2012 NFL Draft Projections: 9 Bold Predictions for the First Round

There are some moments when the NFL is as exciting as an eTicket ride at Disney World.

For those of you old enough to remember those days, you probably remember the 1983 draft when John Elway swore up and down he would never play football for the Baltimore Colts (yes, Baltimore), the team that selected him first overall. Elway prompted a trade to Denver in return for tackle Chris Hinton and other considerations.

There have been other moves that involve the draft that have been bold and unpredictable and have left us "draftniks" speechless at times.

The Raiders selecting Todd Marinovich. Denver selecting Tommy Maddox. The Eagles taking Mike Mamula. They all had an impact on the draft process and the teams selecting after them.

This year could be a year where we see another outstanding crop of receivers and defensive linemen—not to mention two or three quarterbacks—selected in the first 32 choices.

Here are some bold predictions that could impact this year's first round.

After Luck and RGIII, Ryan Tannehill Will Also Be First-Round Selection

I believe Ryan Tannehill can be an effective passer in this league—and he surely has skills to be a dependable leader—but is he worthy of being a first-round selection?

With the new rookie salary structure and changes in contract structuring, it could mean teams will reach sooner for a passer who may not be worthy of a first-round selection because of simple supply and demand.

After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, there will be other teams that need a quarterback and will possibly move up to grab one—most notably in the latter stages of the first round. A team like Seattle, Arizona or even Denver may look to make Tannehill its top choice.

Cincinnati Will Try to Package a Deal to Get Trent Richardson

The Bengals have the 17th and 21st selections in the draft. Want to bet they try to move up for more offensive firepower?

The running game was good last season with Cedric Benson leading the way, but what if it could get even better? There is a demand for two good backs to work in an offense these days.

I think the Bengals try to package a deal to move up to either fifth with the Buccaneers or seventh with the Jaguars to try to snag Trent Richardson of Alabama.

Last season, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green proved they could lead an offense as rookies. Now that they are a year older, they can get help with someone as explosive as Richardson and watch the Bengals' offense really take off.

Wes Welker's Future in New England Will End When the Patriots Take a Receiver

Wes Welker is a free agent this season, and he was the leading pass receiver in the NFL in 2011-12.

But at his size, is Welker a product of the Patriots' system?

Welker was "average" in the Dolphins' system and then became a Patriot and broke out as a threat in the New England offense. After his performance in the Super Bowl, are his days numbered?

It would appear the Patriots can find receivers either in this draft (Brian Quick, Appalachian State) or in free agency.

Janoris Jenkins Will Prove to Be the Best Defender from This Draft in 5 Years

I have stood by this all during the college season: Janoris Jenkins is the best cover-defender in this draft.

That means he is better than Morris Claiborne, Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick.

Jenkins gained maturity at North Alabama following three seasons at the University of Florida, after being kicked out of the school because of legal issues.

His football skills were never impaired, and teams that pass on him in the first round will find Jenkins was one player they should never have let slip away.

The Jaguars Will Trade out of the 7th Spot and Wind Up with Alshon Jeffery

I see them working their way backward in the draft.

The Jaguars will find that having the seventh selection is not so lucky. They can find suitors for the spot and pick up players or other draft choices.

The team that seems most likely to "partner" might be Cincinnati—or even Cleveland—if they want a defensive player, since they would not be able to get RGIII.

And in the middle of the first round, the Jaguars can still get a quality receiver.

The Cowboys Will Offer the Colts the 14th Pick in the Draft for Peyton Manning

Someone will offer a king's ransom for Manning, whether he is at his old pace or not.

Jerry Jones may be the first to bite. Having Manning on the Cowboys' roster may light a fire under Tony Romo, but it also may mean Manning is expected to take the Cowboys back to the promised land.

There are a few team owners who can offer lots of picks and/or players in exchange for Manning's services, and Jones is one of them.

The Jets Will Choose Running Back Chris Polk from Washington

The Jets will say "so long" to LaDainian Tomlinson and "hello" to his replacement in Chris Polk.

Actually, Polk could become the feature back in the Jets' offense, signaling the team is not happy with Shonn Greene, either.

Polk did his best to impress scouts at the Senior Bowl and could be available in the middle of the first round to help Rex Ryan continue his quest for a ground-and-pound offense.

Courtney Upshaw Will Be Selected by the Ravens as Ray Lewis' Replacement

At some point, it was bound to happen.

I thought it would be Vontaze Burfict of Arizona State, but the Baltimore Ravens finally have someone to be Ray Lewis' understudy with the idea of one day replacing the legend.

What mighty big shoes to fill. But if Upshaw, who was a leader in the Crimson Tide's defense, plays on the same level in the pros as he did in college, the transition should not be a problem.

This past season, Lewis' injury proved  he is "mortal." He is not getting younger, and at some point, he will leave the confines of the Ravens' nest.

Upshaw will be up to the task.

After Trading with the Redskins, the Rams Won't Get Justin Blackmon

The Redskins will more than likely select Robert Griffin III if they move from sixth in the draft to second. And the Rams are hoping they will be able to get Justin Blackmon.

But, what if? Could the Redskins get the man they want, while the Rams get trumped when a team like Jacksonville (or maybe the Carolina Panthers) moves up to get the top-rated receiver in the draft?

Receiver is the top issue on the Rams' radar, but Jeff Fisher and management may be willing to move out of the slot to obtain more selections and still get a pass-catcher. However, it may not be the one they initially wanted.