2012 NFL Mock Draft: Playmaking Stars Sure to Shine in Rookie Year

It's difficult to make an instant impact in the NFL.

Year after year, countless rookies step onto the field try to do just that.

The ones that truly shine are few and far between. The 2012 NFL draft class has no shortage of big-name stars and playmakers. Some will come in with very high expectations.

Here are the ones that will truly shine in year one.

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

Andrew Luck is elite, but it is extremely difficult for a rookie quarterback to shine in year one.

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

The 6'1", 215-pound wide receiver is too talented not to succeed next year. Blackmon doesn't possesses elite size and seed, but he's an elite playmaker when on the football field.

He can beat corners deep, can turn short passes into long touchdowns and can absolutely dominate games at times.

No. 2 overall is a bit high for him, but he'll make an immediate impact wherever he goes.

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

Rookie left tackles can be hit or miss. Kalil will be good, but will struggle at times.

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

RG3, if he starts, will need a lot of time to adapt.

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

Greg Schiano needs an all-purpose running back he can trust and Trent Richardson is the perfect fit.

The Heisman Trophy finalist can do everything and plays a position where rookies can make an immediate impact.

If they keep LeGarrette Blount, who is an exclusive rights free agent, they can have a pretty lethal one-two punch with Richardson making plays out of the backfield.

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

If he's drafted it will include a learning process.

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

As good as Claiborne is, rookie corners get picked on.

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

Could be great, but it isn't guaranteed as his work ethic has been questioned.

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

The Dolphins are going to do all they can to land their quarterback before the draft—that means Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn—and then they'll be able to help whichever one they get.

Reiff is a ready-to-start prospect and would excel at right tackle opposite Jake Long.

They'd make for an ideal pair of bookends to protect Manning or Flynn.

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

One of the more NFL-ready prospects in the draft, Courtney Upshaw will excel wherever he goes.

He's spent time with an NFL mind in Nick Saban and he has the measurables, athleticism and overall talents to step in and get after the passer from day one.

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

Top interior lineman in a weak class.

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

Super-instinctive linebacker who will shine wherever he goes.

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

Still unclear whether or not he'll play right or left tackle, but he's a great run-blocker.

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

Top interior lineman will help balance Cowboys offense.

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

Big-bodied wide receiver is great compliment opposite Eagles' speedy targets. He may struggle to separate when not in the red zone, though.

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

Top-notch pass-rushing talent may take some time to develop, but he could be great. Too good for Rex to pass on at a position of need.

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

The Crimson Tide cornerback has elite talent and fills a position of need.

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

The Chargers have been in major need of a pass-rushing talent for some time now.

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

Massive tackle makes the entire Bears O-line better.

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

Brockers is just scratching the surface of his potential.

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

Speedy running back fills a big need for the Bengals. He could be an immediate contributor.

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

The big Gamecocks wide receiver will only be as good as he wants to be.

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

Towering lineman fills a massive need for Detroit.

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

Versatility is the key for the Bulldogs offensive lineman.

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

Cox also has a ton of versatility and fits a huge need for the Broncos' 4-3 defense.

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

Most complete safety in the class is going to be an immediate contributor.

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

A likely draft day riser after his Senior Bowl performance.

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

The Cornhuskers cornerback plays much bigger than his size.

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

The Sun Devil linebacker needs to be groomed.

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

The Baylor Bears wide receiver is an immediate deep threat, but needs time to develop otherwise.

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

Sanu's too good and too versatile to not make an impact for Belichick.

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

Brown's speed helps the entire Giants defense.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL scouting combine

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