2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Draft and Prospect Position Rankings

With just a little over a week left until the much anticipated 2012 NFL Combine, we're starting to get that feeling that the annual NFL draft fever that overtakes the football world every year is getting ready to spread.

With the NFL season now officially in the books, and a champion now crowned, it's time to begin gearing up for an offseason that could be one of the wildest in recent memory. 

The Peyton Manning saga alone is enough to add a ton of juice and intrigue to the upcoming free agency period, as well as the NFL draft, as it still remains to be seen just how the Indianapolis Colts will handle the enviable, yet also tough situation that they currently face. 

The Colts will have the chance to choose between three franchise quarterbacks, but it's likely that they will part ways with the old hero, Manning, in favor of finding a new leader for the future, whether that's Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. 

There should be plenty of intriguing storylines that emerge over the next few weeks, as football fans get ready to once again turn their attention back to Indianapolis for what is shaping up to be a very interesting and entertaining NFL combine. 

With over two months remaining between now and draft weekend, a lot is still going to change, as prospects continue to rise and fall throughout the workout portion of the process. 

Right now, though, here's a look at how I see the first round of the NFL draft playing out, and also a look at how I personally think this year's top prospects stack up at each position, going into the Combine.

1. The Indianapolis Colts' Key Need

With Peyton Manning destined to likely be either released from his contract with the Indianapolis Colts or forced into retirement due to a neck injury, the Colts will now be looking for their future franchise quarterback to come in and replace the legendary four-time MVP.

There's two elite future star quarterbacks sitting right there for the Colts to choose from, and it's hard to see Jim Irsay passing up the chance of having another decade of success just to bring back a hobbled, 36-year-old Manning, whose future on the gridiron is still very much up in the air.

After a long and successful tenure in Indianapolis, it seems like both parties are ready for a change and for a new era to begin in Indianapolis.

1. With the First Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts Select

Stanford QB Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck has been the consensus favorite to be the No. 1 pick of the 2012 NFL draft since the day he announced he was returning to school for his junior season, and while it's still possible that Robert Griffin III could light up the combine and give Luck a run for his money, right now, it seems likely that the former Stanford signal-caller will fulfill his destiny and become the top pick of the 2012 draft.

Luck is one of the most celebrated quarterback prospects of all time, and while it's silly to start chiseling his Hall of Fame bust already like some seem to be doing, you have to believe that college football's 2011 cover boy is going to enjoy a highly successful pro career.

With above average arm strength, pinpoint accuracy, terrific athleticism, a high football IQ and superb leadership intangibles, Luck has the type of physical skill-set and mental makeup that teams covet in a franchise quarterback, and it's easy to see why he's received the type of publicity and been given the type of spotlight from the sports media that he has over the past two years. 

After helping to resurrect a struggling and desperate Stanford program with the help of coach Jim Harbaugh, Luck now looks bound to be asked to do the same thing in Indianapolis with Chuck Pagano.

2. Why the Kansas City Chiefs Should Trade Up to No. 2

It's hard to really speak bad about Kansas City QB Matt Cassel since he did just heroically save a woman from a house fire, but regardless of his off-the-field heroics Cassel's on-the-field play hasn't exactly been worth celebrating during his time in Kansas City. 

Sure, he did manage to lead the Chiefs to the postseason in 2010, but given the way he's played in his other two seasons with the club (7-16 overall record, 73.2 passer rating), you have to wonder if that was more of a fluke than anything else.

With new coach Romeo Crennel taking over, the Chiefs will now have to make a decision regarding whether or not Cassel is the right quarterback to lead them into the future.

Since Cassel's contract was mostly front-loaded, it wouldn't be too difficult to bring in another quarterback to compete with him, but the only catch is, if the Chiefs want to land this year's only other elite quarterback prospect, Robert Griffin III, they're going to have to pay a steep price to move up to the second slot to nab him.

Griffin might just be worth it, though, as he's the type of dynamic star player who could become the face of the franchise immediately.

2. With the Second Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs Select

Baylor QB Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III entered his junior year known simply as an “intriguing athletic quarterback,” but it only took one game for him to show the college football world that he was so much more than just your average dual-threat signal-caller.

The super speedster surprised onlookers by using his arm, instead of his legs, to torch a highly respected TCU defense by throwing for 359 yards and five touchdown strikes in a wild and shocking 50-48 upset of the Horned Frogs in Baylor's season opener.

What we didn’t realize at the time was that performance was just the beginning of what turned out to be an eye-opening year for the 2011 Heisman winner.

This year, Griffin completed a whopping 72 percent of his passes, threw for over 4,300 yards and 37 touchdown strikes, finished with the second-highest passer rating in the country (189) and added 699 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground—a campaign that was certainly one of the most impressive individual seasons we’ve seen in recent college football history.

RG3 gave us so many “wow” moments and a ton of clutch throws this past season. The 34-yard game-winning touchdown pass that beat Oklahoma is probably Griffin’s most famous and memorable highlight from this past season, but it was just one of the many money balls that Griffin put exactly where it needed to be this year.

Long bombs and big plays became the norm in Waco in 2011, as Griffin developed a habit of hitting deep 50-yard go routes with what seemed to be a simple flick of the wrist.

The type of arm strength that Griffin displayed this year and the kind of accuracy he showed on deep passes is certainly going to make more than a few pro scouts rewind the tape with disbelief when they watch the Baylor game film. I personally haven’t seen a college quarterback throw the ball with that kind of zip and velocity since Matt Stafford left Georgia after the 2008 season.

This season, RG3 displayed the type of pocket presence and awareness that you look for in a future franchise NFL signal-caller, and he’s got all the skills and tools to develop into an upper-echelon passer in the pros. Accuracy, arm strength, vision, intangibles, athleticism, brains, leadership ability—Griffin’s got it all. He’s the absolute total package.

I’ve been following college football and the NFL draft intently since 2004, and I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a player that’s as intriguing as Robert Griffin is.

Is he a perfect prospect?

No, nobody is. But with his skill-set, he’s got the chance to be a dangerous difference-maker in the NFL and the type of impact player that can change the complexion of an entire franchise.

The way I see it, he’s Cam Newton in Aaron Rodgers' body.

Griffin’s a world-class athlete, who possesses a rocket for an arm and, oh yeah, he’s also got a little charisma and personality too (I can’t wait for the first time Roger Goodell fines him for wearing SpongeBob SquarePants socks during a game).

I said back in December that I thought Robert Griffin III deserved to be the No. 1 pick of the 2012 NFL draft, and while I think he's still got some work to do if he wants to catch Luck, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if he leapfrogs him, especially if he can have the type of workouts that he's capable of. 

3. The Minnesota Vikings' Key Need

Many are pegging offensive tackle to be Minnesota's biggest first-round need, but don't be surprised if the Vikings choose to add some stability to an otherwise questionable cornerback crop. Antoine Winfield will be 35 next season, Cedric Griffin has been a liability at times and former 2nd-round pick Chris Cook's career has been defined by injuries and suspensions so far. 

When you face high-octane passing teams like Detroit and Green Bay twice every year, you better have a true No. 1 cornerback that can hold things down and contain one side of the field, and the Vikings just don't have that right now. 

3. With the Third Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings Select

LSU CB Morris Claiborne

Backfield mate Tyrann Mathieu may have received all the hype and publicity this past season with his Honey Badger gimmick, but if you actually watched any LSU game in 2011, it was clear who the best player on the Tigers’ defense actually was. Morris Claiborne shut down every receiver that dared to line up in front of him, forcing teams to test Mathieu on a regular basis, which is why he was able to make so many plays and garner so much attention. 

The All-American corner proved that he can handle any route you could possibly try to test him with, whether it be a screen, a quick slant, or even a daring deep go-route. It didn’t seem to matter to Claiborne, because he handled it all without a problem. You simply can't fool him.

His instincts are almost too good to be true, and it helps that he has enough recovery speed to track down any receiver that may somehow find a way to get a step on him. 

The 6’0’’, 185-pound junior is long, fast and instinctive—three main traits that any elite cornerback prospect needs to possess.

Claiborne is a better pure cornerback prospect than his former teammate Patrick Peterson was, since he's not only a great athlete, he also has everything you look for in a potential lock down corner.

4. The Cleveland Browns' Key Need

Julio Jones was there for the taking when Cleveland was on the clock in last year's draft, but instead of taking Jones, the Browns decided to give up the 6th pick in order to trade down and take DT Phil Taylor.

Since Taylor had a strong rookie season, that helped justify the decision to an extent, but the problem is, the Browns still lack a true No. 1 go-to receiver. Cleveland has got a bunch of guys like Greg Little, Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs who can all be reliable secondary options, but none of them is a true game-changing receiver.

The Browns offense, which ranked 30th in scoring this season, could desperately use an explosive playmaker to add some life to the offense, and it starts with finding a dangerous No. 1 receiver.

4. With the Fourth Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns Select

WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Like I said, I've been seriously following the NFL draft since 2004, and during that time, there have been four wide receivers who I considered truly elite prospects—Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Julio Jones. And I'll be honest, after watching him take over college football these past two years, I think Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon definitely belongs in that same category.

Sometimes you see a receiver who is just physically superior to any cornerback he could possibly go up against, and Justin Blackmon certainly fits that mold, as he completely dominated and embarrassed almost every poor defensive back that got in his way these past two seasons. 

Blackmon is one of those rare ones. 

When I look at him, I see a similar physical makeup to Baltimore’s Anquan Boldin because he's got all the physical skills to make cornerbacks look foolish, even though he lacks true breakaway long speed. Unlike Boldin, though, Blackmon rarely disappears in games. 

In his final two seasons, the 6’1’’, 205-pound junior caught an astonishing total of 232 passes for 3,304 yards and scored 38 total touchdowns, capping his career off with a brilliant performance against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl.

Blackmon is a special talent in every sense, and he possesses the type of supreme playmaking ability that any NFL coach would love to add to their offense.

5. The Tampa Bay Bucs' Key Need

New Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano knows the importance of having two running backs that can form an effective tag-team and pave the way on the ground. He remembers that his greatest success at Rutgers came when he had both Brian Leonard and Ray Rice lining up in the backfield. 

That's why when Schiano looks at Tampa Bay's backfield, he'll likely get the urge to put his own touch on it.

This past season, the team's top back LeGarrette Blount regressed after a breakout freshman campaign. 

Bringing in a capable starting caliber back to push Blount and bring some versatility to the backfield is something that Schiano and the Tampa Bay crew will be thinking long and hard about.

5. With the Fifth Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs Select

Alabama RB Trent Richardson

Nowadays, teams largely stay away from running back prospects in the top half of the first-round, but that's because they don’t often see a running back the caliber of Trent Richardson. 

There's only one word you need to sufficiently describe the Alabama junior sensation, and that's power. 

Richardson was without a doubt the strongest and most powerful running back in college football this past season. Richardson's combination of balance, strength, speed and vision is something you rarely see, and it's what sets him apart from the rest of the running backs in this year's class.

The NFL may be a passing league nowadays, but that’s because backs like Richardson don’t come along very often. Richardson's physical ferocity and raw power combined with his fluid and strangely elegant running form is what makes him a true freak of football nature. 

The former 5-star recruit made the most of his one year as a starter in 2011, rushing for 1,679 yards and scoring 24 total touchdowns, as he played a key role in Alabama's run to a national championship.

In my opinion, Richardson is like Ahmad Bradshaw, Maurice Jones-Drew and Michael Turner wrapped into one big, muscular package. 

This 5’11’’, 225-pound powerhouse is truly in a class of his own and he managed to elevate himself to elite status this past season.

6. The Washington Redskins' Key Need

Jamaal Brown was developing into one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL early in his career when he was with the New Orleans Saints, but a serious hip injury has left him a shell of his former self, and it's left the Washington Redskins wondering what to do with the hobbled soon-to-be 31-year-old right tackle.

Last summer, the Redskins unwisely signed Brown to a five-year deal worth a little over 20 million dollars, but if Brown doesn't heal as expected, Washington could cut him before taking a major cap hit next season.

That would leave a hole to fill on the opposite side of former No. 4 pick, left tackle Trent Williams, who has had a hot and cold career thus far.

The Redskins need to add some stability to their offensive line to ensure success for the ground game, and that could start with solving the problem at right tackle. Whether that means drafting a top left tackle prospect and shifting Williams over, or drafting a rookie right tackle to fill the void remains to be seen. 

6. With the Sixth Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins Select

OT Matt Kalil, USC

With Tyron Smith moving on to the NFL a year early, it was time for Matt Kalil to step up and become the spotlight player on USC's offensive line in 2011. Kalil was good enough in 2010 to keep Smith on the right side, which really goes to show you the type of top-notch tackle he really is, and this past season, he managed to make the leap to elite status.

Kalil made it his mission to stonewall every opposing pass-rusher he went up against this season, and his run-blocking noticeably improved in his second year as a starter. 

The 6’7’’, 295-pound junior won the battle of the tackles with Stanford’s Jonathan Martin earlier in the season when the Trojans and Cardinal squared off, and he has since solidified himself as the top offensive tackle prospect in the country.

Kalil is one of the most athletic tackle prospects to come out of the college ranks in years, and if he stays on track and develops as expected, he's going to become a valuable offensive line leader and franchise-type stalwart for the next decade.

7. The Jacksonville Jaguars' Key Need

Because the Jaguars completely whiffed on defensive ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, their two top picks in the 2008 draft, they are now left still searching for a consistent pass-rusher that can put pressure on the quarterback on a consistent basis.

This season, Jacksonville managed to get eight sacks out of Jeremy Mincey, but besides him, nobody else stepped up, and the Jaguars ended up finishing 25th in the NFL in total sacks this season.

Finding a disruptive defensive end that can rush the passer has to be one of Jacksonville's top priorities in this year's draft.

7. With the Seventh Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars Select

South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram

Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney were supposed to be the two stars of the South Carolina defensive line this season, but defensive tackle/end tweener Melvin Ingram swooped in and stole their thunder. 

This year, Ingram proved that he was one of the most versatile defenders in the country, as he enjoyed a dominant breakout campaign in 2011.

The 6’2’’, 275-pound senior has the size and strength to be a major threat against the run, but he also possesses the type of rare speed and burst for his size that makes him a menace as a pass-rusher. 

Ingram, who led South Carolina with 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, is the top defensive end prospect available this year, and the versatile lineman showed some tremendous feats of power and athleticism this season, enough to warrant legitimate Top-15 interest.

His eye-opening fake-punt touchdown run against Georgia put him on the map and he kept building on that momentum all season long.

There aren't many prospects who caught the attention of NFL scouts like Ingram did this past season, and he may not be done making noise just yet, as the freakish athlete has the chance to wow onlookers during the workout phase of the process and continue to rise even higher on draft boards as April draws closer. 

8. The Carolina Panthers' Key Need

Defense, defense, defense—that's what Carolina has to be thinking about early on in this year's draft.

The Panthers could use help at all three levels on their defense and they really couldn't go wrong with their first-round pick, just as long as it's a defensive prospect.

One position that Carolina could look at early on is defensive tackle.

The Panthers drafted Sione Fua and Terrell McClain in last year's draft and both look like they should develop into valuable contributors over the next few years.

Obviously, though, help is still needed as Carolina finished 25th in the NFL in run defense this season.

Finding a big run-stuffer that can clog up the middle of the field could be a first-round option for Carolina.

8. With the Eighth Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers Select

DT Dontari Poe, Memphis

I have to admit I didn't see many Memphis games in 2011, but I do have to say that I've been doing my homework on the Tigers' big defensive tackle Dontari Poe for a while now. And as I continue to delve further, I keep coming away more and more impressed with what Poe has to offer as a big, run-stopping nose tackle prospect. 

The 6'5'', 350-pound behemoth is the strongest and most powerful interior defensive lineman in the country, and if you ever decide to challenge him in the weight room, you better know what you're getting yourself into. 

Poe has the size and the overwhelming strength to potentially be a terrific fit as a 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL, but he's versatile enough to play in a variety of different fronts and schemes.

Teams looking for a big interior run-stuffer are definitely going to take a long, hard look at the intimidating Memphis native. 

9. The Miami Dolphins' Key Need

The Dolphins have one of the top young offensive tackles in the NFL with Jake Long. However, there's still some work that needs to be done along the offensive line. One of the key spots that could need filling this offseason is right guard, where the aging Vernon Carey will be an unrestricted free agent. Carey isn't the only one who could be headed elsewhere either, as the man that lined up right next to him at right tackle last season, Marc Colombo, is also a free agent, and he could need replacing, or even just upgrading at this point. 

Former third-round pick John Jerry could be the choice to replace Carey at guard, but replacing Colombo at tackle also has to be a priority.

9. With the Ninth Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins Select

OT Mike Adams, Ohio State

It took two years for Mike Adams to start living up to his monumental high school hype at Ohio State, but once it all clicked for Adams in his junior season, you could see why everyone was so excited about his potential when he first arrived in Columbus. 

The 6'7'', 322-pound senior has the type of size, strength, wingspan, athleticism and footwork that NFL franchises covet in a tackle prospect and he has the versatility to either end up on the left or right side in the NFL. 

Adams can move his feet and hold his ground when pass-blocking, but he also has the base strength to move smaller defensive linemen around in the run game, as he can get into their body and just overwhelm them with his sheer size and power. 

Because his game grew so much during his time at Ohio State, Adams has now developed into the type of tackle who you can plug into the starting lineup immediately without the fear of having to watch him deal with a major learning curve. 

10. The Buffalo Bills' Key Need

With Dave Wannstedt taking over the defensive coordinator duties in Buffalo, the Bills will likely be switching from a base 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense with the occasional 3-4 look thrown in, which means that the team will be in need of an outside pass-rusher to create pressure off the edge.

The Bills have lacked a consistent pass-rush for years, finishing 27th in the NFL in sacks the past two seasons.

Buffalo added DT Marcell Dareus with the third pick in the 2011 draft to take care of the defensive interior, but flanking Dareus with a consistent end who can occupy the offensive line's attention has to be a priority.

Finding a top-notch versatile pass-rusher that can line up as an end in a 4-3 system, and then can stand up in passing situations as a 3-4 rush linebacker would be a dream outcome for the Bills.  

10. With the 10th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills Select

LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

With the continued growth and popularity of the 3-4 defense in this NFL era, the 3-4 rush linebacker is becoming one of the draft’s premium positions. If you can find an elite young pass-rusher to set loose off the edge in a 3-4 front, you better snatch him up when you can. 

This year's best rush-linebacker prospect is Alabama’s steady defensive star, Courtney Upshaw. At 6’1'’, 273-pounds, Upshaw not only has the size you desire to line up at end and be effective; he also has the edge speed to be a pass-rushing force in a 3-4 defense in the NFL.

In 2010, Upshaw was one of the most consistent performers on a superbly talented Alabama defense, as he made a living in opponents' backfields, racking up 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

This season, he was even more of a nightmare for opposing offenses to deal with, as Upshaw racked up 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Upshaw capped off his career with a sensational showing in his final collegiate game, as he was one of the centerpieces of Alabama's dominating defensive performance against LSU in the BCS championship game, earning MVP honors for his efforts.

He may not have the spectacular athletic package like Von Miller and Aldon Smith offered up in last year's draft, but Upshaw makes up for it with his physical demeanor and ability to make crucial stops when it counts.
                    
The seasoned senior is the type of impact player who can step in and immediately make an NFL defense better, and I think he has the chance to be a LaMarr Woodley-Ahmad Brooks mash up in the NFL. 

If he performs well in offseason workouts, Upshaw has done enough on the field to warrant Top-10 interest in this year's draft.

11. The St. Louis Rams' Key Need

The first thing that new head coach Jeff Fisher is going to have to get for franchise quarterback Sam Bradford is better protection.

Bradford took an absolute beating this past season. However, Fisher's likely going to just have to hope that tackles Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold, who are both former first-rounders who have yet to come close to living up to their billing, can improve and start playing up to their potential.

Another big concern for Fisher will be to find Bradford a game-changing playmaker at the wide receiver position. If St. Louis trades down from the No. 2 pick, look for them to seriously consider taking a wide receiver to help give Bradford a true No. 1 threat, as the Rams' receiving corps seems to be filled with players who are destined to be nothing more than secondary options.

11. With the 11th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams Select

WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

When watching Kendall Wright for the first time, it doesn't take long to figure out what sets him apart from the other top receivers in the country, and that's Wright's rare game-breaking speed. Wright, a former high school track star, is one of the fastest players in the country and he should light up stopwatches in postseason workouts. 

The 5’10’’, 190-pound senior isn’t just a track runner playing football either, and he’s got the career production to back that up. Wright led Baylor in receiving in all four years of his career and ended things with a bang as his senior campaign turned out to be his best, racking up 108 catches for 1,663 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.

He was vastly overshadowed by the emergence of breakout star quarterback Robert Griffin III, but when draft time rolls around, Wright should be in the mix to be an early first-round pick just like RG3. 

Scouts will love his potential to be a dangerous deep threat and they're sure to appreciate the fact that he can line up on the outside or in the slot and still be equally explosive.

Wright will be one of those headache receivers who NFL secondaries won’t want to have to chase around the field for four quarters, and his raw speed and playmaking ability will be valuable assets to whatever offense ends up with him.

12. The Seattle Seahawks' Key Need

With two of Seattle's top three rushers—Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett both set to be free agents this offseason, the Seahawks are definitely going to have to consider drafting a running back early if they lose one of them, and especially if they lose both.

Pete Carroll could consider applying the franchise tag to Lynch, but even if he does, adding another power back to the backfield could be an option the Seahawks look to explore, especially given the team's reliance on the ground game.

12. With the 12th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks Select

RB Chris Polk, Washington

Because he played in the Pacific Northwest, and because he happened to play in the same conference as star running back LaMichael James, Washington’s Chris Polk didn't get the national recognition he deserved this past season, but he certainly deserved it. 

You’re not going to find many college backs as consistent and productive as Polk, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past three seasons. The 5’11’’, 220-pound junior can be a bruiser at times, but he’s also got the quickness to get to the second level and make things happen in the open field, and he’s far from being just a one-dimensional back.

Polk has the type of vision, power and shiftiness to be a future Pro Bowl back in the NFL.

13. The Arizona Cardinals' Key Need

Arizona's offensive tackle situation could use a change, and that could start with letting right tackle Brandon Keith walk and finding a young replacement for him. 

Ken Wisenhunt would love to find a road-grading right tackle that's capable of being consistently tougher than Keith has been in recent years.

Getting better run-blocking at the point of attack would serve to really help improve the Cardinals' ground game. 

13. With the 13th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals Select

OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

The Big Ten has produced some outstanding offensive tackles such as Jake Long and Joe Thomas in recent years, and Iowa’s Riley Reiff is in that same Long and Thomas mold as the type of franchise tackle that you can build an offensive line around.

The 6’6’’, 300-pound junior has had scouts whispering since his redshirt freshman season when he burst his way into the lineup, starting 11 games and making his presence known in the trenches.

Reiff has the power and strength to dominate in the running game but he also has the athleticism and footwork to more than hold his own as a pass-blocker.

Footwork, nasty streak, athleticism, instincts, smarts, size, strength. You can rattle off all the traits you want; Reiff’s got it all.

He’s still learning how to use all of his natural skills to his benefit, but once it all comes together, Reiff has the chance to be one of those decade-long tackles that are invaluable to an NFL franchise.

14. The Dallas Cowboys' Key Need

If you watched the Dallas Cowboys at all last season, then you know which side of the ball they should be addressing early in the 2012 NFL draft. 

The Cowboys already have the offense needed to be one of the best teams in the NFC, but the defense left a lot to be desired at times this past season, especially in late-game situations, and that's something that has to fall on the shoulders of the secondary. 

Dallas could use some help and an infusion of youth at both cornerback and safety, but with Abram Elam set to be a free agent this offseason, that need could shift mainly towards safety if Elam leaves town. 

14. With the 14th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys Select

S Mark Barron, Alabama

Great safeties almost have an aura surrounding them, and no matter where they line up, whether it’s right at the line of scrimmage ready to blitz or 20 yards down the field in deep pass coverage, you can always feel their presence on the field. 

Alabama’s Mark Barron displayed that same type of field presence during his time in Tuscaloosa. Barron was an impact player in the Tide secondary since he first stepped into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2009. As soon as he was inserted into the lineup, Barron became an instant key leadership figure on the extremely talented Alabama defense. It’s a role he truly thrived in during the 2010 season, as the Tide tried to replace the nine starters they lost after their national championship run the year before.

Barron has been a dependable and reliable playmaker for three straight years, and he’s really made some great strides under the tutelage of Nick Saban and the Alabama coaching staff during that time.
The 6’2’’, 215-pound senior racked up 231 total tackles and notched 12 interceptions in his four years in a Crimson Tide uniform, but his numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Barron’s leadership and intangibles are what really sets him apart from the rest of the crowd in this year’s safety class. He’s the type of figure that players in the locker room will look up to and respect not just for his play, but for how he conducts himself and how he goes about his work.

Even though he may not have the same type of awe-inspiring physical gifts of Top-10 safety prospects like Eric Berry or Laron Landry, Barron’s got a great deal of natural skills. He’s the type of safety who you can stick on the back end of your defense as a rookie and watch him grow into a consistent pro-bowl caliber defensive back over the next decade.

 

15. The Philadelphia Eagles' Key Need

Even if the Philadelphia Eagles do end up franchising WR DeSean Jackson, like the Philadelphia Inquirer has reported, that doesn't mean that Jackson won't be traded at some point this offseason, as the Eagles will likely be hoping to get whatever kind of value that they can for the disgruntled star. 

If the Eagles deal Jackson, it will leave their receiver corps without a true No. 1 difference-maker in the passing game. Outside of Jeremy Maclin, the rest of Philadelphia's receivers have their fair share of question marks, and without Jackson to occupy the attention of opposing secondaries, it could be difficult for them to keep everything running smoothly. 

It doesn't look as if Jackson's long-term future will be with the Eagles, so finding a new top receiver to keep defensive backs occupied on a regular basis should be a priority. 

15. With the 15th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles Select

WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd could have gone pro after his junior season and likely cracked the first round of the 2011 draft, but Floyd knew if he returned to South Bend and spent another year in Brian Kelly’s offensive system, he'd have a great chance to really prove that he was one of college football’s top talents.

Floyd hauled in a career-high 79 catches and broke the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career in 2010, and he showed the college football world that when it comes to tracking the ball and making the sure-handed catch, there’s no one in the game who can do it any better.

Floyd’s offseason got off to a shaky start with a DUI charge that kept him from participating in spring practices. But eventually Kelly reinstated his star receiver, and he returned the favor by hauling in 100 catches for 1,147 yards and scoring nine touchdowns.

Floyd has a knack for making impossible catches appear routine and he may very well just have the best pair of hands and the best vision when it comes to tracking passes out of any receiver in this class.

The big, physical 6’3’’, 225-pound senior reminds me of a combination of Braylon Edwards and Vincent Jackson, and he should become a valuable No. 1 option for an NFL offense early in his career.

16. The New York Jets' Key Need

Before the season started, many Jets fans were expecting that receivers Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress would give Mark Sanchez the two reliable weapons he needed, and that they would help the young quarterback take the next step in his development. However, it just didn't happen.

Sanchez regressed, while both Holmes and Burress had no problem showing their frustration. 

Burress is likely gone, while Holmes has to come back because of his contract, but it remains to be seen what type of effort he'll put in and how much he can be trusted. 

Finding a consistent threat to stick with Holmes and Jeremy Kerley, who enjoyed an eye-opening rookie campaign, would help Sanchez become more comfortable as he hopes to have a bounce back year next season.

16. With the 16th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Jets Select

WR Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Rutgers has actually produced its fair share of first-round NFL draft prospects in recent years with guys like OT Anthony Davis and CB Devin McCourty, and it wouldn't be surprising if the Scarlet Knights' latest highly touted export, WR Mohamed Sanu, receives the same honor of being a first-round pick as well. 

Even though he had to deal with inconsistent quarterback play all season long, Sanu still managed to wow onlookers this offseason, as he racked up 115 catches for over 1,200 yards and scored seven touchdowns. 

The 6'2'', 215-pound junior is loaded with athleticism, and he's got the type of ideal frame that you're looking for in a top-notch receiver in today's NFL. 

Speed, size and a great pair of hands are mainly what makes Sanu such a special prospect. And if he performs like he's capable of in workouts, his stock should only continue to rise. 

17. The Cincinnati Bengals' Key Need

The Cincinnati defense took a huge shot to the gut when cornerback Jonathan Joseph left for Houston last offseason.

Even though Leon Hall performed well, Joseph's absence on the other side was glaring at times and the Bengals will likely be looking to find a replacement for the aging Nate Clements early in the draft this year. Something tells me that Pacman Jones won't be the answer and Brandon Ghee seems more like a package corner than a full-time starter.

Finding a consistent corner to stick opposite of Hall could really help the defense out and sure things up in the back end. 

17. With the 17th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals Select

CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

The Bengals have shown in years past that they aren't afraid to take a risk on a talented player who happens to have a troubled past, and former Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins certainly fits that bill.

It didn't take long for Jenkins to step out of fellow Florida corner Joe Haden's shadow in 2010, as he became the leader of the Gators' secondary and one of the key impact defenders for Florida right after Haden's departure.

The speedy defensive back had the type of junior campaign that really caught the attention of scouts and analysts, but a second-day grade is all he could muster up from the draft advisory board, so he opted to return to Gainesville for his senior year in order to prove to the world that he was really the top cornerback in college football. 

It would end up being his marijuana habit that ultimately prevented him from being able to showcase those talents at Florida again, though, as new head coach Will Muschamp quickly booted him from the program soon after he returned to school due to multiple run-ins with the law. 

The 5'10'', 185-pound senior inevitably fell off the radar after he transferred to North Alabama, but he played well enough there to keep his dreams of making it into the first round alive. 

We know Jenkins is still one of the most athletic corners in the country and that he's got what it takes to be an all-around difference-maker who can play both the pass and the run with great effectiveness. 

What we don't know is how teams will react to the multiple marijuana violations. 

If Jenkins interviews well with teams and doesn't show any rust at the the combine, there's no reason he shouldn't be a first-round pick this year. 

Yes, he's a risky prospect, but if he keeps his focus on the field in the NFL, then he's definitely the type of risky pick that should pay off in the end.

18. The San Diego Chargers' Key Need

Even though he racked up over 100 tackles, Takeo Spikes looked every bit of his 35 years of age this past season, as it's apparent he's lost a few steps since his heyday.

It's clear that the Chargers are going to have to find a new inside linebacker to stick in the middle of their 3-4 defense next to Donald Butler.

The jury's still out on whether Jonas Mouton is the answer or not, and Stephen Cooper and Na'il Diggs are both going to be free agents this offseason.

Finding a young inside 'backer that can come in and take over for Spikes soon, should be one of San Diego's biggest priorities in this year's draft.

18. With the 18th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers Select

LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

516—that's the astonishing number of tackles that linebacker Luke Kuechly racked up during his three years at Boston College.

Kuechly was a true tackling machine during his collegiate career, and although he may not be the most physically gifted linebacker in the 2012 draft class, he's got the type of intangibles, instincts and proven production to warrant Top-20 interest.

The 6'3'', 237-pound junior could fit into a few different schemes, but given his skill-set, he would definitely be able to flourish as an inside 'backer in a 3-4 system, as it would allow him to rely on his recognition skills and rack up tackles, just like he did at BC.

19. The Chicago Bears' Key Need

Finding a replacement for aging and unhappy weakside linebacker Lance Briggs is something that Chicago is going to have to think about this offseason, as Briggs has made it clear that he's not happy with his current situation. 

If the Bears trade Briggs this offseason, they would be wise to bring in a fast, athletic, young outside linebacker to stick next to Brian Urlacher to cover up some of his deterioration. 

Chicago could use a young explosive defender that can move around and make plays for a defense that has begun looking a little old and slow in recent years. 

19. With the 19th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears Select

LB Zach Brown, North Carolina

The North Carolina defensive front seven was loaded with future NFL talent this past season, and one of the real leaders of that group was LB Zach Brown, who took a huge step forward last season and really boosted his pro stock this year.

Brown wasn’t even a full-time starter in 2010, yet he still finished second on the team with 72 tackles, outperforming both Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant.

This year, he led the Tar Heels with 105 tackles, and also racked up 5.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and three forced fumbles.

It's likely that the 6’2’’, 230-pound senior will end up manning the weak side in a 4-3 system in the NFL, just like he did at North Carolina, because it's a position that he seems to be perfectly built for. 

Brown is a quick-twitch athlete who has proven that he has the range to track down ball-carriers from sideline to sideline and make big plays and stops on a regular basis, and he’s shown that he's strong enough to shed blockers and make tackles in the open field without a problem.

When trying to project Brown as a pro player, I think he's somewhat of a D.J. Williams-Jon Beason mix.

20. The Tennessee Titans' Key Need

The Tennessee defense took a considerable hit when the front office decided to let Jason Babin go this past offseason.

Babin led the Titans with 12.5 sacks in 2010 and that type of production obviously doesn’t just grow on trees.

Tennessee has high hopes for young defensive end Derrick Morgan, who they selected in the first round of the 2010 draft, but due to an injury that sidelined him for most of last season, Morgan is still very much an unproven commodity.

The Titans may look to add another strong pass-rusher in this year's draft, since both Jason Jones and William Hayes are set to be free agents this offseason, and it still remains to be seen whether both of them will be back or not.

20. With the 20th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans Select

DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin were supposed to be two of the star defensive linemen in the ACC in 2010, but their season-long suspensions fittingly opened the door for teammate Quinton Coples to step up and show the conference what he had to offer.

Coples, a natural defensive end who was forced to man Austin’s spot inside at defensive tackle, didn’t let his weight disadvantage stop him from destroying opposing offenses.

The 6’6’’, 275-pound senior racked up 10 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss and was a constant menace to quarterbacks throughout 2010.

This year, Coples made the move back to defensive end, where he was able to flash his elite pass-rushing skills.

With explosive quickness, terrific body control and the strength to overpower almost any blocker he goes up against, Coples is the type of complete defensive end that can change the way offenses have to scheme in both the passing and the running games.

His effort and performance were both questioned this past season, and there were accusations that he was playing not to get hurt (remember, though, it didn't help that he was facing consistent double-teams). But even though he didn't meet exceedingly high preseason expectations, Coples still managed to rack up 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his senior season.

There’s no questioning that he has top-10 talent. Coples just has to play up to his potential on a more consistent basis.

Before the season, the senior defensive end was considered an almost sure-fire top-five pick, but now he’s got a little work to do during the postseason evaluation process to show scouts that he's still the same player they saw in 2010.

21. The Cincinnati Bengals' Key Need

RB Cedric Benson was playing on a one-year contract this season, and it will be very interesting to see if Cincinnati decides to bring him back next year.

Benson put together another 1,000-yard rushing campaign this past season but he'll be 29 next year, and he has had a few run-ins with the law during his time in Cincinnati.

Finding a young running back to pair with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton for the future might just be the proper direction for the organization to go, especially since the Bengals have two-first round picks to play around with this year.

21. With the 21st Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals Select

RB David Wilson, Virginia Tech

Losing two running backs as good as Ryan Williams and Darren Evans early to the NFL draft would be enough to frighten any head coach, but Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer knew he didn’t have anything to fear this past season, because David Wilson was taking over in the backfield.

Beamer knew all about Wilson’s tremendous game-breaking speed, and he knew he would finally be able to fully release his dangerous offensive weapon in 2011. The 5'11", 205-pound junior stepped into the full-time starting role this year and was as good as anyone could have hoped, as he came in and led the ACC with 1,709 rushing yards, which ranked fourth in the country. 

His 5.9 yards per carry average is certainly impressive, but what’s going to be even more impressive is the blistering time he puts up in the 40-yard dash. Wilson has the type of game-breaking speed that would add a valuable new dimension to any NFL backfield.

22. The Cleveland Browns' Key Need

Colt McCoy was the quarterback by default in Cleveland this past season. But if the Browns ever want to take a big step forward, they're going to have to find a true franchise quarterback that can lead the offense to success. 

That's something McCoy certainly didn't do this past season, as the Browns finished ranked 29th in the NFL in total offense.

McCoy may be a quality backup caliber quarterback, but it's become obvious that the offense will remain stuck in the mud until there's a change at the position.

22. With the 22nd Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns Select

QB Nick Foles, Arizona

Many are trying to figure out if there's a third quarterback from the supposed "second tier" that can find his way into the first-round conversation by the time April rolls around, and one signal-caller who looks like he could start sneaking up boards is Arizona's Nick Foles. 

Foles may not have received a ton of attention this past season, as Arizona suffered through an ugly 4-8 season, but even while his team struggled, the 6'5'', 240-pound senior shined, completing 69 percent of his passes for over 4,300 yards and hitting 28 touchdown strikes. 

The former Wildcat has the size, the arm and the accuracy that NFL teams are looking for in a conventional pro-style passer, and while he's not really the type of quarterback that will wow scouts with his god-given gifts, he does possess all the tools to be a future successful starter in the pros. 

23. The Detroit Lions' Key Need

Detroit has done a solid job of drafting impact players in recent years, and it paid off in a big way this past season, as the Lions took the leap that everyone was waiting for them to take, as they finally made the playoffs after a long drought.

There are still some holes to fill on the roster, though, and one of the main ones is at left tackle. Jeff Backus will be 35-years-old next season, and since he’ll be a free agent this offseason it’s uncertain if the Lions will re-sign him. 

Protecting quarterback Matt Stafford’s blind side has to be a key priority for the Lions, and there should be a starting caliber offensive tackle available when they’re picking at No. 23.

23. With the 23rd Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions Select

OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Stanford QB Andrew Luck was college football’s most precious piece of property, so it’s only fitting that Luck had one of the best bodyguards in the business to protect his back these past two years.

Stanford’s Jonathan Martin fits the franchise left tackle mold, and he’s got everything that pro scouts covet in a top-flight offensive lineman. The 6’6’’, 305-pound junior has remarkable athleticism, lateral quickness and footwork for his size, and he’s shown that he has the type of power and strength to more than hold his own in the running game.

At this point, Martin is still a better pass-blocker than he is a run-blocker, but he’s got the potential to develop into a versatile bookend who can be the anchor of an NFL offensive line for years to come.

Athletic 300-plus-pound specimens like Martin don’t come along very often, and the quick-footed tackle will definitely be highly sought after by teams in need of offensive line help. 

The question is, though, will his struggles against some of the NFL caliber pass-rushers he faced this past season (See USC game against Nick Perry) end up hurting his stock and knocking him down a notch or two?

24. The Pittsburgh Steelers' Key Need

Ike Taylor had one of the worst playoff performances that any cornerback has had in the history of the NFL when he got abused and embarrassed against the Broncos, culminating with the inexcusable mistake that allowed Demaryius Thomas to run free for the game-winning touchdown.

It doesn't help that Pittsburgh's other starting cornerback William Gay will be a free agent this offseason. If the Steelers don't re-sign Gay, cornerback will be an even bigger priority, as Bryant McFadden has been shaky to say the least during his time in Pittsburgh.

24. With the 24th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers Select

CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick finished with a grand total of three interceptions during his three years at Alabama, but that's actually more admirable than concerning. Kirkpatrick was rarely tested by quarterbacks, who wouldn't dare throw the ball anywhere near his long 6'3'', 190-pound frame. That meant Kirkpatrick had to make most of his highlight plays in run support, which he did quite often, as he displayed a knack for coming up and popping ball-carriers.

While his little run-in with the law a few weeks ago could raise a few eyebrows, Kirkpatrick plays like Cortland Finnegan in Charles Tillman's body, and that's the type of combination that will have plenty of cornerback-starved teams hungry for his services in the first-round of this year's draft. 

25. The Denver Broncos' Key Need

Many were expecting Denver to take DT Marcell Dareus with the No. 2 pick in last year's draft, but the Broncos went with LB Von Miller instead—a pick that certainly paid off, as Miller had a dominant rookie campaign. Since the Broncos didn't take Dareus, though, they're still in need of some help in the defensive interior.

There may be good depth with Brodrick Bunkley, Kevin Vickerson, Marcus Thomas, Ty Warren and Ryan McBean, but there is no true standout among them.

The problem is Bunkley,Thomas and McBean will all be free agents this offseason, and it's unlikely that all will be back, which means Denver will likely be looking for defensive tackle help early in the 2012 draft.

25. With the 25th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos Select

DT Devon Still, Penn State

Devon Still is the type of defensive tackle who looks like he could actually literally eat a running back for breakfast.

Nasty, huge and scary are the first three adjectives the come to mind when thinking about Still.

The frightening 6'5'', 310-pound senior came into his own this season, and he was the key to Penn State's defensive success in 2011. Still racked up 17 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks this year and he was seemingly a man playing against boys for pretty much the entire season.

Although he may not possess the type of scheme versatility as some of his defensive tackle counterparts in this year's class. Still has the chance to be a dominant 4-3 defensive tackle, as he can clog up the middle, penetrate into the backfield and disrupt the flow of an offense on a consistent basis.

26. The Houston Texans' Key Need

With two of Houston's most important offensive linemen—center Cris Meyers and guard Mike Brisiel—both set to be free agents this offseason, there's a chance that the Texans offensive interior could look much different next season. 

If Houston loses Brisiel, the team will likely look at taking an offensive guard early in the draft to make sure that the ground game stays potent and that pass-protection doesn't suffer. 

26. With the 26th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans Select

OG David DeCastro, Stanford

This year’s top interior offensive line prospect is without a doubt Stanford guard David DeCastro, who could have entered the 2011 draft as a redshirt sophomore and probably been a first-round pick.

DeCastro is an absolute monster as a run-blocker as he’s paved the way for some mighty successful rushing attacks over the last two years. He happened to be a favorite butt to run behind for Stanford running back Stepfan Taylor throughout 2011.

The 6'5'', 310-pound junior is strong, athletic, tenacious and fearless and he has the type of mean-streak and makeup to flourish in the NFL trenches.

You don't often see an interior lineman picked in the first round of the draft these days, but DeCastro is one of the rare ones that's deserving of such a prominent selection, as he's the type of guard that can be plugged into the starting lineup on the first day of camp without hesitation. 

27. The New England Patriots' Key Need

New England could use help at all three levels of its defense, especially up front and in the secondary, as the Patriots' pass-rush and pass coverage were both suspect this past season. 

The Patriots could look to add some help at both defensive tackle and defensive end this offseason, but since the Albert Haynesworth experiment was a failure, and since Gerard Warren will be a free agent, don't be surprised if New England looks to give Vince Wilfork some more help in the middle. 

Finding a big, strong and athletic defensive tackle that is versatile enough to move around and line up in different spots in New England's various packages and looks would really help the defense out. 

27. With the 27th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots Select

DT Michael Brockers, LSU

With defensive ends Sam Montgomery and KeKe Mingo hogging up the attention on the defensive line, and Tyrann Mathieu and Mo Claiborne making a ton of noise in the secondary, DT Michael Brockers quickly became the most overlooked and undervalued member of the LSU defense this past season.

But now that he's decided to declare early for the NFL, it's going to be Brockers' time to shine over these next few months.

The 6'6'', 305-pound redshirt sophomore may have only started for one year down in Baton Rouge, but he certainly made his presence felt in 2011 as Brockers was one of the most dominant interior forces in the country this past season.

LSU has produced a ton of high-profile defensive line prospects in recent years such as Drake Nevis, Tyson Jackson, Glenn Dorsey and Marcus Spears. And while most of them haven't exactly lived up to expectations, that certainly doesn't mean that teams shouldn't think about selecting Brockers.

With the way he can shed blocks and make plays in the backfield, Brockers has the chance to develop into a perennial pro-bowl defensive tackle.

When we look back on the 2012 class three or four years from now, Brockers has a great chance to be the best defensive tackle that emerged from this draft, but it will be interesting to see how teams value him, since he basically only had one year to really prove his worth. 

28. The Green Bay Packers' Key Need

Green Bay may have one of the most dangerous and efficient passing attacks in the NFL, but it was the Packers' rushing attack, which ranked 27th in the NFL this past season, which left something to be desired.

Neither Ryan Grant nor James Starks had campaigns that could be deemed as impressive, and with Grant now set to be a free agent, it could be time for the Packers to find a back that can add a spark to the rushing attack and help diversify the offense. 

We know Starks has shown flashes in his career, but finding him a steady partner could really help bring out the best in him. 

28. With the 28th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers Select

RB Lamar Miller, Miami

Although he was only a redshirt sophomore in 2011, Lamar Miller still managed to establish himself as one of the premier running backs in all of college football this past year.

Miller began the season by rushing for over 100 yards in each of his first five games, but then he cooled off and came back down to earth midway through the year, only to pick things back up again and have some big performances against Duke and Boston College in the latter part of what turned out to be his final season in Coral Gables. 

The 5’11’’, 210-pound Hurricane has the same traits as many of the other great backs that Miami has produced in recent years such as Frank Gore and Willis McGahee.

Miller’s got the the athleticism and strength to be a versatile threat to defenses, and he’s got the perfect build to handle running the ball in today’s NFL.

29. The Baltimore Ravens' Key Need

Baltimore has avoided drafting Ray Lewis' replacement for the past few years, but it may finally be time to bring in a player who can be an heir apparent to the soon-to-be 37-year-old future hall-of-famer.

Jameel McClain is really starting to come into his own playing next to Lewis, but the key backup at inside linebacker, Brendan Ayanbadejo will be 36 next season, and injecting some youth and speed into the middle of the Ravens' fast-flowing 3-4 defense could really give the defensive front-seven a big boost.

29. With the 29th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Revens Select

LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict was a perfect reflection of his team this past season, as he was one of the most inconsistent big-name players in the country in 2011. There were games when Burfict just completely shut things down and came up with his normal highlight-reel hits, but there were also games when he disappeared for long stretches, which has to be concerning to scouts.

When Burfict is playing at his best, he’s one of the country's most dangerous defenders.The 6’3’’, 250-pound junior can track down any ball carrier from sideline to sideline, and he's a fearless and physical defender who thrives on contact.

Even though Burfict can rack up tackles with the best of them, he’s still raw, too inconsistent and too immature at times for a player that’s been playing as long as he has.

If he ever figures out how to harness all of his energy properly for four quarters, he could develop into one of the top young linebackers in the NFL.

Burfict has to learn how to control his emotions if he ever wants to reach his full potential, though, and he has to play with his head in the game on every snap. 

If he can do that, he has the chance to be a truly special defender in the pros.

30. The San Francisco 49ers' Key Need

Former Top-10 pick Michael Crabtree got off on the wrong foot with the San Francisco 49ers after holding out during his rookie season, and since then, he hasn't managed to materialize into the go-to star receiver that the 49ers were hoping he would become.

It looks like Alex Smith will remain San Francisco's starting quarterback for another season, but finding Smith some more receiving help, especially a valuable red zone target, would be a smart idea, given how much the 49ers' offense struggled inside the 20 this past season.

30. With the 30th Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers Select

WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery started off the season looking like a future Top-10 pick, but after a questionable showing in 2011, I'm not sure if he's even worth a first-round pick now. 

Yes, you can blame some of Jeffery's struggles on inconsistent quarterback play. The fact is, though, he just didn't make the plays that were expected of him after leading the SEC with 88 catches in 2010, and the consistency game in and game out just wasn't there, as he finished the season with just 49 receptions. 

Jeffery looks like Calvin Johnson, Marques Colston and Plaxico Burress all mutated into one person and then went on a Burger King diet for a month.

The big, beefy receiver’s stock will hinge mainly on how well he times at the combine. If Jeffery can show that his big frame doesn’t hinder his speed or his explosion, he should be able to rehabilitate his falling stock.

The 6’4’’, 235-pound junior may not necessarily possess field-stretching speed, but he’s the kind of big Burress-type of red-zone target that any NFL team would love to have.

31. The New England Patriots' Key Need

New England's pass rush wasn't exactly stellar last season, and now with Andre Carter, Shaun Ellis and Mark Anderson all set to become free agents, it's certainly an area that the Patriots will have to address early in the 2012 draft. 

It definitely won' be easy to find a versatile defensive end/linebacker tweener that can stick his hand in the ground as an edge-rusher in a 4-3 system and then stand up in the 3-4 packages that the Pats also tend to use at times, but there are a few first-round pass-rushing prospects in the 2012 class that could fill that role. 

31. With the 31st Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots Select

DE/LB Nick Perry, USC

After showing glimpses of his enormous potential at times during his first two years at USC, Nick Perry really turned it on in 2011, as he ended up leading the Trojans with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss during his breakout campaign. 

The 6'3'', 250-pound junior showed great quickness and strength as an edge-rusher in USC's 4-3 system, and it looks like he has the unique skill-set to be either a defensive end or a rush linebacker at the next level. 

No matter where Perry ends up lining up, one thing's for sure, he's got the type of combination of non-stop motor and natural physical ability that will drive NFL offensive tackles crazy for years to come. 

32. The New York Giants' Key Need

The Giants may have one of the most explosive wide receiver trios in the NFL this past season, comprised of Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham, but they lacked a true competent weapon at the tight end position that could make consistent plays in the passing game.

Jake Ballard was good for a nice grab or two here and there, and Travis Beckum came out of the woodwork every once in a blue moon to create a big play down the seam, but both went down with serious knee injuries in the Super Bowl, which could leave Bear Pascoe as the team's top option at tight end going into next season.

That's something that just won't be acceptable. 

Giving Eli Manning an explosive tight end that could stretch the field in the passing game would make New York's offense even more dangerous, as giving Manning another weapon to work with would put even more pressure on opposing defenses.

32. With the 32nd Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New York Giants Select

TE Orson Charles, Georgia

Orson Charles is the most explosive and athletic tight end in the 2012 draft class, and he's sure to be highly coveted, because he looks like the only tight end that's worth a first round pick this year. 

The 6'3'', 241-pound junior isn't a great blocker, and he's still raw in certain facets of the game like route-running and coverage recognition, but his sheer playmaking ability is undeniable.

Charles finished second on the Bulldogs in receiving in 2011, hauling in 45 passes for 574 yards and scoring five touchdowns, as he proved to be a reliable target for QB Aaron Murray.

Even though he's built more like a bulked up receiver than a traditional NFL tight end, Charles has the type of potential to develop into a scary receiving threat in the passing game if he gets coached up properly.

You'll be sure to hear the term "athletic freak" on a few occasions when you hear analysts discussing Charles in the coming months.

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 15 Quarterbacks

1. Robert Griffin III, Baylor

2. Andrew Luck, Stanford

3. Nick Foles, Arizona

4. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

5. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

6. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

7. Russell Wilson, Wisconsin 

8. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

9. Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

10. Kellen Moore, Boise State

11. Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois

12. Case Keenum, Houston

13. B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga

14. Darron Thomas, Oregon

15. Austin Davis, Southern Miss

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Running Backs

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama

2. Chris Polk, Boise State 

3. David Wilson, Virginia Tech

4. Lamar Miller, Miami

5. Bernard Pierce, Temple

6. Doug Martin, Boise State

7. Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati

8. LaMichael James, Oregon

9. Robert Turbin, Utah State  

10. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M

11. Terrance Gannaway, Baylor

12. Tauren Poole, Tennessee

13. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State

14. Davin Meggett, Maryland

15. Boom Herron, Ohio State

16. Brandon Bolden, Ole Miss

17. Chris Rainey, Florida

18. Mike Ball, Nevada

19. Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech

20. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Wide Receivers

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

2. Kendall Wright, Baylor 

3. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

4. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

5. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

6. Chris Givens, Wake Forest

7. Rueben Randle, LSU

8. Jarius Wright, Arkansas

9. Juron Criner, Arizona

10. Nick Toon, Wisconsin

11. Dwight Jones, North Carolina

12. Joe Adams, Arkansas

13. Marvin McNutt, Iowa

14. Brian Quick, Appalachian State

15. Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

16. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

17. A.J. Jenkins, Illinois

18. Tommy Streeter, Miami

19. DeVier Posey, Ohio State

20. Jermaine Kearse, Washington

2012 NFL Draft: Top 15 Tight Ends

1. Orson Charles, Georgia

2. Coby Fleener, Stanford

3. Deangelo Peterson, LSU

4. Dwayne Allen, Clemson

5. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette

6. Michael Egnew, Missouri

7. Brian Linthicum, Michigan State

8. Rhett Ellison, USC

9. David Paulson, Oregon

10. George Bryan, North Carolina State

11. Cory Harkey, UCLA

12. Evan Rodriguez, Temple

13. Kevin Koger, Michigan

14. Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern

15. Beau Reliford, Florida State

2012 NFL Draft: Top 20 Offensive Tackles

1. Matt Kalil, USC

2. Mike Adams, Ohio State

3. Riley Reiff, Iowa

4. Jonathan Martin, Stanford

5. Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State 

6. Cordy Glenn, Georgia

7. Zebrie Sanders, Florida State

8. Matt McCants, UAB

9. Jeff Allen, Illinois

10. James Brown, Troy

11. Nate Potter, Boise State

12. Andrew Datko, Florida State

13. Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State

14. Matt Reynolds, BYU

15. Brandon Mosley, Auburn

16. Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

17. Al Netter, Northwestern

18. Tony Bergstrom, Utah

19. Marcel Jones, Nebraska

20. Tom Compton, South Dakota

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Interior Linemen

1. David DeCastro, Stanford

2. Peter Konz, Wisconsin

3. Kevin Zeitler, Wisconsin

4. Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State

5. Senio Kelemete, Washington

6. Brandon Washington, Miami

7. Lucas Nix, Pittsburgh

8. Phillip Blake, Baylor

9. Joe Looney, Wake Forest

10. Ryan Miller, Colorado

11. Mike Brewster, Ohio State

12. Kelvin Beachum, SMU

13. Ben Jones, Georgia

14. Quentin Saulsberry, Mississippi State

15. Brandon Brooks, Miami (Ohio)

16. David Molk, Michigan

17. Desmond Wynn, Rutgers

18. Garth Gerhart, Arizona State

19. Jeremiah Warren, South Florida

20. Antoine McClain, Clemson

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Defensive Tackles

1. Michael Brockers, LSU

2. Dontari Poe, Memphis

3. Devon Still, Penn State

4. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State

5. Billy Winn, Boise State

6. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State

7. Brandon Thompson, Clemson

8. Kendall Reyes, Connecticut

9. Jared Crick, Nebraska

10. Alameda Ta’amu, Washington

11. Mike Martin, Michigan

12. Jaye Howard, Florida

13. Josh Chapman, Alabama

14. Vaughn Meatoga, Hawaii

15. DaJohn Harris, USC

16. Kheeston Randall, Texas

17. Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

18. Mike Daniels, Iowa

19. Dominique Hamilton, Missouri

20. Brett Roy, Nevada

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Defensive Ends

1. Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

2. Quinton Coples, North Carolina

3. Andre Branch, Clemson

4. Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

5. Cam Johnson, Virginia

6. Vinny Curry, Marshall

7. Trevor Guyton, Cal

8. Derrick Shelby, Utah

9. Malik Jackson, Tennessee

10. Taylor Thompson, SMU

11. Julian Miller, West Virginia

12. Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina

13. Jake Bequette, Arkansas

14. Jamie Blatnick, Oklahoma State

15. Tyrone Crawford, Boise State

16. Olivier Vernon, Miami

17. Jack Crawford, Penn State

18. Justin Francis, Rutgers

19. DeAngelo Tyson, Georgia

20. Scott Solomon, Rice

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 15 Rush Linebackers

1. Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

2. Nick Perry, USC

3. Jonathan Massaquoi, Troy

4. Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

5. Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

6. Chandler Jones, Syracuse

7. Brandon Lindsey, Pittsburgh

8. Shea McClellin, Boise State

9. Frank Alexander, Oklahoma

10. Jacquies Smith, Missouri

11. Dezman Moses, Tulane

12. Adrian Robinson, Temple

13. Darius Fleming, Notre Dame

14. Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest

15. Manny Abreu, Rutgers

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Traditional Linebackers

1. Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

2. Lavonte David, Nebraska

3. Zach Brown, North Carolina

4. Luke Kuechly, Boston College

5. Dont’a Hightower, Alabama

6. Keenan Robinson, Texas

7. Audie Cole, North Carolina State

8. Sean Spence, Miami

9. Tyler Nielsen, Iowa

10. Bobby Wagner, Utah State

11. Nigel Bradham, Florida State

12. Emmanuel Acho, Texas

13. Terrell Manning, North Carolina State

14. Mychal Kendricks, California

15. Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

16. James Michael-Johnson, Nevada

17. Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

18. Steven Johnson, Kansas

19. Najee Goode, West Virginia

20. Brandon Marshall, Nevada

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Cornerbacks

1. Morris Claiborne, LSU

2. Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

3. Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama 

4. Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt

5. Chase Minnifield, Virginia

6. Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

7. Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

8. Leonard Johnson, Iowa State

9. Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma

10. Trumaine Johnson, Montana

11. Brandon Boykin, Georgia

12. Donnie Fletcher, Boston College

13. Asa Jackson, Cal Poly

14. Josh Robinson, Central Florida

15. Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

16. Ryan Steed, Furman

17. Cliff Harris, Oregon

18. Robert Blanton, Notre Dame

19. Coryell Judie, Texas A&M

20. Coty Sensabaugh, Clemson

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 20 Safeties

1. Mark Barron, Alabama

2. Antonio Allen, South Carolina

3. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

4. George Iloka, Boise State

5. Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

6. Trenton Robinson, Michigan State

7. Winston Guy, Kentucky

8. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin

9. Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State

10. Brandon Taylor, LSU

11. Phillip Thomas, Syracuse

12. Sean Richardson, Vanderbilt

13. Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State

14. Sean Cattouse, California

15. Tony Dye, UCLA

16. Christian Thompson, South Carolina State

17. Delano Howell, Stanford

18. Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State

19. Janzen Jackson, McNeese State

20. Eddie Pleasant, Oregon

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 5 Kickers

1. Randy Bullock, Texas A&M

2. Blair Walsh, Georgia

3. Carson Wiggs, Purdue

4. Dave Teggart,Connecticut

5. Derek Dimke, Illinois

2012 NFL Draft: The Top 5 Punters

1. Shawn Powell, Florida State

2. Bryan Anger, California

3. Kyle Martens, Rice

4. Drew Butler, Georgia

5. Brian Stahovich, San Diego State