2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Jonathan Martin and Top OL Prospects

All the best quarterbacks in the NFL, whether it's Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady or someone else, can thank their offensive lines for providing them with continual protection. 

After finding the right signal-caller, nothing is more imperative than assembling a stonewall offensive line. 

The 2012 NFL draft class is loaded with top-flight offensive talent. 

Let's take a look. 

Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford 

Martin was one of the anchors on Stanford's incredibly stout offensive line and easily projects as a first-round player. 

With good strength, deceptively quick footwork and athleticism, it's not surprising that Martin was one of the best all-around blockers this season. 

He is already an above-average pass blocker, but really excels as a run blocker. 

The Cardinal often ran to the left side, occupied by Martin, and were one of the most successful rushing teams in the nation. 

By adding a little bulk and strength to his upper body, Martin could be a new-age, ultra-nimble tackle that should be able to handle most speed rushers in the NFL. 

He's almost assuredly a Top-10 pick. 

Matt Kalil, OT USC 

While Martin is the more athletic of the two, Kalil is a bit more polished and has NFL bloodlines. His brother, Ryan, is the starting center for the Carolina Panthers. 

At 6'7'' and 300 pounds, Kalil will be a left tackle at the next level after doing a superb job of protecting Matt Barkley's blindside all season.

He isn't as dominating as a run blocker, but you won't find a better pass blocker.

Kalil is quick off the snap and has demonstrated outstanding technique.

Due to his tremendous upside, he'll likely be a Top-Five pick.

David DeCastro, OG Stanford

Andrew Luck is an astonishing prospect. He is one of the most efficient and accurate quarterbacks I've ever seen at the collegiate level against tough competition, but he was certainly throwing behind a historic offensive line.

As tackles are held in higher regard than guards and centers, DeCastro will be picked after Kalil and Martin. However, at his position, he's the best overall prospect. 

He does nothing incorrectly. 

At 310 pounds, DeCastro stands 6'5'' and does not lack strength whatsoever. He frequently totally mauls big, aggressive defensive lineman and explodes to the second level.

The All-American's best two attributes are probably his football IQ and speed. 

He was often used on pulls and many times his blocks sprung long Stepfan Taylor runs. DeCastro knows where he needs to be, gets there and goes all out until the whistle.

He is truly a dominant force.  

Whichever team drafts him will instantly be a better running club.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

2. St. Louis Rams—Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina

3.  Minnesota Vikings—Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  Cleveland Browns—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

6.  Washington Redskins—Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars—Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

8.  Carolina Panthers—Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

9.  Miami Dolphins—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

10.  Buffalo Bills—Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama

11.  Seattle Seahawks—Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

12.  Kansas City Chiefs—Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

13.  Arizona Cardinals—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

14.  Philadelphia Eagles—Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State

15.  New York Jets—Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

16.  Cincinnati Bengals (From Oakland Raiders)—Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama

17.  San Diego Chargers—David DeCastro, OG Stanford

18.  Chicago Bears—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

19.  Dallas Cowboys—Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska 

20.  Tennessee Titans—Ronnell Lewis, LB Oklahoma

21.  Denver Broncos—Devon Still, DT, Penn State

22.  New York Giants—Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia 

23.  Cincinnati Bengals—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

24.  Houston Texans—Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

25.  Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)—Zach Brown, LB North Carolina

26.  Detroit Lions—Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

27.  Pittsburgh Steelers—Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

28.  Baltimore Ravens—Luke Kuechly, LB Boston College

29.  New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints)—Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

30.  San Francisco 49ers—Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

31.  New England Patriots—Mark Barron, S, Alabama

32.  Green Bay Packers—Whitney Mercilus, DE Illinois