2012 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck and First-Rounders with Big Expectations

First-round picks have so much pressure to play well and sometimes these expectations can cause young players to fold in their rookie seasons and underperform.

Andrew Luck, the likely top overall pick, will be one of many first-rounders that'll have tremendous pressure to perform at a high level right away.

Let's look at the first-round picks with the biggest expectations in this new NFL mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

If the Colts determine that Peyton Manning is worth his massive $28 million roster bonus next week, they should still draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the top overall pick.

Luck has excellent arm strength, solid throwing accuracy and can even throw well on the run. There's very little he cannot do, and because of this, he's an expected star right from the start of his pro career.

Luck has been compared to so many great players leading up to the draft, and the expectations to lead the Colts to the Super Bowl will stay with him until he accomplishes that goal.

Replacing an NFL legend like Peyton Manning is an extremely hard thing for a rookie be asked to do, but Luck has the talent and football intelligence to shine in the NFL.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Rams will likely look to trade this pick to a team with its eyes on Baylor's Robert Griffin III, but if they keep this high selection then stud left tackle Matt Kalil is the best option.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Vikings don't need a quarterback, but wide receiver is a big need on offense for them, which makes Justin Blackmon a safe choice considering his all-around talent.

4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Browns cannot afford to pass on a player with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone quarterback like Robert Griffin III from Baylor.

As the Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin will be expected to start right away. The team who drafts him will be hoping he is a franchise quarterback for a decade, which is a lot of pressure on a young kid.

We know Griffin throws a great deep ball, but his accuracy on the short and intermediate throws will be the reason he fails or succeeds at the next level.

His fantastic running ability has led people to compare Griffin to players such as Vince Young, and if he realized his potential at the NFL level, he will have a far better career than Young.

As a high-character guy and a strong individual, Griffin will be able to handle the pressure of being a franchise savior.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't have to draft a cornerback, but they would regret passing up on the talent that is Morris Claiborne of LSU. He has the potential to be an elite cornerback in just a few pro seasons.

6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Redskins will likely be one of the team's looking to trade with the Rams for the No. 2 overall pick, but if they cannot jump to that position, Riley Reiff is the best payer for them at selection No. 6.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Michael Floyd is a proven talent that has big-play ability with his great hands and tremendous speed. The Notre Dame star would be the perfect No. 1 wide receiver for young Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

8. Miami Dolphins: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Trent Richardson is the best running back available and the Miami Dolphins would be foolish to pass on him at No. 8. Richardson's good speed and fantastic field vision makes him a versatile back that can excel in the running and passing games.

As a Heisman Trophy finalist with the Crimson Tide, Richardson will be expected to be a big-play rusher at the NFL level.

His quickness and speed make him very dangerous in the open field, and it's likely that he will have a better pro career than former Alabama running back Mark Ingram because Richardson is more durable.

9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

If the Panthers want to get back to the playoffs, they need to improve their defensive line. Dontari Poe of Memphis has the potential to become an Pro Bowl lineman like Patriots star Vince Wilfork.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills need more speed on their defensive line, and in a division with some talented offensive lines, adding a star pass-rusher like Courtney Upshaw from Alabama is a smart idea.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Kansas City Chiefs defense would be boosted significantly by the addition of Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly, who has the football intelligence and athletic ability to be effective right away.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Seahawks need a player who can use speed to rush the quarterback, which makes sensational defensive end Whitney Mercilus of Illinois a good fit in the Seattle defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Jonathan Martin is one of several quality offensive linemen from Stanford in this draft class, and the Cardinals will select him based on their need for a dependable left tackle.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys will be a playoff team next season if their improve their secondary, which makes Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick a great choice for Jason Garrett's team. Kirkpatrick will be an NFL star thanks to his awesome coverage skills and football intelligence.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

If the Eagles do not keep wide receiver DeSean Jackson, then Alshon Jeffery of South Carolina would be a smart choice for Philadelphia.

Jeffery has tremendous talent and has the speed and catching ability needed to become a star very soon. Quarterback Michael Vick would likely love a chance to play with the Gamecocks wideout.

Jeffery has the potential to be an elite player with his ability to create big plays thanks to his size and strength.

With Andy Reid's great coaching skills, Jeffery would develop at a nice pace for the Eagles and would contribute very well from Week 1.

He will be expected to contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and if he works hard and acts like a professional, his extraordinary level of talent will take him to great heights.

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The New York Jets' defense let them down this season, and one reason why was the poor play of their pass rush from their defensive line. Melvin Ingram of South Carolina would be a fabulous upgrade to the Jets' front four.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Bengals cannot afford to pass up on a pass-protecting, run-blocking stud like David DeCastro from Stanford. DeCastro has the potential to be an elite guard for a long time in the NFL.

DeCastro is a very strong player who moves his feet well and can also handle quick pass-rushers that have tremendous speed.

He will have huge expectations placed on him no matter where he goes because scouts have graded him very highly, and there is a feeling that he will be a top offensive lineman quite soon.

DeCastro will be expected to dramatically improve the offensive line of the team that chooses to draft him. After protecting Andrew Luck very well at Stanford last season, there's no reason to believe he won't live up to the hype.

18. San Diego Chargers: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Chargers would be foolish to pass on talented USC defensive end Nick Perry with this selection. Perry is a great pass -usher but can also stop the run with his quality tackling skills.

19. Chicago Bears: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

A wide receiver or an offensive lineman might be what the Chicago Bears take with this pick, but Dont'a Hightower of Alabama is a talented linebacker that can be the future replacement for star Brian Urlacher in the near future.

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

The Tennessee Titans need to get younger and more athletic at linebacker if they want to go from a good team to a playoff-caliber squad. Zach Brown of North Carolina would be a great fit in Tennessee thanks to his tackling ability and football smarts.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Stephon Gilmore might not be here at No. 21 when the Cincinnati Bengals make their second first-round selection, but he is a tremendous cornerback with elite coverage skills that cannot be passed on at this point in the draft.

22. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

The Cleveland Browns need a running back for the future with Peyton Hillis probably leaving town in the offseason. Lamar Miller is a strong, dependable running back that would shine with the Browns thanks to his combination of speed and field vision.

23. Detroit Lions: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Mark Barron is the best safety available in the 2012 draft, and he would be a perfect fix for the Detroit Lions secondary, which must improve of the team wants to contend for a Super Bowl in the immediate future.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Steelers won't be able to draft defensive tackle Dontari Poe of Memphis to fill their need on the interior of the defensive line, so they will be forced to settle for talented DT Devon Still of Penn State.

25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Tim Tebow badly needs another talented receiver in the Denver Broncos offense, and with his excellent hands and deep-play ability, Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright would excel in John Fox's offense.

26. Houston Texans: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

If the Houston Texans fail to re-sign Mario Williams in the offseason, they must find a replacement in the draft. Quinton Coples of North Carolina will be one of the better defensive ends available in the later part of the first round.

27. New England Patriots: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

If Peter Konz is available at pick No. 27 for the New England Patriots, expect Bill Belichick to select the Wisconsin center as the long-term replacement for current starting center Dan Koppen.

28. Green Bay Packers: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

If the Green Bay Packers want to return to the Super Bowl, their defense must rush the passer more consistently. Jared Crick of Nebraska would be able to contribute right away, which makes him ideal for the Packers since they are in win-now mode.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

With the need to get younger at linebacker an issue for the Ravens to address in this draft, passing on Chase Minnifield, a cornerback who can play the run well in addition to his good coverage skills, would be a poor move by Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Stephen Hill could be the final piece of the puzzle for the 49ers offense because San Francisco needs another speedy wide receiver to complement star tight end Vernon Davis. Hill has the ability to step right into the 49ers offense and contribute right away thanks to his high football IQ.

31. New England Patriots: Michael Brockers, DE, LSU

Michael Brockers of LSU is a very good pass-rusher thanks to his strength and tenacity when rushing the quarterback, which makes him a solid fit on a Patriots defense that was terrible at rushing the passer last season.

32. New York Giants: Cordy Glenn, OG, Stanford

The Giants had to deal with some injuries to important offensive linemen last season, so drafting star offensive guard Cordy Glenn from Stanford makes sense at the bottom of the first round for the defending Super Bowl champions.