NFL Draft 2012: Which First-Round Rookies Make the Biggest Impact Next Season?

In the 2012 NFL Draft, it's reasonable to expect prospects like Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Justin Blackmon to make the biggest impact next season.

However, we've seen a number of times where top draft picks struggle as rookies and take longer to develop. So, just because these guys are considered among the best doesn't guarantee anything.

That being said, here's a look at some other first-rounders that have just as much potential to make the biggest impact in the 2012 NFL season.

Cincinnati (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)

The former Florida Gator who played opposite Joe Haden, Janoris Jenkins finished his collegiate career at Northern Alabama because of off-the-field issues. Still, Jenkins is considered one of the better corners this draft after a strong practice and game during the Senior Bowl.

With the Bengals, provided that Cincy doesn't re-sign corner Pacman Jones, Jenkins will make an immediate impact on the NFL's No. 7 ranked defense from 2011. Jenkins is a reliable tackler with solid size and excellent speed at the position, and he also has great awareness and quickness.

As a rookie he'll no doubt get challenged quite often, but then again, Jenkins will also have the luxury of facing receiver A.J. Green during training camp and practice.

Cincinnati also needs a strong corner opposite Nate Clements to lock down coverage. In turn, this only enhances the front seven in defending the run, which is arguably the strongest aspect of this team.

Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

Much of Kendall Wright's rise to being a potential first-round pick is attributed to the dominance of his quarterback, Robert Griffin III. To that end, however, Wright was Griffin's most reliable target in catching 108 passes for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Although his 5'10", 190-pound frame isn't your ideal No. 1 target, he'll make a great complement to Andre Johnson in Houston. Obviously, there's also Kevin Walter as the No. 2, but Wright will at the very least be a reliable slot man who can stretch the field.

The Texans are about as close to being a complete team as you can get right now despite having dealt with so many key injuries throughout 2011. The defense finished ranked No. 2, and the offense only lacked a passing attack with players out.

Bring in Wright along with the return of their offensive health, and the Texans have a receiver who can beat any single coverage, draw double-teams over the middle and add a horizontal dimension to the ground game.

New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

Regardless of whether the New England Patriots re-sign veteran defensive end Andre Carter or not, Bill Belichick still needs some improvements along the defensive line, mainly youth.

Carter will be 33, Shaun Ellis 35 and Gerard Warren 34 years old before 2012 kicks off, and Vince Wilfork will be 31 by mid-season. Mark Anderson stepped up big-time in the postseason, and adding a guy like Illinois' Whitney Mercilus would boost the Pats' front seven immensely.

Despite having just one dominant college season under his belt, Mercilus exploded in 2011 with 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles.

In a pass-happy league, the best defenses are those with stud pass rushers to help out those in coverage. Mercilus has a great first step at the snap, knows how to use his hands quickly and is also a reliable run defender.

Considering that the Pats had a vulnerable pass defense in 2011, improving the defensive line will only pay dividends as the secondary continues to develop.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)	31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

John Rozum on Twitter.