2012 NFL Mock Draft: How Free Agency Will Shape Upcoming Draft

The outcome of free agency always impacts the draft. This is my final mock draft prior to the insanity that is NFL free agency. However, I tried to project some of the impact free agency will have on the draft. These projects changed a handful selections while helping some prospects move up the board.

The recent trade between the Washington Redskins and St. Louis Rams helped solidify the direction of the first two picks. However, it really adjusted the outcome of the rest of the draft, mainly because of the Rams presence at No. 6.

Expect to see an entirely new mock draft next week after we get a better idea where some of the top free agents land.

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Possible Impact Free Agent: Jarrett Johnson

There isn't a single free agent that will change the direction of the Indianapolis Colts and this pick. They will select Stanford's Andrew Luck and immediately insert him in the starting lineup. Last week's decision to part way with Peyton Manning sealed the outcome of this pick.

Luck's poise, leadership and football IQ gives him the tools needed to excel early in his career. Indianapolis is undergoing a major organizational change with the addition of Luck being the most important building block.

Adding a top-notch quarterback prospect like Luck will speed up the rebuilding process.

No. 2 Washington Redskins (from: STL)

Pick: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Possible Impact Free Agent: Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston

The importance of the quarterback position played a role in the Washington Redskins decision to trade into the No. 2 spot. They made this move in order to land Baylor's Robert Griffin III who's a prospect with tremendous upside. His addition immediately upgrades the Redskins quarterback position as well as provides long term security.

Because of the amount of picks Washington surrendered in the trade, free agency will play an important role in building this team. Expect to see the Redskins make a strong push to land a top-level wide receiver free agent like Vincent Jackson.

Griffin III is a talented player but will need to be surrounded by playmakers in order to succeed.

No. 3 Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Possible Impact Free Agent: Vincent Jackson and Brandon Carr

The Minnesota Vikings use of free agency will make their decision with this pick less painful. Their biggest needs are at offensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. Each of these positions have a prospect worthy of coming off the board at No. 3.

However, the left tackle free agent class doesn't provide many exciting options. This should make USC's Matt Kalil the top target for the Vikings. He's a good athlete with size and strength needed to excel at the next level. Thanks to the trade between the Washington Redskins and St. Louis Rams, Minnesota can enter free agency knowing Kalil will be available at No. 3.

No. 4 Cleveland Browns

Pick: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Possible Impact Free Agent: Matt Flynn

The Cleveland Browns offense lacks top-notch playmakers at the wide receiver position. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon possesses the skill set necessary to provide some explosiveness to this unit. His ability to both stretch the field and work the underneath routes will help open up the Browns offense.

Cleveland's lack of direction at the quarterback spot won't help them attract big name free agents. Players like Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston will have better offers from teams with better quarterback play.

This lack stability at quarterback have led some to believe Cleveland may target someone like Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. However, they could really save themselves from a potential bust by signing Matt Flynn. Flynn is a great candidate to bring in and compete against Colt McCoy for the starting job. It also stops them form reaching on Tannehill.

I currently have a third-round grade on Tannehill, but other evaluators like Todd McShay have him projected in the first round.

No. 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Possible Impact Free Agent: Cortland Finnegan, Mario Manningham, and Vincent Jackson

Alabama's Trent Richardson is a special athlete with the potential to develop into one of the top running backs in the NFL. His combination of speed and strength allow him to gain yardage in several ways. He's capable of fighting for the tough yards between the tackles as well as breaking off a long touchdown run. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a tough time passing on Richardson if he is still available.

Running back isn't the Buccaneers top need, but they have an opportunity to address those other needs via free agency. Cortland Finnegan is sure to get some attention from Tampa as they search for security at the cornerback position. Adding Finnegan could take them out of the running for LSU's Morris Claiborne.

The free agents added by the Buccaneers will have a major impact on the direction they take in the draft.

No. 6 St. Louis Rams (TRADE: From Wash)

Pick: Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Possible Impact Free Agent: Brandon Lloyd, Vincent Jackson and Mario Manningham

The St. Louis Rams decision to trade out of the No. 2 spot may put them out of position to address some of their top needs. They figure to target Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon in order to bring someone in to help Sam Bradford. However, there are several free agent wide receivers like Brandon Lloyd and Mario Manningham available.

Adding a wide receiver via free agency would help protect against the likelihood Blackmon isn't available at No. 6. It also allows the Rams to address some of their other needs on the defensive side of the ball. LSU's Morris Claiborne possesses the skill needed for a propsect to develop into a shutdown cornerback.

His addition will not only help slow down the opponents passing attack but also assist the pass rush.

No. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Possible Impact Free Agent: Mario Williams, Mario Manningham and Marques Colston

The Jacksonville Jaguars will jump at the opportunity to add a pass rusher like North Carolina's Quinton Coples. He gives them the double digit sack threat they were searching for when they added Derrick Harvey and Aaron Kampman. Outside of Mario Williams, the free agent pass rushers don't have the upside of Coples.

Jacksonville could also target a playmaking wide receiver with this pick. However, they have a better chance of finding value via free agency. Players like Mario Manningham and Marques Colston are more proven than some of the prospects that will be available at this pick.

If the Jaguars make a big splash by signing Mario Williams this pick could very well be someone like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.

No. 8 Miami Dolphins

Pick: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Possible Impact Free Agent: Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne

The outcome of the Miami Dolphins pursuit of Peyton Manning will shape their draft strategy. Landing Manning will force the Dolphins to target players capable of increasing his effectiveness. Stanford's Jonathan Martin boasts the ability to immediately step in and help protect Manning.

Miami's offensive line is much more of an issue than their receiving corps, which features Brandon Marshall. There's also the likelihood of Reggie Wayne following Manning to Miami, which only increases the chances of them selecting Martin.

If the Dolphins miss out on Peyton their attention could turn to the defensive side of the ball. Their need for a pass rusher makes South Carolina's Melvin Ingram another option.

No. 9 Carolina Panthers

Pick: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Possible Impact Free Agent: Marques Colston and Brandon Lloyd

The Carolina Panthers solidified the direction of their offense by selecting Cam Newton last year. This now allows them to focus on improving the defensive talent. Boston College's Luke Kuechly can be to the defense what Cam Newton is to the offense. He's a talented and mature player who will immediately become a leader on the defense.

Carolina will likely put some focus this offseason on surrounding Newton with more weapons. However, adding a seasoned vet via free agency may be a better course of action. This would give Newton another mentor and someone to help his development.

No. 10 Buffalo Bills

Pick: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End/Linebacker, South Carolina

Possible Impact Free Agent: Jared Gaither, Demetrius Bell, Mario Williams and Vincent Jackson

The Buffalo Bills are another team with a wide range of needs that could be filled either through free agency or the draft. Heading into the offseason their top needs appear to be along the offensive and defensive lines. Their decision to switch to the 4-3 defense should make adding a pass rushing end one of their top priorities. South Carolina's Melvin Ingram's motor and quickness give him the ability to generate pressure.

Outside of Mario Williams, the free agency class lacks edge rushers with the potential of Ingram. This fact means the Bills are better off targeting free agents like Jared Gaither or Demetrius Bell to address their offensive line needs.

No. 11 Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Possible Impact Free Agent: Carl Nicks, Paul Soliai and Sione Pouha

Solidifying the interior of the offensive line should be one of the Kansas City Chiefs top offseason priorities. Owning the No. 11 pick puts them in prime position to add Stanford's David DeCastro. His toughness, football IQ and tenacity gives him the ability to step in and make an immediate impact.

Free agent Carl Nicks could change the direction of the Chiefs draft. He's the top free agent guard available and will likely receive some attention from Kansas City. His addition would allow them to target someone like Memphis' Dontari Poe. Poe's stock is soaring after an impressive combine workout and would be a nice addition to the Chiefs defensive line.

However, they could also target free agent nose tackles like Paul Soliai and Sione Pouha which would shift their draft focus back to DeCastro.

No. 12 Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker/Defensive End, Alabama

Possible Impact Free Agent: Mario Williams and Matt Flynn

The Seattle Seahawks must come out of this offseason with player capable of generating pressure on the quarterback. Alabama's Courtney Upshaw has a good combination of strength and quickness which allows him to employ a wide range of pass rushing moves. He's also versatile enough to play some linebacker and drop into coverage.

Selecting Upshaw becomes less of a need if the Seahawks are able to land someone like Mario Williams via free agency. If they add Williams look for the Seahawks to target someone like South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore to add depth to the secondary.

The Seahawks also figure to add a quarterback at some point during the offseason. They are currently making a strong push for Peyton Manning, but those efforts are falling short. If they fail to address this position via free agency Seattle could target Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill.

I currently have a third-round grade on Tannehill, but other evaluators like Todd McShay have him projected in the first round.

No. 13 Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Possible Impact Free Agent: Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne

The Arizona Cardinals are considered one of the favorites to land Peyton Manning. Adding Manning means the Cardinals must make a strong effort to improve the play of their offensive line. Last season this group allowed 54 sacks, an unacceptable number. Iowa's Riley Reiff possesses the quickness, balance and anchor needed to protect the quarterback.

If Arizona lands Peyton Manning they will likely also bring in Reggie Wayne. Both players will command a high salary which will limit the other moves Arizona can make via free agency. They aren't going to be able to find someone with Reiff's abilities with limited cap space.

Even if the Cardinals fail to land Manning they likely will still target help along the offensive line.

No. 14 Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Possible Impact Free Agent: Carl Nicks and Cortland Finnegan

The Dallas Cowboys secondary was one of the main reasons they failed to reach the playoffs last season. Starters Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins both failed to perform with consistency, and now face the possibility to becoming cap casualties. South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore's toughness, athleticism and ball skills will immediately improve the Cowboys secondary.

Even if Dallas signs someone like Cortland Finnegan in free agency they should still target a cornerback in the draft. The passing game continues to have an increased role in the NFL which makes having several capable covermen a necessity.

There's some speculation that the Cowboys will be strong players for Carl Nicks. His addition would remove David DeCastro as a possibility to land in Dallas.

No. 15 Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

Possible Impact Free Agent: Stephen Tulloch

The Philadelphia Eagles spent a lot of money upgrading several areas last year via free agency. However, they failed to address the linebacker position and it likely cost they a spot in the playoffs. The biggest issue the defense had was shutting down the running game, something that can be helped by adding some linebackers or defensive linemen. Memphis' Dontari Poe boasts the size and strength to help improve the Eagles run defense.

Boston College's Luke Kuechly would be the perfect addition for the Eagles, but in this mock he's already off the board. Kuechly's rising draft stock could force the Philadelphia to take an aggressive approach via free agency. Stephen Tulloch is the top linebacker available but it'll take a strong offer to pry him away from Detroit.

If the Eagles miss out on Tulloch it could force them to orchestrate a trade in order to ensure they land Kuechly.

No. 16 New York Jets

Pick: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Possible Impact Free Agent: Braylon Edwards and Vernon Carey

This offseason the New York Jets figure to face more big changes to their wide receiver corps. Santonio Holmes will be back but Plaxicco Burress will be moving on. This franchise needs to surround newly-extended Mark Sanchez with stability. There's no better way to accomplish this than bringing in an explosive wide receiver like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.

Adding Floyd gives Sanchez a young target he can work and develop alongside. Floyd will come in without having been subjected to last season's locker room nonsense, it's almost like a clean slate for Sanchez.

Bringing in a high priced free agent wide receiver wouldn't offer the same type of help, especially if that player is Braylon Edwards.

New York also needs help at right tackle which puts Georgia's Cordy Glenn in play. However, they could address this position via free agency with someone like Vernon Carey.

No. 17 Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)

Pick: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Possible Impact Free Agent: Michael Bush

The Cincinnati Bengals need to find a long term replacement for Johnathan Joseph, who signed with the Houston Texans last offseason. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick would make a nice addition in the Bengals secondary, opposite Leon Hall. He's a physical defender who loves to support the run and play close to the line of scrimmage.

Adding Kirkpatrick also bring some versatility, as some feel he might be a good fit at safety. Cincinnati needs help/depth at both cornerback and safety.

The Bengals free agency moves shouldn't impact their need for help in the secondary. This free agency class doesn't have a lot of top-level cornerback and safeties available.

No. 18 San Diego Chargers

Pick: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

Possible Impact Free Agent: Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson, Kendall Langford and Jared Gaither

The San Diego Chargers roster appears likely to be without several familiar faces next season. Kris Dielman, Marcus McNeil, Vincent Jackson and Luis Castillo all appear unlikely to return next season. Two of those loss come on the offensive line making this a priority area this offseason. Georgia's Cordy Glenn possesses the versatility to fill several spots along the line, which will be helpful for a team looking to fill multi holes.

San Diego is working to bring back Jared Gaither but he only fills one of the open spots. Bringing in Glenn gives the Chargers a possible replacement for Dielman at guard or at right tackle for Jeromey Clary.

Adding a pass rusher also sits high on the Chargers list of needs. They could target a big name free agent like Mario Williams or turn their attention to the draft. Illinois' Whitney Mercilus would be an option if the Chargers deem finding a pass rusher their top draft priority.

No. 19 Chicago Bears

Pick: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Possible Impact Free Agent: Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks, Marques Colston, Cortland Finnegan and Ben Grubbs

The Chicago Bears offseason priority should be to add an explosive wide receiver with good size. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill used a strong combine performance to significantly increase his draft stock. Bears' head coach Lovie Smith took some time this week to sit down and meet with Hill. This time of one on one time with the head coach means that Hill is receiving heavy consideration by Chicago.

If the Bears are able to land a free agent wide receiver like Vincent Jackson or Marques Colston it could change their direction in the draft. It would bring prospects like North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins, Ohio State's Mike Adams and Illinois' Whitney Mercilus into play.

No. 20 Tennessee Titans

Pick: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End/Linebacker, Illinois

Possible Impact Free Agent: Brandon Carr and Mario Williams

The Tennessee Titans are consider suitors for Mario Williams, who figures to command a lot of attention on the free agent market. Tennessee needs to come out of this offseason period with someone capable of consistently generating pressure on the quarterback. If they fail to land Williams, Illinois' Whitney Mercilus could be the answer.

Bringing in Williams would shift their focus to upgrading the secondary or wide receiving corps. This puts prospects like Baylor's Kendall Wright and North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins in play at this spot.

No. 21 Cincinnati Bengals

Pick: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Possible Impact Free Agent: Michael Bush

The Cincinnati Bengals have an excellent base of talent on the offensive side of the ball. However, continuing to add playmakers only gives quarterback Andy Dalton a better chance to succeed. A.J. Green showed last season that he's capable of becoming one of the top receivers in the NFL, but this also means he can expect increased double teams. Baylor's Kendall Wright boasts the speed needed to attack the deep part of the field and pull coverage away from Green.

Cincinnati also needs help at the running back position, where Cedric Benson faces an uncertain future with the team. This need puts prospects like Miami's Lamar Miller and Boise State's David Martin in play here at No. 21. However, signing a free agent like Michael Bush would allow the Bengals to go in a different direction with the pick.

No. 22 Cleveland Browns (from AtL)

Pick: Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Possible Impact Free Agent: Peyton Hillis, Matt Flynn and Mark Anderson

The Cleveland Browns biggest needs are on the offensive side of the ball, where this team really struggled to find consistency. Their offensive line has a few excellent pieces, like Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, but lacks balance. Ohio State's Mike Adams would be an excellent fit at right tackle, and as a backup option should Thomas get injured.

Adams ability to both protect the passer and open running lanes should improve the Browns offensive production. Whoever they have starting at quarterback and running back will be thankful to have such a well-rounded offensive line.

Running back prospects like Miami's Lamar Miller and Boise State's Doug Martin will get some consideration if Cleveland fails to resign Peyton Hills. Also, don't count out some of the top rated pass rushers as a possible option.

No. 23 Detroit Lions

Pick: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

Possible Impact Free Agent: Stephen Tulloch and Cortland Finnegan

The Detroit Lions secondary struggled to find consistency last season and played a big role in their early playoff exit. Chris Houston and Eric Wright are serviceable players, but possesses limited potential. North Alabama's Janoris Jenkins has the short area burst, instincts and ball skills to really excel in the Lions defense.

Stephen Tulloch's free agency could really shake up the draft plans in Detroit. If he finds a new team the Lions will be desperate to fill the void. This would make Alabama's Dont'a Hightower one of the top options for Detroit.

No. 24 Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Possible Impact Free Agent: Mike Wallace

Salary cap issues forced the Pittsburgh Steelers to allow Mike Wallace to hit free agency, although he was slapped with a first-round tender. Wallace's explosiveness and production will make him attractive to a lot of teams, especially those selecting late in the first round. His possible exit opens the door for South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery to land in Pittsburgh.

Jeffery's skills differ from Wallace's but he has the potential to be a top-notch NFL receiver. He brings excellent size to the table which makes him a great redzone threat. His addition would remind Steelers' fans of Plaxicco Burress.

No. 25 Denver Broncos

Pick: Fletcher Cox, Defensive Line, Mississippi State

Possible Impact Free Agent: Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Jeff Saturday

The Denver Broncos are making a strong play for Peyton Manning and are considered one of the early favorites. However, adding Manning would likely shake up the Broncos free agency plans rather than their draft focus. Signing former Indianapolis Colts Reggie Wayne and Jeff Saturday make more sense than drafting inexperienced players at those positions. This makes selecting a penetrating defensive tackle like Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox a likely scenario.

Cox's ability to quickly fire off the ball and work his way into the backfield is very disruptive. He would be a nice complement to the outside pressure brought by Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. A Broncos team with Peyton Manning and an improve defense could be very dangerous.

No. 26 Houston Texans

Pick: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Possible Impact Free Agent: Chris Myers

The Houston Texans face the real possibility of losing starting center Chris Myers to free agency. Teams like the Green Bay Packers are said to be considering adding Myers. Losing Myers would really impact the effectiveness of the Texans offense. He's one of the catalysts for the success of running back Arian Foster. Wisconsin's Peter Konz possesses the skill set needed to step in and immediately replace Myers.

Konz's size, strength and smarts give him the tools to develop into one of the leagues top centers. It also gives him versatility which means he could still be an option should the Texans resign Myers. However, if they bring Myers back look for offensive playmakers like Stanford's Coby Fleener and LSU's Rueben Randle to get consideration.

No. 27 New England Patriots (from NO)

Pick: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

Possible Impact Free Agent: Brandon Lloyd, Mario Williams Mark Anderson and Andre Carter

The New England Patriots must turn all their attention this offseason on upgrading the defense. This unit needs an infusion of talent at all levels. LSU's Michael Brockers is the type of versatile player Bill Belichick loves to coach. He's capable of lining up at several spot across the defensive line. Brockers brings both the ability to hold at the point of attack and penetrate the pocket.

New England isn't usually major players in free agency but could make some moves this offseason. Brandon Lloyd recently made it known that he would to play for the Patriots, something that seems realistic based on their needs. Others pegged New England as players in the Mario Williams sweepstakes. However, a few free agent signings shouldn't change their approach to the draft.

No. 28 Green Bay Packers

Pick: Nick Perry, Linebacker/Defensive End, USC

Possible Impact Free Agent: Chris Myers, Scott Wells and Kendall Langford

The Green Bay Packers defense took a step back this past season thanks to their struggles creating pressure on the quarterback. Clay Matthews production dropped from 13.5 sacks in 2010 to six last year. This drop occurred because of increased attention and the lack of another pass rush threat. USC's Nick Perry's quickness allows him to attack the edge and get after the quarterback.

This free agency class doesn't present many options for the Packers to address their pass rushing needs. They are going to have a hard enough time hanging on to their own free agents like center Scott Wells. His potential exit means that Wisconsin's Peter Konz might also be an option here.

No. 29 Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Line, Iowa State

Possible Impact Free Agent: Jarret Johnson and Ben Grubbs

The Baltimore Ravens' draft could be impacted by the potential free agency loss of Ben Grubbs, both sides are said to be very far apart. The loss of Grubbs would impact the Ravens ability to run the football, the backbone of their offensive attack. Iowa State's Kelechi Osemele's size and strength makes him an excellent run blocker. He's also a good athlete with quick feet and balanced movements. This means he could be a potential fit at tackle.

Baltimore may also lose starting linebacker Jarret Johnson, who expects to receive some attention from the Indianapolis Colts. His departure would make a versatile linebacker like Alabama's Dont'a Hightower an attractive option for the Ravens.

No. 30 San Francisco 49ers

Pick: Kendall Reyes, Defensive Line, Connecticut

Possible Impact Free Agent: Carlos Rogers

Justin Smith is one of the better defensive players in the NFL and a leader on the San Francisco 49ers. However, at the age of 32 he doesn't have many high-level years of performance remaining. The one thing that could help extend his career is the presence of depth. Connecticut's Kendall Reyes would be the perfect prospect to join the 49ers defensive line rotation.

Reyes does a good job both holding at the point of attack and working his way into the backfield. He's still raw but possesses a ton of upside. Surrounding him with someone like Smith will help him learn respect for the game and develop.

The 49ers might lose Carlos Rogers via free agency which force them to reach for a cornerback. Oklahoma's Jamell Fleming would be a good option late in the first round.

No. 31 New England Patriots

Pick: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

Possible Impact Free Agent: Brandon Lloyd, Mario Williams, Mark Anderson and Andre Carter

The backend of the New England Patriots defense was a real problem this past season. As a unit the secondary allowed nearly 300 passing yards per game. The defense needs to upgrade the talent level as well as the leadership. Alabama's Mark Barron boasts the experience and talent level needed to make an immediate impact in New England.

New England's pursuit of a pass rusher may alter this selection. They need to come out of this offseason adding a top-notch pass rusher. If they are unable to find a difference maker via free agency they could target someone like Clemson's Andre Branch, Syracuse's Chandler Jones or Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis. 

No. 32 New York Giants

Pick: Doug Martin, Running Back, Boise State

Possible Impact Free Agent: Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants are most effective when they have multiple running backs producing. Their recent decision to part ways with Brandon Jacobs means they will be in search of a complement to Ahmad Bradshaw. Boise State's Doug Martin doesn't possesses the physical size of Jacobs but is arguably a better runner between the tackles.

Martin's low center of gravity and constantly moving legs allow him to pick up yards after contact. He's not only a situation runner as he's more than capable of carrying the load. Bradshaw's injury history means the Giants need to have a very competent backup.