2012 NFL Mock Draft: Dre Kirkpatrick and Biggest First-Round Gambles

When making a first-round selection in the NFL draft, some teams are forced to make huge risks with their picks. Sometimes it pays off in a major way, and other times the prospect never pans out, which is very unfortunate. 

There are gambles every year, and the 2012 NFL draft class features some elite college stars who have big question marks surrounding them. 

Whether it's because of off-the-field incidents or they were a one-hit wonder, teams must be cautious in drafting certain athletes. 

With that said, here's my 2012 NFL mock draft with info on each player and a more in-depth look at the biggest gambles of Round 1. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft 

(* Picks to be determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine.)

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

The top prospect in the draft, Luck is the best option for the Colts as they look to the future. 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Rams could trade this pick, but if they keep it, their best bet is to add much-needed protection for Sam Bradford. 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Vikings desperately need help in the secondary. Claiborne can make an impact immediately, but if Kalil is still on the board here expect Minnesota to draft him. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Browns have a ton of options here, but giving Colt McCoy more weapons is the best move they can make. Blackmon is a star in the making, and he'll thrive in the NFL. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Since being arrested for marijuana possession shortly after the BCS National Championship Game, Kirkpatrick's draft stock took a big hit. 

Even though the charges were dropped against him, Kirkpatrick still faces scrutiny for the events that took place. 

Because of that, he's a gamble for NFL teams. Nobody wants a player that will be in trouble off the field. Kirkpatrick will have to save himself in the NFL Scouting Combine interviews. 

Listed at 6'3", 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick is very skilled, but the extra baggage makes him a risky pick. 

However, the Buccaneers really need help in the secondary, so they'll select the former Alabama standout. Tampa Bay is up against great passing attacks in the NFC South, which is why they'll bring in Kirkpatrick and hope he doesn't have issues. 

6. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins may look to trade up for Griffin, which would be a smart move. The dual-threat Heisman Trophy winner is headed for great success in the NFL. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Somewhat of a reach here, but Jeffery is worth it because the Jaguars are in dire need of a playmaking wide receiver. 

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

Coples had a dominant performance in 2010, which led to a great deal of hype before this past season.

Since he didn't live up to the expectations, it raised a few eyebrows as to whether or not he is truly ready to be an NFL star. 

This is a reach, but Coples benefits from a weak defensive line class. The Panthers take the risk here, hoping the hometown kid delivers for their needs. 

Listed at 6'6", 285 pounds, Coples can be a dynamic force for Carolina on the defensive front. The Panthers would be taking a huge chance on Coples, as he is a definite hit-or-miss prospect. 

9. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama 

Richardson is the top running back in the draft, and if available here the Dolphins would probably look to trade back. However, they would also benefit from drafting him because his future is very bright in the NFL, and Miami needs playmakers. 

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

The Bills offense is working to get better, and it will do just that if they bring back Steve Johnson. The focus in the draft needs to be on finding elite defenders to help stop the strong AFC teams, and Upshaw will really help. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)*: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Chiefs have to do a better job of protecting whoever the QB is, so look for them to grab Reiff. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)*: Nick Perry, DE, USC

While the Seahawks would love a QB, they won't get one here. Getting an explosive pass-rusher is good enough though. 

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

The Cardinals have plenty of options here, but landing the best available player in Martin is a safe call. 

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

Kuechly is a tackling machine that's going to excel in Dallas. The Cowboys need youth and speed on defense, which Kuechly easily provides. 

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

This pick could change depending on whether or not the Eagles franchise-tag DeSean Jackson. They're better off without the diva WR, and even though Floyd has had run-ins with the law during college, he'll shape up because he'll be on a contending team. 

16. New York Jets (8-8): Devon Still, DT, Penn State 

If Trent Richardson falls out of the top 10, don't be surprised if the Jets make a move to jump up and get him. For this pick, though, they'll grab a big body to add strength to the defensive front. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Cedric Benson is not likely to return, so look for the Bengals to get his replacement here. Miller's superb speed will allow him to make big plays at the next level. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Chargers need to make sure Philip Rivers stays safe, and big Mike Adams will definitely help in that area. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The Bears would love to get a top-notch wide receiver here, but the best ones are gone, so they'll be just fine with getting the best interior lineman in the draft. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram is a gifted pass-rusher that will big a huge boost to the Titans defense, which really needs to disrupt opposing QBs more often. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins was kicked off the Florida Gators for off-the-field trouble, but he's since been doing well. The Bengals will focus more on his great talents in the secondary. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Mercilus was a one-hit wonder in college, and he is very bright for capitalizing off his great season last year by entering the draft.

You can't blame him for declaring for the draft since he did have a dominant season a year ago, but that also is cause for concern.

The former Fighting Illini recorded 16 sacks last season, but those college players that only shine for one year typically bust in the NFL.

It's a risky pick, but the Browns need help getting after opposing QBs, and Mercilus showed he is capable of doing that. It's still uncertain if he'll be able to be as good against much stronger talent in the NFL.  

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia    

The Lions could think about a corner here with Alfonzo Dennard still on the board. However, boosting the offensive line is a need as well, and Glenn would be a great fit. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict had serious problems at the college level, and his character concerns are why he's fallen near the bottom of Round 1. 

Should he land with the Steelers, though, they can easily shape him into the perfect player by making sure he is disciplined. 

However, there is no guarantee he lands with a team that will keep him in line all the time. What's more, it's uncertain if he will let go of his hothead ways even if he does get drafted by a well-disciplined team. 

Talking back to coaches and believing he's above everyone will not make for a great NFL career. He has excellent talent to be one of the best players from this draft class, but those character concerns are a big problem. 

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers is seeing his draft stock rise immensely, and will continue to do so after the combine. He falls in my draft because of team needs elsewhere, plus he doesn't have a ton of experience. Brockers is a massive defender that will fill a huge area of need for Denver. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

The Texans may not be able to re-sign their current center, Chris Myers, so I have them drafting his replacement. 

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

The Patriots have to improve their defense, and starting with the secondary is a great move. 

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Chris Polk, RB, Washington  

The Packers could easily look to get a defender here, but Polk is the type of player that will give a big upgrade to their backfield and take pressure off of Aaron Rodgers. 

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 

The Ravens will grab the best defender available, which is Brown. Unless, of course, there is a worthy offensive lineman still on the board. Safety Mark Barron of Alabama is also an option for Baltimore. 

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor  

The 49ers need strong playmakers on offense if they want to win it all. Wright gives them a great deep threat should the 49ers fail to land one in free agency. 

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall 

Curry is on the rise and will continue to do so. The Patriots could possibly trade this pick, but they'd benefit more from using both on great defenders. 

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

Hightower could be gone by here, but teams' different needs allowed him to drop, and the Giants will jump at the chance to get him.