2012 NFL Mock Draft: Offensive Linemen Who Will Dominate the First Round

There's nothing sexy about offensive linemen, but their importance in the NFL can't be overstated. 

While Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III have dominated pre-draft talk, every true football fan knows that a quarterback is only as good as his offensive line.

That's why I'll be highlighting the best big men in this week's 2012 NFL mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This one has been a forgone conclusion since the Colts locked up the first overall pick.

At this point, Luck could sleep with Jim Irsay's wife, punch his favorite daughter in the face, burn down one of his houses, and he'd still be the No. 1 pick.

Luck is one of the most talented and NFL-ready quarterback prospects in league history. He won't make Colts fans forget about No. 18, but he'll provide them with a promising future.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins and Rams have agreed on a trade that would give Washington the No. 2 overall pick in exchange for three first-round picks and one second rounder. The league has yet to approve this deal, but I'd be shocked if Roger Goodell pulled a Stern on the Redskins. 

Washington desperately needs to put the Rex Grossman era behind them. RG3—the smooth-talking, ankle-breaking, bomb-throwing Heisman winner—would certainly rid Redskins fans of that sour taste in their mouth.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings need to bolster their offensive line, and Kalil is unquestionably the best option in the draft.

The 6'7", 300-pounder was dominant at USC and possesses every tool necessary to continue his success at the next level.

Young quarterback Christian Ponder spent way too much time on his back last season. He'll be giddy if the Vikings select Kalil.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Everyone loves Luck and RG3, but I'm convinced that Richardson will be the best player from this draft class.

He's big, fast and carries himself with a lovable nastiness on the field. He's one of the most violent runners I've ever seen, as evidenced by his destruction of Auburn on the play above.

The Peyton Hillis experiment in Cleveland was a disaster. Richardson would be the perfect replacement for the Browns.

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

The Bucs secondary is just awful, but luckily for them, Claiborne should still be available at No. 5.

The LSU product has everything you could ask for in a shutdown corner. He's physical, quick and has great instincts.

With a little help, Claiborne could turn Tampa into the defensive powerhouse they were a decade ago.

6. St. Louis Rams: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe has skyrocketed up draft boards after posting some monster numbers at the combine. The 346-pounder put up 44 reps in the bench press and ran a ridiculous 4.98 40-yard dash.

He's a little raw, but his potential is unlimited. If the Rams handle him properly, they'll have one of the best defenders in the league in a few years. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blaine Gabbert needs some more weapons if he's going to develop properly, and Blackmon is the best receiver in this class.

He doesn't have blazing speed, but his size, hands and route running are exceptional. He'll be a perennial Pro-Bowler for Jacksonville. 

8. Miami Dolphins: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples is a freak physically. He has some issues, but if his work ethic ever catches up to his talent, he'll be a dominant force in the NFL.

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Like Coples, Brockers is an absolute animal. He's a disruptive force in the middle of the line, and would fit in beautifully in Carolina.

10. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Bills are very interested in Whitney Mercilus of Illinois, but Upshaw is a proven product.  

He's a strong tackler with the speed to cover a wide range of the field. He didn't get a lot of headlines last season, but he was the key to Alabama's championship defense.

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

When it comes to knowledge of the linebacker position, Kuechly blows everyone else in this class away. He's a tackling machine with incredible instincts.

Last season, he racked up double-digit tackles in 11 of 12 games, including his ridiculous 23-tackle performance against Duke in September.

If the Chiefs paired him with Derrick Johnson, they'd instantly have one of the best linebacker duos in the league.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Seahawks need a quarterback, but I doubt they'll reach for Ryan Tannehill here. Instead, they should upgrade their D-line and make a strong push for Matt Flynn in the offseason.

Perry is the best defensive lineman available at this point. With his quickness and burst off the line, he'll be a major factor for Seattle.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals have multiple needs, but offensive line is the most glaring.

Martin was dominant last season, keeping all the speedy Pac-12 defensive ends off of Andrew Luck. He's big (6'5", 312 lbs), mobile and has a great understanding of the position.

If the Cardinals do manage to bring in Peyton Manning, they'll need someone to keep him on his feet. Martin is certainly capable of that.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Cowboys secondary is just terrible. They need upgrades at cornerback and both safety positions, so they'll go for the defensive back available.

At this point in the draft, that's the versatile safety from Alabama.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Eagles have plenty of talent, but they won't capitalize on their potential unless they upgrade at linebacker.

Hightower is a versatile defender who excels in both the run and pass. He'd be a great fit in Philly.

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Mark Sanchez could use another toy to play with, and with Blackmon off the board, Floyd is the best option.

Floyd ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, showing why he's one of the best big play threats from this class.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bengals need an upgrade in the secondary. And given their past problems with players with off-field issues, I doubt they'll go with Janoris Jenkins here.

Kirkpatrick has been falling down draft boards lately, but he would be a major steal at No. 17.

18. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff suffered a major setback at the draft, after measuring just 33.25 inches in arm length. This is a key measurement for offensive linemen, as it correlates directly to pass protection.

He will still be a good player at the next level, but he's no longer a top-10 pick.

19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jay Cutler is operating with next to nothing at the receiver position. Johnny Knox is solid, but Devin Hester, Roy Williams and Earl Bennett aren't cutting it.

I'm not totally sold on Jeffery, but Cutler could turn him into a great redzone weapon.

20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Mercilus only had one good year at Illinois, but his production was enough to get him into the first round.

The Titans desperately need someone to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and Mercilus is the best pass rusher available this late in the draft.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

With Cedric Benson entering free agency, the Bengals need to add a running back. Nevertheless, I think they'll resist the temptation to draft Lamar Miller, opting instead to bolster their O-line.

DeCastro was the best interior lineman in college football last season. After a strong combine (34 reps in bench press), it would be tough for the Bengals to pass on him here.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright is a dangerous big play threat. He's small (5'10", 195 lbs), but he's got elite quickness and elusiveness, a la Carolina's Steve Smith.

He'll be a good weapon for developing quarterback Colt McCoy.

23. Detroit Lions: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams was one of the major disappointments at the combine, putting up a measly 19 reps in the bench press.

Still, the Lions need some better protection for Matthew Stafford, and Adams is the best option at this point. He's a big dude with great mobility. If he gets stronger, he could be a force on the O-line.

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

Still is an animal in the middle of the defensive line. If the Steelers pick him up, they'll add another monster to their already scary defense.

25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

If the Broncos can't win the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, I think they'll add a quarterback here.

But if they do reel in No. 18, they'll address their paltry defensive line. Cox, with his size, speed and instincts, could be an All-Pro performer in a few years.

26. Houston Texans: Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

The Texans could use another wide receiver, but unless they trade up, they won't be getting one of the four first-round worthy receivers in this class.

Martin would fill a need for Houston, improving what is already one of the league's best defenses.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Patriots have plenty of options with their two late picks, but I expect them to beef up their defensive line. Adding the 6'3", 310-pound Worthy would do just that.

28. Green Bay Packers: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

The Packers secondary might be the worst in the league. If they're smart, they'll improve their pass defense by picking up the versatile Smith.  

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

The Ravens could look at a linebacker here, but with the top ones off the board, they'd be smart to find a replacement for Matt Birk.

Konz is the best center in the draft.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kelechi Osemele, G, Iowa State

Guards Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal are headed for free agency, so the 49ers will need to find a cheap, effective replacement.

Osemele has major potential and could end up being the best interior offensive lineman from this class.

31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Patriots made it to the Super Bowl, despite getting shredded by every decent passing attack in the NFL. They won't be as lucky next year.

If not for his extensive off-field issues, Jenkins would be a top-15 pick in this draft. The Patriots have taken on some troubled players in the past, so they should have no issue with adding Jenkins.

32. New York Giants: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

The Giants just released Brandon Jacobs, so they'll need to add another back. Ahmad Bradshaw is solid, but he's not capable of shouldering the entire load.

Miller would be a good addition for the champs. He's got blazing speed, posting an absurd 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine. He also proved that he could consistently produce at a high level in college.

I'd be surprised if the Giants pass on him here.