2012 NFL Mock Draft: How the Combine Will Shape the First Round

The biggest job interview in the NFL is underway and workouts will start taking place on Saturday.

While all the fans are excited to see what how fast, strong and explosive these players are, workouts are not the only events going on in Indianapolis. Teams have just as much invested in interviews as they do numbers—fans don't get to see those interviews.

The combine isn't the "be-all and end-all" of draft stock, but it will have an impact on where players ultimately get selected.

This week is extremely important for all but a select few. 

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

The combine will have no effect on Luck and he will be the No. 1 pick.

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

Blackmon's workout will be extremely important. Teams know he's a phenomenal football player but they want to put numbers to his talents. He's not expected to test in the Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green, Julio Jones range, but if he does he'll be a top five pick.

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

The Trojan tackle doesn't have much to gain or to lose. He's the best lineman in the draft.

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

RG3 has nothing to lose, but everything to gain. Should he dominate the combine the way many predict he'll likely rise to the No. 2 spot.

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

The Crimson Tide superstar won't work out in Indy, but he doesn't need to.

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

Tannehill is still recovering from an injury and will also miss the combine.

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

The best defensive prospect in this draft can only elevate his stock.

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

He'll dominate every single physical activity here, but if he moves up the board it will be because he impresses in the interview room as well.

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

He's not elite, but he's the second best lineman in this draft and belongs in the top 10.

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

A great workout could elevate his stock even higher. Teams already love him.

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

The same goes for Ingram, but he could possibly rise even higher than Upshaw because of his unique physical abilities.

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

A subpar athletic performance could drop him just a little bit, but every team knows how extremely instinctive, smart and determined he is.

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

He's a very good player whose performance could move him up, down or right where he is. It all depends on what he shows up with.

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

The draft's best interior lineman could very easily move up the board.

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

A slow 40-yard dash time will hurt Floyd. He's too much of a playmaker to fall out of the first round, but he could definitely slide down the board.

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

The versatile big man will be one of the more intriguing players in Indianapolis. This is as high as he'll go if he performs well.

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

An elite physical showing from Kirkpatrick could easily put him back in the top 15, possibly the top 10.

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

There is a great chance that Perry shows off big time in Indianapolis and it wouldn't be surprising at all to see him rise up the draft board.

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

Won't shine athletically, but Adams' size and experience is something that teams love. 

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

This is a potential-driven pick for a player with incredible upside. A lot of people think he can go much higher than this.

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

If the Hurricanes running back times as fast the rumors indicate, there is a very good chance he gets taken earlier than this. He reportedly runs sub-4.4.

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

This is a reach for Wilson, but most people expect him to dominate the combine as well.

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

This is actually low for Jenkins, and if he times well and owns the interview process he could be a top 15 pick.

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

Still is a solid prospect who will show just that in Indy.

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

The Bulldogs defensive lineman is a candidate for a huge move up the board. 

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

He's coming off an injury, but is extremely talented. If he runs, a slow number could hurt him a little bit.

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

This is low considering most everyone else has Wright in the top 25, and should he run well and showcase the athleticism most expect he'll move up.

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

Dennard's speed is a huge question mark right now and he's desperately trying to save his stock.

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

Massive junior center has a lot to offer.

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

No player has more on the line than Alshon Jeffery. There have been numerous rumors regarding his weight and speed and on Sunday we'll find out for sure. This week is Jeffery's career in a nutshell—it's all about how good he wants to be.

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

The Irish safety could fly up the board with a good showing. Most expect him to shine. 

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

Allen's a great athlete for his size and will show it in Indianapolis.

*Order determined by coin flip at NFL Scouting Combine.