2012 NFL Mock Draft: Robert Griffin III and More Prospects Who Will Fail

One of the worst parts of being a first-round pick in the NFL draft is the scrutiny that these players are under from the time their name is called. No matter what they do, unless they turn into a Hall of Famer, they are likely to be labeled a failure. 

This year's class is filled with high-ceiling prospects who are going to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Few players can live up to that potential, which is why it is important to keep expectations in check. 

Here is our latest mock draft, with a special emphasis on the players that are most likely to end up failing their new franchise. 

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

Luck has all the pressure in the world on his right arm. Fortunately, he has the makeup and physical tools to handle anything that comes his way. 

2. Washington Redskins (via St. Louis 2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin might look the part of a starting NFL quarterback, but he has to prove he can handle playing in a pro-style offense. At Baylor, he always had to take snaps from the shotgun. 

The Redskins have done everything in their power to make sure that Griffin has help, signing Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. 

Plus, add to the pressure of being the No. 2 pick, the fact that the team traded three first-round picks to ensure they could get him, and you have a bust in the making. 

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

Kalil is as safe as any prospect in this draft, boasting the size, strength and technique to be a difference-maker right away. 

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon has erased any concerns about his speed with a sterling 4.4 40-yard dash. He will give the Browns their best receiver since Braylon Edwards was traded. 

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

Claiborne is the kind of defensive back that comes along once in a generation. He has the size, speed and physical style to wreak havoc on opposing wide receivers. 

6. St. Louis Rams (via Washington 5-11): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

There is no denying Brockers' talent when you watch him on tape, but there were times when he looked lost out there. Inconsistent performance in college does not bode well for long-term NFL success. 

One big thing that will hold Brockers back is the fact he doesn't get after the quarterback very well. He has the size and strength to be a monster in the middle, he just doesn't have very good technique up front. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Barron is an underrated playmaker in the secondary who will make the Jaguars defense significantly better right away. 

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

With Reggie Bush taking over as starting running back, the Dolphins need as much protection up front to get him holes to hit. 

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe's athleticism might end making him the best overall player in this draft class. 

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Mario Williams could change a lot of what the Bills do in the draft, but Coples' raw potential will make him too tempting to pass up. 

Unfortunately, it will be for naught, because he doesn't show the desire or passion to get any better than he already is. Some players are so naturally gifted they can get away with it, but they are few and far between. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is going to work as hard as anyone in the NFL to make sure he becomes a star.

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

Matt Flynn changes what this team will do. Upshaw gives them versatility, with the ability to play linebacker or defensive end. Seattle needs help at both spots. 

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro is one of the most versatile left guards in recent memory. He is a smart blocker against the run and pass, rarely getting overwhelmed by any situation. 

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

You want to root for Jenkins to succeed because of his natural ability on the field. The problem is everything else that comes with him. 

Jenkins is making the rounds, trying to convince everyone he is a changed man. He was a model citizen at North Alabama, so perhaps he has turned over a new leaf. 

The Cowboys certainly hope so, because they need all kinds of help in the secondary. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Cox gives the Eagles the size in the middle they so desperately crave.

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

Glenn is going to get the Jets back to being the power running team that they were when they made two consecutive AFC championship game appearances. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson. It would take something catastrophic for him to fail. 

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Ingram's biggest problem is that he is one-dimensional. He can get after the passer as well as anyone in this draft, but if you put a good offensive lineman on him, he is easy to stop. 

He uses all of his speed and none of his power, because he doesn't try to stop the run. He can get better, obviously, but he never showed it in college. 

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

Floyd is built like Justin Blackmon, but you can get him about 10-15 picks later. For a team that is still receiver hungry like the Bears, he will make a great value selection. 

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

With the Titans still figuring out what their quarterback situation is going to be, they can at least take solace in knowing they are going to get the edge-rusher they need. Branch is more effective against the run, but his speed gets him to the quarterback more than his raw skills say he should. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick's stock varies depending on who you ask. The biggest problem with him is that he doesn't read the quarterback or receiver well. 

Instead, he relies on his instincts and ability to make plays on the ball. Unless Kirkpatrick is the best athlete the cornerback position has ever seen—he isn't—it is going to be difficult for him to have long-term success. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Worthy makes the Browns a lot more formidable up front, and will help their stellar secondary get even better since they won't have to commit so many players to stopping the run. 

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Jonathan Martin, OG, Stanford

Offensive linemen don't get enough credit for being athletes, but Martin will show great athleticism, even on plays when it looks like he is beaten. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Steelers need offensive linemen, and are reportedly high on Adams. They are the only ones, because he has done nothing but look like a bust-in-the-making. 

Adams has had injury problems and inconsistent play on the offensive line. He does have the size to be a monster up front, but he doesn't often show it. 

If there was one franchise that can get the most out of Adams, it would be the Steelers. Good luck. 

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright may never be a star because of his speed, but the better-than-expected hands and ability to get the ball make him a possession receiver, at worst. With Peyton Manning coming to town, the Broncos need all the playmakers they can get. 

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin

Going through three quarterbacks last season will likely make the Texans look to upgrade the offensive line. Zeitler is a bit of a reach here, but not so crazy that the team can't justify it. 

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Hightower will step right in and be a star for a depleted New England linebacking corps.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

David is a solid prospect that will add depth behind Clay Matthews. 

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill has the size and speed to be one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL. He can be the next Mike Wallace, which is perfect for the Ravens' offense. 

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

After an offseason of acquiring big wide receivers, the 49ers will shore up their one weakness on defense with Dennard. 

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Nick Perry, DE, USC

Perry will join Hightower as part of the Patriots' emphasis on speed and pass-rushers from the defensive front seven. 

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Fleener is an underrated player in this draft, with the size and athleticism to be a red zone terror for the already-loaded Giants offense. 

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