2012 NFL Mock Draft: First-Round Prospects Who Will Watch Stocks Rise

The NFL scouting combine is the most important event remaining in the 2012 NFL draft process.

The Super Bowl is currently running the show in Indianapolis, but soon enough a majority of the draft class will be on hand showing off everything they have to offer at the next level.

With a great performance, players can go from third-round consideration all the way to first-round consideration. There simply isn't a better opportunity during this part of the draft process for players to elevate their stock.

The question is, which ones will rise the most?

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

No where to go for Luck but down.

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

Blackmon is not elite and is not the second-best player in this draft, but he's fills the biggest need for the Rams.

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

The lone elite left tackle in this class protects the Vikings' future.

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

The Heisman Trophy winner has cooled off a bit since his remarkable end of the season run, but his star will rise again in Indianapolis.

RG3 will dominate the combine process with a dazzling performance both on the field in drills and in the interview rooms.

Teams will get excited and depending on what happens with Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, it is likely that he'll rise all the way to No. 2 with a team likely trading up to call his name.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Tampa Bay's new coach Greg Schiano needs an all-purpose back he can trust.

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

This is the rare situation where an injury may benefit a player. Tannehill hasn't and won't be able to work out for NFL personnel for some time, but he's got scouts and teams very interested.

The Aggies quarterback brings great athleticism to the position and is just scratching the surface of how good he can be.

With more than a few teams in need of quarterbacks, it wouldn't be surprising to see him drive up the board the way Christian Ponder did last year.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This could be the steal of the draft.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Super-versatile D-lineman with the potential to be elite.

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

Reiff is a perfect complement opposite Jake Long.

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

Top-notch pass-rusher with immediately transferable skills.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Big, physical presence with a disruptive nature.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The instinctive linebacker is a perfect fit for Romeo Crennel's defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin fills a major need for a Cardinals team that has struggled to get its offensive line together.

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

This is the absolute lowest the Stanford interior lineman will fall. DeCastro is an absolutely dominating presence on the inside and could easily sneak into the top 10.

It is hard to draft a guard that high, but he brings decade-long security to a position that teams struggle to keep stocked.

If he falls to the Cowboys, they'd be mad to pass on him.

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

Big, athletic receiver is ideal complement opposite DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The pass-rushing talent continues to earn rave reviews since his Senior Bowl week. Ingram is a bit undersized, but he knows how to turn the corner and use his speed and size to get the arms and pads level to offensive lineman and beat them to the quarterback.

Ingram has a lot of teams interested and will continue to rise up draft boards with his combine performance. He's a good athlete who is still scratching the surface of his ability.

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

The Crimson Tide corner is too good to fall too far.

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

Perry is on the fringe seeing his stock rise. If he dominates at the combine, he'll move up.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Massive center makes entire Bears O-line better.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Another fringe riser, Brockers' best football is still ahead of him.

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

Big-play threat with potential to develop into all-around back.

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

This Gamecocks wide receiver could be great if he wants.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams fills a huge need for the Lions.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The senior Bulldog's versatility and leadership will be welcome on the Steelers' offensive line.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Another super-versatile player, Cox is the ideal fit for the Broncos' front four.

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

Barron will likely rise up the board because of his complete skill set and potential as a leader in the secondary.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Superior talent, questionable character. Jenkins could fly up the board.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard is a solid all-around cornerback with good versatility and physicality.

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

A physical freak and potential replacement for Vontaze Burfict.

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

Another potential riser, Wright is a great athlete with elite speed.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu has an extremely high ceiling and a very high floor. He could be an elite receiver if he develops correctly. At worst, his versatility will make a contributor in a number of phases of the game.

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

The Tar Heel linebacker is an elite athlete who fits perfectly into what the Giants need.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine