2012 NFL Mock Draft: Robert Griffin III and More Stars with Most to Prove

Just because a player thrived at the college level, it doesn't necessarily mean life will be grand for him in the NFL. With the 2012 NFL Draft quickly approaching, there are a number of players that still must prove they are truly worthy of being a top pick.

The expectations are high for those players selected in the first round, and failing to meet them will not end well.

Whether a player faced easy talent at the collegiate level or is in a position of grave importance, plenty of first-round guys have much to prove.

That being said, here's my latest 2012 NFL mock draft with info for each player and a more in-depth look at those with the most to prove. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

*Pick to be determined by coin flip

Picks 31 and 32 decided after Super Bowl 

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford  

The best prospect in the draft, Luck is going to be selected here no matter what team it is. The Colts would be wise to keep this pick and focus on their future. 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil is the top offensive lineman in the draft. The Rams could look to trade back here or select a playmaking wide receiver, but I think giving Sam Bradford more protection is their best bet. 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings' secondary needs a major upgrade, and Claiborne will give them just that.  

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The first player taken in the 2012 NFL draft who has a lot to prove is Blackmon. He dominated in college, but the defenders he went up against weren't all that grand. 

Having won the Biletnikoff award for the past two years, there is a lot of hype surrounding Blackmon. He certainly has the talent to live up to it all, but adjusting to life in the NFL is no easy task. 

Blackmon will be joining a Browns team in dire need of playmakers. There will be a lot asked of him, especially since he will be a top five draft pick. 

There's no denying his skills, but at the same time, the level of talent vastly increases from what he is used to, and the change could be difficult for him. Blackmon will have to show he is worth all the hype. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Buccaneers have plenty of options here, as they have several needs. However, Kirkpatrick is the top defender available, and he will greatly impact the Buccaneers pass defense. 

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Any player who wins the Heisman Trophy has much to prove when coming to the NFL. The fact that RGIII is a quarterback puts even more pressure on him. 

He's a dual-threat QB who thinks pass first, which makes him so dangerous. However, the defenses he faced in the Big 12 didn't challenge him all that much. 

Plus, RGIII struggled at times taking care of the ball. The Redskins will be drafting him hoping to turn their franchise around immediately. RGIII will have to prove that he won't be another Heisman winner bust in the NFL. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

A small reach for the Jaguars here, which is why I think they'll be trading back. Blaine Gabbert needs more weapons around him, and Jeffery is a stellar wideout who can catch virtually anything thrown his way. 

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

The defensive tackle group for the class of 2012 is not very strong, which will benefit Still. The Panthers need a big body up front to help stop the run and create more pressure. They'll reach on Still, hoping he can be that guy. 

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

With Richardson falling, look for another team to trade up for him. Since I'm not predicting trades, I have him landing with the Dolphins. Reggie Bush needs a solid counterpart, and Richardson is far better than Daniel Thomas. 

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Bills have needs just about everywhere, but securing the offensive line has to be done. Reiff will bea great addition, as he will help protect Ryan Fitzpatrick and create big holes for Fred Jackson. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs have plenty of options here, but selecting a talented offensive lineman like Martin is their best bet to help protect whoever ends up being QB. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Seahawks biggest need is a QB, but they're not going to get one here. They'll draft Perry to help get after the opposing QB, which is something they really need.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Cardinals could do a number of things here, but Upshaw's talent is too good to pass up. 

14 . Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine that will fit in well with Rob Ryan's scheme. Plus, he brings much-needed youth to the Cowboys defense. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

He'll have to avoid off-the-field incidents, but with DeSean Jackson not likely to come back, the Eagles' best bet is to get Floyd, who is a big skilled wideout that will be a great addition to the team.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

After an impressive 2010 season, Coples was very highly praised. Unfortunately for him, his 2011 season wasn't nearly as strong, which raised several questions.

This is why Coples will have to prove he's worthy of being selected in the first round. Whatever team gets him will be expecting instant production. If he fails to get after the QB in his rookie season, it won't sit well with said team.

NFL teams have seen that Coples can be a dynamic force, but because of his down year this past season, he has to prove he still has what it takes to be a star at the next level.  

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

The Bengals find a great complement to Cedric Benson in Miller, and he will also be Benson's eventual replacement. This speedy back is just what Cincinnati's offense needs. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

The Chargers could look to the offensive line here, but linebacker needs help, too. Burfict has Top 10 talent, but his character issues are a big concern and will see him drop. The Chargers won't pass on him, though. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The best interior lineman in the draft, the Bears waste no time in adding protection for Jay Cutler. They'd love to get a playmaking wide receiver, but the elite ones are gone. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans need help getting after the QB, as they ranked sixth worst in sacking opposing QB's this past season. Ingram fits a big need here. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

He has character concerns, but the Bengals will look past it because of his talent. Plus, they're used to taking in bad guys and trying to turn them around. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Another guy with much to prove, Mercilus had only one productive year at the college level. In 13 games during 2010, he recorded one sack.

In 13 games this past season, he stepped his game up and recorded 16 sacks. It's uncertain if it was a fluke or what, which is why he has to show he can dominate in the NFL. 

Mercilus is gaining hype and will continue to do so with a mediocre pass-rushing class. However, once he gets to the NFL, if he fails to deliver, then he will most definitely turn into a bust. 

It's up to him to prove he has legitimate skills and can be a difference maker at the next level. 

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia                             

Matthew Stafford needs more protection, and Glenn will give him just that. He's versatile, meaning he can play guard or tackle at the next level, which the Lions will love. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Steelers offensive line needs depth, and Adams is a great left tackle. He's rising up boards, but defensive needs from other teams force him to fall to the Steelers. 

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Broncos could look to a cornerback here, but they also need a defensive tackle. Brockers is a guy rising fast, and his big frame is just what Denver needs up front. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

With Chris Meyers likely gone in free agency (it will be difficult to keep him after signing Mario Williams and Arian Foster to big deals), the Texans' best bet is to get Konz to replace him. 

27. New England Patriots (via NOLA 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Patriots are going to use this pick, and honestly I think they should use both. Dennard was a lockdown corner at Nebraska, and he will definitely help upgrade the Patriots poor secondary. 

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

The Packers need better depth at RB, as well help on defense. They take the gamble on Polk and focus on defense in the other rounds.

Polk is seeing his draft stock rise during Senior Bowl workouts. A bad performance in the game could see him drop from first-round discussions. 

He's a powerful back, but still has to prove he can be the every-down player in the NFL. Polk was challenged much playing in the Pac-12, which is why he'll have to show he is the real deal.

Many will be watching him in the Senior Bowl, and if he thrives it will do wonders for his draft stock.   

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Ravens would love an offensive lineman here, but they'll settle for the best defender available, which is Hightower. They hope he'll learn from Ray Lewis and eventually take his place. 

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

The 49ers have a few options here, but they desperately need another dangerous threat at wide receiver, and Wright will give them that.  

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

The Giants missed out on better talent at linebacker, but I'm pretty sure they would prefer a chance to play in the Super Bowl. Brown fits a need for New York, as he is a fast linebacker that can also cover well. 

32. New England Patriots (13-3): Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

An injury hurt Crick from dominating the college football scene this year, but there's no denying he's an exceptional talent. He squeaks into the first round to fit the Patriots need of help on the their defensive front. 

The Patriots could decide to trade this pick away, but they're much better off keeping it to help upgrade their defense.