2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for NFL's First Round

You have to be bold to be successful in the NFL draft, and I expect more than a few very bold moves in the 2012 edition.

Besides Andrew Luck, there's almost no there's no guaranteed picks at guaranteed spots.

Expect some wheeling and dealing, and a few really bold picks this year.

Not only that, but there are a plethora of high-impact "sleeper" picks later on in the first round.

They may not be the big name lottery picks that even causal NFL fans know, but they can still be franchise-changers none the less.

You're looking for some bold predictions for the 2012 NFL draft?

Look no further:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

I don't think anybody is surprised by this pick. Many consider Luck to be the best prospect to come out in years. Should be able to replace Peyton Manning and lead this team for years.

2. TRADE Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

First bold move of the draft right here. The St. Louis Rams are projected to be here at two, but since they have their franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford they aren't going to be looking to draft Griffin III.

They do have a ton of other holes they can fill though, so getting a few more big-time draft picks would be a great move on their parts.

The Redskins notoriously have had trouble at quarterback, and will cease this as the perfect opportunity to move up and grab their franchise quarterback.

The Rams would get the 'Skins first round pick plus a whole lot more moving forward.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

This is a safe and smart pick here. Kalil will protect Christian Ponder for years to come.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

This would have to be considered a bold move, as many would project the Browns to go with a wideout here, especially to help Colt McCoy.

The Browns don't have anything that resembles a deep treat, and having a guy like Blackmon or Jeffery would really stretch their offense.

I feel Richardson would be much more of an impact player for the Browns though, and he has the potential to be the franchise player for years to come.

He's a threat in the run and pass game, and is a great blocker. He's basically an all-purpose back. Having him as a threat in the backfield will take a ton of pressure off McCoy.

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

The Buccaneers defense was horrible last year and really needs the help. Claiborne is a shut-down corner in the making and is also the best player available here.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon is a beast and will continue to be one in the NFL. He'll be a huge weapon for Sam Bradford.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jefferey, WR, South Carolina

The Jaguars had the leagues worst passing offense last season, so getting a stud wide receiver is a must at this position.

8. Carolina Panthers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Panthers have to take best available at No. 9 overall, and many are going to see this as a very bold pick.

At this point there isn't a defensive player worth the pick, or at least one that fits the scheme.

Reiff is arguably the most versatile lineman in the draft, and he's well worth this pick. He's quick and agile, which will be an important quality when blocking for a guy like Cam Netwon.

He can also play either guard or tackle, which means the Panthers can plug him in wherever they need him on the line.

They got Newton last season, now they need to continue building around him. Reiff can be a cornerstone left tackle for the Panthers eventually, but until than they can use him where needed.

9. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

You'd have to believe the Dolphins would really like to find their quarterback in this draft, but there is nobody even close to being worthy at pick No. 8. At this point it's taking the best player available, andDeCastro fits the bill.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Upshaw is a complete linebacker than can make plays in the run and pass game. Linebacker has been a problem for the Bills.They struck out with Shawne Merriman, but could hit a home run with Upshaw.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Mercilus notched 16 sacks on the season, and will be a force on the Seahawks defense.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs have a need at tackle and Martin will fill that for years to come.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

This is going to be somewhat of a stretch for the Cardinals, but the fact of the matter is that they need a stud receiver to put across from Larry Fitzgerald. Kevin Kolb will appreciate this pick.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

The Cowboys need help on defense, specially at linebacker. Burfict is a big name and is known for his aggressive play and attitude.

He fits perfectly with the Cowboys.

He can play both inside and outside linebacker at the next level. While he does have some character and consistency concerns, that has never been an issue for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.

I see Burfict becoming a star on America's team.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Here's the big stretch of the draft, but I think it will pay off for the Eagles. We all know how athletic the Eagles can be, but it didn't quite work out this last season.

With DeSean Jackson having the year he had and also being a free agent, the Eagles may want to stretch here to get a potential replacement.

Wright is incredibly quick and athletic, and he's got a nose for the end zone, with 14 touchdowns last season.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Perry is a player that can play either defensive end or outside linebacker, and his type of versatility and athleticism will make him very attractive to the Jets.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

This may end up being one of the steals of the draft. The Bengals will love that Kirkpatrick fell to them, and they definitely have a need for him.

18. San Diego Chargers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Chargers need a big man to hold down the left side of the line, and at 6-8, 300 pounds Adams is certainly a big man.

19. Chicago Bears: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Right now who knows about Matt Forte's situation, but either way Miller would be a solid No. 2 option.

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

Ingram fits the Titans needs perfectly and could be considered a steal here.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

With a huge need filled with their first pick, I see the Bengals getting a bit greedy here in the hopes of beefing up their offense. Toon is a stretch here, but he will make life easier for A.J. Green, and will be a solid option for Andy Dalton.

22. Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The need for a guard is there, and Glenn is going to be very good.

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

We saw how badly the Lions need secondary help in the playoffs. Gilmore will fill a huge need and will help them take the next step.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Absolutely huge player that fits Pittsburgh like a glove.

25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Broncos need some help in the secondary, and Dennard may very well be Champ Bailey's heir.

26. New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College 

The Giants have a great front four, but could some help at linebacker. Enter in Kuechly.

27. Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Current center Chris Myers is going to hit free agency, so if the Texan's can't bring him back they will need to find his replacement.

In a weak center class Konz is the undisputed best, and he may be too good of a value for the Texans to pass up on.

28. San Francisco 49ers: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Put Brown across from Aldon Smith and you've got yourself a very scary outside linebacker tandem.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

The main priority of the Ravens season will be resigning Ray Rice. Either way, Polk is a good guy to have behind him in a developmental role.

30. New England Patriots: Devon Still, DT/DE, Penn State

Last year the Patriots made a trade that allowed the Saints to come in and draft running back Mark Ingram, which means they get the Saints pick this season.

For as good as they are, the Patriots have a ton of needs, especially on defense.

Expect them to go with defensive tackle Devon Still here. 

He's athletic and versatile, and can play on the edge of the line as well as the middle. New England is notorious for running a defense that changes looks, which makes Still the perfect fit.

31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

This is going to be a bold move for the Patriots, as they undoubtedly need the help at corner, but there are some concerns with Jenkins.

Character concerns aside, Jenkins' skills suggest that he should be a first round pick, and I don't see the Patriots being scared of that.

32. Green Bay Packers: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse

Jones is a very aggressive player that can play the end or outside linebacker. The Packers love depth at linebacker, and they also like athletic players at the position. Jones will be a very good fit.