2012 NFL Mock Draft: Highlighting Potential Busts from First Round

Sure, Andrew Luck seems like the safest pick in years and Trent Richardson might be the best running back to hit the draft since Adrian Peterson.

But which highly regarded prospects will be busts?

Without further ado, I answer that question.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is a given at this point. Indianapolis, say hello to Peyton Manning 2.0.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor *

The Redskins need to keep up with the rest of the NFC East. They'll trade quite a bounty for the right to select Griffin, who will instantly make them a much more fun team to watch.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings really need an upgrade at left tackle. Kalil makes too much sense to pass up.

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon seems to be the consensus No. 1 receiver on the board, and it continues to look like he'll be a top-five pick.

Frankly, I don't think he'll ever live up to this selection. Yes, he's extremely athletic, excellent after the catch and posted huge numbers at Oklahoma State.

But given the type of receiver he is, his inability to separate will keep him from becoming an elite option. He'll be a solid NFL player, but he won't live up to his top-five selection.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bucs really need an upgrade at cornerback. They get one in Claiborne, the best defensive player in this draft for my money.

6. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Most would have Jeffery way lower than this, but I think he'll be a stud. Sam Bradford will be glad to have a stud to throw to, that's for sure.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

There isn't much drop off from Claiborne to Kirkpatrick. The Jaguars get great value with this pick.

8. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples made waves with his excellent performance at the Senior Bowl, and the Panthers will be glad to finally replace Julius Peppers with another stud defensive end from North Carolina.

9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins need a solid right tackle. Bada bing, bada boom.

10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Bills are likely to play more four-man fronts under new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt, making the talented Ingram a logical fit for their new scheme.

11. Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Chris Clemons could use some help on the edge. Mercilus, who had 16 sacks last season, will do just that.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Vontaze Burfict, OLB, Kansas City

Burfict has the blend of size, strength and sheer aggressiveness that makes one think his game will translate to the NFL. Plus, he's versatile enough that he could likely play any linebacker position in any defense—either inside or outside linebacker in the 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

He also has bust written all over him.

His production dropped last year, his work ethic has been questioned and he has self-control issues on the field, playing too angry at times. If Burfict approaches his craft as a professional, he could be a devastating player at the NFL level.

But history suggests Burfict might not be professional enough to become a stud in the NFL.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals need a better left tackle to protect Kevin Kolb or John Skelton than Levi Brown. You're up, Jonathan Martin.

14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Back-to-back Stanford picks—how exciting.

The Cowboys will be on the market for a guard, and they'll reach a bit to draft the top guard on the board.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine, accumulating 191 tackles in 2011. He has good instincts and is a solid form tackler. He seemingly makes perfect sense in Philadelphia, a team that desperately needs someone who can step in at linebacker and play immediately.

But something about Kuechly raises a red flag to me. He's big enough at the linebacker position, but he could serve to pack on some pounds. I question what his speed is like. I worry that he sticks out a little given the lack of stud middle linebackers at the top of the draft.

As an Eagles fan, I know they need a linebacker terribly bad. But I worry that Kuechly might end up being a bust.

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, USC

Upshaw is a stud, and is the sort of athletic yet physical player that will fit perfectly with the Jets defense and upgrade the outside linebacker position.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama **

The Bengals will be a force to be reckoned with if they are able to select Richardson. Look out, NFL.

18. San Diego Chargers: Dont'a Hightower, MLB, Alabama

Takeo Spikes is old. The Chargers will be pleased to replace him with Hightower.

19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd isn't the sexiest of the receivers in this year's class, but he might be the safest selection. The Bears could use a weapon for Jay Cutler on the outside.

20. Tennessee Titans: Nick Perry, DE, USC

Perry is incredibly athletic, but I'm not sure he has the size or strength to be a truly elite pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme. He may end up being a player similar to Aldon Smith—effective as a pass rusher in the 3-4 that is primarily utilized in obvious passing situations.

Except I don't believe he'll be as effective a rusher off the edge as Smith. I think Perry will be a bust.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

I've seen Gilmore in and out of the first round in various mocks, but I like him as the replacement for the Jonathan Joseph opposite Leon Hall in Cincinnati.

22. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

I don't expect Peyton Hillis to return, and Montario Hardesty is injury prone. Miller is an excellent athlete and will provide excitement at the running back position.

23. Detroit Lions: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Detroit fills a need with this pick. Plus, fans can all say, "Ehhhh, it's The Konz!" after he's selected.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Ben Roethlisberger needs to be healthy for the Steelers to win. Pretty cut and dry selection here.

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

When Tim Tebow is your starting quarterback, you focus on running the ball and bolstering your defense.

Still is a steal this late and will be an instant contributor in Denver.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The speedy Wright is the perfect complement on the outside to Andre Johnson.

27. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama***

Had Jenkins not gotten the boot from Florida, he might just be a top-10 pick. This is a serious steal for the Patriots.

28. Green Bay Packers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Another steal this late, Brockers will replace the loss of Cullen Jenkins from last offseason and upgrade the Pack's woefully poor defense in 2011.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

Baltimore knows their bread and butter is defense. They draft accordingly.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The 49ers need to improve their weapons on the outside. The Niners brass will take one look at their receiving corps and say, "Anything you can do, he Sanu better."

Yes, the 49ers brass will talk like cavemen in the name of a pun. Who wouldn't?

31. New England Patriots: Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse

Jones is a better fit in the 3-4 than the next linebacker selected in the draft. If the Pats keep this pick, that is.

32. New York Giants: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The rich get richer. The Giants gladly sign the linebacker with high upside to improve their linebacker group.

* The Redskins, worried the Browns might take Robert Griffin III at No. 4, trade the sixth pick in the first round, along with their second- and fourth-round pick this year and second-round pick next year for St. Louis' second overall pick.

** From Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade

*** From New Orleans in last year's Mark Ingram trade.

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