2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All 32 First-Round Picks

With the NFL regular season coming to an end, it's never too early to start talking NFL draft. The big day at Radio City Music Hall is just a handful of months away and the next bright moment for fans of teams who find themselves on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.

Here is my complete first-round mock draft for the 2012 NFL draft.

No. 1 St. Louis Rams- Andrew Luck, Quarterback- Stanford

The Indianapolis Colts looked to be a shoo-in for the first overall pick, but I see them winning against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the St. Louis Rams losing to the San Fransisco 49ers this Sunday. This gives St. Louis the first overall pick in the 2012 draft.

Now, obviously the Rams have Sam Bradford, whose only been in the NFL for two seasons and supposed to be the future of the franchise.

I think that the higher ups in the organization will look to shop their first overall pick. If they don't get what they're looking for, they take Standford superstar Andrew Luck and ship him off to the highest bidder.

Luck will be the first overall pick of this draft regardless of what team winds up in position to take him, and St. Louis will look to find a the best trade possible for the rights to him.

No. 2 Indianapolis Colts- Trent Richardson, Running Back- Alabama

It's been a long time since the Indianapolis Colts have had a true running game, and while Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are find rushers, they're nowhere near as dynamic as Trent Richardson.

The Colts currently have the 24th ranked rushing attack in the NFL, and haven't had an imposing running back since Edgerrin James left town for Arizona.

Richardson is a one-cut back who runs hard and know how to hit the hole when given the chance and would allow the Colts to add the missing piece to their offensive assault. With Peyton Manning back and Richardson on the roster next year, Indy will be anything but an easy win.

No. 3 Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle- USC

Last year, the Minnesota Vikings drafted Christian Ponder to be help build for the future, now they'll be looking to protect him with a tackle as talented as USC's Matt Kalil.

Both ESPN's top draft analysts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. believe this Trojan is a top five overall pick and the Vikings would be adding this draft class's top lineman to their roster.

Ponder has taken plenty of hits this year and suffered a concussion in his first pro year, but adding Kalil should help the Vikes keep their new quarterback healthy and upright.

No. 4 Jacksonville Jaguars- Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver- Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon has had nothing short of a stellar junior season, with over 1,300 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

If you've had the stomach to sit through an entire Jacksonville Jaguars game this season, you'll notice that 1) Maurice Jones-Drew is a stud and 2) last year's first round pick Blaine Gabbert has nobody to throw to.

Jarrett Dillard, Mike Thomas, Taylor Price and Chastin West are the Jags' top options options at wide out. If you knew of anyone on that list other than Thomas, give yourself a pat on the back.

Gabbert has shown some promise to be a decent NFL quarterback, and if he has someone as dynamic as Blackmon to throw to, they could be as deadly as Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

No. 5 Cleveland Browns- Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle- Stanford

In recent years, the Cleveland Browns have used the draft to develop their offense, drafting left tackle Joe Thomas, center Alex Mack and quarterback Colt McCoy in the past several seasons.

Adding Stanford tackle Jonathan Martin would give the Browns two dynamic tackles on both sides of McCoy and if the underclassmen pans out at the next level this team could have one of the best offensive lines in the league.

Martin is well balanced and knows how to use his hands effectively while protecting his quarterback. Look for Cleveland to continue to focus on sparking life into their offense in the draft this year, with Martin being their first round pick.

No. 6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne, Cornerback- LSU

It's been a disappointing run for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, who were in the playoffs just last season and now sit at the bottom of the NFC South.

The Buccos have struggled in 2011 partially because their defense can't stop anyone. Drafting cornerback Morris Claiborne out of LSU would provide an immediate help in nickle coverage, while planning for the future and Ronde Barber's retirement.

Barber has made nothing public about retiring from the game, but he is 36 and only getting older. No. 20 can continue to captain the Tampa defense for the last few seasons of his career while Claiborne develops under his wing and the Bucs will have a smooth transition at the position when the time comes for Barber to hang up the cleats.

No. 7 Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III, Quarterback- Baylor

It's no secret that the Washington Redskins need a quarterback for the future, and with USC's Matt Barkley back in school for another year, Baylor's Robert Griffin III is their best option.

If the St. Louis Rams do offer up their first overall pick, the 'Skins will surely look to acquire the pick and take Andrew Luck. However, if they miss out or don't like the Rams' asking price, this year's Heisman Trophy winner should be there for them to take at number seven.

If RG3 enters the draft, he'll easily be the second best quarterback available. With almost 4,000 yards and 45 total touchdowns in his 2011 campaign, head coach Mike Shanahan will be salivating at the chance to draft the Baylor product come draft day.

No. 8 Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples, Defensive End- North Carolina

Don't let the picture fool you, North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples is a defensive powerhouse and just what the Carolina Panthers need.

The Panthers already have Michael Johnson as defensive end on one side of the field, and if you pair him with this Tar Heel, that's a recipe for plenty of sacks for seasons to come.

Coples has totaled 23.5 sacks in his college career and could provide Carolina with an excellent amount of talent for their 4-3 defense. The two ends would help improve a defense that has posted a lowly 21st ranked pass defense this season.

No. 9 Miami Dolphins- David DeCastro, Offensive Guard- Stanford

The Miami Dolphins once again failed to make the playoffs despite the emergence of Reggie Bush, a good defense and having both Brandon Marshall and Matt Moore post solid seasons.

What's missing in Miami is a solid bunch of big men to protect whoever starts at quarterback. The current offensive line is made up of castaways like Rich Incognito and Marc Colombo, which have played less than Pro Bowl level to say the least.

Adding Stanford guard David DeCastro would give the Dolphins a building block on the line similar to the way Joe Thomas was the first step in that direction for Cleveland seasons ago.

DeCastro is 6-5 and knows how to use his body to get between defenders and his running back or QB. He's quick and can get to the second level of a defense faster than most while making a college career of keeping his quarterback upright more often than not.

No. 10 Buffalo Bills- Zach Brown, Outside Linebacker- North Carolina

The Buffalo Bills were able to grab Nick Barnett last off-season through free agency, but that corps still needs a young talent like Zach Brown to help their 3-4 scheme.

Brown has been compared to Denver Bronco Von Miller with his lightning fast first step and ability to swarm to the football.

The Tar Heel totaled 105 tackles in his senior season, with 5.5 sacks and three interceptions to accompany that impressive first statistic.

The Bills defense has been torched one too many times as of late, but adding Brown to the fold would be a step in the right direction.

No. 11 Philadelphia Eagles- Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker- Alabama

The Philadelphia Eagles defense was deservedly hyped this off-season but it's clear they need to improve their linebacker corps; enter Courtney Upshaw.

The Alabama product recorded 16.5 sacks over his college career, playing under former Miami Dolphins head coach Nick Saban, arguable the best college football coach in the land.

Philly has been lacking at the linebacker position for years and if Upshaw is on the board when they're on the clock, the Eagles would be smart to finally acquire some top talent at that position.

No. 12 Kansas City Chiefs- Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver- Notre Dame

Kansas City has spent the past several drafts focusing on their defense and it's paid off, but it's time to add some more explosiveness to the offense with Michael Floyd.

Sure, the Chiefs have Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles returning next season, but if you look at the teams in playoff contention this season, you'll notice that most have solid first and second options at wide receiver.

Floyd can be that dynamic number two guy and allow Steve Breaston to switch to slot receiver, where he enjoyed success in Arizona.

The golden-domer may have some red flags with more than a few DUIs on his record, but he's still one of the best on the board at his position and the Chiefs could be in the market for a wide out this April.

No. 13 Arizona Cardinals- Luke Keuchly, Middle Linebacker- Boston College

Arizona has attempted to resurrect their once stellar offense by signing Kevin Kolb and drafting Beanie Wells a few season ago, but their defense should be the focus in the 2012 draft. With Karlos Dansby a distant memory in the desert, Luke Keuchly may be the linebacker to fill his cleats.

Keuchly is the 2011 Dick Butkus award winner, making him the best linebacker in the land this season and Arizona is in desperate need of someone as talented as him.

Boston College moved Keuchly all over the field during his time as an Eagle, so the Cardinals can feel confident placing him wherever and know that he'll still find a way to get to the ball carrier and bring him to the ground.

No. 14 Tennessee Titans- Peter Konz, Center- Wisconsin

The Tennessee Titans invested the future of their franchise into quarterback Jake Locker last season in the draft. Now this year it's time to provide the young QB with the best center in the '12 draft by selecting Peter Konz.

If a quarterback is going to succeed in the NFL, he needs a decent center snapping him the football and protecting him.

The Wisconsin center is incredibly strong and knows how to utilize his 6-5 313 pound frame. Though he is a big man, he's shown he has the ability to be agile when needed in the running game, which could help Chris Johnson rebound from a terrible 2011 campaign.

Locker will need a strong offensive line to provide him with time to scan the field and Konz has proven he's pretty darn good at that during his time in the Cheesehead state.

No. 15 Seattle Seahawks- Landry Jones, Quarterback- Oklahoma

At pick number 15 the Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a similar situation that the Minnesota Vikings did in the 2011 draft.

The Vikes were criticized for drafting Christian Ponder far too early, but he was arguably the best quarterback available, and that's what will happen to Seattle this year when they take Landry Jones as their quarterback of the future.

Without Matt Barkley, Jones is easily the a top five quarterback in this draft class and the Seahawks' fan base is tried of the Charlie Whitehurst and Tavaris Jackson act.

Jones is a hard worker with a decent arm and would be stepping into an offense that's ready to jump to that next level with Sidney Rice, Doug Baldwin and Marshawn Lynch waiting for a competent quarterback to join them out in Seattle.

No. 16 Cincinnati Bengals- Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback- Alabama

Currently, the Cincinnati Bengals are starting Adam "PacMan" Jones at cornerback. Yeah, they need Dre Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick is great at playing the bump and run and has shown an aggressive style of play that would help Bengals fans forget about the loss of Jonathan Joseph when their new cornerback steps in and contributes immediately.

The Bengals are set on offense for the most part, if they're able to sure up their secondary through the draft starting with getting this Alabama star, the AFC North better be prepared for this team come 2012.

No. 17 Chicago Bears- Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle- Clemson

If there's one thing Chicago Bears fans pride themselves on is their team's dominant defense, but the defensive tackle position needs improvement and that's where Clemson's Brandon Thompson comes in.

Thompson explodes off the line and his 6'2 310 pound frame allows him to get the best of many offensive lineman which is exactly what the Bears are lacking right now.

Henry Melton and Matt Toeaina, Chicago's current starters at DT have a combined nine sacks on the year, with Melton accounting for seven of them.

The Bears need an imposing defensive tackle who can disrupt their opposition's rhythm in the run and pass game and that's exactly the type of player Thompson could become for the Windy City.

No. 18 San Diego Chargers- Vontaze Burfict, Middle Linebacker- Arizona State

Arizona State's star linebacker Vontaze Burfict had had his draft stock fall in recent weeks, with ESPN's Todd McShay moving him from 15th to 21st on his mock draft board. That being said, the San Diego Chargers need a linebacker with his upside to improve their defense and lineup opposite Takeo Spikes.

The Chargers have struggled in rushing defense this year, which is where Burfict's quick step and ability to sniff out the ball carrier could help the Lighting Bolts.

He's had some off the field issues, which has called into question his "mental maturity" as McShay put it, but he has the upside of a top ten overall pick.

Maturity is important when evaluating at the college level, but everyone said similar things about former Oklahoma State product Dez Bryant, and I'm pretty sure the Dallas Cowboys are happy with their selection.

No.19 New York Giants- Cordy Glenn, Offensive Guard- Georgia

Both the New York Giants and their upcoming opponent the Dallas Cowboys may have talented offenses, but are held back by their mediocre offensive lines. That's why the G-Men will look to Cordy Glenn to sure up their depleted guard position.

Glenn is currently ranked as CBS Sports' Rob Rang as the 19th best option in this draft class and would provide Big Blue with some much needed protection for quarterback Eli Manning.

The Giants have just Mitch Petrus and Chris Snee who have veteran experience at the position and while both are decent options, New York needs depth and promise for the future at guard.

Glenn spent time at Georgia playing both right and left guard as well as left tackle, showing versatility enough to earn him 2011 All-SEC first team honors.

The Bulldog knows how to use his long hands to his advantage and control defenders, if he's there at 19 the Giants would be wise to take him.

No. 20 Cincinnati Bengals- Lamar Miller, Running Back- Miami

University of Miami running back Lamar Miller is entering the NFL Draft after just his second year of college football, but looks to be primed for a first round selection. The Cincinnati Bengals would be lucky to have a back like Miller.

Yes, Cedric Benson has been a fine running back for the Bengals since joining the squad, but he'll be 30 next year. In running back years, he probably only has a few good years left of production.

Miller racked up over 1,300 yards as a redshirt sophomore this season for The U and ranked by some such as CBS Sports as the second best running back in this years draft.

Cincinnati is building an explosive young offense behind Andy Dalton and A.J. Green; with Miller in the fold, the Bengals will be one of the youngest, most talented teams in their conference.

No. 21 New York Jets- Devon Still, Defensive Tackle- Penn State

For all the hype around New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan's defense, it just doesn't have an intimidating nose tackle.

The Jets need a tackle like Penn State product Devon Still who can consistently blow up an offensive play by finding his way into the opponent's backfield.

Still was a finalist for the most outstanding defensive player award this season thanks to his 15 solo tackles for a loss and among the Big Ten's top sack leaders with 4.5 on the year.

Still paired up with Ryan could provide an already established New York defense with an added dynamic that could take them to the next level.

No. 22 Denver Broncos- Dwayne Allen, Tight End- Clemson

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots showed the NFL the wonders a big tight end can do for you in 2011, and the Denver Broncos will hope to add their own imposing TE with Clemson's Dwayne Allen.

Allen won the 2011 John Mackey award for the best tight end in the nation thanks to his eight touchdowns and 577 yards receiving for the Tigers this season.

It was by far his best year of college football and the Broncos are depleted at the receiving and tight end positions ever since Josh McDaniels sent Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler packing a few seasons ago.

Quarterback Tim Tebow would love to have a reliable check down option along with an imposing redzone threat to throw to in 2012, and expect Denver to give him just that.

No. 23 Dallas Cowboys- Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback- North Alabama

Janoris Jenkins is an outstanding talent at the cornerback position, but after run ins with the law during his time at Florida, was forced to play his senior season at North Alabama.

The Dallas Cowboys are in desperate need of an upgrade at the cornerback position, and have shown with the drafting of Dez Bryant in recent years that they're not too afraid of character flaws.

Terence Newman is beginning to show his age and Mike Jenkins continue to struggle through injuries, meaning they need a young talent with an upside like the former Gator.

He excels at reading the quarterback's eyes and can anticipate a wide receiver's route better than almost anyone in college football, so don't expect the Cowboys to look the other way due to a few red flags if he's on the board.

No. 24 Cleveland Browns- Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver- Baylor

Cleveland will have have already drafted a top notch lineman to go along with Alex Mack and Joe Thomas, so now they'll need to find a target for quarterback Colt McCoy to throw to.

Baylor's Kendall Wright has been named to the All-Big 12 team for the past two seasons, while delivering over 2,500 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns over that time span.

The Browns have tried to upgrade at wide receiver through the draft with Mohamed Massaquoi and Greg Little as of late, but Wright has the talent to be what those two have failed to be and that's a No.1 receiver.

No. 25 Pittsburgh Steelers- Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Guard- Iowa State

If Ben Roethlisberger's string of sacks and injuries this season doesn't make the Pittsburgh Steelers realize they need to rebuild they're offensive line I don't know what will. They can start by taking Iowa State guard Kelechi Osemele in the first round.

Osemele is a 340 pound brute with a 6-5 frame and made the All-Big 12 team this season. Iowa State may not be a powerhouse football team, but they've had a powerhouse guard on their line for the past four seasons.

The Steelers need help on the line as evidence by the constant pressure Big Ben has been under all season, look for them to rebuild through the draft in 2012.

No. 26 Detroit Lions- Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback- Nebraska

The Detroit Lions have become masters of the NFL Draft in recent years, scoring big with players like Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh as of late.

Suh and Nick Fairley holding down the front-line on defense, the Lions need help in the secondary and Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard is just the cornerback they need.

NFL scouts were blown away by Dennard when they came to see former teammate Prince Amukamara last season and now No. 15 will get to become part of one of the biggest up and coming teams in the NFC.

Dennard has shown flashes of brilliance in zone coverage and an uncanny ability to swat the ball away from receivers, which is exactly what any team wants out of their first round investment.

No. 27 Houston Texans- Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle- Memphis

Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe has been consistently one of Conference USA's top players at his position and the Houston Texans will hope he can carry over that success into the pros.

Wade Phillips has gone from goat to hero in the state of Texas, going from disgraced Dallas Cowboys head coach to defensive coordinator of the best defense in football with Houston and he'd love to have a player like Poe to coach.

The Tigers big man posted 33 tackles this season, 18 of which were solo and eight of which were for a loss.

If Poe can excel in Houston, the Texans would have a fine combination of Poe in the middle and Mario Williams coming off the edge to terrorize their opposition.

No. 28 New England Patriots- Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback- South Carolina

If you've been watching any New England Patriots games this season, you'll notice their defense is atrocious and needs someone like Stephon Gilmore in the secondary.

Gilmore was a Freshman All-American his first year as a Gamecock and hasn't looked back since, showing his toughness and complete understanding of zone coverage over his next few college seasons.

The Patriots have hit and missed on lots of defensive backs in the draft lately, but that shouldn't stop them from continuing to try and improve the secondary. Gilmore was coached by Steve Spurrier in college so you have to imagine Patriots coach Bill Belichick knows he's disciplined on top of his obvious skill.

No. 29 Baltimore Ravens- Mark Barron, Strong Safety- Alabama

The Baltimore Ravens have made a franchise out of building through the draft on defense, and will look to continue that success by picking Alabama's Mark Barron in 2012.

Barron was a 2011 Jim Thorpe Award finalist (best defensive back) and posted 66 tackles and two interceptions this season for the Crimson Tide.

The Ravens currently have Bernard Pollard at strong safety, and while he's a decent option teams are always looking to upgrade.

He's aggressive in both run and pass defense, showing all the classic signs of a ballhawk. He's able to play near the line of scrimmage without fear and has shown a great ability to read quarterbacks.

No. 30 San Francisco 49ers- Nick Perry, Defensive End- USC

Now, you can't see USC defensive end Nick Perry in this photo. That's because he's doing what he does best, wreak havoc. What better player to add to the San Francisco 49ers stout defense than the 2011 Pac-12 sack leader.

Perry posted 9.5 sacks this season en route to what many believe a first round selection in the NFL Draft come April.

The linebacker corps for San Fran has been the highlight of 2011 for the team, and they hope Perry will be able to shine some of the spotlight on the defensive line come next year.

No. 31 New England Patriots- Jerel Worthy, Defensive Tackle- Michigan State

Continuing their rebuilding of the defense, look for the New England Patriots to use their second first round pick on Michigan State's Jerel Worthy.

Worthy was a 2011 All-American and a consensus All-Big 10 selection. In other words he's exactly what the Patriots need if they're going to continue their 4-3 scheme.

He was part of the best defense in the Big 10 this year and was an imposing force to all who faced Sparty this season and that's exactly what the Pats want to take their abysmal defense out of the bottom of the rankings.

No. 32 Green Bay Packers- Melvin Ingram, Defensive End- Sourth Carolina

For as great as the Green Bay Packers have been this season, their defense has struggled and needs  defensive end like South Carolina's Melvin Ingram.

Ingram is a 2011 All-Amerian that 13.5 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks for the Gamecocks en route to an almost surefire first round draft selection.

The Packers have been abismal on defense this season despite having Clay Matthews and Desmond Bishop suiting up for them.

If the Packers can land Ingram they should be able to have a bit more success come from their defensive line in 2012 and thus give Matthews and Bishop more opportunities to make big plays for Green Bay.