2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pick-by-Pick First-Round Projections

My latest 2012 NFL mock draft features a lot of changes. We finally got the majority of the first round order in place, and every day we are finding out what underclassmen will be available. The decisions of these underclassmen have really shaken up my mock draft.

Without USC's Matt Barkley and Oklahoma's Landry Jones, the quarterback position now only features two first-round prospects. Quarterback-needy teams will feel pressure to move up in order to land one of the two available prospects. This is going to make Baylor's Robert Griffin III a very hot commodity.

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, Quarterback- Stanford

The Indianapolis Colts have a great opportunity to secure their future with this pick. Stanford's Andrew Luck has the potential to be an elite quarterback for the next 10 years. These type of prospects only come around every so often. Peyton Manning has done a lot for the Colts, but the best football and business decision would be to select Luck.

Trading down is a legitimate option, which would bring the Colts a ton of assets. However, the opportunity to land a franchise quarterback is a rare occurrence. Indianapolis cannot pass on this opportunity, the future of the team depends on adding Luck.

No. 2 St. Louis Rams- Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle- Stanford

The St. Louis Rams need to focus on adding some help on the offensive line. The injuries and inconsistent play across the entire offensive line really make this a must upgrade position. Stanford's Jonathan Martin possesses the ability to lock down the left side of the line the next 10 years. He will both provide protection for Sam Bradford and open running lanes for Stephen Jackson.

Former top picks Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold regressed this past year. Their troubles are what makes adding Jonathan Martin a wise decision. Owning the No. 2 pick means you need to focus on getting great value, it would be a stretch to select one of the wide receivers at this position.

This pick is going to be a hotbed for trade activity. Teams looking to move up and select Robert Griffin III will target this pick, which could provide the Rams with a great opportunity.

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

USC's Matt Kalil is seen as the top offense of line prospect in this draft. His ability to protect the edge and open up running lanes makes an ideal fit for the left side of the line. The Minnesota Vikings need a ton of helped along the offensive line, mainly to protect quarterback Christian Ponder.

Minnesota has committed to moving forward with Ponder as the starting quarterback. Adding a left tackle like Kalil will provide him with the time necessary to find the open targets. This addition also improves the running game, which is the backbone for this Vikings offense.

LSU's Morris Claiborne might also get some attention with this pick. The Vikings secondary really struggled to shut down the opponents passing game.

No. 4 Cleveland Browns- Robert Griffin III, Quarterback- Baylor

Baylor's Robert Griffith III is one the fastest rising prospects in this draft. He brings a lot of explosiveness to the offense of side of the ball, making plays with both his legs and arm. The Cleveland Browns have Colt McCoy, but he doesn't provide the type of upside as Griffin III.

The NFL is quarterback driven league making having an elite player at the position necessary. Colt McCoy has only shown average skills to this point in his career. It isn't hard to believe that Griffin III can step in and outperform McCoy right away.

This also can be an ideal landing spot for Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon. If the Browns decide to move forward with McCoy they will need a wide receiver to help him out.

No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne, Cornerback- LSU

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of uncertainty at cornerback. Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib both have questionable futures. Talib's off field issues put him only a short time away from a possible suspension. Barber is 36 years old, and appears doubtful to return next year.

LSU's Morris Claiborne has the talent and playmaking ability to step in and have an immediate impact. This year at LSU he showed the ability to lock down his side of the field, while also coming up with key interceptions.

The fact that Tampa Bay is bringing in a new coaching staff could change the whole outlook of this pick. Josh Freeman still is the franchise quarterback, but a new coaching staff may want to take a look at somebody like Robert Griffin III.

No. 6 Washington Redskins- Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver- Oklahoma State

The Washington Redskins biggest need is on the offense side of the ball. Their wide receiving corps is quickly aging and lacks the explosiveness needed to threaten the defense. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackman cannot only stretch the field but also does a good job working the underneath routes. His ability to make plays after the catch and the red zone make him a special player.

Ideally, the Redskins would like to add a quarterback in this draft. However, in order to land a top quarterback they will need to make a trade. This team is one of the teams that might make a move up to No.2 pick attempting to land Robert Griffin III.

No. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars- Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver- South Carolina

The Jacksonville Jaguars have committed to moving forward with Blaine Gabbert. This means they need to spend some resources to surround him with the proper weapons. South Carolina's Alshon Jeffrey brings both size and leaping ability to the offense. He excels at going up and making the tough catch in traffic.

Gabbert's development depends on adding a reliable target to the offense. Jeffrey's size offers a unique opportunity for young quarterback. He can make plays on balls that other receivers cannot, which will help make up for some poor throws by Gabbert.

No. 8 Miami Dolphins- Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback- Alabama

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick plays the game with a physical style. He loves to use his length to get inside of the receiver and disrupt the route. The Miami Dolphins can use a physical defender on the outside, which will allow them to be more aggressive in the blitz game.

The Dolphins are another one of the teams looking to add a quarterback. However they will also need to move up in order to land a difference maker. Baylor's Robert Griffin III figures off to be off the board by the fifth pick. If they miss out on landing a quarterback the next move would be to provide help in the secondary.

No. 9 Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples, Defensive End- North Carolina

The Carolina Panthers lack a defense of direction. Charles Johnson does a good job providing pressure, but the rest of the defensive line is filled with middling talent. North Carolina's Quinton Coples would be an ideal fit opposite Johnson. His ability to create pressure off the edge will draw double teams away from Johnson.

Any team looking to run a four-man front needs to be able to generate pressure from the front four. The combination of Johnson and Coples has the potential to give opposing offenses nightmares.

If one of the top receivers fall this spot the Panthers could consider adding him. Cam Newton is in place and the franchise would love to continue surrounding him with talent.

No. 10 Buffalo Bills- Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker- Alabama

Chan Gailey has shown that he can put together a good offensive game plan. However, the Buffalo Bills still need to add a ton of talented on the defensive side of the ball. The biggest concern is at the linebacker position, especially outside rush linebacker. Alabama's Courtney Upshaw would be a great fit and addition to this team.

Upshaw is a versatile player who holds strong against the run and can create pressure on the quarterback. Opposing offenses will need to focus on stopping Upshaw, as he is a real difference maker. Adding Upshaw to an already strong defensive front will put the Bills even closer to contending.

Another option for Buffalo would be to add Iowa's offensive lineman Riley Reiff. He would immediately be an upgrade on the left side of the line, which would allow Chris Hairston lineup at right tackle. This addition would effectively improved two spots along the offensive line.

No. 11 Kansas City Chiefs- Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle- Iowa

The play of the Kansas City Chiefs Offensive line will play an important role in the success next season. Brandon Albert has done a good job holding down the left side of the line, but he is a better fit for right tackle. Iowa's Riley Reiff has a quickness and strength to play left tackle in the NFL. His addition would improve the play at both the left tackle and right tackle position.

Kansas City's decision to stick Romeo Crennel means this team will focus on strong defensive play. Offensively, they are likely to stick with a strong running attack and clock management. Winning the battle in the trenches will be the only way they can run this type of offense.

No. 12 Seattle Seahawks- Trent Richardson, Running Back- Alabama

The Seattle Seahawks finished the season strong, and have a lot of hope for next year. They are in a position where they can go best player available. Alabama's Trent Richardson has top 10 talent, but slides little bit because of the lack of focus on the running back position. Adding Richardson to this offense would provide it with a more explosive attack.

Marshawn Lynch will likely be the starter next season, but a one-two punch of Lynch and Richardson would be tough to game plan against. Both provide a powerful running style, combined with the breakaway speed of Richardson.

Seattle could also look to upgrade the defensive line. Someone like Clemson's Brandon Thompson would be a great fit at the nose tackle spot.

No. 13 Arizona Cardinals- Melvin Ingram, Linebacker- South Carolina

South Carolina's Melvin Ingram is extremely versatile player. During his career he has lined up a defensive tackle, defensive and, outside linebacker and has played on special teams. His ideal NFL position will be at outside linebacker, where he can bring pressure off the edge. The Arizona Cardinals need somebody to put opposite Sam Acho, who seemed to lock down a starting spot next season.

The combination of Acho and Ingram would give the Arizona Cardinals a good pass rush. Opposing offense would need a game plan in order to protect the quarterback. Outside of adding and a linebacker, Arizona could use help along offense of line. If Iowa's Riley Reiff falls to this spot he would be the selection.

No. 14 Dallas Cowboys- David DeCastro, Guard- Stanford

Stanford's David DeCastro will be the latest offensive guard selected in the top 15. He's a solid player with great leadership ability, which will allow him to play from day one. The Dallas Cowboys need help along the interior of their offensive line, so adding to DeCastro is a no-brainer.

Adding DeCastro will team him up with Tyron Smith and Doug Free to make up one of the more talented offensive lines in the NFL. These three players are solid building block for the future. Dallas still has Tony Romo in place a quarterback, and will have DeMarco Murray coming back next season. Putting a strong offensive line around these two talented players gives the Cowboys a good shot at success.

No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly, Linebacker- Boston College

Boston College's Luke Kuechly is the top middle linebacker prospect in the 2012 NFL draft. He plays the game with great instincts and hustle, which allows him to make plays sideline to sideline. The Philadelphia Eagles need to add a middle linebacker capable of making plays all over the field. They need someone who can be a leader, quickly identify plays and not miss tackles.

Adding someone of Kuehly's talents will really make an impact on this defense. He's the type of player that knows how to take advantage of the other stars around him. While opposing offenses are game planning for Jason Babin, Kuechly will step on the field and the make plays needed to change the game.

If Philadelphia is unable to land a linebacker they will likely turn their attention to the offensive line. Ideally, they would love to add someone to plug-in at right tackle. This is a spot where Ohio State's Mike Adams could start to gain some attention.

No. 16 New York Jets- Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle- Ohio State

The New York Jets will spend the off-season trying to rebuild their image. No matter who they add a No. 16 it won't improve the leadership in the locker room. Adding somebody to hold up the right side of the offense of line will make a major impact on the offense. Ohio State's Mike Adams has the potential to be an elite right tackle. Most actually see him as a left tackle, but he is versatile enough to play either position.

Rex Ryan would also like to add someone capable of creating pressure off the edge. South Carolina's Melvin Ingram would be a great fit in his attacking defense. If Ingram is available he would be the selection over Adams.

No. 17 Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)- Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback- Nebraska

The Cincinnati Bengals are still dealing with the loss of Johnathan Joseph. This loss was felt more after the injury to Leon Hall. Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard gives the Bengals another top-of-the-line cornerback. The combination of Dennard and Hall would give the Bengals and excellent young cornerback duo.

Most of the attention has been given to Andy Dalton, but the majority of this team success is because of the player the defense. Continuing to add pieces on the defensive side of the ball will help this team remain playoff contenders.

In my opinion, there's a good possibility that the Bengals package their two first-round picks in order to move up and select Trent Richardson. This would be a bold move, but one that would have a great impact on this team.

No. 18 San Diego Chargers- Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver- Notre Dame

The San Diego Chargers appear ready to move on without Vincent Jackson. He still wants a long-term deal, and the Chargers aren't willing to pay the money. Without Jackson, the offense will be lacking a playmaking wide receiver. Notre Dame's Michael Floyd has both the size and speed to to replace Jackson.

San Diego loves wide receivers which size, making Floyd an ideal fit. This football team is built around their offense, losing a significant piece like Jackson could really hurt production. Philip Rivers is an excellent quarterback, but he still needs offensive weapons.

Another option would be to add an offensive lineman, as this team has several players out with major injuries. Some like Marcus McNeill have very uncertain futures.

No. 19 Chicago Bears- Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback- South Carolina

The Chicago Bears have needs on both sides of the football, which will allow them to add best player available. South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore plays a physical style of football, which is needed to fit with this Bears defense. Gilmore would step in opposite Charles Tillman, and eventually replace the successful veteran.

He possesses a lot of the same skills as Tillman. His ability to come up and support the run, close on the football and create turnovers is what is needed to be a part of this team. It is time for Chicago to move on from guys like Tim Jennings and Zachary Bowman.

The Bears will also consider adding some help at wide receiver. If Notre Dame's Michael Floyd happens to be available he would be the pick over Gilmore.

No. 20 Tennessee Titans- Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle- Clemson

The Tennessee Titans defense is a young group with a lot of talent. This past draft brought players such as Jurrell Casey, Colin McCarthy, and Akeem Ayres. Adding Clemson's Brandon Thompson would only improve the play of this group. His ability to play two-gap football will allow the linebackers to cleanly flow.

Thompson's strength is his ability to occupy space and stuff the run. However, he also does a good job collapsing the pocket and getting pressure in the face of the quarterback. He would immediately fit and nose tackle, and be a great complement for Casey.

If one of the top-rated wide receivers fall to this spot, the Titans would need to consider making that selection.

No. 21 Denver Broncos- Devon Still, Defensive Tackle-Penn State

Tim Tebow gets all the credit for the Denver Broncos playoff run. However, most of their success is thanks to the play of the defense. Moving forward this team needs to continue to add pieces to the defensive side of the ball. Penn State's Devin Still would provide this unit with an inside presence. He excels at getting upfield and disrupting the timing of the offense.

Placing Still alongside Broderick Bunkley would give the Broncos a great defensive tackle tandem. The combination of Still and other explosive players like Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil will make this defense one of the most dangerous in the NFL.

Management's decision on Tim Tebow will ultimately decide the direction of this football team. If he is out as quarterback, the Broncos then will need to add some wide receivers. Otherwise, the game plan should be to continue to field a strong defense.

No. 22 Cincinnati Bengals- Zach Brown, Linebacker- North Carolina

Owning two first round picks gives the Cincinnati Bengals a lot of options. They are in a great position to go best player available, which would really help the long-term success of this team. North Carolina's Zach Brown is a top 15 talent, and is a steal at this point.

His talent level immediately makes him a contender for starting position, putting pressure on both Thomas Howard and Manny Lawson. Brown's the type of player who uses his quickness and instincts to make plays all over the field. Back quickness allows him to fit many roles and positions. A defense of mind like Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis will have no problem finding a role for Brown.

The Bengals will also consider adding a running back at the spot. Cedric Benson has performed well, but his off the field issues make him unreliable. This could be a landing spot for Miami's Lamar Miller or Boise State's Doug Martin.

No. 23 Cleveland Browns (from AtL)- Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line- Georgia

The Cleveland Browns have problems on the right side of their offense of line. At this point, they are starting backups and mid-level players. Georgia's Cordy Glenn provides the Browns with an immediate upgrade at right tackle. Glenn's versatility allows the Browns to go in a few different directions. He could easily fill a guard spot, right tackle or left tackle in a pinch.

Earlier in this mock draft, Cleveland Browns selected Robert Griffin III to be the quarterback of the future. It's important to surround young quarterbacks with strong offensive line play. No matter what direction they go with their first pick adding a right tackle has to be a priority.

Baylor's Kendall Wright would also make sense of this spot. His quickness and deep threat ability would fill a major need for this team.

No. 24 Detroit Lions- Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback- North Alabama

The Detroit Lions will spend some time this off-season focusing on upgrading the cornerback spot. North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins boasts the type of attitude they are trying to feature. He has tremendous confidence in his ability, and isn't afraid to take a risk. Because of his instincts and ball skills, he's a constant threat the pulldown and interception.

Detroit's ability to create pressure with their front four forces quarterbacks to make poor decisions. Jenkins is the type of player that can capitalize on those poor decisions. I foresee a lot of interceptions for Jenkins if he lands in Detroit.

Adding a left tackle to replace Jeff Backus will also be under consideration. Ohio State's Mike Adams would be an ideal fit, but he might be off the board at this point.

No. 25 New York Giants- Dwayne Allen, Tight End- Clemson

Clemson's Dwayne Allen is a well-rounded tight end, who excels at blocking and making plays in the passing game. Throughout his career, Allen found a way to stretch the field and put pressure on the defense. His skill set would be a perfect fit for the New York Giants, as the tight end position plays an important role in their offense.

Jake Ballard may be the starter moving forward, but having to effective tight ends can be a real asset. Allen possesses more speed and quickness, which makes him a better deep threat. The Giants could  either run the football or pass the ball with both Ballard and Allen on the field.

Selecting Allen might not be the Giants ideal scenario. They really need help along the offense of line, but at this point there isn't much value at those positions.

No. 26 Houston Texans- Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver- Baylor

The Houston Texans have their defense to thank for their playoff appearance. Injuries to Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub have hurt the effectiveness of their offense. These injuries also showed their lack of depth at the wide receiver position. Baylor's Kendall Wright would provide explosiveness and depth on the outside.

At this point, the Texans have to be concerned about the reoccurring injuries for Andre Johnson. They need to put a focus on finding somebody capable of filling his shoes. If Johnson can stay healthy, Wright would be an excellent complement and draw double teams away.

No. 27 Pittsburgh Steelers- Mark Barron, Safety- Alabama

Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark are both over the age of 30, and have started showing signs of aging. Alabama's Mark Barron would be a great understudy and future replacement for either player. He's a physical safety who loves to come up and support the run, but he also does a nice job in coverage.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense rebounded from their poor start, but as a whole the unit is starting to age. Drafting young talent will be the key to keeping this defense among the NFL's elite. It would be a bit of a waste to not have a young safety learn behind Polamalu and Clark.

Pittsburgh is another team that will be looking at the available offense linemen. They could potentially add either a tackle or guard.

No. 28 San Francisco 49ers- Nick Toon, Wide Receiver- Wisconsin

During the off-season, the San Francisco 49ers added Braylon Edwards to bring some size to their receiving corps. The Edward signing didn't work out as expected, and he was released before the playoff run. Wisconsin's Nick Toon has the size and explosiveness needed to add another element to this offense.

Toon is more than capable of doing what Edwards was unable to. He doesn't bring the off the field issues or character concerns that came with the addition of Edwards. Adding the right pieces to the 49ers offense will be key to their long-term success. If Alex Smith is to take the next step forward in his development he will need the proper pieces around him.

If one of the top level cornerbacks fall to this spot the 49ers won't hesitate to make that selection. Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard could be the ideal fit for this team. He would provide both physical play and leadership to a unit that has an aging vets.

No. 29 Baltimore Ravens- Zebrie Sanders, Offensive Tackle- Florida State

The Baltimore Ravens off-season addition of Bryant McKinnie show their lack of faith in Michael Oher. The left tackle position is too important to not have a long-term game plan. McKinnie is no longer an elite left tackle, and is on the back end of his career. Florida State's Zebrie Sanders possesses the quickness and balance to play left tackle in the NFL.

Adding Sanders in the upcoming draft would allow him to sit a year behind McKinnie and learn the ins and outs of the position. The combination of Sanders and Oher will provide the Ravens with solid tackle play for the next several years.

There's a possibility Baltimore looks to bring in a versatile linebacker. Ray Lewis only has a few more years left, and could spend his remaining years mentoring his replacement.

No. 30 New England Patriots (from NO)- Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End- Illinois

Bill Belichick is seen as a defensive guru, but this year his unit has really struggled. The problem isn't the game plan its the lack of elite talent. Illinois' Whitney Mercilus possesses the skill set needed to help upgrade this defense. His ability to create pressure off the edge is something that has been missing for several years.

Andre Carter and Mark Anderson were great low risk high reward additions. However, neither should be seen as the long-term answer to provide a pass rush. Mercilus' versatility will allow Belichick to either run a 4 –3 defense or a 3 – 4 defense. Belichick really values versatile players, as it allows him to be creative.

No. 31 New England Patriots- Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line- Connecticut

The New England Patriots need to focus the majority of their attention on adding talent to the defensive side of the ball. This unit could possibly be the reason New England fails to reach the Super Bowl this year. Connecticut's Kendall Reyes would provide depth and explosiveness to the defense of line.

His versatility makes him a fit for either the 3-technique or 5-techique positions. Reyes has the quickness to penetrate the pocket and disrupt the timing of the offense. He also is capable of playing two-gap football, which allows linebackers to cleanly flow to the ball.

I am of the belief that New England Patriots need to package their first two picks and move up in the draft. Making another move down the draft would be a mistake, this team needs elite players not extra draft picks.

No. 32 Green Bay Packers- Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker- Arizona State

The Green Bay Packers are in a great position to add best player available. Picking a number 32 gives them the opportunity to land a player has fallen in the draft. Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict is the type of defender who strikes fear into opposing offenses. He plays the game with a lot of attitude and loves to deliver punishing hits.

Burfict's stock is dropping to do some character concerns. However, he's way too talented to fall completely out of the first round. The Green Bay Packers should take a risk and hope they can straighten him out. There might not be a better organization than the Packers at getting everyone to buy into the team concept.

There's a good possibility the Packers look to upgrade the defensive line. They need some youth and depth at the defensive end position, and someone like Connecticut's Kendall Reyes would be a good fit. They need to decide if they want to go best player available or fill a need.