2012 NFL Mock Draft: An Early Look at the Draft's First Round

After another wild NFL playoff weekend, my first 2012 NFL mock draft is revealed. Every NFL team is preparing to begin scouting the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine and college tape.

The first few draft selections seem to be set in stone, but there is plenty of speculation to go around regarding the NFL Draft.

This is my first mock draft of the first round, with picks 1-28 in stone. The last four picks will be placed in order based on success in the regular season.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattMiselisNFL

1. Indianapolis Colts: Stanford QB Andrew Luck

There is no doubt that with the first pick in the draft, the Indianapolis Colts will select Andrew Luck.

It does not matter who is coaching the team or whether Peyton Manning is still on the roster.

Luck is the best overall prospect in the draft and could be the franchise quarterback for the next decade.

2. St. Louis Rams: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon

With the recent hiring of Jeff Fisher, the St. Louis Rams could go in any direction with the second overall pick.

However, adding weapons around quarterback Sam Bradford is the biggest priority for this Rams team.

Justin Blackmon has shown his potential the past two seasons and has all the talent in the world to become a top wide receiver in the league.

3. Minnesota Vikings: USC OL Matt Kalil

If Matt Kalil falls past the St. Louis Rams, the Minnesota Vikings will not pass him up.

Quarterback Christian Ponder needs improved pass protection, while running back Adrian Peterson needs to find running lanes.

The lineman out of USC has the potential to be an elite tackle for the Vikings.

4. Cleveland Browns: Baylor QB Robert Griffin III

It appears that the Cleveland Browns are finished with the Colt McCoy experiment. They play in a division where defense wins championships.

Ultimately, Robert Griffin III is the right quarterback to lead the Browns in the future.

His athletic ability, along with his arm strength, makes him worthy of a Top Five selection.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LSU CB Morris Claiborne

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have many holes to fill after losing their last 10 football games.

A step in the right direction would be to draft cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft, Claiborne would be the best player on an inconsistent secondary that is also in rebuilding mode.

6. Washington Redskins: Alabama RB Trent Richardson

The Washington Redskins seem poised to draft a quarterback in this year's draft. However, they won't pass up a talent such as Trent Richardson.

Head coach Mike Shanahan wants to have an elite running back in place. Tim Hightower can't be counted on as the starter for the next few years.

This may be a passing league, but the Redskins must select Richardson here. I expect them to address the quarterback situation via a trade or signing a quarterback.

7. New York Jets (Via Jaguars): UNC DE Quinton Coples

There is bound to be a trade within the first 10 draft slots. The Jets have been in a similar position before and aren't afraid to do it again.

Rex Ryan must have his defense return to elite form in order to win a championship. However,the team has lacked an elite pass rusher.

Quinton Coples can be a game-changing play maker that can ultimately return this Jets defense to the best unit in football.

8. Miami Dolphins (Win Coinflip): Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill

The Miami Dolphins are desperate to find their franchise quarterback.

With Luck and Griffin off the board, the Dolphins will guarantee themselves a quarterback in the first round by drafting Ryan Tannehill.

Tannehill possess a very strong arm, along with athleticism, after playing as a former wide receiver.

9. Carolina Panthers: Clemson DE Andre Branch

Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was frustrated after watching his team lose due to poor performances on defense.

One main objective is to add another pass rusher alongside Charles Johnson.

Andre Branch is not the first Clemson defensive end to find success in the NFL.

The Panthers can inch closer to being a competitive team by improving the defense.

10. Buffalo Bills: South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram

After becoming one of the league's surprising teams, the Buffalo Bills ended up with another losing season.

The biggest problem was on the defensive side, specifically on the defensive front.

They will spend a second straight first round pick on a defensive lineman, this time with Melvin Ingram.

Ingram proved his worth by playing up to his potential in the SEC.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Iowa OL Riley Reiff

The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in a great position to upgrade the offensive line.

With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Seahawks can't pass up highly touted lineman Riley Reiff.

Russell Okung appears to be injury prone and is a cause of concern for the Seahawks.

It is crucial for the Seahawks to put together a complete offensive line. 

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Stanford G David DeCastro

The Kansas City Chiefs know that the offensive line needs to be addressed in the upcoming draft.

With Branden Albert likely staying put, look for the Chiefs to add David DeCastro.

DeCastro has proved to be the entire package when it comes to a lineman. He'll give Matt Cassel protection and running room for Jamaal Charles.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Boston College LB Luke Kuechly

The Arizona Cardinals must continue to address the defense in the first round of the draft.

This team has missed Karlos Dansby, who departed for the Dolphins a few seasons ago.

In a draft class that is thin at the linebacker position, Luke Kuechly would be a good fit for the Cardinals.

Kuechly possesses both the skill and mental toughness to be successful in this business.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick

After another December collapse, the Dallas Cowboys need to upgrade their secondary.

Rob Ryan needs an elite cornerback in order to see success from his defense.

Dre Kirkpatrick has played in big games while at Alabama and is reliable in championship games.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Stanford OL Jonathan Martin

The Philadelphia Eagles closed the 2011 season on a high note. However, the Eagles did not live up to the championship expectations from the preseason.

The team must improve the protection of quarterback Michael Vick. They are fortunate that Jonathan Martin has fallen to the 15th overall pick.

Martin has protected successful quarterbacks before and should start at left tackle for the Eagles early on.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (Via Jets): Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd

Under new head coach Mike Mularkey, the Jaguars want to develop Blaine Gabbert into a franchise quarterback.

Gabbert needs to be given better weapons to work with in the passing game. Michael Floyd demonstrated plenty of potential at Notre Dame.

His character questions have scared teams off, but the ceiling is high for Floyd.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (Via Raiders): Alabama S Mark Barron

The Cincinnati Bengals benefited greatly from the Carson Palmer trade due to the Oakland Raiders missing the playoffs.

Marvin Lewis could address the secondary of the Bengals, as Taylor Mays doesn't appear to be the consistent playmaker that the Bengals need.

Mark Barron is another product of the Alabama defense and could make a good case to be the starting safety for the Bengals next season.

18. San Diego Chargers: Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict

The San Diego Charger suffered another disappointing season after finishing 8-8.

With an overhaul of the defensive staff, the Chargers won't pass up a rare talent at linebacker with their selection.

Vontaze Burfict has shown the ability to be a good linebacker at the pro level but at times has let his emotions control him.

If he can be mentored by the many veteran linebackers on that roster, Burfict will anchor this defense for years to come.

19. Chicago Bears: South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery

Despite losing multiple offensive stars during the season, the Bears still lacked playmakers on the outside.

Devin Hester and Johnny Knox have never panned out into above-average receivers.

Alshon Jeffery showed his potential while playing against the best defenses in college football. His intensity has led critics to think he is not mature enough for the NFL.

However, under a new offensive system in Chicago, Jeffery will make an impact under Jay Cutler.

20. Tennessee Titans: LSU DE Sam Montgomery

Surprise, surprise—another SEC defensive prospect is off the board.

This time it's Sam Montgomery, who shined on a very talented LSU defensive front.

The Tennessee Titans haven't been able to replace Albert Haynesworth or Jared Vandenbosch.

Montgomery is the perfect fit for head coach Mike Munchak.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Virginia Tech RB David Wilson

The Cincinnati Bengals could consider finding Cedric Benson's replacement.

Benson's productivity has been on the decline the last few seasons, and the changes can continue in Cincinnati.

David Wilson would provide a great combination alongside Bernard Scott in the Bengals backfield.

22. Cleveland Browns: Baylor WR Kendall Wright

The Cleveland Browns won't waste time surrounding Robert Griffin III with offensive weapons.

In fact, they'll bring in his former teammate. Kendall Wright is a great value in the later part of the first round for the Browns.

Not only does he have the athletic ability, but he already has a good relationship with Griffin.

23. Detroit Lions: Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard

The Detroit Lions made huge strides this season after making a return to the playoffs. However, their first order of business is to upgrade the secondary.

Alfonzo Dennard was the leader of the secondary after the departure of Prince Amukumara. There is no question he'll get an opportunity to start early on next season with the Lions.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Penn State DT Devon Still

The Pittsburgh Steelers could part ways with veteran defensive tackle Casey Hampton in the offseason.

Devon Still possesses the size and strength to anchor the Steelers defensive line over the next few years.

The Steelers always stock up on defensive talent. This year will be no different.

25. Denver Broncos: LSU DT Michael Brockers

Yet another SEC defensive prospect is off the board in the first round.

John Fox will upgrade the defense, especially after the humiliating loss against the New England Patriots.

Michael Brockers can anchor a defensive front, allowing Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller to put pressure on the quarterback.

26. Houston Texans: Albama OLB Courtney Upshaw

The Houston Texans find perfect value in the first round by selecting Courtney Upshaw.

Upshaw can become a great fit under the Wade Phillips defense and eventually a successor to Mario Williams if he were to leave.

This is a team with plenty of talent across the board. It can't hurt to add more depth to the Texans defense.

27. New Orleans Saints: Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones

The New Orleans Saints need to add overall depth to the defensive side of the football.

With Jonathan Vilma needing more talent around him at the linebacker position, Jarvis Jones can play a good role within the defense (probably a new scheme) while learning from the veterans there.

28. Green Bay Packers: Florida State OT Zebrie Sanders

The likely scenario is that the Packers could trade down and receive more picks if a cornerback isn't available.

However, the offensive line was a question mark throughout the season, and it doesn't hurt to add depth at this position.

Zebrie Sanders anchored the Seminoles line last season.

29. New York Giants: UNC OLB Kevin Reddick

The New York Giants will continue to upgrade the defense during the offseason. Over the last few seasons, the Giants have not developed any linebackers since the departure of Antonio Pierce.

Kevin Reddick is one of the more complete linebackers in this draft class and could adapt to Perry Fewell's defensive packages.

30. Baltimore Ravens: USC DE Nick Perry

On the Baltimore Ravens defense, the inconsistent pass rush has haunted this team during the course of the 2011 season.

Terrell Suggs can't perform in MVP fashion every game, and Paul Kruger and Pernell McPhee can't be counted on in the coming years.

Nick Perry has seized the most of his opportunities, and his talent is worthy of a first round selection.

The most likely scenario, based on the Ravens' draft history, is the Ravens trading back and earning more draft picks.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Georgia OG Cordy Glenn

49ers' quarterback Alex Smith has been exposed at times due to a struggling offensive line.

With a first round talent in Cordy Glenn available, Jim Harbaugh has to take advantage of the opportunity.

Smith and his running back Frank Gore would be happy with that acquisition.

32. New England Patriots: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus

Whitney Mercilus' performance for Illinois this past season makes this a bargain for the New England Patriots.

A legitimate outside rusher is needed on the Patriots defensive front, and Mercilus could flourish under Bill Belichick's defensive system.