2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Who'll Reach for Boom or Bust Prospects

There is no question that the NFL draft is an inexact science, so there are inevitably going to be hits and misses.

With that said, sometimes it is obvious from the get-go that a team is taking a chance on a tough-to-read player. This is known as a boom-or-bust pick.

Every draft-eligible player is talented, or else they wouldn't be in the position that they are currently in. Some seem like sure bets to succeed at the next level, while others look like they could go either way.

While those types of players can end up being superstars at times, they can just as easily blow up in the face of the team that takes them.

In addition to a full first-round mock draft, here are three teams that will take a chance on a boom-or-bust prospect.

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. Cleveland Browns (2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

-- TRADE --

The St. Louis Rams are in an extremely advantageous position with the No. 2 pick, as there are tons of teams in need of a quarterback. Because of that, I think they'll trade down two spots with the Cleveland Browns so the Browns can draft Griffin to replace Colt McCoy.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

While getting rid of Bryant McKinnie was likely the right thing to do, it left the Vikings with a big hole at left tackle. I think they'll address that need by nabbing Kalil.

4. St. Louis Rams (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

-- TRADE --

The Rams make out like bandits, as they trade down two spots, acquire a couple picks, and still get their man. Blackmon is the elite target quarterback Sam Bradford desperately needs.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa Bay's secondary was a mess last season, and with Ronde Barber aging, a top-notch cornerback is a must. Claiborne is clearly the best in the draft, so he's the obvious pick.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

There are some teams who worry about what type of value they get when selecting a player, and there are others who simply take the player they like regardless of draft position. I believe the Washington Redskins will be the latter this season in selecting Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill at No. 6.

It seems like there is a fast-rising quarterback prospect every year, and this year it appears to be Tannehill. He wasn't really on the radar a couple months ago, but all of a sudden he is very much in the first-round discussion.

He was very productive at the collegiate level, has great athleticism and can make all the throws, so he makes sense for the quarterback-starved Redskins.

Last year, Jake Locker and particularly Christian Ponder were taken much higher than anticipated, and I think that will be the case with Tannehill. With both Luck and Griffin off the board, the Redskins may be left with no other choice.

Rather than trade down and risk missing out on Tannehill, I expect Washington to take a leap of faith.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE/DT, UNC

The Jaguars haven't been able to get a consistent pass-rush for years, and that hasn't changed with the addition of the injury-prone Aaron Kampman. Coples gives them a legitimate threat.

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

The Panthers have been without a viable option at defensive tackle since the now-retired Kris Jenkins departed for the New York Jets. Still finally gives them a playmaker in the middle.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Left tackle Jake Long is among the best offensive lineman in football, but the Dolphins have issues everywhere else along the line. Reiff can step in and excel as a right tackle immediately.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Buffalo made a curious decision prior to the season to switch to a 3-4 defense, despite having no pass-rushers to speak of. Upshaw is by far the best hybrid pass-rusher in the draft, so the Bills must grab him.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Running back Marshawn Lynch likely cashed-in thanks to a big contract year, and I'm not sure the Seahawks are willing to pay him. They'll replace him with a another dreadlocked back in Richardson.

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): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Cardinals have a lot of issues on defense, but middle linebacker is probably the biggest. They have been unable to replace Karlos Dansby to this point, but Kuechly should fill the void.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Dallas has a no-name offensive line, and while it was solid at times, it was also prone to breakdowns. DeCastro should serve as a stabilizing force both in the running and passing games.

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): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

While the offense shouldered a lot of the blame for the Jets' shortcomings in 2011, the defense struggled as well. A pass-rusher is needed and Ingram is the best left on the board.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Taking only talent into consideration, Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is a Top 5-caliber player. After a recent marijuana arrest, however, his character has very much been called into question.

Because of that, it might be considered a reach if the Cincinnati Bengals select him with the No. 17 overall pick in the draft.

Cincinnati's pass defense was exposed after Leon Hall went down with an Achilles injury this past season, so it's clear that he could use some support on the other side. Hall formed one of the best cornerback tandems in football with Johnathan Joseph in 2010, but the latter signed with the Houston Texans.

I think Kirkpatrick has the ability to fill the void left by Joseph and become one of the best corners in football. At the same time, though, he could be a couple more bad decisions away from blowing his chance.

Based on his skills alone, I think the Bengals will throw caution to the wind and take him.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Chargers linebacker corps has been depleted in recent years thanks to the departures of Shawne Merriman and Kevin Burnett. Perry should be a nice complementary pass rusher to Shaun Phillips.

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): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Since losing the now-terrible Albert Haynesworth in free agency a couple years ago, the Titans have been looking for somebody to anchor their defensive line. Brockers has that kind of potential.

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

It has become quite apparent that running back Cedric Benson is on his last legs, so the Bengals need new blood in the backfield. Miller is the most explosive back in the entire draft.

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

Provided the Browns nab quarterback Robert Griffin III early in the first round, they'll need to get him a premier weapon. Jeffery has elite talent, so he could be a major steal at No. 22.

 23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

If it wasn't already clear, it became glaringly obvious that the Lions needed secondary help after being torched by the Packers and Saints in their final two games of the season. Dennard can start right away.

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): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Broncos arguably have the best pass rush duo in the league with Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, but they need some help from the defensive line. Cox can take up blockers and free up the fearsome tandem.

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

Houston orchestrated one of the finest year-to-year defensive turnarounds in recent memory this season. The final piece of the puzzle is a playmaking safety, and Barron is just that.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

The Patriots put together a decent pass rush this season with Andre Carter and Mark Anderson, but you can never have too many guys who can get to the quarterback. Branch gives them another option.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Green Bay had defensive deficiencies all season and that finally came back to haunt them in the playoffs. Worthy is the type of lineman who can help linebacker Clay Matthews get back to a Pro Bowl level.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Vontaze Burfict, LB, ASU

Burfict certainly has enough talent to go in the top 10-15 picks, but he seems to be a bit of a head case. If anyone can help him reach his potential, it's Ray Lewis and the Ravens.

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

The San Francisco 49ers made it all the way to overtime in the NFC Championship Game this season thanks to a great defense and a solid running game.

Quarterback Alex Smith and the passing game certainly had its moments, but aside from tight end Vernon Davis, it lacked explosion. That's where Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright comes into play.

Wright was Robert Griffin III's main target at Baylor and was a big reason why Griffin took home the Heisman Trophy. Wright has world-class speed, as evidenced by his track and field background, so he is the type of dynamic playmaker who could really open up the Niners offense.

Although the Giants got beat by Davis a couple times, they clearly weren't fearful of the 49ers going deep. Even if he has to develop in other areas, Wright presents that threat immediately.

There is obviously the chance that he could be a bust like Ted Ginn, but he could also become the next Mike Wallace. Whatever the case, it's a risk worth taking.

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

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

32. New England Patriots (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.