2012 NFL Mock Draft: Second-Round Talents Ready to Aid Playoff Teams

One of the many advantages playoff teams have over those franchises who didn't make the postseason is the ability to take chances in the draft. Instead of needing to hit with their first pick, playoff teams can select a player with a lot of upside and hope he works out.

More often than not, these players don't get a first-round grade from the various draft publications, but that doesn't stop elite teams from taking them in Round 1. If the player doesn't work out, it won't sink the ship. But if he does, an already solid team adds another big piece at low cost.

With that in mind, here a complete mock draft of the opening round featuring players who might get selected earlier than expected because a playoff team is trying to hit a home run.

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

Peyton Manning already has one foot out the door in Indianapolis and the second one while likely follow soon. Luck is the future at QB for the Colts.

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

Adding Blackmon to the mix for Sam Bradford would provide a big boost to St. Louis' offense. There's still a possibility this pick is traded to a team hoping to select Robert Griffin.

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

Upgrading the offensive line is one of several tasks the Vikings hope to accomplish this offseason. Kalil has asserted himself as the most reliable tackle on the board.

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

The Browns have bigger needs to fill and Colt McCoy has never been given the tools to succeed during his time as the starter, but Cleveland simply can't pass on a talent like Griffin.

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

Richardson is the dynamic playmaker the Buccaneers offense has been lacking in recent years. His presence would also take a lot of pressure off Josh Freeman, who struggled in 2011.

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

Tannehill should be back to full strength by the time training camp rolls around, which makes him an attractive option for the Redskins. Their quarterback play was dreadful last season.

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

The Jaguars are hoping Blackmon slides to them if the draft gets a shake up from trades, but Claiborne is a solid backup plan. He's separated himself from a deep cornerback class.

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

Carolina will benefit from an improved pass rush after watching Cam Newton transform the offense into a force this season. Coples has all the physical tools to succeed.

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

There isn't another viable quarterback option left on the board at this point or the Dolphins would take a chance on him. Instead Reiff will provide protection for whoever lines up under center next season.

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

The lack of a dominant pass rusher has doomed the Bills for nearly a decade. It's especially important to have one when you face Tom Brady twice per year. Upshaw should fill that role.

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

Still leads a defensive tackle class that isn't as deep as it has been in recent seasons. Getting their run defense back into elite form should help the Seahawks get back into playoff contention.

12. Kansas City Chiefs* (7-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Chiefs aren't short on talent, but just couldn't showcase any consistency this season and that's why they fell just short of the playoffs. Martin will help protect the quarterback, making them a sleeper in 2012.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick will have some personal questions to answer at the NFL Combine later in the month, but his talent as a corner is undeniable. He's going to be star.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Dallas is another team with a boatload of talent that didn't live up to the hype. Kuechly should provide some much-needed stability in the middle of the Cowboys defense.

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

The DeSean Jackson situation seems to be changing on a daily basis, but there's no doubt that Michael Vick needs a lot of talent around him to succeed. Floyd will provide the Eagles with depth.

16. New York Jets (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Getting the running game to be a key facet of the team is crucial if the Jets want to make a return to the playoffs next season. DeCastro is the best interior lineman available.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The Bengals were a major surprise this season considering all of the young talent that was asked to play a vital role. Ingram will push them one step closer to becoming a legit contender.

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

San Diego has needed to improve its pass rush ever since Shawne Merriman's production dropped off dramatically. Perry is a versatile rusher who will fit in perfectly.

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

Konz will get the Bears back to where they need to be in terms of blocking to protect Jay Cutler and opening holes for Matt Forte.

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

Brockers is one of those players whose stock has risen over the past couple weeks, so it's hard to imagine him getting past the Titans. He could move even higher by draft day.

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

Cedric Benson is a free agent this offseason and if they Bengals are smart they won't bring him back into the fold for next season. He's nothing more than a volume rusher at this point in his career, which means any production he does total is simply because he's getting a lot of carries.

Miller would bring a lot more versatility to the Bengals offense. Not only does he have good speed, but he's also proven that he can run between the tackles. Making plays out of the backfield as a safety valve option for Andy Dalton is also among the things he would bring to the table.

He's a perfect example of a player who might not be rated as an elite running back right now, but is worth the risk to Cincinnati. By entering a good situation, Miller would immediately become a contender for Rookie of the Year honors.

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

Having already added one key offensive piece earlier in the draft, the Browns should continue to focus on that side of the ball here. Jeffery would instantly become the team's most talented receiver.

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

If the Lions are going to become the perennial contenders they have the talent to be keeping Matthew Stafford healthy needs to be the top priority. Adams will make sure that happens.

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

Glenn would help upgrade a Steelers offensive line which allows Ben Roethlisberger to get hit far too often for a franchise quarterback. Some of it's his fault, but the line needs to be better.

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

The Broncos have a lot of holes to fill for a team which is coming off a playoff appearance, but making sure the defense is among the best in football is key with Tim Tebow running the offense.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Houston's defense made big strides this season and doesn't have any glaring holes in it. That means the Texans can finally give Andre Johnson some help with Wright.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Patriots will be looking to upgrade their secondary early and often in the draft, that's not a secret. Dennard would be a good starting to the rebuilding project in the defensive backfield.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

It's a similar story for the Packers, who had the NFL's worst pass defense during the regular season. While Jenkins has more than enough talent to become shutdown corner, his off-field issues will need to be addressed.

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

Burfict can be a dominating linebacker when he remains focused on the task at hand. The problem, which has caused his stock to drop outside of the first round, is that those moments of great play are usually coupled with some mental mistakes.

His temper was a constant source of criticism during his collegiate career at Arizona State, and is definitely something teams will hound him about during individual interviews. He'll need to keep it in check at the next level.

If there's one place where his fiery style would fit right in—and that place is Baltimore. Ray Lewis is still the main man, but he's starting to show signs of slowing down. Burfict could learn a lot from Lewis, including how to direct his emotion in the right ways. It's a perfect fit, even if he isn't getting a Round 1 grade.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu will give Alex Smith another weapon to utilize after his breakout season. If the 49ers offense can become more potent, the team will be able to prove this season was no fluke.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Another defensive back for the Patriots. Barron is the best safety in the class and will be able to help New England right away next season, which is important.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

It's actually a bit surprising that Allen is generating more interest since there are so few impact tight ends around the league. He showed enough potential during his time at Clemson to be worth a look in the opening round, but most outlets have him in the second for now.

That presents a nice opportunity for the Super Bowl champions. Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum got the job done this season, but neither one is a potential game-breaker like Allen. He would provide Eli Manning with another option, as if he needs it.

No team has more draft leeway than the Giants. Allen might not be a household name quite yet, but if he becomes a central part in the team's repeat bid that would change. It shows teams on the mountaintop can afford to go out on a limb, even if other people consider it a major reach, without having to worry.