2012 NFL Mock Draft: When Will Each Player Get to Their First Super Bowl?

Mock draft season is in full swing now that the Super Bowl is two weeks away. The 30 teams not invited to the party are now diligently considering whom to take in the 2012 NFL draft so that they can still be playing this time next year.

While the NFL Draft isn’t an exact science—actually it’s the farthest thing from it, what is much easier to figure out is what positions teams will be looking to upgrade via the draft. A smart selection can land a team a key player that will put them over the top and into the Super Bowl.

The majority of the rookies who enter the NFL via the draft never get to participate in the biggest game of them all. It’s impossible to predict which rookies will play in a Super Bowl down the road, but it is easy enough to examine the situation a rookie will be placed in.

Some rookies will be placed on elite teams that had a down season or suffered from a wave of injuries; other rookies will find themselves in places that are guaranteed to never make a Super Bowl appearance. Finally, some rookies are so talented that the impact they have on the team will allow the team to potentially make it to the Super Bowl upon their arrival.

Here is a mock of the first round of the 2012 NFL draft and a prediction on when, if at all, each rookie will have the chance to play for a Lombardi Trophy:

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1.Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The consensus first overall pick on every mock until draft day, Luck is the successor to Peyton Manning. Luck will have an opportunity to learn from one of the greatest of all time. It goes without saying that Luck is one of the best prospects to come out in the past decade, and will be placed in a situation to be successful.

Super Bowl Prediction

Luck will play in the big game sooner than most think. He might sit on the bench while Manning wins another ring in the next few years, but Luck will be a starter in the Super Bowl in five years.

2.St. Louis Rams

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Rams have a plethora of problems, and a huge one is keeping quarterback Sam Bradford upright. While receiver is an intriguing option here, Matt Kalil is one of the best tackle prospects to enter the draft since Jake Long. Kalil will have a smooth transition to the NFL and be a force on the line right away.

Super Bowl Prediction

Things aren’t changing fast in St. Louis, and one of the weakest divisions is steadily improving thanks to Seattle and San Francisco. Don’t expect to ever see Kalil play in the big game unless he leaves for greener pastures.

3.Minnesota Vikings

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings have a horrendous secondary, and the best cornerback in the draft steps in and immediately upgrades the entire defense. Claiborne is a threat on special teams as well as a shutdown corner. There were a variety of ways Minnesota could have went here, but Claiborne was the only real answer.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Vikings have a long way to go and Claiborne is a start. Don’t expect to see Claiborne in a Super Bowl anytime soon, at least not with Minnesota.

4.Cleveland Browns

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Browns offense was stagnant all season for a variety of reasons, but lack of a receiving threat was the main issue. Blackmon is the best offensive player on the board not named Luck and will immediately upgrade the Cleveland offense. While RG3 was an option here, the Browns aren’t ready to give up on Colt McCoy just yet—giving him a potential elite receiver might help him improve.

Super Bowl Prediction

Cleveland is yet again picking in the top five of a draft. If Blackmon wants to make a Super Bowl appearance, he needs to run as fast as he can when his contract expires in LeBron James fashion. Blackmon will be in a Super Bowl in five years, but it will be with a contender, not Cleveland.

5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

Tampa Bay has massive holes on the defensive side of the ball, and Dre Kirkpatrick can plug at least one right away. Kirkpatrick has a red flag next to his name thanks to a marijuana incident, but that won’t stop the Bucs from vastly upgrading their secondary. With Claiborne gone, Tampa Bay had to take the next best option.

Super Bowl Prediction

Tampa Bay isn’t as horrible as last year would make some think. Kirkpatrick will learn from veteran Ronde Barber, and he and the Bucs will make a Super Bowl within the next decade.

6.Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins can’t pass on a talent like Griffin, especially with quarterback being such a massive need. Griffin is a project, but one that can eventually find success in the NFL. Redskins fans shouldn’t expect him to go all Cam Newton in his rookie year, but his first season will be a good learning experience.

Super Bowl Prediction

Washington still has a long way to go, and so does Griffin. Griffin won’t reach a Super Bowl until he is a seasoned veteran, and he might not be the starter in the big game.

7.Jacksonville Jaguars

Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

While the Jaguars have a need for a receiver, continuing to beef up an already impressive defense is another option. Coples is a force on most downs and can contribute to a solid defensive line rotation for the Jags. The Jaguars have made mistakes on defensive ends in the first round in the past, but Coples won’t be one of them.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Jaguars won’t contend for a Super Bowl for at least another five years as they continue to build around Blaine Gabbert, but Coples could play in a Super Bowl in the next decade.

8.Miami Dolphins

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is the best tackle available not named Kalil, and the Dolphins can’t afford to pass on him at this spot. Reiff would start from Day 1 and give the Dolphins an unstoppable offensive line. While the Dolphins may look to trade up for a quarterback, Reiff is the surest bet to have a successful career.

Super Bowl Prediction

Reiff won’t play in a Super Bowl with the Dolphins. Miami is a middle of the road team and will continue to be until they can find a solid answer at quarterback. Reiff is a massive upgrade, but he can’t do it on his own.

9.Carolina Panthers

Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Panthers are beginning to build an elite offensive unit. While the offensive line needs improving, Cam Newton is mobile enough to work with it for now. Besides, Kalil and Reiff are both off the board. Still arrives in Carolina and immediately upgrades a struggling defensive unit in the trenches.

Super Bowl Prediction

With Cam Newton at the helm, anything is possible. Don’t be surprised to see Still and the Panthers sneak their way into a Super Bowl in the next five years in what is becoming a offense-based league.

10.Buffalo Bills

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The run on offensive lineman is in full force, and the best left on the board is Martin. Buffalo needs help on both sides of the ball, but Martin will come in and protect the Bills latest gigantic investment—Ryan Fitzpatrick. Martin can contribute in a big way to making sure Fitzpatrick has the time he needs.

Super Bowl Prediction

Martin and the Bills aren’t going to a Super Bowl this decade. In what is now a passing league, the Bills are stuck with Fitzpatrick, which isn’t good enough even with Martin protecting him.

11.Kansas City Chiefs

Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Chiefs add Hightower to an already great linebacking crew to form one of the best units in the league. Kansas City has a plethora of talent returning from injury on both sides of the ball, and adding Hightower only makes them that much better.

Super Bowl Prediction

Hightower and the young Chiefs will play in a Super Bowl sooner rather than later. Hightower could be the main man in the middle during the big game.

12.Seattle Seahawks

Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Seahawks are surely upset that Devon Still was taken so high, but Brockers can be just as good, if not better. Brockers provides a large presence in the middle of an up-and-coming defensive unit. Seattle desperately needs a quarterback, but won’t find one here, so upgrading the defense makes sense.

Super Bowl Prediction

Without a viable option at quarterback, Brockers and the Seahawks will fail to make a Super Bowl appearance for a long time.

13.Arizona Cardinals

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Offensive tackle is a huge need for the Cardinals thanks to Levi Brown, but the Cardinals have to get great value for such a high pick. They do just that by adding a great pass-rusher in the form of Upshaw. Upshaw has amazing talent, and will improve an already solid defense.

Super Bowl Prediction

Upshaw could certainly play in a Super Bowl soon, but it’s hard to tell if it will be with Arizona in what is becoming a very good division. Upshaw has the talent to turn any team around, and could play in the big game soon.

14.Dallas Cowboys

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Cowboys were hold their breath as the run on offensive tackles progressed, but luckily for them, the best guard in the draft is still available. Dallas has big problems in the secondary, but some of the best corners are gone. DeCastro makes offensive line a strength for an already great offense.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Cowboys won’t continue to disappoint, especially with smart drafting like this. DeCastro and the ‘Boys will be playing in a Super Bowl in a few years.

15.Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

“The Dream Team” wasn’t so dreamy last year when it turned out their starting linebackers were essentially third-stringers on other NFL teams. Kuechly is a high-production guy with an endless motor that will energize the entirety of the defense.

Super Bowl Prediction

Kuechly will be a star in a few years on a talented defense. Don’t be surprised to see the Eagles make good on the hype and play in the Super Bowl next year or the year after.

16.New York Jets

Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Jets struggled heavily against the pass last season, and taking Perry will help put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The popular pick in mocks right now is safety Mark Barron, but he is average against the pass. Perry is a tremendous talent that will be a standout under Rex Ryan.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Jets are a solid team, and could play in a Super Bowl in the next decade if they upgrade at quarterback. The Jets will have an elite defense with the addition of Perry, but defense doesn’t win championships anymore.

17.Cincinnati Bengals

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

No surprise here as the running back position continues to be less important season after season. Cincinnati is happy to take the risk on a back in the first round thanks to two first-round picks. Richardson arrives as the starter and splits time with Bernard Scott. Richardson, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green lead the Bengals into a new future.

Super Bowl Prediction

As crazy as it sounds, the Bengals actually have a shot at a Super Bowl in the next five years thanks to smart drafting in the past five. Taking Richardson is just another smart move that improves one of the youngest teams in the league.

18.San Diego Chargers

Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

The Chargers desperately need help on the defensive side of the ball, and Ingram will state right away. Ingram is a very talented player that can do it all—and the Chargers need it all. The Chargers could have went multiple ways with this pick, but Ingram fits the slot nicely.

Super Bowl Prediction

Hard to tell if the Chargers can actually be consistent for an entire season. Ingram and the Chargers won’t reach a Super Bowl for a long time, not as long as Norv Turner is still in charge.

19.Chicago Bears

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Jay Cutler is an elite quarterback and the addition of Floyd makes the Chicago offense formidable once again. Instead of over rely on Matt Forte Cutler has a big play threat in Floyd, as long as he can limit the alcohol off the field.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Bears are an average team, and have a ways to go. With notoriously bad management, it’s hard to see the Bears reaching another Super Bowl for the foreseeable future. An elite division doesn’t help either.

20.Tennessee Titans

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Titans tried, and failed, to move James Jones to defensive end. The Titans have needs across the board on the defensive side of the ball, but Mercilus is the most talented defensive player remaining on the board. Mercilus is a great contributor against the run and pass, and improves the defense substantially.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Titans have a chance to make a run at the AFC South if Peyton Manning doesn’t take a return. Matt Hasselbeck isn’t getting any younger, but the Titans could sneak into the postseason and do some damage in the next two to three years.

21.Cincinnati Bengals

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Bengals addressed the offensive side of the ball earlier, and now look to upgrade an average secondary. Corner is a need, but the Bengals are happy Barron fell in their laps this late in the round. Barron starts right away in place of Chris Crocker and vastly improves an already elite defensive unit.

Super Bowl Prediction

As stated earlier, the Bengals actually have a shot at making a run in the next few years. Barron adds something the defense has been missing, and could be a starter in a Super Bowl soon.

22.Cleveland Browns

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

The Browns addressed the offensive side of the ball earlier, and do so once again here with Miller. Peyton Hillis is gone and Montario Hardesty is an unknown. Miller comes in and starts right away to provide a solid running game to complement the upgraded passing game.

Super Bowl Prediction

Similar to what was said earlier; Cleveland isn’t going to a Super Bowl in the foreseeable future. Miller and Blackmon are great additions, but it’s not enough. Miller won’t see the big game if he stays in Cleveland.

23.Detroit Lions

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Lions would be stunned if Dennard is available here, and rightfully so. Dennard will be a star in the NFL someday, and provides an immediate upgrade to the defense. The Lions needed any position on the defense outside of the defensive line, and do great here with Dennard.

Super Bowl Prediction

Similar to the Bengals, the Lions are one of the better young teams in the league. The Lions will play in a Super Bowl in the next few years, and Dennard will be starting at corner.

24.Pittsburgh Steelers

Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

The Steelers aren’t getting any younger, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can’t keep taking a ridiculous amount of hits each season. While the defense is aging extremely fast, protecting the quarterback is more important in this new-age NFL. Glenn comes in and starts right away and keeps Big Ben from having to run consistently.

Super Bowl Prediction

We haven’t seen the last of this Steelers team. Expect to see Glenn and the Steelers make an appearance in the big game in two or three years.

25.Denver Broncos

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Broncos need help on the entirety of the defense, but a strong presence in the middle of the line should be the first priority. Worthy is a monster that will come in and make a difference right away, freeing up other pass-rushers because he will require so many blockers.

Super Bowl Prediction

Prior to popular belief, the Broncos won’t sniff a Super Bowl with Tim Tebow at quarterback. Worthy will be one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL for a long time, but he won’t reach the big one with Denver.

26.Houston Texans

Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Texans need to upgrade at the receiver spot, and Wright provides that upgrade. Andre Johnson can’t do it all his own, and Wright takes a lot of pressure off of him. Wright probably should have gone earlier, but fits in nicely with a Texans squad all too happy he fell.

Super Bowl Prediction

Wright will be playing in a Super Bowl very, very soon. The defense will be the main reason, but Wright’s quiet production will be a huge reason as well.  

27.New England Patriots

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Patriots have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, and need an upgrade at each position. Cox comes in and becomes a force to be reckoned with immediately. Cox is a solid five-technique player that will give the Patriots an upgrade against the run.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Patriots will return to the Super Bowl within five years, but not before. The defense has to be entirely reloaded, and that won’t happen overnight. Cox will play in the big game in the near future.

28.Green Bay Packers

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Packers are in need of help in the secondary after the Giants exposed the chinks in the armor. The Packers land a top-10 talent at this spot because of character concerns, but the Packers will have no problem taking that risk. Jenkins gets to learn from the best—Charles Woodson, and the experience will be invaluable.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Packers will be back in the big game next year after reloading on the defensive side of the ball. Jenkins is a huge part of that, and will get the start.

29.Baltimore Ravens

Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Vince Wilfork had his way with the Ravens’ offensive line in the AFC Championship. Center Matt Birk isn’t getting any younger and Ben Grubbs is a free agent. The Ravens get much younger and talented in the trenches by picking up Konz.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Ravens are hot right now, but must rebuild the defense soon. Konz will play in a Super Bowl someday, but it won’t be for at least another five years.

30.San Francisco 49ers

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The NFC Championship exposed a major hole on the 49ers’ offense—the lack of a playmaking receiver. Jeffery comes in and immediately has an impact by taking coverage away from Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Jeffery is taking some heat for his conditioning, but make no mistake about it—Jeffery will be a force on the 49ers offense.

Super Bowl Prediction

It’s not hard to fathom the 49ers making an appearance sometime soon. Jeffery will help the organization turn the corner, and the 49ers will be playing in a Super Bowl in two to three years.

31.New England Patriots

Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

As stated earlier, the Patriots need help across the board on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots continue to revamp the most important part of a defense—the trenches—by picking Branch. Branch is a versatile player and shouldn’t have a problem if asked to play linebacker, and will terrorize opposing quarterbacks for years to come.

Super Bowl Prediction

Branch will join Cox who was picked at 27 in a Super Bowl in about five years. The duo will allow the Patriots to build an elite defense around the two for years to come.

32.New York Giants

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Giants took the league by storm with their elite offense this past season. The only area lacking is the line which is aging and taking up a lot of cap space. In Adams, the line becomes much younger and versatile. Adams is an athletic guard that can start right away if need be.

Super Bowl Prediction

The Giants had an amazing run this postseason, and appear to have that in them every few years. Adams and the Giants are likely to see a return trip to the Super Bowl within five years.