2012 NFL Mock Draft: How Have the First Days of Free Agency Affected the Draft?

Since the 2012 NFL free agency period began earlier this week, there have been numerous changes in players signing with different teams.

All of this will have a direct impact on the 2012 NFL Draft—it's just a matter of how big an impact.

With that, let's take a look at how the first few days of free agency has, or will, determine Round 1 in late April.

Is It a Foregone Conclusion That the Redskins Select RG3 at No. 2 Overall?

Everyone knows about the Redskins trade with the St. Louis Rams and since then, Washington has added two decent receivers (Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan) through free agency, according to the Washington Post.

Is it now safe to fully anticipate that Washington will select Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall selection?

I'd say so. 

There's no reason for the Redskins to draft anyone else, unless the Indianapolis Colts fool everyone and take RG3 over Andrew Luck at No. 1.

Washington upgraded its receiving corps after making a big trade to move up just four spots—from No. 6 to No. 2.

Who else, other than RG3, could Washington justifiably draft at No. 2 overall this year (provided that Luck goes No. 1)?

No one.

Browns Could Improve Almost Anywhere, but Take Justin Blackmon at No. 4

The Cleveland Browns sit at No. 4 overall and for the most part, it doesn't matter who they draft, as long as trading down doesn't occur.

LSU's Morris Claiborne would provider a solid cornerback opposite of Joe Haden.

Last season, Cleveland may have ranked No. 2 against the pass, but the Browns also defended the second-least number of passes in the league.

Either Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Stanford guard David DeCastro would also fit here for Cleveland.

According to ESPN, running back Peyton Hillis is now with the Chiefs and the Browns released veteran guard Eric Steinbach.

Cleveland is not expected to consider free agent quarterback Matt Flynn, either.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

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The Browns aren't pursuing former Green Bay backup quarterback Matt Flynn and never exchanged contract proposals with his agent, a league source told The Plain Dealer.

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All that said, Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon is the best fit.

The Browns desperately need a receiver who can beat single coverage on a consistent basis, while also drawing double-teams. The Browns don't have a receiver capable of that which is a big reason why the passing game has suffered.

After Round 1, there are a few promising quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins and Brandon Weeden, so not pursuing Flynn isn't the worst of ideas.

At running back, a healthy Brandon Jackson is a solid No. 1 ball carrier and there's also some stud backs from Round 2 on such as LaMichael James, Doug Martin and Isaiah Pead.

Bills Still Go Defense at No. 10 to Help out Mario Williams and Co.

On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills landed the best defensive free agent in Mario Williams.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it's a big investment:

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Mario Williams' deal in Buffalo: six years, up to $100 million, including $50 million guaranteed.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2012"

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Now, the Bills can go a few different routes here, as the offensive puzzle is not yet complete.

Adding depth to the offensive line with Stanford's Johnathan Martin or taking a receiver like Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would suffice.

However, continuing to build their defense is what will get Buffalo ahead in the AFC East.

Right now, the offense is good enough to put up points. It's slowing down the New England Patriots that's most important.

With Williams in the front seven along with Marcell Dareus, Buffalo could take a gander at South Carolina's Melvin Ingram or Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick.

Either would work, as Buffalo ranked No. 19 against the pass and No. 28 against the rush last season. However, since Williams has already been added, sprucing up the secondary will upgrade the pass defense to the level of Buffalo's front seven.

Philadelphia Upgrades at Linebacker for Trent Cole

In 2011, the Philadelphia Eagles had arguably the most explosive offense as they ranked No. 9 in passing, No. 5 in rushing and gained an average of almost 400 total yards per game (ranked No. 4).

And yet, the Eagles began the year 1-4, were 4-8 through 12 games and then closed out on a four-game win streak to finish 8-8. Philadelphia finished 5-1 in the NFC East, including a sweep of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.

Defensively, Philadelphia accumulated a league-high 50 sacks (tied with Minnesota Vikings for first), but only ranked No. 16 against the run (allowed 112 rush yards per game).

Fortunately, the Eagles have stud defensive end Trent Cole for the long run.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Cole has received an extension:

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A source told Schefter that Cole's extension is worth $48.525 million, including $15 million guaranteed. The deal could be worth $55.25 million with escalators in the contract.

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With Cole continuing his dominance on the outside, Philadelphia can revert to the linebacker position, which cost them against the run and in defending the intermediate passing game last season.

Enter Boston College's Luke Kuechly, a player that recorded 532 tackles and seven interceptions in three seasons, while also defending a total of 17 passes.

The man can read the run, fill open lanes and has great field awareness when in coverage. A complete defender, Kuechly's instincts and preparedness are arguably his best attributes.

Monsters of the Midway Address Pass Defense

Courtesy of the Miami Dolphins, the Chicago Bears landed a No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall via trade on Tuesday, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.

Doing so allows the Monsters of the Midway to address their poor pass defense.

Despite having a solid cover corner in Charles Tillman and a promising safety in Chris Conte, the Bears ranked No. 28 against the pass and allowed an average of 254 pass yards per game.

Chicago was ranked No. 5 against the run, but that's partially because no one bothered to run against them, instead electing to target their horrendous pass defense. 

Thanks to Green Bay and Detroit, a pass-heavy offense has taken over the NFC North. 

At No. 19 in Round 1, the Bears can focus their attention to South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore who is flying under-the-radar because of other SEC corners like Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick.

Gilmore had seven picks, seven sacks, four forced fumbles, 181 tackles and defended 23 passes in three seasons with the Gamecocks. 

The Bears need a guy who can lock down in coverage and provide edge run support. Otherwise they're going to get worked by the Packers and Lions next fall.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Nick Perry, DE (USC)
2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
9. Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Melvin Ingram, LB (South Carolina)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)	31. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)

John Rozum on Twitter.