2012 NFL Mock Draft: How Free Agency Affects Each Team's 1st-Round Pick

The 2012 NFL free-agency period has already affected this year's NFL Draft through the first days of the offseason.

Both the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made major splashes on the first day of free agency.

How will it affect the top five picks of the draft?

Here is another edition of a 2012 NFL Mock Draft: free-agency edition.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.

1. Indianapolis Colts, QB Andrew Luck

The Indianapolis Colts parted with Peyton Manning in favor of Stanford standout Andrew Luck.

This decision was speculated for months, but came to fruition last week.

Luckily, the Colts re-signed Reggie Wayne, which should make Luck's rookie campaign less difficult.

2. Washington Redskins ( Via St. Louis Rams)- QB Robert Griffin III

The Washington Redskins completed a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Rams last week in order to select quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Griffin seems to be a perfect fit for Mike Shanahan's offense, and could flourish early on in his career.

Dan Snyder is making sure Griffin III is supplied with speed receivers who can make an impact down the field.

Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan highlight the early moves for the Redskins.

3. Minnesota Vikings, OL Matt Kalil

The free-agency period hasn't impacted the third overall pick, which is held by the Minnesota Vikings.

It is clear that the Vikings need to reestablish a young and strong offensive line.

Quarterback Christian Ponder needs better protection on his blindside. Matt Kalil is clearly the best offensive lineman in the draft, and won't fall past the third pick.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars ( Via Cleveland Browns), CB Morris Claiborne

The Cleveland Browns have spoken about the possibility of trading down. With Morris Claiborne on the table, there is no question that the Jaguars will select the talented LSU cornerback.

With the signing of Laurent Robinson, the Jaguars need to take the best overall talent available.

Claiborne is the best overall cornerback in the draft, and the Jaguars will upgrade on the secondary that needs improvement.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Trent Richardson

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have significantly improved the new offense under Greg Schiano.

Vincent Jackson is the perfect No. 1 receiver and vertical threat, while Carl Nicks will help with the new running schemes.

Schiano won't pass up the opportunity to draft Trent Richardson, who is an elite prospect and clearly the best running back in the draft.

If he appears to end up recovering well from his minor knee surgery, this pick is a no-brainer.

6. St. Louis Rams:( Via Washington Redskins), WR Justin Blackmon

The St. Louis Rams have been active early in free agency, signing cornerback Cortland Finnegan to a blockbuster deal.

This deal reunites Finnegan with his former coach, Jeff Fisher.

Now, it's time to provide Sam Bradford with more offensive talent. Justin Blackmon edges out Michael Floyd as the best overall receiving prospect.

The potential is there for him to be an explosive receiver, and he could shine under Fisher's offense.

7. Cleveland Browns ( Via Jacksonville Jaguars), WR Michael Floyd

The Cleveland Browns have not been active in free agency despite glaring weaknesses at wide receiver.

Michael Floyd's draft stock has increased through the combine, and he''ll likely be selected in the top 10.

Floyd has shown the speed and strength to be a good receiver in the AFC North.

8. Miami Dolphins, DE Nick Perry

The Miami Dolphins are in serious pursuit of quarterback Peyton Manning. Despite the need for an offensive lineman, there is a strong possibility of Jeff Ireland waiting until the second round to upgrade a position that is deep in this year's draft.

Though the Dolphins' defense doesn't appear to have any major weaknesses, another pass rusher could be used alongside Cameron Wake.

Nick Perry has been highly regarded by many draft experts, and has risen on many team's draft boards.

He would be a good fit alongside Wake.

9. Carolina Panthers, DT Dontari Poe

The Carolina Panthers have been quiet early on in free agency. However, the defense certainly can use some addressing.

With an improvement needed on the defensive line, the Panthers will target defensive tackle Dontari Poe.

Poe had an impressive combine and will be rewarded with a rookie contract due to his efforts.

The Panthers will be a young team on the rise in the NFC South.

10. Buffalo Bills, DE Quinton Coples

The Buffalo Bills are heavily pursuing All-Pro defensive end Mario Williams. As of now, there is no guarantee that he will join the Bills, who will wait for him to complete his visits.

If Williams isn't signed, Quinton Coples could be the expected target of the Bills. 

His athleticism as a defensive end will warrant him a high selection, and the Bills are the team that pulls the trigger.

11. Kansas City Chiefs, OL Riley Reiff

The Kansas City Chiefs have shown some activity in free agency, but have not been able to find any upgrades on the offensive line.

Matt Cassel does need improvement from his offensive line, and it starts with the tackles.

Riley Reiff is a good product of Kirk Ferentz, who coached him well while at Iowa.

12. Seattle Seahawks, DE Melvin Ingram

The Seattle Seahawks have been busy trying to find a new quarterback through free agency.

Pete Carroll wanted to make an upgrade on the defensive line through the draft.

Melvin Ingram produced multiple great seasons while at South Carolina, and has the potential to be a fearless pass rusher.

13. Arizona Cardinals, OL Jonathan Martin

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the four teams that are still in the running for Peyton Manning.

Head coach Ken Whisenhunt needs to sell to Manning the idea that they will improve the weak offensive line.

Jonathan Martin did a wonderful job of protecting Andrew Luck at Stanford, and will be an immediate starter once he returns to Arizona.

14. Dallas Cowboys, G David DeCastro

The Dallas Cowboys made the big splash in free agency by signing cornerback Brandon Carr to a new deal.

Now, Jerry Jones must focus on the offensive line. David DeCastro stands out among the young, talented guards in this year's draft.

He will provide an improvement in protection for Tony Romo.

15. Philadelphia Eagles, LB Luke Kuechly

The Philadelphia Eagles have been busy locking up their young offensive players to extensions.

Now, they need to address the linebacker position through the draft. The Eagles' defense lacks a linebacker that can be a consistent run stopper in the middle of the defense.

Luke Kuechly impressed scouts at the combine, and has the intelligence and intensity to be a leader of a defensive unit.

16. New York Jets, S Mark Barron

The New York Jets have been quiet in free agency, as the only major move that has been made was extending Mark Sanchez.

There are weaknesses in the secondary and offensive line, and Rex Ryan will make it a priority to upgrade the safety position.

Mark Barron was one of the many defensive pieces that helped Alabama win a national championship.

17. Cincinnati Bengals, G Cordy Glenn

The Cincinnati Bengals did have the opportunity to spend their open cap space on an elite guard.

However, Mike Brown seems intent on addressing their needs through the draft.

Cordy Glenn has skyrocketed on teams' draft boards, and won't fall past the Bengals at 17th overall.

Andy Dalton should continue to develop with the improvement in pass protection.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers ( Via San Diego Chargers), DT Michael Brockers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, just like many elite teams, continue to take the quiet route during free agency.

Instead, they spend their time towards drafting elite players, especially when players like Michael Brockers falls down the first round.

There is no question the Steelers will pull off this trade with the San Diego Chargers. After cutting Casey Hampton, the Steelers will continue to keep the defense an elite unit.

19. Chicago Bears, OT Mike Adams

The Chicago Bears must address the offensive line, which has been an issue for years.

They made a wise decision by trading for Brandon Marshall and reuniting him with Jay Cutler.

Now, it's time to find men that can protect Cutler.

Mike Adams could be a bit of a reach, but he showed enough potential at Ohio St. to warrant the first-round selection.

20. Tennessee Titans, CB Dre Kirkpatrick

The Tennessee Titans entered the Peyton Manning sweepstakes late in the process, and have gotten the opportunity to speak with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

However, cornerback Cortland Finnegan left town to reunite with head coach Jeff Fisher.

They can find his replacement in Dre Kirkpatrick, who is overall the second best cornerback prospect in the draft.

After playing on a Nick Saban team, he knows the importance of being on a team that wants to win now.

He is a good fit for a team coached under Mike Munchak. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals, RB Lamar Miller

The Cincinnati Bengals allowed Cedric Benson to enter free agency. Clearly, it is evident that the Bengals want to build a complete offense in order to allow Andy Dalton to reach his potential.

Lamar Miller has risen on recent draft boards, and is considered by many as the best running back in the draft behind Trent Richardson.

He is a good combination with Bernard Scott, who will get a bigger role in the offense next season.

22. Cleveland Browns, QB Ryan Tannehill

The Cleveland Browns will use their second first-round pick on quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

There has been speculation that Tannehill could potentially land to the Browns at fourth overall.

However, it seems less and less likely that will happen. And with Tannehill only drawing first-round grades from a few teams, Tannehill could drop to the end of the first round.

He will have a year to learn the Pat Shurmur offense as he waits for his opportunity to become the starting quarterback.

23. Detroit Lions, OLB Courtney Upshaw

The Detroit Lions need to focus on drafting overall talent on the defensive side of the football. With the top cornerback and offensive line prospects gone, the Lions will address the linebacker position.

Courtney Upshaw benefited from playing on an excellent Alabama defense, and has been valued as a first-round draft selection.

Jim Schwartz likes his linebackers, and Upshaw will be the latest addition to the young Lions defense.

24. San Diego Chargers ( Via Pittsburgh Steelers), DE Alan Branch

The San Diego Chargers have been active early on in free agency, signing Robert Meachem and pursuing Eddie Royal.

However, there is not much depth along the defensive line, and Andre Branch can make an impact early on in his career.

Branch can be a factor within the defensive rotation in his rookie season. He can bring pressure off the edge and be able to attack the quarterback no matter where he is on the defensive line.

25. Denver Broncos, DT Fletcher Cox

The Denver Broncos are shockingly still in the hunt for Peyton Manning, and have a great opportunity to sign the former Colts quarterback.

John Fox wants to continue building his defense into an elite unit. With a need at the defensive tackle position, Fletcher Cox could develop into a solid NFL starter under Fox.

The Broncos are getting great value this late in the first round by drafting Cox.

26. Houston Texans, DT Devon Still

The Houston Texans is another contender that has been quiet in free agency.

They are counting on their draft to be the future stones of this franchise. Wade Phillips' defense is in need of a game-changing defensive tackle, which is crucial in today's NFL.

Devon Still's size and strength makes him a formidable defender. In his rookie season, he will already be a dominant force against the run, making the Texans defense even stronger than last season.

27. New England Patriots ( Via New Orleans Saints), DE Chandler Jones

The New England Patriots continue to take the silent approach during the early days of free agency.

Their best bet is to continue building the defense through the draft, specifically the defensive front.

Chandler Jones has been viewed as a first-round talent since announcing that he would enter the NFL Draft after a good career with the Syracuse Orange.

Jones can easily learn from the veteran leadership led by Vince Wilfork.

28. Green Bay Packers, OT Zerbie Sanders

The Green Bay Packers must add more depth to the offensive line, which has disappointed Aaron Rodgers at times.

Injuries, specifically to Chad Clifton, could potentially hold back the team from winning more championships if the position isn't improved.

Zerbie Sanders was a very physical lineman while at Florida St, and will likely find his way into the mix next season.

29. Baltimore Ravens, ILB Dont'a Hightower

The Baltimore Ravens have let many veteran players, including Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding, sign with other teams.

Ben Grubbs could potentially be on the move to, but the Ravens will use the later rounds to address the offensive line.

There are now multiple holes at the linebacker position, which could propel the Ravens to select Dont'a Hightower.

Not only could Ray Lewis mentor his replacement, but Hightower could potentially contribute at one of the other linebacker positions.

Besides, it's the Alabama connection, which means a lot to general manager Ozzie Newsome.

30. San Francisco 49ers, DT Jerel Worthy

The San Francisco 49ers are focusing on offense early on in free agency by signing Randy Moss and targeting Mario Manningham.

That doesn't leave much improvement for the 49ers defense, which was one of the elite units in the NFL last season.

In this case, you take the best player available. Jerel Worthy is a bonafide pass rusher who could be a great starter years down the line.

For now, while getting opportunities on third downs, he can be mentored by Justin Smith and the other veterans on the 49ers defense.

31. Indianapolis Colts (via New England Patriots), Peter Konz

The Indianapolis Colts won't allow Peter Konz to fall out of the first round.

With a new quarterback in place, the Colts need to provide a good offensive line for their rookie quarterback.

Konz has the potential to play either as a center or guard. His ability to play multiple positions makes him a prospect that is worthy of their second pick in the draft.

32. New York Giants, CB Stephon Gilmore

The defending champions filled their biggest offensive need in free agency by signing tight end Martellus Bennett from the Dallas Cowboys.

Now, the Giants can focus on upgrading a secondary that was affected by many injuries last season. Stephon Gilmore has emerged onto the scene as a first-round talent, and has received good grades from many scouts.

For the most part, the Giants will be quiet as usual during free agency and build their roster through the draft.