2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams That Will Make Unexpected Picks

The NFL draft always has a few teams making questionable and unexpected selections when they are at the podium, especially in the first round.

Sometimes it works out, such as when the New York Giants selected Jason Pierre-Paul at No. 15 overall in the 2010 draft, despite having little need for additional help on their defensive line.

Other times, a risky or unnecessary selection can be a mistake, like when the Dallas Cowboys selected Felix Jones No. 22 overall in the 2008 draft.

Let’s take a look at some teams that might make a wild move when the draft starts on April 26.

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

The Colts would be insane not to pick Luck here. He’s easily the best QB prospect in years.

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

The Rams could either select Blackmon here or trade down a few spots, but it’s a safe pick regardless.

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

Minnesota needs to protect Adrian Peterson and Christian Ponder and this is the man to do it.

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

Colt McCoy hasn’t shown he has what it takes to lead the Browns to greatness. RGIII represents a potential franchise QB.

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

The Buccaneers need an all-around superstar RB and Richardson is a rare back worth a top-five pick.

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

Teams need a franchise quarterback to win in the modern NFL, there’s no doubt about it.

The two Super Bowl teams this year, the Patriots and Giants, both have elite signal-callers and almost every team to win a championship in recent years has had a great QB.

If RGIII and Luck are off the board and Washington cannot trade up, they might reach for Tannehill and hope they can develop him into a great player.

It’s a huge risk, but one worth taking for a team that is set at almost every position except under center.

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

The Jaguars get the best defensive player available here and it’s a steal.

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

Coples has so much upside it’s ridiculous. He’s big, fast and looks like he was born to rush the passer.

The only reason this move is questionable is because he didn’t prove much on the field at UNC. He handled double teams poorly and never made the impact he was supposed to going into this season.

However, if he has an awesome combine and interviews well, Carolina should take the risk and try to hit a home run with the No. 8 pick.

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

Miami needs a QB, but won’t be able to find one worth taking here. An offensive tackle like Reiff is always a solid selection.

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

Alabama pass-rusher will immediately contribute in Buffalo.

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

With so many elite QBs in the league, Seattle could always use a good pass-rusher.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

This sure-thing prospect has solid instincts to make up for lack of athleticism and fits in Kansas City.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

If the Cardinals want to be a true running threat, they need this big tackle.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Helps the interior running game immensely and will keep pressure off of Tony Romo.

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

Dream scenario for the Eagles: pairing Floyd with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

New York needs a running game and Glenn will clear a path for it.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

This is an incredible value for a cornerback who only falls this far because of a minor drug possession charge.

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

Undersized athlete helps San Diego get some pressure on the QB.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Chicago’s line needs some work if Matt Forte and Jay Cutler are going to stay healthy this year.

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

This guy is a project, but oozing with potential. He's definitely worth a late first-round pick.

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

If Cedric Benson is out, Miller is an obvious replacement.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Devon Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

If Cleveland takes RGIII at No. 4, adding a playmaker to help him in the backfield would be wise.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Janoris’ well-chronicled run-ins with the law hurt his stock, but his upside is too much to pass up for the Lions.

He’s got a knack for making plays, solid coverage skills and does everything you want from a corner.

Just because he’s had a year “off” playing against lesser opponents does not mean he’s not ready to make the transition to the NFL.

It’s a risky pick, but Detroit needs to bolster their defense, especially against the pass.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Devin Still, DT, Penn State

Insane value for arguably the most NFL-ready DT in the class.

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

The Broncos are getting there on defense, but still need to add more linemen.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Houston made major strides in their secondary last year and continue to build on it with this sure-fire pick.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

New England needs to replace the deep threat they lost when Randy Moss left town.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Physical cornerback fits in with Packers play style.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Baltimore needs a youthful, skilled player in the center of their line.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

His separation issues and work ethic make him a late first-rounder at best right now.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

The Pats secondary obviously needs work and Smith helps them immediately.

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

A great TE is a missing link for the current champions.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine