2012 NFL Mock Draft: Surprises Coming in the First Round

The 2012 NFL draft is going to be filled with big shocks throughout the weekend, but the best and most exciting ones will occur in the first round. 

Between draft day trades and dumb-founding picks, the 2012 NFL draft is sure to be littered with surprises. 

There's always a team that reaches too high on a player or one that makes a mind-boggling trade. It's tough to predict what will actually happen, but that's the fun of it all.

With that said, here's my 2012 NFL mock draft with info on each pick and a more in-depth look at the big surprised in the first round. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft 

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

The best prospect in the draft, the Colts would be insane not to draft Luck. 

TRADE

2. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The first big shocker of the first round, the Redskins do the right thing and jump up to get their franchise QB.

If Mike Shanahan is ever going to win the NFC East in Washington, he has to have a legitimate QB. It may cost a great deal, but in the end, it will definitely be worth it.

The Redskins have the talent to surround Griffin with, which will lead to early success. Trading up needs to be their top priority or else they will get nowhere as a franchise. 

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

With the trade, it allows Kalil to slip to the Vikings, who are joyfully signing with praise. Christian Ponder will now have great protection. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Browns could think about a running back here, but getting Blackmon will help them spread the field. Colt McCoy needs better weapons to throw to. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU 

The best corner in the draft, Claiborne will be an instant upgrade to the Bucs secondary. 

TRADE

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Rams know that Brockers is young, but they'll take the gamble on this big body and be thankful they have several new picks to work with after the trade.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

The Jaguars are in dire need of big time playmakers and Jeffery will give Blaine Gabbert a big target to work with. 

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama 

The Dolphins could easily trade back, but they'll shock everyone and select Richardson. 

He's the best running back in the draft and he's sure to be a big star in no time. Daniel Thomas didn't pan out last year like the Dolphins hoped he would and there is no doubt that Richardson is a far better talent than Thomas. 

Using Reggie Bush and Richardson in the backfield would make Miami's offense very dangerous, which is why the should do the unthinkable and take Richardson. Besides, they could easily trade Thomas to a needy team. 

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

This Carolina kid has a lot to prove, but he excels at getting after the QB and that's what the Panthers really need right now. 

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

The Bills need to improve their defense if they're ever going to win big in the NFL again. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Chiefs have a number of options, but boosting the offense line to help protect Matt Cassel is a fantastic move. 

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Nick Perry, DE, USC

Perry is an explosive defender that will quickly get after opposing QB's. Seattle would prefer a QB, but getting Perry also fills a need for them. 

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

Upgrading the offensive line is a smart move, as Martin will help create several big holes for Beanie Wells and a healthy Ryan Williams. 

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is a tackling machine that would give the Cowboys some much-needed youth, speed and strength to their defense. 

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

Despite franchise tagging DeSean Jackson, the Eagles still make a surprise move and get Floyd. 

He's a superb talent at wide receiver and, given the many problems Philadelphia has had with Jackson, it would be in the Eagles best interest to find his future replacement.

By tagging Jackson, it prevents other teams from getting him, which gives the Eagles a chance to trade him for a great deal of talent.

Jackson is a huge head ache, so dumping him and going with Floyd is the right move.  

16. New York Jets (8-8): ): Chris Polk, RB, Washington 

The Jets have decent running backs right now and bigger needs, but Polk is a stellar player that will provide a big boost to New York's offense. 

Polk doesn't have blazing speed, but he'll help provide a nice one-two punch with Shonn Greene. 

The former standout at Washington is a powerful runner, which is what the Jets need as they switch to more of a ground and pound with Tony Sparano as offensive coordinator. 

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

The Bengals will look past the off-the-field troubles and gladly select Kirkpatrick, a very talented corner. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams will bring great strength to the Chargers offensive line, helping to keep Philip Rivers safe. 

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

Chicago has to find a No. 1 WR in free agency and use this draft pick to help upgrade the offensive line. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans need to get more pressure on opposing QBs and Ingram will definitely help with that. 

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

With Cedric Benson likely on his way out, the Bengals would be very wise to make Miller his replacement. 

22. Clevleand Browns (via ATL 10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois 

Mercilus only had one good year in college, but the Browns will be just fine with that as he is a pass rushing machine. 

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia                         

Detroit could easily look to a cornerback here, but the Lions best bet is to add more protection for Matthew Stafford. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

The Steelers need better depth on the offensive line and Konz will provide that as he can play center or guard at the next level. 

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis  

The Broncos biggest need is for a defensive tackle and Poe is a beast in the trenches, so Denver happily drafts him. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

After tearing up the combine, Hill vaults himself into the first round. 

Sure, the Texans have bigger needs, but with Andre Johnson getting hurt more and more, they need better insurance. 

Hill is a great deep threat that still needs work, but he can learn a great deal from Johnson.

Houston decides to think out of the box and help the offense improve. 

27. New England Patriots (via NOLA 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Patriots main focus needs to be on making sure the defense is better than this past year, and drafting Dennard is a great start. 

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): ): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama 

Jenkins does have some character concerns, but Charles Woodson isn't getting any younger and there's no denying how talented Jenkins is. 

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina 

The Ravens wisely grab the best defender available since they can't fill their biggest need right here. 

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

The 49ers have to have more playmakers on offense if they're going to get to the Super Bowl. Wright will give them exactly that.  

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

Don't be surprised if the Patriots trade this pick. I think they're better off keeping it and adding depth to the defensive front, but if the right deal comes along Bill Belichick will move this pick. 

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama 

Hightower fills a big need for the Giants. He'll be able to contribute right away and ensure the Giants defense remains strong.