2012 NFL Mock Draft: Robert Griffin III and Best Bets to Overshadow Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck, the expected No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, is one of, if not the most heralded draft prospect in the last 10 years. For two years running he's topped nearly every draft board, and in about six weeks he'll likely be the first name called by Roger Goodell.

The draft is not the end, though, it is only the beginning, and Luck will have plenty stars from his rookie class to compete with as the top player in that draft class. Some players even have a chance to overshadow Luck when all is said done.

Who are these players? You don't have to look far. 

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

Luck certainly can't overshadow himself, can he?

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

RGIII is easily the most obvious choice. He plays the same position, won the 2011 Heisman Trophy over Luck, is even getting attention as the potential No. 1 overall pick over Luck, will be drafted only one spot after Luck and forced a team to trade three first-round picks and a second-round pick just for the chance to draft him.

What more do you need to know? These two will forever be linked.

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

Kalil could become an elite tackle, but will never overshadow Luck.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson is an interesting prospect to overshadow the No. 1 pick. He's arguably the most NFL-ready player in the draft (if he's not, he's tied with Luck) and should make an immediate and noticeable impact as rookie in 2012.

Not only can he do it, but he's arguably the most complete back to hit the league since Adrian Peterson.

Outside of RGIII, Richardson has the best chance to overshadow Luck.

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

As good as Mo is, the only way he overshadows Luck is routinely picking him off every time they face off. Even then it wouldn't last too long.

6. *St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Could Justin Blackmon overshadow Luck? Yes. Will he? Temporarily, at best.

Blackmon could come in and star wherever he goes immediately, but ultimately Luck will get the best of the Oklahoma State receiver.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Unless Coples really is the next Julius Peppers he has no shot of overshadowing Luck.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Tannehill brings up another interesting debate, but he may never be the quarterback Luck already is today and his athleticism isn't much better than Luck's is now.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram will good, but won't overshadow the top pick.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Same with Reiff, but he'll help the Bills immediately.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Very interesting player who could earn a lot of praise for skills, but not on the level of a quarterback.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

This guy could generate a lot of buzz, similar to that of a Von Miller (although Upshaw's not nearly as athletic), and should be an immediate impact player. So will Luck though.

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

He'll make a solid difference for the Cardinals porous offensive line, but he'll only be talked about as a guy that used to protect Andrew Luck in college.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Same thing applies for DeCastro, although he can make a huge difference to the Cowboys line.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Will be a good-to-great player regardless of where he goes. As far as quarterbacks and middle linebackers go, he could one day be good enough to be in the same difference-making categories as Luck.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The big, versatile lineman will make an impact, but not on a Luck level.

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

Kirkpatrick has elite potential and could one day be one of the best in the NFL.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The USC pass-rusher is a hit-or-miss on all levels.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The former Golden Domer has the potential to be one of the best receivers in football. Some think he'll have trouble separating, but he ran well in Indianapolis and has the frame to absolutely dominate. Depending on where he goes, it wouldn't be shocking to see him make a lot of noise.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

A ton of versatility, but hardly going to be uttered in the same sentences as Andrew Luck.

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

If Miller rounds out on his elite potential there is no telling how good he could be. He's a dark horse to be one of the draft's best.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

RGIII's top weapon is going to be dangerous, but never elite.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Jenkins has Asante Samuel-like potential written all over him, but he'd never completely overshadow a player like Luck.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

If Hightower was more complete there would be a chance for him to a true game-changing inside linebacker. Still, he'll be an impressive downhill player.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

A run-stopping player is important, but will never get a ton of publicity.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Crimson Tide safety will be a solid player, but never elite.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

This guy has elite potential, but will he ever reach it?

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Good looking prospect who will fit in well with the Pack.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Massive interior lineman will help bring stability to a line that needs some in the middle.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The signing of Randy Moss may actually be even more incentive to land Jeffery. With his potential, learning from one of the best could turn into something special.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

Rising prospect helps Pats' front line immediately.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Giants will take best available possible here. Anyone that could possibly overshadow Luck is not something they're looking for anyway.

*Rams trade No. 2 overall pick to Redskins for 2012, 2013, 2014 first round picks and 2012 second round pick.