2012 NFL Mock Draft: High-Ceiling Prospects Who Need Seasoning

Every team enters the first round of the NFL draft hoping to land a stud who can start and contribute right away.

Not every team gets that lucky. While we do see players like Cam Newton, Von Miller and Julio Jones burst onto the scene right out of the gate, there are a handful of draft picks every year who languish in the shadows, picking up playing time when they can.

Sometimes, it's all worth it in the end. Prospects don't need to contribute right away in order to become stars. Success can be found after a little seasoning. 

In the 2012 draft class, there are a couple prospects who could use a little seasoning. Let's discuss them in the form of a full first-round mock.

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

I would single out Andrew Luck as a guy who is going to get a little seasoning, but my guess right now is that Luck will be Indy's starter in 2012. From what we're hearing about Peyton Manning, it doesn't sound like he's going to be back. Luck better get ready for some on-the-job training.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU*

This is higher than Michael Brockers is projected to go, but I assure you there is a method to my madness.

Brockers surprised a lot of people when he chose to leave LSU for the draft, as he was just a redshirt sophomore. Since he declared, though, Brockers has been shooting up big boards. Scouts love him, and he's generally regarded as the only defensive tackle worth a high draft pick.

I'm assuming Brockers is going to own the combine. If he does, he'll go from being a top-10 choice to being a top-5 choice.

There will be a role for Brockers to play in St. Louis if the Rams draft him, but his rookie season will likely be frustrating for both him and the team's fans. As talented as Brockers is, he lacks experience. The Rams therefore wouldn't rush his development. They'd use him sparingly.

Down the road, it would be worth it. With the right amount of grooming, Brockers is going to be a star.

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

No extra experience needed here. Matt Kalil is supposed to be the best left tackle there is. It just so happens the Vikings could use one of those, as they have been in need of a permanent solution at left tackle ever since they cut Bryant McKinnie.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

This is the first time I've mocked RG3 to the Browns. According to Steve Wyche of NFL.com, they want him. According to me, they need him. Colt McCoy is not the answer; his ceiling is nowhere near as high as RG3's.

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

If the Browns pass on Trent Richardson, it's simply going to be too hard for the Buccaneers to pass him up as well. LeGarrette Blount is a solid running back, but it's not like he's a superstar. Richardson has the potential to be just that; he could start right away in Tampa.

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

This is the first time I've had RG3 going to the Browns, and it's the first time I've had him going to a team other than the Redskins. If they miss out on RG3, they'll have to find a QB in free agency. If that's the route they have to go, they may as well use the No. 6 pick on a stud receiver for their new QB. Justin Blackmon would be an easy choice.

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

Rashean Mathis is a free agent and he's coming off a season in which he tore his ACL. Instead of bringing him back, the Jags would be wise to let him go and hand the keys over to Morris Claiborne. He's the best cover corner in the draft class.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10, subject to coin flip with Miami): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina*

Let's stop and talk about Quinton Coples for a second.

Coples has everything he needs to be a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. He's big, he's strong and he's fast enough to get after the quarterback. He has the potential to be a star.

The issue with Coples is that he's just plain inconsistent, and that's a problem that seems to stem from a lack of desire. Coples is not a guy with a great motor, which is a bit concerning. All of the great D-lineman in the NFL never stop churning. Coples isn't like that.

Carolina would be a good place for Coples to come into his own. They need depth at defensive end and defensive tackle; Coples has experience playing both positions. He could be a situational rover of sorts.

Initially, the Panthers would merely be trying to figure out where to play Coples. Once they figure that out, the sky would be the limit.

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10, subject to coin flip with Carolina): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins are probably going to have a new quarterback under center in 2012, but they need to make sure he has a solid offensive line in front of him. They need help at the tackle spots, and they're not going to be able to do better than Riley Reiff right here.

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

The Bills scored when they drafted Marcell Dareus in 2011. Now they need a pass-rusher in their linebacking corps, and Courtney Upshaw is the perfect man for the job. He's a beast of a man who could step in and start right away.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9, subject to coin flip with Seattle): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs needed offensive line help in last year's draft, but they ignored it. They don't want to make the same mistake in this year's draft. Jonathan Martin is one of the best tackles around; he's a perfect fit for Kansas City's offensive philosophy.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9, subject to coin flip with KC): David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The Seahawks drafted a couple of linemen in 2011 and then went out and signed Robert Gallery, but this is a case of them not passing up value when they see it. David DeCastro would be an instant upgrade, and he could easily work as a long-term solution. The Seahawks should take him if he's there.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Nick Perry, OLB, USC

The Cardinals could use some offensive line help, but there's nobody worth reaching for here. Instead, they should upgrade their linebacking corps by drafting an outside linebacker. Nick Perry will be the best guy available. He's a tremendous athlete who has the ability to rush the quarterback. The Cardinals could use a guy like that.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Cowboys have the makings of a solid defense, but they could use another cornerback after passing on one to draft Tyron Smith last year. Dre Kirkpatrick would be too hard to pass up at this spot.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State*

I wrote earlier that Quinton Coples has everything he needs to be a star in the NFL. The same is true of Vontaze Burfict.

The problem with Burfict is that we just don't know if he's mature enough to handle life in the NFL. He's a classic case of a guy with million-dollar athleticism and a 10-cent head. He was one of the most dangerous players in the country at Arizona State, but he made a lot of stupid, immature mistakes.

Dennis Erickson would no doubt tell you all about them if you bothered to ask.

Burfict's talent makes him worth a gamble, and the Eagles are a team that could roll the dice on him. Middle linebacker is their biggest need.

But it would be up to Andy Reid to get Burfict under control, which would be a matter of harnessing his aggression. A good way to do that would be to humble him by making him earn his keep in the starting lineup.

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

The Jets have a solid defense, but it's far from perfect. They need an outside linebacker who can rush the passer. Melvin Ingram is a guy who can do just that, and that's not all he can do. Ingram is one of the more underrated athletes in the 2012 draft class.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from 8-8 Oakland Raiders): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals could use a permanent replacement for Johnathan Joseph at cornerback. Janoris Jenkins comes with some question marks, but the talent is definitely there. He would be well worth the No. 17 overall pick.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Chargers need help at both tackle spots, so they would be wise to draft a guy who can play both tackle spots. Mike Adams fits the bill to a T. The Chargers would be reaching for him just a little bit here, but Adams would be worth it.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Bears need some offensive line help, but they wouldn't be able to pass up Alshon Jeffery here. They need a big wide receiver who can make plays for Jay Cutler; they won't be able to do any better than Jeffery. He's gigantic.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina*

The Titans have two very good young linebackers in Colin McCarthy and Akeem Ayers. If they get a good young weakside linebacker, their future will be very bright.

Zach Brown is the best weakside linebacker in the 2012 draft class, so drafting him here would be nothing short of a no-brainer.

But the Titans wouldn't have to start Brown right away. Will Witherspoon is under contract through 2012, so the Titans could use Brown as backup until 2013.

Brown could definitely benefit from being a backup. He's a freakish athlete, but he's not necessarily an elite football player. He could use a little fine-tuning, as it were. Using him as a backup for a year could pay huge dividends down the road.

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

My guess is that Cedric Benson is not going to be back with the Bengals in 2012, meaning they're going to need to find a new starting running back in the draft. Chris Polk is a possibility here, but Lamar Miller is a better fit for the Bengals. His athleticism would allow the Bengals to open up their offense in a big way.

22. Cleveland Browns (from 10-6 Atlanta Falcons): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

If the Browns do indeed decide to draft RG3, they're going to need to draft a wide receiver for him to throw to. Michael Floyd would be a steal here. RG3 would have an embarrassment of riches with Floyd and Greg Little at his disposal.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

The Lions found out what a healthy Matthew Stafford can do this season. Now they need to make sure he stays healthy, and that means bolstering their offensive line. The Lions are going to need a new center in the near future. Peter Konz would be the best option by far.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

The Steelers offensive line is a mess. They need help both inside and out. Cordy Glenn is a guy who can play both guard and tackle if needed, so he would practically be a godsend for the Steelers.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Broncos could have drafted Marcell Dareus in 2011, but they went for Von Miller instead. You can't blame them for that now, but their need at defensive tackle is hard to ignore. Jerel Worthy will be the best option at No. 25.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Texans don't need much, but they could use a speedy wide receiver to serve as a home run threat and stretch the field for Andre Johnson. Kendall Wright is the perfect guy for the job. Perfect.

27. New England Patriots (from 13-3 New Orleans Saints): Devon Still, DE, Penn State

One of the big questions in New England this offseason is what the Patriots are going to do on defense in 2012. Will they stick with the 4-3 or go back to the 3-4? Devon Still is a guy who fits either scheme, making him a great pick for the Patriots. They need D-line help either way.

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

The Packers have a great offense, but it needs balance. They don't have a true No. 1 running back. If they draft Chris Polk, they will. Polk is one of the most underrated players in the 2012 draft class, and his versatility would make him a great fit in Green Bay.

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

Because Dont'a Hightower is both experienced and athletic, he might seem like a strange guy to focus on.

Hightower's problem is that we just don't know how good he can be. There are times when he was dominant at Alabama, and there were times when he was invisible. His reputation always preceded him, but it didn't always reflect reality.

Wherever he goes, Hightower is not a guy who should start right away. Think of him as a draft-and-stash player who's time to shine will come later, not sooner.

Now think of him as Ray Lewis' backup.

With Lewis coming back for one more season, Hightower would get a year to learn from one of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL. That could be the difference between him being a solid player and him being a great player.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The 49ers need to get at least one wide receiver this offseason. There are going to be some studs floating around in free agency, but the Niners don't need a stud. A solid prospect like Mohamed Sanu would do just fine.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Credit where credit is due, New England's secondary played pretty well in the Super Bowl. Nevertheless, they need depth. A guy like Stephon Gilmore would be a great pick. He has the potential to be the second coming of Asante Samuel.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Giants had issues at middle linebacker all season long. It didn't end up costing them, but it's a position they should upgrade in the draft. Luke Kuechly isn't much of an athlete, but he's a tackling machine who would fit well in New York.