2012 NFL Mock Draft: Biggest Stunners in This Year's Draft Class

The 2012 NFL draft has already had a few stunners.

USC quarterback Matt Barkley—a surefire top-10, likely top-five pick—decided to return to school for his senior year as did the draft's top inside linebacker, Manti Te'o of Notre Dame.

The deadline for players to declare is Jan. 15.

There are even more stunners on the field; guys that will stun teams and crowds alike. They can be found in nearly every round of the draft, but here are some that will hear their names called on Day 1.

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

Reports indicate that the Colts will draft Andrew Luck. What they decide to do about the $28 million bonus they owe Peyton Manning remains to be seen.

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

The draft's top offensive tackle is a good fit for this team, but this is a likely trade down scenario. New coach and new GM will want to get as many picks as possible. Expect Robert Griffin III to be the trade target.

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

The LSU defensive back isn't as well known as his teammate Tyrann Mathieu, but he's going to be a top-five pick.

The junior stands 6'0", 180 pounds and makes plays all around the football. His six interceptions are tops for No. 1 team in the land and he's a dynamic return man with great speed and hips.

The Vikings could go a number of ways with this pick, but landing a playmaking cover cornerback is tops among their needs.

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

Richardson is a stunner in his own right and surprises many with his quickness and agility. He do it all and gives this Browns team a much-needed weapon.

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

The Buccaneers would love to see Claiborne fall, but Kirkpatrick may actually have more upside. His combination size and pure athleticism is very intriguing. 

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

There is no way of talking draft stunners without talking about this year's Heisman Trophy winner.

RG3 is arguably the nation's most dynamic player and the Redskins desperately need a quarterback out of this draft.

The redshirt junior still has some developing to do, but he has a ton of skill on top of raw athletic talent.

He has world-class sprinter speed but also has a live arm that can make all the throws.

RG3 is the stunner the Redskins need under center.

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

Much like RG3, Justin Blackmon makes it near impossible to discuss stunners without talking about him.

The Pokes wide receiver put on a stunning display of talent in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and he could very easily be the No. 2 pick in this draft.

At 6'1", 215-pounds, he's not physically imposing like A.J. Green or Julio Jones last year in the top 10, but he's a straight football player.

Blackmon uses what size he has to his advantage and can make ridiculous catches look easy while also dominating opponents with strength.

He can get behind the defense, can run after the catch and can break a game open any time he touches the football.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Panthers should select the top defensive prospect on the board. Still is a big, disruptive tackle a top an average group of D-tackles.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Nick Perry, DE, USC

Expect the Dolphins to get involved in the Matt Flynn sweepstakes unless they can get up for RG3. Perry, a fast-rising prospect with good speed and leverage off the edge, will be a solid fit opposite Cameron Wake.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Bills have neglected their need for a tackle for quite some time, but Reiff is too solid to pass up here.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

The Crimson Tide pass rusher loves the big stage and will showcase his dynamic pass rush talents once more in the BCS Championship Game.

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

A bit of a finesse tackle, Martin is very light on his feet for his size and will help the Chiefs immediately.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram is a bit undersized, but he knows how to get after the pass rusher and will help the Cardinals defense right away.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The draft's most instinctive player, Kuechly gives the Cowboys some youth and tackling ability alongside Sean Lee.

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

The most prolific receiver in Notre Dame history isn't flashy, but he's a big-bodied pass-catcher with a knack for making tough catches.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Quinton Coples, DE/DT, UNC

A falling prospect, Rex Ryan can work with Coples' physical skills.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The draft's top interior lineman, DeCastro helps the Bengals solidify their line for years to come.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

A solid all-around cornerback prospect with everything you necessary to succeed, Dennard prides himself on physicality.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Chicago gets better at two positions by moving Roberto Garza back to his natural position at guard with the addition of  the big, solid Konz.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Vontaze Burfict, LB, ASU

A big, solid athlete with freakish natural ability. He needs to grow up a bit, though.

21. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The stunner of stunners, Janoris Jenkins could've been a top-10 pick this year if he wasn't thrown off the Florida team last spring.

At 5'10", 182 pounds, Jenkins has enough size to play with NFL receivers and has natural playmaking ability.

He's aggressive and a willing run supporter, but excels around the ball.

Look for Jenkins to impress in the draft process as he tries to make amends and explain his dismissal from Florida.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Unless the Bengals get a good price on Cedric Benson they need another running back. Miller possesses good size and great speed.

23. Denver Broncos (8-8): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The big 6'3", 305-pound defensive tackle made a solid final impression in Michigan State's bowl win over Georgia. He'll help a still-developing Broncos defense immediately.

24. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Big, athletically gifted receiver will probably be drafter higher than this, but Jeffery's inconsistency is still a major concern.

25. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Crimson Tide senior is the best safety prospect in the class and has a complete skill set. Nick Saban knows how to coach 'em, and Houston can use him immediately.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Protecting Big Ben is always Pittsburgh's top concern and Cordy Glenn is a massive O-line prospect who can play tackle and guard.

27. New York Giants (9-7): Zach Brown, OLB, UNC

A speedy linebacker with better athleticism than football skills, Brown can be coached up in New York. The Giants have worked wonders with another athletic freak by the name of Jason Pierre-Paul.

28. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Scarlet Knight receiver is an ultra-dynamic weapon with intriguing size (6'2", 215) and ability. His best football is still in front of him.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Alabama linebacker is big, physical and athletic. He's a great fit as a potential replacement for Ray Lewis.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

A speedy wideout with the potential to rise up the draft board. He could become a complete weapon if he develops well.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

A recently declared junior, Gilmore is an intriguing playmaker the Patriots can use immediately.

32. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Chris Polk is a fringe first-rounder and a complete running back prospect. Good size, vision, speed and balance will make him a great addition to a good football team.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine