2012 NFL Mock Draft: Elite Playmakers Ready to Steal the Show

Playmakers make the NFL exciting, and they are the subject of weekly game plans by NFL coaches. Every team wants and needs them, and every April NFL teams go looking for more.

In this year's draft, there a few that stand out from the crowd. Here is a first-round mock draft, with a spotlight on the opening rounds' most exciting playmakers.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

With Peyton Manning officially released, it has never been more clear who the Colts will select. 

2. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via trade with St. Louis)

The definition of the word playmaker perfectly describes RG3's potential. Because that potential is so great, there are so many teams pining for a chance to have him wear their uniform for the next 10 years.

It starts with the speed—a confirmed 4.41 at the NFL combine. It was easily the fastest time for a QB, but it was also faster than all but six WRs who ran.

And then there's the arm. Take a look at it in this clip:

Add in the production, 4293 passing yards with 37 TDs in his junior season.

You combine this with a great work ethic, magnetic personality and you have a playmaker on the field and a megastar off of it.

RG3 is the draft's No. 1 playmaker.

I still believe the Browns have the best trade package to offer the Rams, so I still have him headed there.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil is locked into Minnesota after a strong combine.

4. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon will still be selected here as Sam Bradford's new go-to receiver

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

Morris Claiborne may have only run the 10th-fastest 40 of all CBs, and recorded only the 15th best vertical leap, but he is a playmaker.

Claiborne has a nose for the ball and he simply makes plays. Take a look at him in action in the accompanying video.

He picked off six passes in 2011 and returned one for a TD, and is an example of a player that is fast enough on the field to make every play, and his agility is amazing.

Claiborne makes the acrobatic deflection or pick seem easy. The Bucs desperately need that type of player in their secondary. 

6. Washington Redskins: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will settle for Floyd after they miss out on two major QB targets: RG3 and Peyton Manning.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

Ingram is a big-time pass-rushing prospect that helps Jacksonville's defense immensely.

8. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples has excellent ability on passing downs, but a so-so combine and a slow 2011 season have some worried.

9. Miami Dolphins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

I would love to be a QB with Jake Long and Reiff protecting me on the left and the right.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Bills need a pass rusher, and that is what Upshaw can provide.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson will have 1400-yard rushing seasons if he gets the carries.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

NFL teams will be sorry if they let the combine 40 time deter them from selecting Kendall Wright.

Game film doesn't lie, and I trust that more than track speed. In all the games I watched Baylor, I never saw Wright struggle to get separation, and I didn't see him caught from behind.

He has great agility, is a beast after the catch and has great hands, which brought in 108 receptions for 1663 yards and 14 TDs.

Wright played in the Big 12, so it's not as if he was playing against Division II competition. Wright is a playmaker in the mold of Greg Jennings and NFL defenses will have to account for him on the field.

Look at this display of playmaking:

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

A solid selection for a team in need of pass protection.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Here is to hoping that Jenkins has conquered his immaturity and is ready to capitalize on his enormous talent.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT Memphia

The newest combine freak will help solidify the Eagles' run defense. 

16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers DE/DT LSU

He helps to add some much-needed punch to the Jets' punch-less pass rush.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Miller is a great all-purpose back to replace Cedric Benson.

18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

When Vincent Jackson exits, Jeffery will step in and hopefully fill the need for a deep threat.  

19. Chicago Bears: Stephen Hill, WR, Wisconsin

Stephen Hill took the combine by storm with his speed and overall athleticism.

He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash that tied with two others for the fastest recorded time. He also displayed a 39.5" vertical and, in case you're worried about the hands, check out this leaping one handed grab and other highlights:

Still, this is all workout stuff. On the field, he was a part of an offense that didn't throw the ball often or at all well. At Georgia Tech, he led the team with only 29 receptions, but his size and speed combo is hard to ignore.

At 6'4" 215 with sub 4.4 speed and great leaping ability, he has playmaker written all over him.

20. Tennessee Titans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

After Poe, Still is the best DT available.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

An awesome athlete that fits a need in the secondary for Bengals.

22. St. Louis Rams: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

DeCastro and Blackmon instantly make the Rams' offense better.

23. Detroit Lions: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Minnifield is a very good athlete that improves the Lions' pass defense.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Lewis may not see a ton of time now, but eventually he could replace James Harrison.

25. Denver Broncos: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Toon is a second-generation player who can be another weapon for Tim Tebow.

26. Houston Texans: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Randle helped his stock at the combine and the Texans need depth at WR.

27. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore is a solid corner who allows Devin McCourty to stay at safety.

28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz can soften the blow of losing Pro Bowl center Scott Wells.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Placed in apprenticeship under the master, Ray Lewis, what could be better?

30. San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

If the Niners lose two players from the secondary through free agency, Dennard can add some depth. 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, OLB/DE, Illinois

Mercilus will be a huge steal for the Pats in the first round.

32. New York Giants: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

The Giants need young, able bodies in their backfield. Polk is a solid RB who will improve the Giants' rushing attack.