting position in his first season.

21. Denver Broncos: DT Devon Still

A common thought for the Denver Broncos in the upcoming draft would be to give Tim Tebow more weapons on offense so he can succeed. 

However, I see the Broncos in a different way. John Fox is committed to winning with a strong defense, so it seems natural that they would look for a strong defensive tackle.

Devon Still has been a disruptive force at Penn State. His size would be a great fit for the Broncos' 3-4 defensive scheme.

22. New York Jets: DE Andre Branch

The New York Jets have a lot of areas they need help in, especially on the defensive side of the ball. One position they could be in a great spot to improve on is defensive end. 

If Quinton Coples drops to this spot, I would expect the Jets to take him, but chances of that happening are slim.

The next-best option would be Andre Branch out of Clemson. He's an effective pass-rusher, which is something the Jets desperately need, along with some youth to an aging defensive unit.

23. Cincinnati Bengals: OG David DeCastro

Offensive guard could be a potential need for the Cincinnati Bengals since they may lose a lineman or two to free agency in the offseason.

David DeCastro is an excellent guard prospect that has a rare combination of size, strength and speed as an interior lineman. He's a true professional and his hard work on and off the field will pay dividends in his NFL career. 

A player who leads by example with a hard work ethic and a professional attitude is the kind of player the Bengals need right now. 

24. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): LB Zach Brown

After picking an offensive playmaker with their first pick, the Cleveland Browns would be smart to address needs at the other side of the football.

Zach Brown, a linebacker from North Carolina, is someone who is versatile enough to play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 defensive scheme. With the Browns' 4-3, Brown would help contribute as a weak-side linebacker and could have an instant impact in Cleveland since the Browns are very thin at linebacker.

Pairing him with D'Qwell Jackson would give the Browns a tough linebacking corps, which would help give some backbone to a struggling team.

25. Houston Texans: WR Mohamed Sanu

With the league's top-ranked defense, the Houston Texans have the freedom to focus on the offensive side of the ball.

Mohamed Sanu is not in top level of wide receivers with Justin Blackmon and Alshon Jeffery, but he can still be an impact player in an NFL offense.

Sanu is the complete package of speed, size and physicality. The Texans need some insurance at the wide receiver position with Andre Johnson battling through nagging injuries. Sanu would be a great fit here.

26. Detroit Lions: RB Lamar Miller

I expect the Detroit Lions to address some needs on the offensive side of the football in the first round. 

Running back has been an up-and-down position for the Lions so far with Jahvid Best. He has battled through some injuries and has struggled as the team's primary running back.

Lamar Miller would be a great complement to Best in the backfield. And as Miller improves, he has the size and strength to take on a majority of the team's carries. His physical running style should transition smoothly into a pro-style offense in Detroit.

27. Baltimore Ravens: WR Kendall Wright

Kendall Wright put together an impressive senior season at Baylor alongside Robert Griffin III. Wright had more than 1,000 receiving yards on 101 receptions and 13 touchdowns.

The Baltimore Ravens could use another wide receiver to complement Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin. With Boldin aging and starting to slow down some, bringing in a playmaker like Wright would allow the Ravens receiving corps to not miss a beat.

Plus, giving Joe Flacco another weapon to work with wouldn't be a bad strategy to consider.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Ronnell Lewis

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the luxury of being flexible early in this draft. I believe they take the best linebacker available at this point and that would be Ronnell Lewis.

With their defense aging, it's time to get some youth in at linebacker and Lewis would be a great start. In Pittsburgh's 3-4, Lewis could easily establish himself as a legitimate pass-rushing threat. He would also have the luxury of learning from some of the best linebackers in the league like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley.

29. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): DE Melvin Ingram

The supreme athleticism and versatility of Melvin Ingram is undeniable. At South Carolina, he showed numerous times that even as a defensive lineman, he was often the most athletic person on the field, showing great speed and acceleration.

Ingram is a tireless worker on the field and can impact the game in a variety of ways through pass rushing, but also in some coverage. He fits the mold of a player that the New England Patriots would be very interested in. I see them taking at shot at him late in the first round.

30. San Francisco 49ers: WR Nick Toon

After releasing Braylon Edwards earlier this week, it's clear to see that the San Francisco 49ers are not satisfied with the production of their wide receivers.

Michael Crabtree has been somewhat effective this season, but they still need one more playmaking wide receiver. 

Enter Nick Toon.

He's a tall, athletic wide receiver who has great ball skills and can be physical when running with the football. Toon has fought the injury bug throughout his career, so his stock has dropped some. But Toon is a player with all the right tools to be a successful player in the NFL.

31. New England Patriots: CB Janoris Jenkins

Janoris Jenkins was able to maintain his draft stock after being kicked off the Florida Gators. 

Jenkins is a physical corner who is not afraid to initiate contact at the line of scrimmage. With his disciplinary history at Florida, scouts are worried about his attitude and discipline. Regardless, Jenkins is an excellent corner who can cover just about anybody around him.

His attitude may not seem like it would fit with the kind of philosophy that the New England Patriots have, but playing for Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft could be just the kind of discipline Jenkins needs as as a young player.

32. Green Bay Packers: LB Jarvis Jones

Jarvis Jones can still stay in school for another year, but if on the board, I expect him to be snatched up by the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers have built their dominant team through the NFL draft. Their offense is spectacular and while their defense struggles at times, they get the job done through sacks and turnovers.

However, the team's only legitimate pass-rushing option is linebacker Clay Matthews. They need someone else who can rush the quarterback and Jones fits the bill. Earlier in the season, Jones recorded four sacks in one game against the Florida Gators.

Jones relentlessly pursues the quarterback and it's that kind of mentality the Packers need more of on defense.