2012 NFL Mock Draft: Overrated Prospects Who Will Fool Teams into Bad Picks

Every year it's the same. Certain players heading for the NFL draft receive too much hype and teams end up regretting making such bad picks. 

Whether they thrived in the bowl game or pre-draft workouts, there will be athletes that jump up draft boards and fail to live up to the hype. 

The 2012 NFL draft will be here before you know it, and a few players will be taken in the first round that won't amount to much in their pro careers. It's nothing new. 

With that said, let's get right to the 2012 NFL mock draft with info for each player and a more in-depth look at some of the overrated prospects. 

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

 

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-13): Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

The best prospect in the draft, Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 overall pick no matter what team is there. He's the ideal pro-style QB and is going to be a phenomenal NFL QB. 

 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Drafting a wide receiver is an option here, but the Rams can get that in free agency. Landing a dominant offensive tackle to protect Sam Bradford for his entire career is the best move. 

 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings secondary was atrocious this season. Claiborne is the real deal and will be an instant impact and upgrade for Minnesota.

 

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blaine Gabbert needs more that Maurice Jones-Drew if the Jaguars want to win the AFC South. Blackmon has exceptional hands, and his speed will help Gabbert and company put more points on the board. 

 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

He could return to Alabama, and the BCS title game will have a play in his decision. However, he's a lock for a Top 10 pick, and since the Buccaneers need help all over their defense, they won't pass up on a dominant corner like Kirkpatrick. 

 

6. Cleveland Browns (4-11): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The ground and pound has been lacking for the Browns, which is why landing Richardson is a must. They could think about trading up or down because of multiple picks, but this is about predicting trades. RGIII is also an option, but I think the Browns stick to building around Colt McCoy. 

 

7. Washington Redskins (5-10): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

A dual-threat QB that has "pass first" on his mind, RGIII will be a dynamic force in the NFL. If the Redskins want to win, they'll do the right thing and select the Baylor QB. Of course, he has to declare first. 

 

8. Miami Dolphins (5-10): Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Finally, we get to the first overrated prospect. Jones may opt to return to Oklahoma, but with Matt Barkley announced he'd come back, Jones jumped up draft boards and is likely to leave. 

Since Ryan Broyles is graduating, Jones' best move would be to leave early, especially since so many teams need a QB. 

The Dolphins chose not to take one last year, but they desperately need one this year. Since Jones is sure to shine in pre-draft workouts, the Dolphins will be all over him. 

Unfortunately, Jones won't pan out as well as Miami will hope. Jones' arm strength is lacking, and his poor play at the end of the regular season is great evidence as to why he'll bust in the NFL. 

 

9. Carolina Panthers (6-9): Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina

Another overrated prospect, Coples will be dubbed as the top pass-rusher, and rightfully so because the 2012 class is thin at top-tier pass-rushers. 

This means a team will reach on Coples, and the Panthers will jump all over the chance to land this home town kid. 

He has talent, don't get me wrong, but his inconsistencies are a big worry. As a Top 10 pick, he would need to step in right away in the NFL and make a huge impact, but that isn't going to happen. 

The Panthers need help up front, which is why they'll take Coples. However, his poor season this year is a great sign as to why he'll end up being a bad pick for the Panthers. 

 

10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

If the Chiefs want to stay successful, they'll take Reiff to help better protect Matt Cassel. Keeping the QB healthy is priority No. 1 for Kansas City. 

 

11. Buffalo Bills (6-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Bills' biggest need is on the offensive line, and Martin is the best available guy here. He'll help create bigger holes for Fred Jackson and make sure Ryan Fitzpatrick stays upright.

 

12. Philadelphia Eagles (7-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine, and he will have an instant impact for the Eagles. Philadelphia brought in a lot of defensive talent this past offseason, but linebacker is still a weak spot. Kuechly will definitely help make the Eagles a stronger team. 

 

13. Arizona Cardinals (7-8): Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

The Cardinals need help all over, but Upshaw has too much talent to pass up. He can step in and help Arizona's defense actually stop opposing offenses.  

 

14. Seattle Seahawks (7-8): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The defensive tackle position is thin this year, and Still is the top guy. He has great value for a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, making him a sexy pick. The Seahawks could trade up for their biggest need—a QB—but should they sit tight, Still is the best available player to help them win games in the NFC West. 

 

15. San Diego Chargers (7-8): Mark Barron, S Alabama

A hard-hitting safety, Barron would be a great complement to Eric Weddle, helping to ensure the Chargers maintain a strong pass defense for years to come. 

 

16. Chicago Bears (7-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame 

Jay Cutler needs a better offensive line, but the best guys are all gone. Their next biggest need is a playmaking wide receiver, and Floyd would be a great fit. If he can keep a level head and stay out of trouble off the field, he'll help the Bears win games immediately.  

 

17. Tennessee Titans (8-7): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict has Top 10 talent, but he'll slip down in the draft because of character issues. The Titans need a powerful linebacker to help lead the defense, and Burfict can be exactly that guy should he avoid trouble. 

 

18. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

A flashy back, Miller would give the Bengals a nice one-two punch in the backfield. Pairing Miller with Cedric Benson will help the Bengals offense be more balanced, creating more big plays for Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. 

 

19. New York Jets (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The best interior lineman in the draft, DeCastro would be a solid fit for the Jets, helping give New York a better run game. 

 

20. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): Zach Brown, LB North Carolina

A strong and speedy linebacker is just what the Cowboys need. He'll work well in Rob Ryan's schemes, adding youth to the team as well as a great knowledge for the game. 

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals have experience with troubled players, and Jenkins fits that category. He was kicked off the Florida Gators team for being arrested, and the Bengals will look past his character issues and focus on the talent. 

 

22. Denver Broncos (8-7): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Broncos need to find a replacement for Champ Bailey, and Dennard can definitely be that guy.  

 

23. New York Giants (8-7): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox is sure to shine in pre-draft workouts and stand out because of a weak defensive tackle class. He has to declare first, but since the 2012 class is thin at his position, he's likely to leave now, especially since his ceiling is high. 

However, he won't be the player the Giants need him to be right away. They'll fall in love with the pre-draft workouts, and sadly be mistaken once Cox gets to the NFL. 

He lacks the burst needed to be dominant, and his strength isn't where it needs to be right now. Plus, his production has just been average. 

 

24. Detroit Lions (10-5): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

Glenn is very versatile, as he can play the guard or tackle position. The Lions need to do a better job of protecting QB Matthew Stafford, and Glenn will be a huge help. 

 

25. Houston Texans (10-5): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

The Texans may be losing center Chris Meyers via free agency (keeping Arian Foster and Mario Williams is a bigger priority), meaning Konz is a very wise pick for them. Centers are rare for first-round picks, but he fits a huge need for Houston.  

 

26. Cleveland Browns (via ATL, 9-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery will slip in the draft because of teams' other needs, and the fact that he had a down year. However, he has the size to thrive in the NFL, as well as the hands. His speed isn't on par with others, but he can catch most anything that comes his way, which is a huge plus for a Browns team with few playmakers.  

 

27. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Improving the offensive line is a must for the Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger needs to stay healthy, and adding depth to the O-line group will help achieve that. 

 

28. Baltimore Ravens (11-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Ravens need to upgrade the offensive line some, but it's a reach to get one here, so they'll focus on defense. Finding an eventual replacement for Ray Lewis would be wise, and Hightower is a solid pick. Learning from Lewis would surely help Hightower succeed right away. 

 

29. New England Patriots (via NO, 11-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu has the size and speed to thrive at the next level, and working with Tom Brady would make him a threat immediately. 

 

30. San Francisco 49ers (12-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The 49ers are in dire need for playmaking wide receivers, and they'll fall victim to being in love with Wright's big numbers. 

Wright played against questionable defenses, which inflated his numbers. He has the speed for the next level, but separation from top defenders is an issue, as well as his hands.

Plus, his size is a big worry, as it creates a small window for his QB. Listed at 5'10" and 194 pounds, Wright could get destroyed in the NFL. 

The Baylor Bears' top receiver will squeak into the first round because he hits a need for the 49ers. Playing with Alex Smith won't help, and against solid defenders (something he isn't used to) he will slip. 

 

31. New England Patriots (12-3): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Patriots need to help the secondary, but the defensive line also needs an upgrade. Ingram can be a big help right away.  

 

No. 32. Green Bay Packers (13-1): Chris Polk, RB, Washington

The Packers have plenty of options here, but boosting the run game would be a smart choice. The defense could use help, too, but Polk would provide a much needed spark in the ground and pound.