2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Bama's Courtney Upshaw and Top Pass Rushers Will Land

The passing game has never been more important in the NFL than it is right now. By virtue of that, pass rushers are now at a premium. The best way to disrupt a quarterback's rhythm is to hit him, so it is paramount for teams to get players on their rosters that can do just that.

There appears to be several solid pass rushers in the draft this season, although most of them figure to go somewhere in the middle part of the first round. That isn't to say that they aren't talented, but it may be tougher to evaluate them than it usually is.

Nearly every team in the league could use somebody who can put some heat on the quarterback, so these pass rushers are in great demand. Here are where some of the top ones are likely to land, as well as a full first-round mock draft to boot.

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

There's a sticky situation in Indy with Peyton Manning's health still in question. Regardless of what happens, though, the Colts can't pass up a generational talent like Luck.

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

The Rams have a ton of holes to fill, but quarterback Sam Bradford needs to be protected first and foremost. Kalil has the potential to do just that for a decade or more.

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

Minnesota's pass defense was an absolute mess this past season, even with Jared Allen wreaking havoc on the pass rush. Claiborne is the type of corner who can be put on an island and excel.

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

The Browns seem like they're willing to let running back Peyton Hillis walk, so a replacement is needed. Richardson offers everything Hillis does and a whole lot more.

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

Ronde Barber is on his last legs and you never know when Aqib Talib is going to screw up next, so the Bucs need a cornerback. Kirkpatrick is right behind Morris Claiborne in terms of value.

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

Rex Grossman and John Beck aren't going to get the job done, so the Redskins need a quarterback. Griffin may not fit Mike Shanahan's offensive system, but Washington can't pass him up.

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

Quarterback Blaine Gabbert looked lost as a rookie, but much of that had to do with a lame supporting cast. Blackmon gives him what could be an elite target from day one.

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

The Panthers literally haven't had a passable defensive tackle since Kris Jenkins and Brentson Buckner during their Super Bowl run. That makes Still a no-brainer here.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

Alabama hybrid pass rusher Courtney Upshaw has long been considered a first-round prospect. After garnering Defensive MVP honors in the National Championship Game, however, his value is at an all-time high. By virtue of that he figures to be the first pass rusher off the board.

Perhaps the best thing about Upshaw is his versatility. He has a big frame at over 260 lbs. so he can easily play defensive end in a 4-3, but he is still athletic enough to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. Upshaw often rushed off the edge from a standing position at Alabama and he would do the same with the Miami Dolphins.

Miami needs a quarterback more than anything, but with no realistic options available at this point Upshaw makes sense. Cameron Wake is an excellent pass rusher, but he could use a complement on the other side to take some of the pressure off. If Upshaw lives up to his potential, then the Dolphins could have the best pass-rushing combination in football eventually.

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

The Bills allowed the fewest sacks in the league this season, but most of that was due to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick getting rid of the ball. Reiff will give Fitz much more time in the pocket.

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

Few players have seen such a dramatic spike in value as USC defensive end Nick Perry. There is no question that Perry has all the physical tools to be a big-time pass rusher at the next level, but his body of work shows inconsistent production.

Even so, Perry has an NFL body and figures to impress at the combine. His ascent may remind many of another former Trojan in the Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews. Leading up to the draft Matthews was considered to be a late first rounder by most, but he slowly crept up the draft board and has become an elite NFL player.

The Seattle Seahawks could really use another pass rusher to alleviate some of the pressure from Chris Clemons. Perry should be able to do that and more. Head coach Pete Carroll is certainly familiar with Perry from his time as USC's head coach, so the fit truly is an ideal one.

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

The Chiefs drafted offensive tackle Branden Albert in the first round a few years back and he hasn't worked out. Martin has much less bust potential, though, and should be a fine pick.

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

Arizona had a lot of trouble getting to the quarterback this past season, especially with Joey Porter in sharp decline. That makes Ingram a smart pick at this juncture.

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

The Cowboys are aging in the middle with Keith Brooking and Bradie James, so they could use some fresh blood. Kuechly is a tackling machine and has Brian Urlacher-type potential.

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

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson seems to have overstayed his welcome in Philadelphia, meaning the Eagles need a replacement. Floyd would make a nice complement to Jeremy Maclin.

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

Once considered to be a surefire top-five pick, North Carolina defensive end Quentin Coples has tumbled down draft boards. While he did pick up 2.5 less sacks than he did last season, he was still a very productive player in his senior season.

There are so many possibilities regarding Coples as his size and athleticism allow for him to be a defensive end or a defensive tackle in a 4-3 and a space-eating defensive end in a 3-4. One team who could really use his services is the New York Jets. The Jets missed the playoffs this season and a big reason for that was a regression defensively.

The Jets simply weren't as ferocious on that side of the ball as they have been the past couple seasons. Coples would be an excellent defensive end in head coach Rex Ryan's system, and he could even rush from the linebacker position on occasion. The Jets need playmakers up front, and that is precisely what Coples is.

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

In order to continue to compete in the AFC North the Bengals need to win battles in the trenches. DeCastro is a big, nasty guard who is willing to do all the dirty work.

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

With Quentin Jammer aging and Antoine Cason looking more and more like a bust, the Chargers could go cornerback again this season. If they do, Dennard looks like a very safe pick.

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

The Bears' offensive line was bad to begin with and losing center Olin Kreutz certainly didn't help matters. Konz is the best center in the draft and should help fill the void.

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

Tennessee was able to do a lot with a patchwork linebacker corps this season, but it could use a player to replace departed middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Burfict fits the bill.

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

Running back Cedric Benson looked old and slow in the Bengals' playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Miller would provide a major spark as he is one of the most exciting players in the draft.

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

Greg Little looks like a legitimate threat for the Browns, but quarterback Colt McCoy still needs another weapon. Jeffery brings a rare combination of size and speed to the table.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Lions' biggest issue may be their secondary, but offensive line isn't far behind. Jeff Backus is getting old and Gosder Cherildus is nothing special, so Adams could start immediately.

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

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was beaten and battered relentlessly this season, so the Steelers need to address their offensive line issues. Glenn will provide a solid, steady presence.

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

The Broncos have one of the best pass rush pairings in football in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, but they need some more help from the defensive line. Worthy is an excellent start.

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

Houston's defense took major strides this season, but there are still a couple holes to fill. Glover Quin isn't an awe-inspiring option at safety, meaning Barron should make an impact right away.

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

The Giants defense was ravaged with injuries this season, especially at linebacker. Brown would give the G-Men excellent depth and would likely receive significant playing time immediately.

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

Quarterback Tom Brady has an embarrassment of offensive weapons, but he could use an outside threat at wide receiver. Sanu could eventually replace Deion Branch in that role.

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

The Ravens have a great defense year in and year out because they are able to continually bring in new blood. Hightower could start alongside Ray Lewis next season and be his eventual replacement.

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

The 49ers have gotten by this season with a great defense and a great running game. If they want to reach the next level, though, a deep threat like Wright is needed to complement Michael Crabtree.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Words cannot describe the issues that the Patriots have had defending the pass this season. Some of that has to do with injuries, but they need an infusion of talent. That makes Jenkins a great pick.

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

The Packers don't really have any discernible weaknesses so they can do whatever they please with this pick. Polk has the potential to be far better than both Ryan Grant and James Starks at running back.