2012 NFL Draft Order: Why Top 5 Makes April Far Too Predictable

With the end of the NFL regular season, we finally know where most of the teams will be selecting in April's draft. But this year, unlike most years, does not feature a lot of drama at the top. In fact, barring some unforeseen circumstances, it could be a by-the-numbers affair. 

There are those who will argue that the drama does not come from knowing who teams will pick, but rather the anticipation of what the picks represent.

While there is some merit to that theory, we all like to keep guessing right up until the picks are actually made. 

In case you haven't yet seen, the teams making the first five picks this year are the Indianapolis Colts, St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Just as there is no doubt that they were the five worst teams in the NFL this season, there is no drama left when debating what direction they are going to go when the draft rolls around. 

Without even looking at scouting reports or waiting for combine results, I can say that quarterback Andrew Luck, wide receiver Justin Blackmon, offensive tackle Matt Kalil, quarterback Robert Griffin III and cornerback Morris Claiborne will go in that order. 

The only name on that list that might surprise some people is Griffin, but considering the season that he had, the fact that some people in the league prefer him to Luck (at least according to ESPN's Adam Schefter) and the Browns' dire quarterback situation, the writing is on the wall. 

I am not so arrogant or naive to think that things can't change when the draft approaches. A lot is going to happen between now and April 26. 

But as things stand today, tell me where we are going to find the drama at the top of the draft? I guess we can argue about whether or not Luck and Peyton Manning should or will be on the same team when the season starts. 

For the record, I think that the Colts would be wise to deal Manning to acquire more draft picks and talented young players in order to speed up the rebuilding of the franchise. 

Beyond that, all that we are going to be talking about is who will be the best professional out of that group. 

2012 NFL Draft Order 

Disclaimer: Selections 21-32 expected to change as playoffs unfold.

1.  Colts                        

2.  Rams                                    

3.  Vikings                                

4.  Browns                                   

5.  Buccaneers                           

6.  Redskins                                

7.  Jaguars                                  

8t. Panthers                               

8t. Dolphins                               

10. Bills                                        

11t. Chiefs                                  

11t. Seahawks                             

13. Cardinals                              

14. Cowboys                                

15. Eagles                                  

16. Jets                                          

17. Bengals (from Raiders)        

18. Chargers                               

19. Bears                                     

20. Titans                                     

21. Broncos 

22. Bengals 

23. Giants 

24. Texans 

25. Lions 

26. Browns (from Falcons) 

27. Steelers 

28. Ravens 

29. Patriots (from Saints)

30. 49ers  

31. Patriots 

32. Packers 

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