2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Players Will Be Overlooked?

Every year, a few NFL teams strike draft-day gold by snagging elite players with lower picks.

There's countless examples of overlooked players who turn into draft-day steals, from late first rounders (Dan Marino) to sixth- and seventh-round choices (Tom Brady, Shannon Sharpe).

I doubt any prospects in this year's class will duplicate the success of those three, but some lower picks will make a major impact at the next level.

In this week's mock draft, I'll highlight some late first-round picks that will develop into top-tier NFL players.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

At this point, Andrew Luck could sleep with Jim Irsay's wife, and he'd still be the first overall pick.

Luck is as much of a sure thing as there can be in the draft. He has every tool necessary to become the NFL's best quarterback in a few seasons.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Rams desperately need someone to protect Sam Bradford, and Kalil is the best offensive lineman available. He is legitimately one of the best offensive line prospects in the last decade.

St. Louis could also give Bradford another weapon by adding Justin Blackmon here.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings have multiple needs and might be better off landing more draft picks.

If they do keep the pick, I like Claiborne here. The Vikings have one of the NFL's worst secondaries, and Claiborne is a shutdown corner.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

If RG3 falls to Cleveland, the Browns will probably snag him. However, I'm expecting someone to trade up and draft him at No. 3.

If that happens, the Browns should draft Richardson, who is unquestionably the best running back available. Peyton Hillis was a huge bust this season and will likely be leaving in free agency.

Richardson would be the perfect replacement. Everyone loves Luck, but Richardson will be the best player from this class. With his physical tools and work ethic, he will be a monster in the NFL.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Buccaneers have plenty of issues, but the most glaring is their horrible secondary. They need to upgrade at cornerback, and they will do that by adding either Claiborne or Kirkpatrick.

If Minnesota does trade its pick, Claiborne should still be available. If he isn't, Kirkpatrick is a great consolation prize.

The Buccaneers could also use another wide receiver, and they'll take a long, hard look at Blackmon if he's still available.

6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins may have to trade up to get RG3, but I think they'll do whatever it takes to get him to the nation's capital.

Washington needs to put the Rex Grossman era behind it immediately, and the addition of the Heisman Trophy winner would give the fanbase something to be excited about.

Griffin III isn't as polished as Luck, but he may be better suited for the modern game.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Jacksonville will be ecstatic if Blackmon falls to the Jaguars at No. 7.

The Jaguars need another weapon for young quarterback Blaine Gabbert, and Blackmon is the best wide receiver in this class.

I wouldn't be surprised if somebody trades into the Top Five to draft him, but if the Jaguars can select him here, they'll have one of the draft's biggest steals.

8. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

This isn't a sexy pick, but the Dolphins need some help on the offensive line. They also need a quarterback, but unless they trade up for RG3, it isn't happening in this year's draft.

9. Carolina Panthers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Personally, I would love to see Carolina trade up to get Blackmon. It's scary to think what Cam Newton could do with Blackmon on the outside.

However, if Carolina stays put, it should improve its offensive line. Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd isn't worth a Top 10 pick, and DeCastro could step in and start in the NFL tomorrow.

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Demetrius Bell hasn't lived up to his potential and is a free agent this offseason. The Bills would be smart to upgrade at tackle.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Chiefs could use an offensive tackle, but with Kalil, Reiff and Martin off the board, they should turn their attention to defense.

Kuechly is a tackling machine with outstanding instincts. A Kuechly-Derrick Johnson combo would be one of the best linebacker duos in the league.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Seahawks have plenty of holes to fill, and if Red Bryant leaves for free agency, they will look at Coples. However, the big defensive end had a down year at Carolina.

He really struggled against double-teams and chip blocks from running backs. If he doesn't improve in those areas, he'll never be a force in the NFL.

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

Arizona really needs an offensive tackle to replace Levi Brown, but the top three are off the board, and this would be a huge reach for Florida State's Zebrie Sanders.

Floyd would give the Cardinals another playmaker and draw some attention away from Larry Fitzgerald. Floyd had 100 catches for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

If the Cowboys are going to make the playoffs next season, they must add a defensive back. Barron is the best available at this point. He's a versatile safety who excels in both pass and run coverage.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

The Eagles have loads of talent, but until they upgrade their linebacker corps, they will continue to have disappointing seasons.

Burfict would be a great fit. The violent tackler has all the tools necessary to be Ball So Hard University's next great linebacker.

However, his work ethic and dedication to the game have been questioned. If he doesn't improve his focus, he could end up being a bust.

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Jets could use another pass-rusher, and Upshaw is the best defender available. He has great instincts and is willing to take on bigger blockers. He would be a good addition to Rex Ryan's defense.

He had 48 tackles this season at Alabama, including six in the BCS National Championship.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Cincinnati should package its two first-round picks to trade up and select Trent Richardson.

If it doesn't move up, Wilson would be a solid option to replace Cedric Benson.

18. San Diego Chargers: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Vincent Jackson is headed for free agency, and I wouldn't be surprised if he bolts.

Even if he stays, Philip Rivers could use another weapon. Wright is small (5'9", 190 pounds), but he's elusive and has exceptional speed, a la Steve Smith (Carolina version).

Wright won't be able to blow by defensive backs as easily in the NFL, but if he polishes his route running, he could become the best wide receiver in this class.

19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jay Cutler needs a new toy to play with, and the Bears will be content with drafting either Wright or Jeffery.

Jeffery is a big dude (6'4", 229 pounds), but he's raw overall. If he doesn't improve his technique and consistency, he'll never pan out.

Jeffery was also ejected from his team's bowl game, which won't leave a good impression on team execs.

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

The Titans desperately need to put more pressure on the quarterback, and Ingram is the best pass-rusher available at this point.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

The Bengals may draft Jenkins with the 17th pick, but if they opt for Wilson, they'll snag the cornerback here.

Jenkins is an exceptional talent, but he was dismissed from Florida after numerous run-ins with the law.

If he keeps his nose clean, Jenkins could eventually be the best cover corner in the league. But if he has more off-field trouble, his career will be closer to Pacman Jones' than Deion Sanders'.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

Tony Pashos is one of the worst right tackles in the league. The Browns would be smart to upgrade that position immediately.

23. Detroit Lions: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

The Lions could use an upgrade over Dominic Raiola. Konz is the best center available.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Eric Francis/Getty Images

The Steelers don't have any glaring needs, so they'll likely take the best defender available. Dennard fits that bill and would be a welcome addition to the Pittsburgh secondary.  

He hasn't had any off-field issues, but if you didn't notice, that was Dennard scrapping with Alshon Jeffery in the Capital One Bowl.  

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Broncos need another wide receiver, but with the top four off the board, they should turn to defense.

Defensive tackle is a position the Broncos need to upgrade, and Still would be a perfect fit. He's an excellent run-stopper, and he's always wreaking havoc in the middle of the line.

Defensive tackle is one of the most underrated positions in the NFL. In a few years, Still could have the biggest impact of any defender in this draft.

26. Houston Texans: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Texans could use a No. 2 receiver to draw attention away from Andre Johnson, but I doubt they'll reach for one here.

Look for them to upgrade their D-line by picking up Cox.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Patriots have plenty of options with their two late picks, but I expect them to beef up their defensive line. Adding the 6'3", 310-pound Worthy would do just that.

28. Green Bay Packers: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

The Packers could use some more production opposite of Clay Matthews. Lewis would be a great pickup.  

29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Ravens should be looking for the successor to Ray Lewis' throne in the middle. The hard-hitting Hightower would be the perfect apprentice.

With some proper teaching, Hightower could be the best linebacker from this draft.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Jarvis Jones was one of the most productive pass-rushers in college football, racking up 13.5 sacks and 70 tackles. He would be a good fit in San Fran.

31. New York Giants: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Running back isn't the Giants' biggest need, but Ahmad Bradshaw isn't an elite back, and Brandon Jacobs is getting awfully expensive.

Miller would be a cheap and effective addition for New York. He's an explosive running back and kick returner who's capable of taking it to the house every time he touches the ball.

His draft stock is rising, so he might get picked earlier. If he's still available, the Giants will get one of the most dangerous playmakers in this class.

32. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

A versatile defensive end/outside linebacker, Mercilus would be a perfect fit in Bill Belichick's defense.