2012 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck and Superstars Who Will Start Right Away

Finding an instant starter who turns out to be a star in the NFL Draft is the equivalent of unearthing a diamond in the rough.

It rarely happens and when it does, teams should extremely grateful as it often changes their fortunes.

Here’s a look at a few players who have a chance to come in and instantly alter the future of a franchise after the 2012 Draft.

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

The Indianapolis Colts need to move on from the Peyton Manning era and get into the Luck phase of the franchise.

This signal caller is simply going to be a stud from the first day he steps on the gridiron until the day he hangs up his boots and retires.

Indianapolis should be counting their blessings that they will be transitioning from one elite QB to another in such a short time period.

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

Blackmon’s production with the Pokes was just ridiculous.

He’s the best receiver available and looks to be one of the best to come out of college in quite some time.

The guy is a complete package and while he doesn’t possess never-before-seen speed, size or strength, he’s an incredible football player and will be a star for whichever team gets the fortune of drafting him.

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

Franchise tackles do not come around often and when they do, they stick in this league for a long time.

If Kalil ends up in Minnesota or another franchise that lacks an elite incumbent tackle, he will be named the starter before the end of training camp.

This kid will be starting early in his career and will not relinquish that role for long time.

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

RGIII is talented and has a ton of upside, but he’s not ready to immediately start and succeed.

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

Richardson is going to be the next elite NFL running back.

He’s got the size, strength, speed, vision and anything else you could possibly look for in a professional back.

Tampa Bay currently has LeGarrette Blount, a serviceable RB, but one who cannot catch, installed as their starter.

Look for LeGarrette to ride the pine if his team takes the Crimson Tide star.

Blount will have a great seat to watch as Richardson takes the league by storm.

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

It’s already a reach to draft Tannehill here, but it would be even crazier to start him as a rookie.

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

Claiborne is a solid player and has a good chance to be a No. 1 or 2 corner in 2012, but rookie corners can struggle.

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

Coples is a project and should be starting when the Panthers are actually ready to compete in a year or two.

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

Reiff is good enough to make the rotation right away, but Miami would be better off easing him into the starting spot.

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

Upshaw will contribute this season but be used in packages if he becomes a Bill.

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

Seattle would use Ingram to get to the QB on passing downs.

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

Kuechly will be a contributor wherever he lands, but most likely a reserve as he acclimates to the NFL’s speed.

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

Martin will be a franchise tackle, eventually, but needs to earn the spot.

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

DeCastro is the best interior lineman in this draft and would immediately start on the Cowboys and a number of other teams.

He can help protect the QB, push the defensive line and clear running lanes for whoever is in his backfield.

The Stanford guard helped maintain a balanced offensive attack during his collegiate years and will immediately do the same in the pros.

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

Floyd would be a perfect No. 3 possession receiver on the Eagles.

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

New York must revive their running game, which makes Glenn a great pick.

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

Kirkpatrick has too much talent to fall past this spot.

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

Perry has a lot to prove at the combine but could be a stud.

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

Chicago needs a massive amount of help on their offensive line, and this big man fits the bill.

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

Brockers has the most potential of any DT in the draft.

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

Cedric Benson might be on his way out of Cincy, meaning Miller would be an ideal replacement.

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

Wilson is vaulting into the first round in many mocks based on his potential.

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

Jenkins has had some major off-the-field issues, but represents top ten talent late in the first.

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

Most NFL-ready DT in the class and a steal this late.

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

Denver needs a versatile lineman to continue rebuilding their defense.

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

Barron is a clear upgrade for the Texans, who cannot stop upgrading their secondary after their historically terrible 2010-11 campaign.

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

Wright might be the deep threat New England has been missing since Randy Moss left town.

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

Dennard’s dominating presence fits in with the Packers play style.

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

Baltimore needs a young, dominant lineman to develop.

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

Cannot create the separation required or time his jumps to snag the ball well. He’ll still go in the first round as someone gambles on his upside.

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

New England needs to repair its patchwork secondary.

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

Luxury pick for a team that has seemingly everything.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine