2012 NFL Mock Draft: Full First-Round Predictions, Post-Combine Edition

Finally, I get my shot at doing a first-round mock draft.

While I'm excited to make my predictions, the point of this article is to describe what I think the teams will do, not what I would do.

If you watched any of the Combine, you saw that Robert Griffin III's stock continued rising, even though he didn't throw.

You also saw Dontari Poe go beast mode on every drill out there.

On February 24, both the Dolphins and the Chiefs won a coin toss. The result being that Miami will pick eighth and Carolina will pick ninth. Also, the Chiefs will pick 11th and the Seahawks will pick 12th.

By now, you likely know a few players who your favorite team may select. So without any further delay, here is my post-Combine first-round mock draft.

No. 1: Indianapolis Colts Select Andrew Luck

I don't see a weakness in Andrew Luck's game.

The Colts are rebuilding in a big way. Not only will they have a new coach (Chuck Pagano) and probably a new quarterback, but their defense needs help in a big way. By the time time training camp roles around, I predict the Colts' roster will look a lot different than it does now.

Again, Luck hasn't played in the NFL and might not be as good as we think he'll be. However, there's an overwhelming probability that, while Luck may not be the solution right away, he won't be the problem.

That's huge.

Don't forget that the Colts' main offensive weapons, wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon, are both unrestricted free agents. So it's all the more important to select Luck in order to lead an offense that might not return it's three biggest play makers.

No. 2: TRADE (from STL)--Washington Redskins Select Robert Griffin III

If you've read anything I've written recently, you know I think Peyton Manning will end up in Washington, and Robert Griffin III will go to the Dolphins. But this isn't about what I think.

Of all quarterbacks, Griffin ran the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.41 seconds), had the highest vertical jump (39.0 inches) and the third longest broad jump (10 feet).

We knew his measurable qualities were good. Perhaps we didn't know they were that good.

Furthermore, all reports indicate Griffin shined in his interviews.

It's obvious Mike Shanahan isn't sold on either Rex Grossman or John Beck. With a good defense in place, Griffin to the Redskins makes sense. It's worth giving up your first-round pick, as well as other picks this year and maybe next year, too.

The one thing you need in the NFC East is a quarterback if you want to compete. Griffin seems like he would fit in well among the likes of Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Michael Vick.

No. 3. Minnesota Vikings Select Matt Kalil

This is as big of a no-brainer as is the Colts picking Luck.

Matt Kalil is an absolute stud that the Vikings will pick third overall in the upcoming draft. His older brother and father have both played in the NFL, so you know Kalil has what it takes to succeed.

Kalil stands 6'7" and weighs 295 pounds, which is ideal size for a left tackle in the NFL.

I said before that winning in today's NFL is as much about quarterback protection as it is about quarterback performance. Kalil will protect second-year quarterback Christian Ponder as well as any offensive lineman would coming out of college this year.

The Vikings are especially fortunate because after Griffin, there isn't a wildly sought-after prospect that would cause teams to try and trade up to the third overall pick.

No. 4: Cleveland Browns Select Morris Claiborne

The Browns may end up trading up for Robert Griffin III, but I maintain that Colt McCoy is good enough for the time being.

Plus, even though you have two first-round picks in 2012, you want to keep that leverage unless you absolutely need to trade up.

Cleveland recently signed middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension. Cornerback Joe Haden, another young defensive star, caused seven turnovers in seven starts in 2010.

Adding Morris Claiborne to the mix instantly catapults your defense, which finished 2011 ranked 10th overall, to one of the best in football.

No. 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select Dre Kirkpatrick

Dre Kirkpatrick performed really well at the NFL Combine (4.51 40-yard dash, 35.0 inch vertical leap, 10 foot broad jump).

As one of the standouts on Alabama's top-ranked defense, Kirkpatrick made an even bigger case for teams to draft him in the top 10 with his performance on Tuesday.

Tampa Bay may have been targeting Morris Claiborne, but with the way things worked out here, they'll be happy to take Kirkpatrick, who may even be better than Claiborne when their careers are over.

Having to defend Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan six times a year makes this a fairly easy pick.

No. 6: St. Louis Rams Select Justin Blackmon

What a difference three months may make.

After finishing the 2011 regular season with a 2-14 record, the Rams have hired a new head coach (Jeff Fisher), and could very well get the player they want in the first round while acquiring more picks.

You can't do better than that.

Justin Blackmon is a beast, and should be capable of setting the tone for the Rams' offense in 2012 and beyond. In his last two college seasons, Blackmon won the Biletnikoff Award both years (an award given to the nation's top receiver). In 2011, he was named a unanimous First-Team All-American.

There's no better wide receiver prospect in the draft besides Blackmon. He reminds me of Terrell Owens, minus the sideshow.

No. 7: Jacksonville Jaguars Select Michael Floyd

I predict this to be a weird spot for the Jaguars, as I'm pretty sure they wanted either Claiborne or Kirkpatrick, but won't have enough collateral to pull off a trade.

Besides cornerback, wide receiver is a position of need for the Jaguars. Blaine Gabbert will need someone to throw to, besides Maurice Jones-Drew. Michael Floyd played in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame, and has the size (6'3", 224 pounds) to hold up against most NFL defenders.

New head coach Mike Mularkey comes over from Atlanta, where he's used to coordinating high-powered offenses. I'd imagine Mularkey would be able to use Floyd in a bunch of different ways.

No. 8: Miami Dolphins Select Melvin Ingram

This could pick could go a few different ways, depending on whether or not Peyton Manning becomes a Miami Dolphin before the draft or not.

They might pick Riley Reiff, but they already have a left tackle (Jake Long).

With the retirement of Jason Taylor, drafting Melvin Inrgam would be a good way to start over. Ingram has solid size for an NFL defensive end (6'2", 276 pounds), and can move inside in certain situations.

In his senior season at South Carolina, Ingram posted 44 combined tackles, nine sacks and two interceptions. Pairing him with Cameron Wake would go a long way in helping the Dolphins re-claim the AFC East title.

No. 9: Carolina Panthers Select Dontari Poe

It's no secret the Panthers are desperate for help at defensive tackle.

It's no secret Dontari Poe was the star of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.

Poe came into Indy weighing only 346 pounds, which is right where you'd like him to be. As far as his performance, he only had the most reps of 225 pounds on the bench press (46) of any prospect in attendance.

He also ran a 4.98 40-yard dash, which is unthinkable for a defensive tackle, much less a defensive tackle that weighs 346 pounds.

It seems to me like Poe is peaking at the right time, as Carolina could really use someone with his size and strength to anchor their defensive front. LSU's Michael Brockers is another strong choice, although Brocker's 40-yard dash time wasn't great (5.36 seconds), and he only benched 225 pounds 19 times.

No. 10: Buffalo Bills Select Courtney Upshaw

Continuing the trend started last year with the selection of Marcell Dareus, I predict the Bills will select another versatile former Crimson Tide defender when they pick Courtney Upshaw.

As the defensive MVP of the 2012 BCS National Championship game, Upshaw led the charge that held LSU to 92 total yards, and helped cause as many turnovers (two) as third downs the Tigers converted.

Sure, that's college. But that's also the National Championship game against the undefeated, top-seeded team in the nation.

If Upshaw wants to, he shouldn't have much trouble making the Pro Bowl within his first two seasons.

No. 11: Kansas City Chiefs Select Trent Richardson

The Chiefs hope to have Jamaal Charles healthy in 2012, but could still use Trent Richardson backing him up.

Richardson is a top-five talent, but due to specific team needs, he could drop a few spots. If he's available here, I highly doubt the Chiefs will pass on him. He reminds me of Adrian Peterson, but with more succinct movements.

He didn't work out at the Combine due to recent minor knee surgery, but Richardson still plans to put his talents on display at Alabama's pro day on March 7.

Rest assured, you don't need to attend that pro day to know Richardson is an elite talent. In my opinion, he was the best player in college football last season. Believe me, he will make teams that pass on him realize how good he is.

No. 12: Seattle Seahawks Select Quinton Coples

The Seattle Seahawks are pleasantly surprised when the see that Quinton Coples has fallen to them at No. 12.

In my projection, Miami liked Ingram more than Coples, allowing him to slip to the Seahawks, who would like to continue rebuilding their defense. Like Ingram, Coples played at both defensive tackle and defensive end in college.

Adding Coples to the defensive front while having Earl Thomas and Brandon Browner roaming the secondary would really help the Seahawks start to win more than they lose.

At 6'6", 285 pounds, Coples has the build and athleticism (4.78 40-yard dash) to play right away.

No. 13: Arizona Cardinals Select Riley Reiff

Another team will pleasantly surprised by a stud prospect falling to them when the Cardinals happily select Riley Reiff from Iowa.

Reiff is a big, durable tackle who started every game of his career (after his redshirt year in 2008). Although he made his mark as a left tackle, the Cardinals could use Reiff at right tackle, which might not be that much of a problem for him.

Levi Brown and Riley Reiff might not be the best duo of offensive tackles, but they probably won't be the worst, either.

No. 14: Dallas Cowboys Select Janoris Jenkins

The Cowboys are struggling at cornerback, and Janoris Jenkins is a rising talent that would fit their need.

Coming from North Alabama after run-ins with the law at Florida, Jenkins was a First-Team All-SEC selection with the Gators in 2010. Despite any character concerns, he's certainly capable of performing against the very best on the field.

Jenkins solidified his stake as a premier cornerback talent when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and finished the three-cone drill in 6.95 seconds.

Pairing him opposite Mike Jenkins would make life tough on the Giants, Eagles and Redskins.

Besides, doesn't Jenkins seem like the typical Cowboys player? Loads of talent, off-field/character distractions and experience playing under high amounts of pressure.

Yeah. I think the Cowboys would be glad to pick Jenkins at No. 14.

No. 15: Philadelphia Eagles Select Luke Kuechly

Believe it or not, the Eagles didn't lack in talent in many areas last season, except at middle linebacker.

In terms of a hard-working, tackling machine, Luke Kuechly is the definition. He won the Bronko Nagurski trophy (nation's top defender) in 2011. I hesitate to say this, but with Kuechly's work ethic and instinct, I think he would be accepted by the Eagles fans.

At the Combine, he benched 225 pounds 27 times and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds. At Boston College, he led his team in interceptions (three) in 2011, while also posting 191 total tackles.

Another way to put it: Kuechly had two less tackles last season than the next three teammates of his had combined (193).

No. 16: New York Jets Select Whitney Mercilus

The Jets were tied for 17th in sacks after the 2011 season. While that's about average, it's not good enough for Rex Ryan.

They need another pass rusher, and Whitney Mercilus could be their man. Mercilus was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski trophy last season after leading the nation in sacks (13.5) and forced fumbles (eight) through November 19.

He only started one year for the Fighting Illini, but Mercilus seems to be worth the risk.

He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds, which was fourth among all defensive lineman at the Combine. Mercilus also benched 225 pounds 27 times, which is pretty darn good for a man who weighs 265 pounds himself.

No. 17: Cincinnati Bengals Select David DeCastro

David DeCastro would fit right in with the Cincinnati Bengals.

They aren't in need of help in too many areas, as they made the playoffs last year, but they could use a guy like DeCastro, who has the physicality and leadership you want in an offensive lineman.

From 2010-11, DeCastro helped the Stanford offensive line only allow 13 sacks. He made the Pac-10 All-Conference team as a sophomore in 2010.

With another pick in the first round (No. 21), the Bengals make this pick with ease.

No. 18: San Diego Chargers Select Jonathan Martin

Jonathan Martin stands 6'6", weighs 304 pounds and fills a huge hole at offensive tackle for the Chargers. I honestly lost count of how many San Diego offensive lineman got injured last season.

If that wasn't bad enough, reports out of San Diego say that All-Pro guard Kris Dielman will retire.

Luckily for Philip Rivers, Martin could very well be available at No. 18. Rivers would be happy about that because over the last two seasons, Martin started 24 of Stanford's 26 games at left tackle, protecting Andrew Luck's blind side.

No. 19: Chicago Bears Select Stephen Hill

Although the Bears likely have their sights set on Michael Floyd, they will be content with selecting Stephen Hill.

We all know Jay Cutler needs help at wide receiver. What we didn't know was how elite of a talent Hill is. At the NFL Combine, Hill ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, which was the second fastest among all players. Already standing 6'5", he posted a vertical leap of 39.0 inches.

The downside is that he only benched 225 pounds 14 times, and he played in a college offense that featured the triple option.

However, in 2011, he caught 28 passes for 820 yards, yielding a per-reception average of 29.3 yards. If he goes to Chicago, he'll be able to play at that same speed, so to speak, while having a quarterback with elite NFL arm strength throwing him the ball.

This could be a diamond-in-the-rough type of pick for the Bears.

No. 20: Tennessee Titans Select Michael Brockers

Maybe Michael Brockers slipped because of his bad 40-yard dash time (5.36 seconds). Maybe he slipped because other teams needed to fill other positions besides defensive tackle. I don't know.

What I do know is that Brockers is an absolute monster on the football field. He has size (6'6", 306 pounds), versatility and relentless pursuit. While normally a Second-Team All-Conference nod isn't that big of a deal for a first-round pick, I'll remind you Brockers played in the SEC.

Brockers actually fits the Titans' defensive scheme, as Tennessee runs a 4-3 defense. Moreover, Brockers' best position is probably as a 4-3 defensive tackle.

If this pick happens, watch out for the Titans defensive line.

No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals Select Lamar Miller

When the Bengals make the 21st overall pick, they would like to take a running back to run behind the offensive lineman they took (DeCastro) with the 17th overall pick.

Lamar Miller is a stud running back (4.40 seconds in the 40-yards dash, best among running backs), who consistently ripped off yards in bunches at Miami. In 2011, Miller ran for 1,272 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He'd be an upgrade over Cedric Benson, who lost two of his five fumbles from Week 15-16 last season.

If the Bengals chose to draft Miller, all of a sudden they'd have quite the young core of offensive talent (Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, Jermaine Gresham, Bernard Scott and Miller).

No. 22: Cleveland Browns Select Kendall Wright

The Browns could really use someone like Kendall Wright in their offense. This would be a virtual lock if Cleveland drafted Robert Griffin III, as Wright was Griffin's go-to receiver at Baylor.

Wright's 40-yard dash time was unimpressive (4.61 seconds), but I doubt that will deter teams that need a wide receiver from picking him.

In his four seasons at Baylor, Wright caught 302 passes for 4,004 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for 425 yards and two touchdowns while playing for the Baylor Bears.

He represents an offensive jolt the Browns desperately need.

No. 23: TRADE (from DET)--Denver Broncos Select Devon Still

The Broncos don't take any more chances, trading up to No. 23 to select the defensive tackle they can't believe is still on the board.

Devon Still goes to Denver at No. 23, to play alongside the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year Von Miller. Still constantly beat double teams while playing for the Nittany Lions, but didn't always play through the whistle.

Although the Broncos run a 4-3 defense, and Still fits better in the 3-4, new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will find a way to make it work.

No. 24: Pittsburgh Steelers Select Mike Adams

As far as I can tell, if Mike Adams were motivated, he'd be a very good player. He has the stature and ability, but his challenge is performing constantly.

I think we can all agree that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers can get him to focus.

Besides the Chargers, the Steelers had the worst offensive line in 2011, due mostly to injury. Selecting Adams should help them stabilize.

While he had a poor showing at the Combine (5.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 19 reps of 225 pounds), I feel like Adams wouldn't have gotten this far if he was that bad of a player.

No. 25: TRADE (from DEN)--Detroit Lions Select Mark Barron

The Lions are looking really strong with this pick. Playing with the same ferocity as Ndamukong Suh (2010) and Nick Fairley (2011), Mark Barron would be a wonderful fit in the Lions secondary.

The Lions back end struggled mightily in their last two games (Packers, Week 17; Saints, Wild Card Playoff), giving up a combined 90 points, 946 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns while only making one interception.

Barron started 38 times for the Crimson Tide, and was named a unanimous First-Team All-American and was a First-Team All-SEC selection three consecutive years, from 2009-11.

In other words, Barron would be a huge upgrade for the Lions. This is a no-brainer.

No. 26: Houston Texans Select Alshon Jeffery

At first, I thought the Texans wouldn't take Alshon Jeffery because he and Andre Johnson play similar styles of football. Then I thought how dangerous Jeffery is (particularly in the red zone), which made me think it would be a good idea for the Texans to draft him.

People may rag on Jeffery, thinking he's slow. The fact is he's an instant matchup problem for defensive backs, even NFL defensive backs, and will snatch any pass thrown his way. He's 6"3", but Jeffery plays like he's 6'10".

The Texans, even if Mario Williams left via free agency, are an elite defense. I still say, even without Jeffery, the Texans are the best offense in the NFL in terms of stretching the field (vertically with Johnson, and horizontally with Arian Foster).

Houston may even trade this pick, but if they ended up selecting Jeffery, it would be bad news for whomever has to play them.

No. 27: TRADE (from NE)--Carolina Panthers Select Zach Brown

The Panthers would've like to have grabbed Janoris Jenkins or even Mark Barron, but they're happy to see Zach Brown is still available at No. 27.

And it wouldn't be an NFL draft if the Patriots didn't trade down to acquire more picks (in this case, they'd likely get Carolina's second-round pick in 2012 (No. 40) and Carolina's first-round pick in 2013). Besides, New England still holds the 31st overall pick.

Brown ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds and recorded a 33.5 inch vertical leap. It's that type of athlete the Panthers will need to keep up with the likes of Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles, Julio Jones and all the rest of the explosive offensive talent in the NFC South.

The only thing Brown could really improve upon is his attitude off the field.

No. 28: Green Bay Packers Select Fletcher Cox

As strong-armed as the quarterbacks in the NFC North are, the running backs the Packers have to face are equally as dangerous (Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, Jahvid Best). Therefore it would make sense for the Packers to select Fletcher Cox, as he is a relentless defensive tackle that seeks to makes big tackles for loss.

But according to his NFL Combine profile, Cox has a tendency to get swallowed up by double teams.

Fortunately for him, he would rarely get double teamed if he played on the Packers defense. That responsibility belongs B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

No. 29: Baltimore Ravens Select Peter Konz

Matt Birk said he's not retiring, but he's still a free agent. It will be up to the Ravens as to whether or not they want to keep him.

Whatever that decision turns out to be, the Ravens would do well to pick Peter Konz at No. 29. Even if Birk comes back this year, it will probably be his last NFL season.

Either way, Konz was an elite center in a run-heavy offense at Wisconsin, and should be able to transfer his talent smoothly to the NFL.

The Ravens could look at Dont'a Hightower here, as well. I'm about 51 percent sure they will take Konz, with the other 49 percent leading toward them selecting a middle linebacker.

One thing I do know is the Ravens, as always, will select the best player available.

No. 30: San Francisco 49ers Select Mohamed Sanu

Mohamed Sanu performed well at the NFL Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds, and registering a vertical leap of 36.0 inches. In receiving drills, he caught the ball with his hands, in rhythm. He's a smart, physical receiver.

However, his deep routes aren't where teams would like them to be. In other words, he doesn't get as consistently open on deep routes as he does on short and intermediate routes.

While able to throw the deep ball, it seems like Alex Smith is more comfortable with throws of 20 yards or less anyway. The 49ers need a wide receiver to take some pressure off of Smith and Vernon Davis. Sanu could do that, as he's a good value at No. 30.

No. 31: New England Patriots Select Dont'a Hightower

Like most teams drafting at the end of a round, the Patriots don't need a lot. They could however use some help on defense.

Dont'a Hightower is an NFL-ready middle linebacker, who knows what it's like to play for a head coach that has NFL experience and is a defensive genius.

The AFC East opponents the Patriots will face don't pose outstanding offensive threats. But when a player like Hightower is available, and you're defense finished 31st overall last season, you should probably take him.

Hightower came into the combine at 265 pounds, and still ran a 4.65 second 40-yard dash. If he can just maintain that level of performance, he'll probably make the Pro Bowl more times than not.

The rich get richer.

No. 32: New York Giants Select Dwayne Allen

Dwayne Allen is the prototypical tight end. He's 6'3", 255 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.89 seconds, benched 225 pounds 27 times and has a vertical leap of 32.0 inches.

As a matter of fact, during the seven measured drills at the NFL Combine, Allen was the top performer in three of those drills. Even before all of that, Allen won the 2011 Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end.

The injuries the Giants' tight ends suffered along with Allen's resume makes him a smart pick here.

His blocking is a work in progress, but that's something that can be coached.