2012 NFL Mock Draft: Is Washington RB Chris Polk Worth a First-Round Pick?

Chris Polk, who recently decided to forgo his senior season for the NFL, is being looked at as a possible first-round pick, but he would be too risky of a pick for Round 1. 

Running backs have to be extremely talented to be considered a first-round pick. These are guys that will be expected to be the every-down back and take vigorous hits from huge NFL defenders. The career of an NFL running back is getting thinner, mainly because these guys are very subject to injury. This is why there is a lot to think about when selecting a running back with first-round pick. 

Listed at 5'11" and 222 pounds, Polk has shown he can compete at the next level, but he's not worthy of being selected in Round 1. 

If he does squeak into the first round, it would be near the bottom, but even then, those teams are better off securing the strong defensive talent available because good running backs will still be there in Round 2. 

With that said, let's take a look at those who are worthy of being taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

*Coin flip needed to break tie 

Order of picks 25-32 to be determined by playoff results 

 

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

He's the best player in the draft, and given how awful this season was, the Colts cannot afford to look elsewhere. Indianapolis must do what's right and think about what is the best move for the future, and that is drafting Luck. 

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

If the Rams want to win, they have to keep Sam Bradford healthy. A big playmaking wideout is possible here, but drafting Bradford some protection is the Rams best bet. 

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

The Vikings' secondary was atrocious this season. Claiborne can step in right away and help Minnesota do a better job at shutting down the pass, which is good considering the Vikings have to face Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler twice each year. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Browns have plenty of options here, but I think they'll work out their running back issues and focus adding a true threat at wide receiver. Colt McCoy needs to be surrounded with talent, and together he and Blackmon would do special things. 

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

The Buccaneers have a lot to think about with this pick, and a lot of it will depend on who the new head coach is. Defense is key for Tampa Bay in this draft, so the best bet is to upgrade the secondary since Kirkpatrick is the best available defender here. 

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

If Mike Shanahan wants to keep his job, he'll get a legitimate QB for 2012 and beyond. RGIII is a dual-threat QB that thinks pass first and would definitely help Washington thrive in the NFC East. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

It's somewhat of a reach here, but the Jaguars are so very desperate for help at WR, and that's why they take Jeffery, who has all the measurements one would love in a No. 1 wideout. His speed is in question, but his hands are extremely exceptional. 

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

This is a reach, but the Panthers are in dire need of help against the run. Still benefits from a weak defensive line class and finds himself in the Top 10, hoping to fill a big need for the Panthers. 

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama 

With Richardson still on the board, the Dolphins decide to do the right thing by selecting the best available player since they can't fill their biggest need, which is a QB. Daniel Thomas didn't play as well as Miami hoped, and relying on Reggie Bush alone isn't a safe bet, so the Dolphins will play it smart and draft Richardson. 

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

The Bills have to do a better job of protecting their stars, which means offensive line is a must for Buffalo. Reiff will certainly help Ryan Fitzpatrick stay upright and create big holes for Fred Jackson.  

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

The Chiefs need better protection for Matt Cassel and Martin will do just that. Plus, he'll help pave the way for a healthy Jamaal Charles to break open big runs. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Nick Perry, DE, USC 

The Seahawks would love to get a top-notch QB in the draft, but they'll have to trade up to do that. Not predicting trades in this one, so the Seahawks go with a defender that fills a need. Pete Carroll sticks with his USC connection and gets a powerful pass-rusher in Perry. 

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Cardinals have needs all over, but they'll play it safe here and take the best available defender. 

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

Keuchly is a tackling machine, and he will work well with Rob Ryan. Plus, he would bring some much-needed youth to the Cowboys linebackers group. 

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

The Eagles might lose DeSean Jackson in free agency, as he creates a ton of headaches. Floyd has character issues as well, but his talent will be needed and the Eagles will make sure he stays on the right path. 

16. New York Jets (8-8): Quentin Coples, DE, North Carolina 

The Jets could think about the offensive line here to help the run game, or possibly go for a running back. If Richardson falls out of the Top 10, which is possible, don't be surprised if the Jets jump up to get him. Here, I have the Jets upgrading the pass rush with Coples, who, despite a rough season, still has the skills to excel in the NFL. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

There's a good chance the Bengals could get Miller with their second first-round pick, but they decide not to risk it and just get Miller now before some other team makes a move at him. His speed and ability to make defenders miss is exactly what Cincinnati needs to complement and eventually replace Cedric Benson. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama           

The Chargers are likely to trade back, but here I have them boosting the secondary. Pairing Barron with Eric Weddle will make the Chargers defensive backfield even more scary. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The Bears should trade up for a big playmaking receiver, but here I have them going the safe route and upgrading the offensive line. Jay Cutler needs a big-time receiver, but he also needs linemen that will keep him safe. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans need to get after the QB more, and Ingram can certainly help. They'll look at corner here, but strengthening the defensive front makes more sense. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

He has character issues, but the Bengals will welcome Jenkins with open arms, hoping his skills didn't fall off after playing against weaker competition at North Alabama. Pre-draft workouts will show his abilities and make him a sure-fire first-rounder.  

22. Clevleand Browns (via ATL 10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Browns helped their offense with the first pick, and with their second first-rounder they choose to upgrade the defense. Mercilus had one solid year in college, which is of concern, but his 16 sacks this past season will help land him in the first round. 

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia     

The Lions have to do a better job of protecting Matthew Stafford, and since Glenn is very versatile, he'll be an instant upgrade for Detroit.                         

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Steelers might have missed out on Adams if they kept winning in the playoffs, but their early exit helps them secure Adams, and in the process they get much stronger on the offensive line, which is a need.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger, and Dennard would be perfect to replace him in the future. Dennard is the best available defender here, and the Broncos won't let him slip away. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

The Texans have big free agents to sign this season, such as Mario Williams and Arian Foster. This could mean center Chris Meyers may not return if he doesn't get the money he feels he deserves. Houston will take the hit, but soon will be in good hands when Konz falls the Texans' way. 

27. New York Giants (9-7): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict has Top-15 talent, but character problems are really going to hinder him in the draft. He should be glad in a sense, though, simply because he'll land with a better team. However, it will cost him money. The Giants need to get better at linebacker, and few possess the great talent like Burfict has.

28. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 

The Patriots have to upgrade the defense in the draft, which is why they'll use both first-round picks instead of trading them. Brown is the best available here, and he'll definitely help strengthen the Patriots' weak defense. 

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

The Ravens would prefer an offensive lineman, but they'd be reaching for one here, so they'll play it safe and draft the best available defender. Hightower can learn from Ray Lewis and eventually take over the Ravens defense.             

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

The 49ers have to find better playmakers, and Wright has the skills to help improve San Francisco's offense right away.  

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

The Patriots will use their second first-round pick to upgrade the secondary. They could think about a young, talented WR here, but they're better off upgrading the defense. 

32. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma 

Realistically, if Polk is going to be drafted in the first round, this is best spot for it to happen. Unless, of course, the Patriots trade their second first-round pick for a team looking to score an RB. I think the Patriots keep both, leaving it up to the Packers to decide Polk's fate. 

No doubt he would help the run game, but the first-round pick needs to be used on a player that fills the biggest need. Green Bay needs another talent linebacker opposite Clay Matthews to help get after the QB. 

The Packers have proven they can win with their subpar run game because of Aaron Rodgers, so they'll take Lewis instead to help improve the a less-than-stellar Packers defense.