2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bad Teams That Will Make Big Splashes

The NFL draft is the biggest resource for teams to improve their station in life. We have selected a few teams who will annihilate the competition from the start. 

The first round is important to address the biggest needs or just to grab the best athlete who could one day be a franchise player. 

We have highlighted some teams as making a splash with what we think is the perfect pick for their team. 

Jump on in because the water is just fine.

Here is a mock draft that does well to note the players that are about to transform some awful teams into modern marvels. 

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, Stanford, QB

SPLASH 

Andrew Luck is the easy part of this long mock road we walk. From a distance, you might say that the Colts don't need a quarterback when a healed Peyton Manning comes back next season. 

If you believe Reggie Hayes of The Boston Herald, that may not be the case. Jim Irsay may want Luck to start right off the bat. If you are going to get a premier quarterback, you don't sit him on the bench. 

Luck is the most complete prospect we have seen in years. This is a no-brainer and will breathe new life into a club that ran stale. 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Matt Kalil, USC, OT

SPLASH 

Call me nuts, or just call me a dumb, biased Rams fan. Either way, I am still sold on Sam Bradford. The Rams quarterback was hit hard this season by crucial injuries on offense and an offensive line that couldn't keep out a thrown Kleenex. 

Bradford may need a star receiver, but he needs to be assured of his health first. Kalil will buy Bradford enough time to target the bevy of young underrated receivers he already has. 

The USC tackle is big strong and is the QB's best friend. All he needs is a few months of steady NFL training to put some polish on his blind side protection. 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Morris Claiborne, LSU, CB

Claiborne was the pick for me a week ago and remains so today. The Vikings need a big strong corner that can shutdown receivers as well as invigorate fans with his playmaking. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, Alabama, RB

Robert Griffin III looms in the near distance like a franchise quarterback ready to win. I just don't see how a team that has one young QB passes on a stud running back, a position they desperately need. I may change my thinking after seeing RG3 in the draft process.  

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, CB

Some may see this as a reach, but Dre Kirkpatrick will soon show that he has the cover skills to rival Morris Claiborne. You also can't argue the fact the Buccaneers badly need a player that can stop the onslaught of receivers.

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

SPLASH

I know I had my qualms that had the Browns skipping Robert Griffin, but the Redskins need a quarterback. In Cleveland, there is the real issue of RG3 playing backup. 

In Washington, there is a better chance that Griffin gets thrown into the fire immediately. I will take him and his skill set to succeed after some initial growing pains. 

Griffin has the intangibles as a leader to infect a franchise that is in dire need of such things. This is a perfect match for player and team. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, WR

SPLASH

Let me step out on a very long limb here and say that much of what ails the Jaguars offense is a bona fide star receiver. 

After seeing Blackmon in the Fiesta Bowl, I am convinced he is the second coming of Julio Jones. He is big, strong and just wins possession. 

If he wants a ball, he is going to get it. That type of tenacity will go well with a franchise that has been mired in the doldrums for far too long. 

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Riley Reiff, Iowa, OT

The Panthers need depth on the line as Cam Newton continues to do just about everything on offense. Reiff is a solid pass protector and will run up field for added coverage when Newton needs to cut loose. 

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Quinton Coples, North Carolina, DE

Some might call him sluggish. I think he is a beast that has all the tools to be a hit in the NFL. This is the Dolphins' chance to add some youth to the defense as well as some much needed grit. 

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Luke Kuechly, Boston College, LB

SPLASH

The Bills need to get better on defense and that starts with a player that can get in on the pass rush as well as cover the rest of his ground well. 

Kuechly has a mind for the game and is adept at being at the right place at the right time. The Bills proved they can score this season; now they just need to temper that with some defense. 

Finally, the Bills will make other teams accountable on the other side of the ball. This Boston College stand out will be the real deal for the Bills. 

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Michael Brockers, LSU, DT

I initially had Landry Jones penciled here. So, much for that though. I was growing confident in Pete Caroll being sold on Tarvaris Jackson anyway. Brockers is rising on boards, and the Seahawks definitely need to get tougher on that side of the ball.  

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Jonathan Martin, Stanford, OT

This would be a steal. In all reality, Martin could jump on this board into the top 5 with a solid combine. The best part about Martin is his run-blocking, which should help the Chiefs move the ball all next season. Well-regarded, Martin should see a bump in the next couple of weeks on boards.    

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State, LB

SPLASH

I finaly had to do it and put Burfict as my second best linebacker on the board. This gives the Cardinals the biggest gamble on the player with tremendous upside. 

Burfict has the size, talent and tenacity to be the next Ray Lewis. The problem is his maturity and mental lapses that hurt his team in the way of penalties. 

The Cardinals are craving a player that can step up and be a big ol' bad monster on the field. If he can be corralled into a team first ethos, Burfict may be the steal of the draft. At least, that is what the crystal ball in January says. 

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, OLB

After a horrible final game in which their toughness was questioned, the Cowboys could use a workhorse who is as versatile as he is tough. Upshaw is a hungry player that would uplift a spiraling franchise. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR

Here is the thing—Floyd could be long gone by this point. If he kills it in the next couple of months, we might see Floyd reach top-10 potential. The Eagles still need a receiver, as nobody is buying into DeSean Jackson's apology.

It's time for a new star to take the line at receiver. Floyd is it, but I think he will do very well in the draft process and may get snagged by a team like the Cardinals, who could use a stud like this.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Devon Still, Penn State, DE/DT

Devon Still picked the right time to come out. He won't blow you away, but it doesn't mean he isn't a solid end. I like Still and think he will be a bruiser that any team can use. The rumblings call into question his athleticism. That is the kind of thing that will drop you from the first day. 

It will take an elite showing at the combine to prove he has the top-end speed and power to bang with the big boys. Once he does that, he should be smiling on Day 1. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via 8-7 Oakland Raiders): Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska, CB

Just as much as Still is questioned on athletics, so is Dennard. The book on Dennard is a tad worse, though, as he is seen as a versatile player that doesn't overpower in one aspect. 

In a nutshell, Dennard is good at all thing but not great in any of them. That is a label that can be thwarted or validated at the combine. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): David DeCastro, Stanford, G

The Chargers never learn. The team that is forever mired in a slow start is bringing back their head coach. Even if Norv Turner is coming back, they need to take care of the QB just the same. The Chargers may lose again next season, but at least Rivers will be safe. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Andre Branch, Clemson, DE

Alshon Jeffrey or Michael Floyd, would be excellent. I for one see Jeffrey still lingering on the board. I would also love them to take some additional help on offensive line.

With some possible turnover on defense likely, they should draft Branch. He has great instincts and a fantastic first step. The Bears would keep up their ethos of defense first with this pick.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Cordy Glenn, Georgia, G

Try and move this mountain. I dare you. He can play pretty much anywhere on the line, making him a blessing to whoever nabs him. 

21. Denver Broncos (8-8): Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama, CB

The Broncos are growing long in the teeth in the secondary and need somebody to come in and infuse the defense with energy. I can also see them drafting Mark Barron who sits on the board as well. Safety help would be vital moving forward. 

22. New York Giants (9-7): Lamar Miller, Miami, RB

This pick here is up for grabs. I now have either Lamar Miller or LaMichael James sharing this pick. If the Giants go with a running back, they would be wise to err on the side of Miller who, if healthy, is a machine.   

23. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Mark Barron, Alabama, S

I still like Barron for the Bengals. Barron is a versatile safety that comes highly regarded and would add depth to a team growing defensively.   

24. Houston Texans (10-6): Kendall Wright, Baylor, WR

I am not completely sold on Alshon Jeffrey just yet. Kendall Wright should be safe on Day 1. He has amazing speed and is elusive after the catch. If anything, I could see him rise on a lot of boards. 

25. Cleveland Browns (via 9-6 Atlanta Falcons): Kevin Reddick,  North Carolina, LB

In this mock, the Browns settled the running back situation and now need to shore up the holes on defense. 

With Landry Jones out of the race, taking a quarterback now would be a huge reach. The defense must be addressed. Reddick is a smart player who just knows where to be. The Browns can build off that as this young team continues to grow. 

26. Detroit Lions (10-6): Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, G

Sanders is big and fast. The one thing he lacks is lower body strength.

For the time being, we can put him on the cusp of players that need to prove their assumed shortcomings. 

Sanders has a great motor, so I expect him to surprise some people when the draft process starts. If he can prove that mountains are movable, look for him to shoot up the boards. 

27. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Zach Brown, North Carolina, OLB

I initially had the Steelers taking what was a gift in Vontaze Burfict. I am still high on Zach Brown, I just don't see his ceiling as high as the Arizona State bruiser. 

28. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Alshon Jeffrey, South Carolina, WR 

It's time to be a bit silly. The Ravens have some needs elsewhere, but Jeffrey is the best player on the board and Baltimore can still use a burner on the wings. The call for a superstar receiver is very much alive, and Jeffrey may just be it. 

He will be drafted here only if he can prove he has breakaway speed. There are questions about his ability to distance himself, and that is why the second round may be calling.  

29. New England Patriots (via 12-3 New Orleans Saints): Jarvis Jones, Georgia, OLB/DE

Jones needs to add some bulk to his frame. Some think another year would do well. The Patriots still get a versatile player who can play a couple positions and add to a Patriots defense that was far too suspect on 2011.  

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Jared Crick, Nebraska, DE

The Niners get a versatile machine in Crick that will go nicely with the new team motif of killing quarterbacks. 

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State, S

God, that secondary was awful. The Patriots simply have to address their pass defense, which was once again deplorable. Martin goes a long way to shoring up such things. 

32. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, DE/DT

Cox is flying under the radar and shouldn't. He plays the run as well as he hones in on the quarterback. The Packers do what they always do, and that's grab a solid player late. 

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