2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Nick Toon and Other Mid-Round Wide Receivers

At the wide-receiver position for the 2012 NFL draft, it's obvious to see most of the attention going toward Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery.

For one, they're considered the three best receivers, and each comes with a little bit of controversy. That said, there's also some reliable talent after the first couple rounds that needs to be recognized.

So, here's where some of those mid-round receivers land this April.

(Round 3) Chicago Bears Via Carolina: Nick Toon, Wisconsin

At 6'4", 220 pounds, Wisconsin's Nick Toon is just what the Chicago Bears need at wide receiver.

For one, the Badgers were a run-first offense like most of the Big Ten, and the Bears have an offense that revolves around running back, Matt Forte.

Provided that Chicago can retain Forte, the addition of Toon will pay significant dividends. Being in a rushing offense, Toon makes for a solid downfield blocker on defensive backs, and his size allows him to chip-block defensive ends and take on linebackers to set the edge.

Toon doesn't possess blazing top speed, but has solid quickness, is strong and quite reliable over the middle and as a possession receiver.

Last season he caught 64 passes for 926 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, so it's clear that Toon knows how to move the chains.

The Bears have other speedy receivers like Johnny Knox and Devin Hester, but no one who can work the middle at a consistent basis. Get this man in the Windy City, and Forte has a lot of pressure taken off of him as the main offensive weapon.

(Round 3) New York Giants: Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

The New York Giants may be overloaded with receivers, however, it remains to be seen as to who will be suiting up in 2012.

Last season Victor Cruz went off the charts, but that was only because Domenik Hixon went down. In addition, with Cruz and Hakeem Nicks expecting to continue their dominance, Mario Manningham's future has yet to be determined either, as reported by newyorkdailynews.com.

Therefore, the Giants must plan for the worst-case scenario, which would be the 2012 season without Manningham and Hixon. Therefore, the drafting of Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu.

Last season Sanu accounted for 1,206 yards on 115 receptions and scored seven touchdowns. The Giants will need a guy who can produce immediately if Manningham and/or Hixon are gone. So, enter Sanu and his initial quickness that allows for good separation off the snap.

Sanu also is a proven run-blocker, route-runner and is going somewhat under the radar because of having just one dominant season in college.

Coming in at 6'2", 215 pounds, Sanu's size and presence over the middle will derive attention from the outside as well as keep defenses off balance.

(Round 4) Miami Dolphins: Brian Quick, Appalachian State

A team that has a lot of expectations for 2012, the Miami Dolphins are just one playmaker away from fielding a legitimately complete offense.

With receiver Brandon Marshall, tight end Anthony Fasano, dual-threat running back Reggie Bush and slot man Davone Bess, Appalachian State's Brian Quick, who's 6'4", 220 pounds can quickly contribute as the reliable No. 2 receiver.

Yes, Brian Hartline was decent in 2011 with 549 yards, however, he only caught 35 passes and scored just one touchdown. As for Quick, despite playing at the FCS level, he still performed well with 71 receptions for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns.

A year earlier in 2010, Quick accounted for 844 yards on 47 catches and had nine touchdowns. So, not only is the consistency at finding the end zone there, Quick's size will be a great complement to Marshall and Fasano.

Obviously the main concern is who'll be under center for Miami and new head coach Joe Philbin's performance in 2012. Well, whether it's Matt Moore or whoever, the Dolphins are definitely on the rise and very close to putting all the pieces of the offensive puzzle together.

Brian Quick is that next piece.

(Round 4) Arizona Cardinals: Juron Criner, Arizona

If there's one area where the Arizona Cardinals can improve offensively, it's adding a No. 2 receiver to complement Larry Fitzgerald.

Make no mistake about it, Early Doucet is a reliable target, but the Cardinals need a guy whose size and ability to make plays after the catch will make a big impact in 2012. Arizona's Juron Criner does just that as his frame of 6'4", 215 pounds will provide another large target downfield.

Additionally, Criner would be a hometown favorite, and his effort above all else, will be appreciated.

Criner first off, accumulated almost 2,200 receiving yards the past two seasons on 157 catches as well as scoring 22 touchdowns. As a run-blocker, his size will benefit the Cardinals' sub-par ground game and open up the playbook a bit when it comes to play-action.

They could put Criner in motion to wall off defensive ends and linebackers while doing the same motion, but send him on a delayed pass pattern and force linebackers to match him one-on-one.

With Fitz doing work on the outside and tight end Todd Heap remaining reliable, Criner will develop rather quickly in Arizona. Just as he did for the Wildcats.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Cleveland Browns: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. St. Louis Rams (From STL): Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. St. Louis Rams (From CLE via ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	25. Denver Broncos: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.