2012 NFL Mock Draft: Final Pre-Combine First Round Projections

The upcoming combine will shake up a lot of evaluators' draft boards, thus changing the look of many mock drafts. While the combine plays an important role in the draft process, it shouldn't be the only piece of the puzzle.

These mock drafts and evaluations before the combine often give a better picture of how a prospect should be viewed. The combine is a better tool to solidify a prospect's stock rather than be the sole factor in their value.

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

The Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning are still working to come to a decision on his future. However, that decision shouldn't have any impact on their decision to select Andrew Luck with the top overall pick. It won't be easy for Luck to sit on the bench, but he could gain some benefit from learning behind Manning.

If the Colts and Manning agree to part ways, then Luck is able to step in and take over as the future of the franchise. He's talented enough to make and immediate impact and improvement to the Colts' offensive attack.

The talent on the Colts offense is very underrated and with Luck at quarterback, it could find a lot of success.

No. 2 Washington Redskins (TRADE: From STL)

Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Bringing in another veteran quarterback would be a mistake for the Washington Redskins. A free agent like Peyton Manning or Kyle Orton only serves as a short-term fix. Neither quarterback will ensure success past the next few seasons.

Baylor's Robert Griffin III boasts the upside to be a top-notch quarterback for years to come.

Griffin III has the work ethic and athletic ability to develop into an elite game-changer. His ability to make plays with his legs is only part of his strengths. However, Griffin III's ability to accurately attack the deep part of the field is what makes him such a dangerous playmaker.

The St. Louis Rams are going to auction this pick off to the highest bidder, and the Redskins figure to be one of the more aggressive teams.

No. 3 Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

The Minnesota Vikings need to find upgrades at several spots along the offensive line, especially at left tackle. Stanford's Jonathan Martin possesses the skill set needed to hold down the left tackle spot for the next decade. His quickness and balance allow him to quickly reach the edge and protect the passer.

Minnesota's future is tied to the success of quarterback Christian Ponder, who needs good protection in order to succeed. Martin is the top pass protector available in this draft class, which will ultimately push towards the top of the draft.

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon and LSU's Morris Claiborne are also in play at this spot for the Minnesota Vikings.

No. 4 Cleveland Browns

Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

The Cleveland Browns offense lacks players who make opposing defensive coordinators lose sleep at night. Adding a wide receiver like Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon would help change the dynamic of the Browns offense. His consistency and toughness will help a young quarterback like Colt McCoy take the next step forward.

Blackmon's strength is his ability to work underneath and pick up yards after the catch. This style will fit in nicely with Pat Shurmur's west coast attack. No matter who the quarterback is, he will welcome a playmaker like Blackmon on the outside.

Cleveland will be one of the teams considering a move up the draft to land Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' biggest struggle last season was generating pressure on the quarterback. A lot of these struggles can be helped by adding a top-notch cover man in the secondary. Both of last year's starters, Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber, face an uncertain future.

LSU's Morris Claiborne has the talent needed to replace either player.

Claiborne's combination of quickness, toughness and hip fluidity gives him the potential to develop into a legitimate shutdown cornerback. New coach Greg Schiano is a defensive-minded guy who will want to shore up that side of the ball quickly.

Alabama's Trent Richardson will get some consideration here, as implementing a strong running attack will also be something Schiano looks to push.

No. 6 St. Louis Rams (TRADE: From Wash)

Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

The St. Louis Rams traded out of the No. 2 spot but still find themselves in position to add an elite player. USC's Matt Kalil would've received heavy consideration had the Rams stayed at No. 2, but fortunately he's still available here at No. 6.

Adding Kalil to the mix provides consistency to a unit that needs to find solid footing.

His length, quickness and balance give him the skills needed to play left tackle at the next level. He's the type of player capable of stepping in and immediately making an impact.

St. Louis and new coach Jeff Fisher need to make a decision on Jason Smith, whose injury history has become a real problem. Kalil's addition allows this team to move on from Smith.

If Justin Blackmon happens to fall to this spot, St. Louis would have a hard time making this decision.

No. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

North Carolina's Quinton Coples is as talented as any player in this draft class. He possesses the size, quickness and length needed to develop into an elite pass-rusher. Coples' ability to fire off the ball and attack the edge makes him a dangerous player. The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the past several years searching for a consistent pass-rusher.

Failed moves like Derrick Harvey and Aaron Kampman set the franchise back a little, but the addition of Coples could change their fortune. Adding a pass-rusher of his talent level could help take this defense to the next level.

Jacksonville is another team that will consider adding Justin Blackmon if he happens to be available when they're picking.

No. 8 Carolina Panthers

Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

The NFL's move towards a pass-heavy league raises the value of left tackle prospects like Iowa's Riley Reiff. His quick shuffle and good balance gives him the ability to keep the quarterback upright. Reiff's skill set put him squarely in the top-10 discussion.

Adding a young offensive tackle like Reiff should be one of the things the Carolina Panthers make a priority in this draft. Jordan Gross isn't getting any younger and Jeff Otah's consistent injury issues make him very unreliable.

Reiff brings help in the short term, but he's also a good long-term answer at left tackle.

No. 9 Miami Dolphins

Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker/Defensive End, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins' new defensive system will feature a mixture of 3-4 and 4-3 principles. Alabama's Courtney Upshaw boasts the pass rush ability and anchor to fit either system. He's a well-built player with the quickness to attack the edge and generate pressure. Miami could use him as a replacement for the retired Jason Taylor.

There might not be more rounded prospect in this entire draft class. Upshaw is a very safe pick as at the very least he will provide excellent run-stopping ability. His best fit might be with the Dolphins, as he will get an opportunity to showcase his skills.

No. 10 Buffalo Bills

Pick: Melvin Ingram, Linebacker/Defensive End, South Carolina

The Buffalo Bills are shifting from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 alignment thanks to the promotion of Dave Wannstedt to defensive coordinator. South Carolina's Melvin Ingram knows how to generate pressure on the quarterback. He possesses both the quickness and savvy needed to develop into a consistent double-digit sack threat.

Adding Ingram to a defensive line already featuring Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams will help this unit with its transition. These three players will be able to both generate a pass rush and stop the run, allowing for some unique use of the linebackers.

Chan Gailey has shown that he can make due with the talent available, but fixing the defense will ultimately determine their future.

No. 11 Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line needs a lot of help along the interior of the unit. This part of the line is very important to the success of Chiefs' running game.

Kansas City's offense has been about running the football and this doesn't figure to change. Adding someone like Stanford's David DeCastro is exactly what this offense needs to continue implementing their attack.

DeCastro's steadiness and toughness gives him the type of skills needed to play at an elite level for the next decade. Romeo Crennel's defensive background should keep the offensive game plan tailored towards ball control.

There's a good possibility that Chiefs consider adding Alabama's Trent Richardson to add another dynamic and complement Jamaal Charles.

No. 12 Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Alabama's Trent Richardson is a true playmaker capable of developing into one of the best running backs in the entire NFL. His ability to run between the tackles and break off long runs makes him a well-rounded player. However, it's his play in the passing game that makes him an every-down back.

The Seattle Seahawks are likely to re-sign Marshawn Lynch, but even with him in place, there's still room for Richardson. Lynch's tough running style could shorten his career, which only increases the need for a secondary option.

Seattle needs to be considered as one of the teams in play for Robert Griffin III. Tarvaris Jackson's a nice short-term solution, but someone like Griffin III could propel this team into serious contention.

No. 13 Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

The Arizona Cardinals offensive line was one of the worst units in the entire NFL. They allowed 54 sacks, which played a role in the injuries suffered by Kevin Kolb. Those injuries have cast doubt about his future and sparked some Peyton Manning rumors.

Adding someone like Ohio State's Mike Adams can quickly help fix this problem.

Adams used the Senior Bowl week to show that he can hold up against some of the top pass-rushers in the country. His quickness and change of direction ability allows him to protect the edge and adjust to counter moves. Adams is a left tackle who can protect a quarterback's blindside for the next decade.

Arizona's likely to add the top-rated offensive lineman available at No. 13.

No. 14 Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys secondary was one of the main reasons why they failed to reach the playoffs last season. Starters Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman struggled to shutdown the big plays and find consistency. Both carry a high price tag and might find themselves as a cap casualty.

Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick would provide an upgrade over both players.

Kirkpatrick's short area burst and long arms make it difficult for receivers to get off the ball. The fact that he isn't afraid to play physically helps him excel in bump-and-run coverage.

Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan likes defensive backs who can give him more opportunities to dial up blitz packages.

No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

The Philadelphia Eagles defense lacks a strong presence at the linebacker position. Their current roster is filled with linebackers lacking instincts and strong technique. Boston College's Luke Kuechly has the skill set lacking on this defense. He's the type of player who's always around the ball and routinely makes sound tackles.

Adding a leader like Kuechly will immediately improve the Eagles defense. He's capable of making the calls on the field and putting his teammates in the correct position. Andy Reid needs to avoid his temptation to add a playmaking wide receiver.

Someone like Baylor's Kendall Wright could replace the disgruntled DeSean Jackson as the team's top deep threat.

No. 16 New York Jets

Pick: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

The Plaxico Burress experiment seems to be coming to an end with the New York Jets. His likely exit means the Jets will be looking for a big-bodied replacement. South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery boasts the same kind of skills as Burress. However, he comes with much less baggage and provides Sanchez with a less vocal target.

Adding another playmaking wide receiver will give the Jets choices when it comes to Santonio Holmes. He's guaranteed to return this season, but if Jeffery can establish himself, that could change next year. Mark Sanchez needs a young wide receiver he can build a relationship with and Jeffery can offer exactly that.

New York could also target a pass-rusher like Syracuse's Chandler Jones or an offensive lineman like Georgia's Cordy Glenn.

No. 17 Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)

Pick: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

The Cincinnati Bengals defense needs to find a long-term replacement for Johnathan Joseph, who went to the Houston Texans in free agency last season. Nate Clements and Adam Jones did a nice job holding down the fort, but neither are in the long-term plans.

South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore has the physical abilities and football IQ needed to make an instant impact.

Adding Gilmore alongside Leon Hall will allow the Bengals to continue to employ a top-notch defensive attack. Andy Dalton and AJ Green get a lot of credit for the Bengals turnaround, but the real credit should be given to the defense.

Shoring up the secondary should be one of their top offseason priorities.

No. 18 San Diego Chargers

Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

The San Diego Chargers need to add some depth and talent along the offensive line. Marcus McNeil's future is in question and Jeromey Clary isn't a top-level player. Adding Georgia's Cordy Glenn gives the Chargers options to improve either position. Protecting Philip Rivers needs to be the main focus of the Chargers offseason.

Glenn's versatility will allow San Diego to immediately insert him at either left tackle, right tackle or guard. His addition improves both the pass protection and rushing attack. He's a massive prospect who also boasts quick feet.

Glenn's future may be at guard, but he's more than capable of playing left tackle in the NFL.

No. 19 Chicago Bears

Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

The Chicago Bears offense has been without a true No. 1 wide receiver for a very long time. Notre Dame's Michael Floyd possesses the size and quickness needed to develop into an elite playmaker. His addition provides Jay Cutler with the outside threat he needs to carry this team to the playoffs.

Floyd's size complements the other smaller targets currently on the roster. Teaming him with Earl Bennett and Devin Hester could really make this a top-notch offensive attack. The firing of Jerry Angelo and Mike Martz's departure makes it more likely the Bears target someone like Floyd.

If Chicago addresses their wide receiver need in free agency, look for them to target a cornerback like South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore.

No. 20 Tennessee Titans

Pick: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

Most of the Tennessee Titans organization hopes that Derrick Morgan can live up to his potential, but at this point he can't be counted on. His uncertain future makes finding another pass-rushing threat an important focus of this offseason.

Illinois' Whitney Mercilus showed this past season he's capable of getting after the quarterback.

Mercilus has a good combination of athletic ability and savvy which makes it tough to keep him out of the backfield. His quick and violent hands make it difficult for offensive linemen to Velcro and remain engaged. Adding Mercilus to the roster would immediately bolster the Titans pass rush and help all levels of the defense.

Other than finding a pass-rusher, the Titans could target a wide receiver like Baylor's Kendall Wright or a cornerback like North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins.

No. 21 Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Jerome Simpson's legal troubles have clouded his future with the team. However, even when on the field he isn't the type of player who consistently makes plays.

Baylor's Kendall Wright boasts the speed and big-play ability needed to help take the Cincinnati Bengals offense to the next level. Adding a speedster like Wright is what Andy Dalton needs to continue his development.

The fact that the Bengals own two first-round picks means that they have the opportunity to go with the best player available. Adding talented players like Wright and Stephon Gilmore is what this franchise needs to continue their rise in the AFC North.

I'm of the belief that Cincinnati should package their two first-round picks and move up to try and land Alabama's Trent Richardson. Cedric Benson's off-the-field issues make him unreliable and Richardson adds much more potential.

No. 22 Cleveland Browns (from AtL)

Pick: Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

Defensively, the Cleveland Browns are a team on the rise, but they lack offensive firepower. Earlier in this mock draft, they added Justin Blackmon and now they bring in Clemson's Dwayne Allen.

Adding a talented tight end like Allen provides the Browns with another explosive playmaker.

His development as a blocker means that he can remain on the field during running situations. Colt McCoy's career would really benefit from the addition of these two playmakers. Tight ends play an important role in west coast offensive schemes.

The Browns might also target a pass-rushing defensive end like Marshall's Vinny Curry.

No. 23 Detroit Lions

Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

The Detroit Lions' draft strategy is to add the top prospect available on their draft board. They tend to avoid need and just bring in players who bring more talent to the roster. North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins boasts top-10 talent but drops because of his off-the-field issues. However, it will only take one good interview to make someone comfortable.

Jenkins' short area burst and ball skills make him a true playmaker. His skill set makes him a great fit for the Lions defensive system. He has the instincts needed to jump a route and come down with an interception. These skills will come in handy with Detroit's pass rush and knack for forcing poor throws.

Adding Jenkins wouldn't go against their strategy of selecting the best player available.

No. 24 Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Doug Martin, Running Back, Boise State

Rashard Mendenhall's late-season ACL injury could very well cost him the start of next season. His absence will really limit the Pittsburgh Steelers ability to establish a running game. Mendenhall's sporadic production throughout his career could very well put him on the bubble to return this team.

Boise State's Doug Martin has the type of running style needed to fit into this offense.

He's a compact runner with the quickness to needed to break off a long run. He reminds me of Ray Rice, who the Steelers have faced year after year. Even if the Steelers figure to get Mendenhall back, they still need a capable backup.

No. 25 Denver Broncos

Pick: Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

Penn State's Devon Still has the skill set most defensive coordinators covet when they look for interior linemen. His snap awareness and quick burst allow him to penetrate the pocket at disrupt the timing of the offense. The Denver Broncos need someone to provide pressure up the middle to help complement their edge rushers.

Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil's ability to attack the edge forces the quarterbacks up into the pocket, which is where Still will be waiting.

John Fox is a defensive-minded head coach who understands that their best chance of winning comes from a strong defense. Adding Still is one of the missing pieces needed to take this defense to the next level.

No. 26 Houston Texans

Pick: Rueben Randle, Wide Receiver, LSU

LSU's Rueben Randle was the recipient of erratic quarterback play, which ultimately hurt his draft stock. However, evaluators are starting to see the type of potential he has at the next level. At 6'4", he has the size to outleap defensive backs, but also the fluidity to smoothly get in and out of his breaks.

The Houston Texans need another playmaker to put opposite Andre Johnson.

Johnson's past two seasons have been hampered by nagging injuries. Those injuries have cost him several games and limited his explosiveness. Adding Randle helps fill the void left when Johnson is out of the lineup and could also help draw double teams away when he's on the field.

Last year, the Texans used the draft to improve their defense. Now they need to add some playmakers on offense.

No. 27 New England Patriots (From NO)

Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

The New England Patriots need to head into the 2012 NFL draft placing all their attention on upgrading the defensive side of the ball. Tom Brady's presence always gives the Patriots a chance at making a Super Bowl appearance, but without a defense, they may always fall short.

LSU's Michael Brockers is the type of talent who could develop into an All-Pro defender.

Brockers' best football is still ahead of him and this potential is what makes him such a valuable prospect. His versatility will be something that Bill Belichick and company will value and find useful. He's capable of playing the five-technique, three-technique or nose tackle.

Landing Brockers would be a major steal for New England and it's quite possible he comes off the board much earlier than No. 27.

No. 28 Green Bay Packers

Pick: Chandler Jones, Linebacker, Syracuse

Syracuse's Chandler Jones is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class. His combination of quickness and high effort makes him one of the more lethal pass-rushers available. He reminds me a lot of Aldon Smith in that he still needs to develop but boasts tons of upside.

The Green Bay Packers need to add someone opposite Clay Matthews in order to draw double teams away. Matthews' production dropped a lot because of this added attention which is something Jones can help fix. The entire Packers defense will benefit from the addition of another pass-rusher.

Green Bay may also target some help for the secondary with someone line Alabama's Mark Barron.

No. 29 Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State

Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict seen his draft stock drop the past few months. This drop has come because his struggles with controlling himself on the field. These issues have some questioning his maturity and decision-making skills.

However, Burfict's talent level should keep him in the first-round discussion. The Baltimore Ravens have the leadership in place to the the most out of his talents.

Burfict's skill set will allow him to see the field early, but his future will be as the long-term replacement for the aging Ray Lewis. Bringing in Lewis' replacement now gives him the benefit of learning from one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Wisconsin's Peter Konz is also in play at this spot, as the Ravens may need an immediate replacement for center Matt Birk.

No. 30 San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

The San Francisco 49ers need to find someone on the outside capable of opening up the offensive attack. Their defense is capable of leading them to a Super Bowl, but someone other than Vernon Davis needs to make plays.

Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu possesses the size and after-the-catch ability to help the 49ers move the chains.

Sanu's addition fits what Jim Harbaugh wants to do and complements the strengths of quarterback Alex Smith. This team needs someone who doesn't disappear in big games like Michael Crabtree did in the NFC Championship Game.

San Francisco could possibly target help in the secondary or at outside linebacker.

No. 31 New England Patriots

Pick: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

The back end of the New England Patriots defense doesn't have the type of playmakers needed to succeed in this pass-happy league. Adding a versatile defender like Alabama's Mark Barron will give New England someone capable of making big plays in pressure situations. His ability to support the run and hold up in coverage makes him a all-around prospect.

In my opinion, New England would be wise to put together a package and move up the draft to acquire an elite talent. Someone like Alabama's Courtney Upshaw or South Carolina's Melvin Ingram could have a major impact on the play of this unit.

No. 32 New York Giants

Pick: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

This past offseason, the New York Giants gave David Baas a long-term contract, but he failed to solidify the interior of the offensive line. Finding a top-notch center will now be something high on the Giants' priority list.

Wisconsin's Peter Konz is the top center prospect in this draft and capable of developing into an elite player at the position.

His leadership, toughness and technique make him well equipped to step in and make an immediate impact. The Giants success over the years has been thanks to play of their offensive line. Eli Manning needs someone up front to take lead and make the line adjustments.

New York is in the position to go with the best player available and at this point adding Konz wouldn't be a mistake.