2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Will Top Receivers Land?

As the NFL shifts more and more toward a more vertical, down-the-field passing game, the value on having elite level receivers will continue to rise.

While this new age of offenses affords the opportunity for any receiver to be productive, the difference between elite offenses and just good offenses is partly due to having that one or two elite receivers on your roster. 

With that in mind, let's take a look at the receivers who may potentially be drafted in the first round come April. There's currently four on my list right now, but that number may rise.

1.  Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2.  St. Louis Rams—Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon is a Terrell Owens clone without the emotional baggage. What more could you really ask for out of a top receiver? The elite speed isn't there with Blackmon, but he makes up for it with a physicality and an understanding of how to win against faster cornerbacks in his route tree. Blackmon should be the first receiver off the board barring some unforeseen red flag.

3.  Minnesota Vikings—Matt Kalil, OT, USC

4.  Cleveland Browns—Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

6.  Washington Redskins—Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Some will say this is too high for a guy who wasn't very productive this past year, but you have to look past the numbers with Jeffery. While he's not Calvin Johnson in terms of athletic ability, Jeffery does have the kind of frame and hands that remind you of the Lions' all-world receiver. A good showing at the NFL Combine should make him a top-10 pick.

7.  Jacksonville Jaguars—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

8.  Carolina Panthers—Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

I think Floyd's name is one you'll see rise more and more as we get closer to April. He's had his problems off the field, but Floyd is a dynamic playmaker on it. In the NFL, you need guys who can be matchup-busters. Floyd fits that mold. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he hears his name called in the first 15 picks.  

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

10.  Buffalo Bills—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

11.  Kansas City Chiefs—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

12.  Seattle Seahawks—Devon Still, DT, Penn State

13.  Arizona Cardinals—Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford 

14.  Dallas Cowboys—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

15.  Philadelphia Eagles—Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

16.  New York Jets—Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

17.  Cincinnati Bengals—Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

18.  San Diego Chargers—David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

19.  Chicago Bears—Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

20.  Tennessee Titans—Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

21.  Cincinnati Bengals—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

No receiver in the 2012 class helped his draft stock more than Wright. Teaming with Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III, Wright exploded on the scene. His ability to win in the slot and make the big play down the field should entice a team to take him toward the end of the first round. 

22.  Cleveland Browns—Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

23.  Detroit Lions—Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers—Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

25.  Denver Broncos—Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

26.  New York Giants—Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama     

27.  Houston Texans—Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis       

28.  Baltimore Ravens—Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

29.  New England Patriots—Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

30.  San Francisco 49ers—Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu made a good decision in foregoing his senior season at Rutgers for the NFL draft. He set numerous school and conference records this season, and his value has likely topped off. At 6'2" and 215 pounds, Sanu has the body and elite athleticism to be a potential No. 1 guy at the NFL level. 

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

32.  Green Bay Packers—Nick Perry, OLB, USC