2012 NFL Mock Draft: Likely Scenarios for Every First-Round Pick

It’s that time of the year again and the 2012 NFL Draft is quickly approaching.

When there are countless mock drafts circulating the wide world of the Internet, it becomes more difficult to understand which player will be ending up where. Even through the B/R publication, we have our own portion of the site dedicated to the NFL Draft.

For the NFL Mock Draft, it’s time to examine the easiest read for B/R Mock Draft to date: a quick analysis on why each player is going to the team that NFL Mock Draft Expert Matt Miller has stated.

In this article, brevity will be as important as likelihood. With time, you’ll have something to say about every prospective pick in the upcoming draft.

1.    Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck is the most no-brainer pick in a long time in the NFL. He’s heads and heels above the other talent and the Indianapolis Colts desperately need to plan for a future beyond Peyton Manning.

2.    Washington Redskins* – Robert Griffin III

While the St. Louis Rams own the rights to this pick, the Washington Redskins seem to need it more. Owner Dan Snyder is seeking a new face to his franchise and there isn’t a player he’d rather have than the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner.

3.    Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil

The Minnesota Vikings have a young quarterback and a superstar running back. The next step is simple: the Vikings need protection. Kalil offers an elite asset for the offensive line and will help improve Peterson as an offensive weapon.

4.    Cleveland Browns – Morris Claiborne

With Joe Haden, the Cleveland Browns would have a stellar 1-2 punch at the defensive back position. In order to compete in their division, the Browns look to solidify one of their weaknesses from last season.

5.    Tampa Bay Bucaneers – Justin Blackmon

Josh Freeman and LeGarrette Blount are both impressive on the offensive side of the ball. But if Freeman has no one to throw to, he’s not going to be an effective quarterback. In Blackmon, Freeman finds the crown jewel that every QB dreams of.

6.    St. Louis Rams* – Michael Brockers

Brockers was one of the best defensive players on one of the best defensive teams in recent college football history. Brockers is a raw defensive tackle who can explode into greatness once he develops over the next few years.

7.    Jacksonville Jaguars – Nick Perry

With his draft stock at a personal high, Perry was one of the most impressive talents at the 2012 NFL Combine. Expect the Jags to go all-in on this potential star.

8.    Miami Dolphins – Quinton Coples

Coples shined for UNC last season and put up huge numbers that theoretically justify a Top Ten selection. He recorded 7.5 sacks in 2011 and has the physical assets impressive enough to climb on draft boards.

9.    Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe

Poe was one of the most impressive players to emerge from the draft combine and his stock has soared because of it. After scouts saw the 346-pound stud bench 225 pounds 44 times (yes, you read that right!) and run a 4.87 40-yard dash, Poe has become one of the most physically gifted players in the draft.

10.  Buffalo Bills – Michael Floyd

This pick: Get Ryan Fitzpatrick a wide receiver! It’s a necessary pick for a team that has struggled on both sides of the ball.

11.  Kansas City Chiefs – David DeCastro

Like Minnesota, Kansas City is a young team that was injury-prone last season. To help prevent these kind of issues in the future, look for Kansas City to add a strong offensive linemen to protect Cassel and Charles.

12.  Seattle Seahawks – Trent Richardson

Seattle desperately needs an offensive weapon that can control the ball and tempo of the Seahawks, and there isn’t a single better candidate in this draft than Alabama’s running back Trent Richardson. If he’s still around, expect him to go to Seattle.

13.  Arizona Cardinals – Riley Reiff

The Cardinals have a strong defense and multiple offensive weapons, including the likes of Larry Fitzgerald. Reiff offers a legitimate protection on the right side of the ball.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Janoris Jenkins

For the second consecutive year, the Dallas Cowboys desperately need help in the secondary. Newman is injured and past his prime, Mike Jenkins has never quite hit it big and Orlando Scandrick has yet to reach his full talent. Jenkins is explosive and fits the Dallas mantra. Great speed, smart pick.

15.  Philadelphia Eagles – Dont’a Hightower

After not having much success following a heavy spending offseason, now is the time for Philadelphia to play smart football and draft the elite athlete on the defensive side of the ball. Safe and smart pick for an aging defense.

16. New York Jets – Alshon Jeffery

Before fans kick Mark Sanchez out of the door due to not making the playoffs following two consecutive berths in the AFC Championship, maybe the Jets ought to consider pulling in a star receiver for Sanchez. This could open up some space for Sanchez and help him get the offense going for a team already strong on defense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Cordy Glenn

For a young (and stellar) offensive team, the next logical step is protection. Offensive line help is always a good thing for a team developing talent and after scoring an extra first round pick from Oakland, they can pick an offensive linemen and another offensive talent in the first round.

18.  San Diego Chargers – Melvin Ingram

Ingram was an elite defensive player in the SEC and the Chargers could use serious help on the side of the ball that Phillip Rivers does not control. He can play multiple positions and is a smart defensive player to draft this late in the first round.

19. Chicago Bears – Stephen Hill

After running an incredible 4.30 40-yard dash, Hill has absolutely soared up the draft boards to become a legitimate option for a WR in the first round. At 6’4” and 215-pounds, Hill is a developing talent that can explode in the NFL.

20.  Tennessee Titans – Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw is coming off of winning a national championship, and as a product of the SEC, and as a strong pass rusher this kind of player would see much success in the NFL. Expect him to make a huge impact in Tennessee and the culture of their defense.

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller

What do you get when you already have Andy Dalton and A.J. Green coming off of one of the best one-two rookie punches in offensive history: you’ll find the desperate need for a running game. Forget the fact that the team would be too young—you don’t ignore a 4.30 40-yard dash.

22. Cleveland Browns – Kendall Wright

The Browns need another offensive weapon and if they take Claiborne early in the draft, it may be time to look for an asset on the other side of the ball to help the likes of Peyton Hillis.

23.  Detroit Lions – Stephen Gilmore

Gilmore is a great pick for a team already building momentum on defense. He’s an immediate top defensive back and provides depth to an up-and-coming defense that could use this kind of spark.

24.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Luke Kuechly

As the Steelers continue to rebuild, Kuechly would be an athlete that could thrive in the defensive culture of the Steelers. He provides young and developing talent that could see lots of playing time over the years in Pittsburgh.

25.  Denver Broncos – Fletcher Cox

Denver got incredibly hot last season under the leadership of Tim Tebow. The Broncos had one of the best rushing games in the NFL and clearly will be looking for Tebow as their offensive leader. Cox provides players like Von Miller great defensive help.

26.  Houston Texans – Jonathan Martin

Houston is another young and developing team that could have been elite had they not been riddled by injuries late last year. Martin provides protection on the offensive side of the ball that Schaub, Foster and Johnson desperately need.

27.  New England Patriots – Vinny Curry

Curry is a pass-rusher that could have helped stop Eli Manning in the Super Bowl. With two late first-round picks, it’s a smart idea to go after a quick athlete who can become a difference maker on defense.

28.  Green Bay Packers – Whitney Mercilus

Mercilus led the NCAA in sack last season and would provide the Packers with another defensive weapon to go along with Clay Matthews at linebacker. Their defensive core is strong as it is, but so is their offense. This is another viable candidate to become elite.

29.  Baltimore Ravens – Peter Conz

Joe Flacco and Ray Rice are two developing stars on offense, and could use another young offensive linemen to help develop their talent. If Konz goes to the Ravens, he will grow along the likes of Matt Birk and Jah Reid.

30.  San Francisco 49ers – Jamell Fleming

Fleming is a strong defensive back, and could provide strong talent at the cornerback position to help protect that pass for the Niners. With San Francisco being a great offensive team with Alex Smith and Frank Gore, Fleming could provide some needed defensive depth here.

31.  New England Patriots – Dre Kirkpatrick

Another way to protect the pass for the Pats would be to add another great defensive back. It would not be a surprise to see New England draft a standout Alabama talent and I would not be surprised if they turn him into a safety in the NFL.

32.  New York Giants – Orson Charles

After both Travis Beckum and Jake Ballard tore their ACL's in the Super Bowl, Charles would give the Giants a huge offensive weapon. He’s an above-average blocker, but his most impressive asset is his ability to run a 4.5 40-yard dash.

Click here to Follow @BryanKalbrosky.