2012 NFL Mock Draft: Justin Blackmon and Big-Name Prospects Who Will Go Too High

NFL talent evaluators aren't always swayed by big names. The only thing that scouts and coaches care about is what a player can do for the organization as a whole. Not just on the field, but off the field, in the locker room and in the community.

Just because a player is popular in college doesn't mean he's going to go top 10 in the NFL draft.

But there are some players with big names who go far too high in the draft for one reason or another. Popularity may make it okay to the masses because of a player's reputation, but there are big-name players who are selected too high.

This draft will actually have more than a few of them.

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

Andrew Luck at No. 1 overall is not one of them, though.

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

Justin Blackmon at No. 2 is a prime example of a big-name player that could be overdrafted. The star wide receiver is a gifted player and will be a very good wide receiver in the NFL.

The problem is that he's not elite. Blackmon has been super productive at Oklahoma State, but he's not on the level of a Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green or Julio Jones.

Johnson and Green were top-five picks and deservedly so. As good as Blackmon is, he's not on that level.

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

Not necessarily elite, but Kalil is a top-notch prospect who can start immediately.

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

RG3 is another prime example of a big-name player who will be drafted too high. The Heisman Trophy winner will absolutely dominate the scouting combine and will shine during the interview process as well.

The need for quarterbacks is still up the air and dependent on the free-agent process.

When all is said and done, RG3 will likely be a top-three pick.

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

The Crimson Tide running back is the second-best available player and fills a need.

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

Tannehill's not that big of a name yet, but he's starting to gather steam. Ironically, he's injured and can't participate with the rest of the prospects of the scouting combine. However, the more people watch him, the more they realize he's the third-best QB on the board.

He's certainly not a top 10 prospect, but he's got a ton of potential.

The quarterback situation during free agency will directly affect him.

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

Steal of the draft for a team that gambles on picks far too often.

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

The UNC defensive lineman has too much talent for Ron Rivera to pass up.

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

Perfect value at a position of need for the Dolphins.

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

Again, perfect value at a position of need.

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

This pick is up in the air as is Still's stock, but in a weak defensive tackle class he's the best.

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

Instinctive linebacker fits great in Crennel's defense and is a great value as well.

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

The Cardinals desperately need offensive tackle help and Martin is the best available.

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

Another potential steal, DeCastro is a perfect addition for this team as they to balance their offense.

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

Floyd fits a great complement opposite the Eagles' speedy receivers.

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

Rex Ryan can never have enough pass-rushers.

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

The Crimson Tide cornerback could move back up the board after drug charges against him were dropped.

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

A big combine could move Perry up the board and the Chargers might have to get lucky to grab him.

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

Massive o-lineman makes the entire Bears line better.

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

Could fly up the board after the combine. Just scratching the surface of his ability.

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

Speedy running back is the heir to Cedric Benson.

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

Big wide receiver is a prime candidate to be overdrafted. Anything after No. 20 overall works for me.

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

Fills the Lions' biggest need.

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

Big, versatile linemen give the Steelers the help they need up top.

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

Cox's versatility gives the Broncos exactly what they need in their front seven.

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

A complete safety prospect who can roam the secondary in Houston for years.

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

Too good of a value for Bill Belichick to pass up on a Gator.

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

Dennard's physicality fits the Packers' scheme in the secondary.

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

Potential replacement for Ray Lewis needs to be tamed.

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

Potential No. 1 receiver who can at least stretch the field until he develops.

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

Too much versatility and upside for Belichick to pass on Sanu either.

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

Brown's athleticism will allow the Giants to shift Michael Boley inside.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine