2012 NFL Mock Draft: Robert Griffin and Polarizing Players Who'll Defy Critics

Isn't there always a player or group of players that get ripped apart by critics but still become one of the best players in the draft class? Just last year, Cam Newton had more than his share of doubters, but he proved to be worthy of the No. 1 pick.

He was a dynamic and polarizing performer for the Panthers last season, with 4051 passing yards and 21 TDs. Newton made routine highlight-reel plays, but he also displayed the poise and tools that have experts now excited about his future.

Who will be the high-profile prospect that proves their critics wrong?

Check out my latest mock draft with a spotlight on those players poised to make a similar statement: 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Luck is certainly high-profile, but even the biggest Peyton Manning supporters have few bad things to say about Luck.

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

What They Say:

Eric Stoner - Draft Breakdown

"

Can play very hurried and frenetic at times, and his pocket presence is average at best. Doesn’t feel blindside pressure well, and takes a lot of hits and sacks and is prone to giving up fumbles because of backside pressure. Can be indecisive in deciding whether to scramble or find someone downfield.

"

Cory J. Bonini - KFFL.com

Matt De Lima - FFtoolbox.com

"

That said, there are a lot of occasions where he bails out too quickly, takes his eyes off his receivers and runs. NFL coaches are really going to want him to keep his eyes downfield, even when scrambling in order to extend the play.

Many will want to compare Griffin to Cam Newton, but this isn't a fair assessment. Griffin is shorter and lacks the bulk that Newton has. He has very thin legs and arms. Griffin is, of course, quicker and more agile, but he doesn't have the body to handle the abuse of scrambling often and absorbing hits.

"

Griffin is perhaps the most popular player headed into the draft. He's won the Heisman trophy, he's set to appear on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA Football 13 and he wears Superman socks.

He sounds more like Cam Newton everyday. Newton won the Heisman in 2010. He is currently the leading vote-getter in the Madden 13 cover vote, and of course, he shows us the imaginary Superman emblem on his chest with every score.

Many of the same things that are being said about RG3 were said about Newton. 

Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly obviously didn't think much of Newton. Listen to the barrage of negative comments he had for the Pro Bowler:

"

Worked exclusively out of the gun and was very quick to run at the first flash of coverage. Limited field vision — does not process the passing game. Inconsistent throwing mechanics with a flick delivery — generates all of his power from his upper-body strength and too often arms the ball. Streaky passer with spotty accuracy. Makes his receivers work hard and throws into coverage.

Does not spin a tight spiral. Very disingenuous — has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law — does not command respect from teammates and always will struggle to win a locker room.

Only a one-year producer. Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness — is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable.

"

Wow...this type of criticism is exactly what drove Newton last year, and what will continue to drive him in 2012. The same can be said for RG3. He hears the critics saying what he can and can't do.

He knows they believe his 4293 yards and 37 TDs last year have a lot to do with system, blah, blah, blah.

Every one of those critics will be proven wrong.

RG3 will be one of the game's most dynamic players immediately, and one of its best QBs in three years. 

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Nobody takes pictures of O-linemen, but skill players don't get face time without their work. Kalil is the best of the grunts.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, HB, Alabama

Richardson is the most polarizing player from the national champions' roster and the most pro ready of any prospect. 

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

Even with Eric Wright added, the Bucs can still improve in the secondary.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

What They Say

Matt De Lima - fftoolbox.com

"

If not in the mix early, he can lose focus and not sell out on routes. He could improve after the catch and needs to be more violent when he secures the ball in order to break tackles and get free.

There are concerns to his game; in particular, he's not fast. The easy comparison right now is Michael Crabtree. Sure, Crabtree was a Top 10 pick, but he still has not lived up to those expectations (even with the recent 49ers' success). Blackmon could see his draft stock take a tumble if teams feel he can't separate, whether it is due to his average speed or imprecise route-running.

"

Blackmon is quite high profile, but he shut down most of the speed concerns at his pro day. He ran in the 4.4's, but scouts warn that Oklahoma State has a fast track. Even with that, he's fast enough to be safe here. 

At one time, it appeared he may get treated as Anquan Boldin was in 2003. Boldin ran a subpar 40 at the combine and his stock fell.

Blackmon didn't run, so the doubts about his speed grew larger. Now with some point of reference to better than average speed, Blackmon has solidified his place in the top eight.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

With Blackmon gone, Jags won't reach for Michael Floyd. Ingram still has great upside.

8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Fins will go with Matt Flynn or Alex Smith as their QB, so this will be a defensive pick.

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

I still believe Coples is destined to stay in North Carolina for his pro career.

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

The Bills made a huge splash by inking DE Mario Williams in free agency. I waffled here between taking the potentially awesome Dontari Poe and Upshaw. Upshaw fits the need, but Poe has a chance to be truly special.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Dontari Poe, Memphis

Will Buffalo and a few other teams be kicking themselves in two years? I'm not sure, but Poe would be an excellent addition to Chiefs defense.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

What They Say

Scouts, Inc - ESPN.com

"

has limited game experience at the position and his rawness shines through as a decision maker at times. Forces too many throws into coverage at this point. Competitive edge gets the best of him and will try to make plays that aren't there when under duress which can lead to costly mistakes. Needs to learn the value of ball security and when to throw it away and fight for another down.

"

Matt De Lima - fftoolbox.com

"

On deep balls, there just isn't much accuracy and he seems to be aiming or guiding his long throws, rather than just letting it rip.

"

Much of what is said about Tannehill is founded. There is no denying his lack of experience. He was only a full-time QB his last year at College Station. The 15 INTs as a senior is a lot on that level for someone who is considered an elite player potentially.

Tannehill has Tebow-level desire and he will do whatever it takes to make a play or win a ball game.

He has elite competitiveness and the will to get better. Neither of those traits should be overlooked.

Anytime a QB is a converted WR, he has to endure the pressure to return to WR as a pro. Tannehill seems determined to stay under center, and because of his ability to read defenses and compete, he will be successful.

He is a great athlete and ran a very respectable 4.6 at the scouting combine.

His mobility and increased understanding will result in a solid pro QB.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff slips a bit, and with Arizona committed to Kevin Kolb now, I expect they'll look to protect him even more.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

What They Say

NFL Future

"

With Jenkins' skill set one would have to believe he would have been a top 10-15 CB without all the off-the-field issues.  He will have a rough go of selling himself to NFL evaluators given the number of instances of indiscretions.

"

NFL Draft Geeks

"

Major character concerns. Dismissed from University of Florida

Numerous Marijuana related arrests. Been involved in multiple fights off the field. Suspended at North Alabama for throwing a punch

Overall intelligence, on and off the field is a concern

Plays flat footed too often. Always looking for the big play, gambles too much

"

Jenkins has sick anticipation, great speed, great ball skills and he tackles well for a cornerback. He had 10 INTs in his college career from Florida to North Alabama.

No one doubts Jenkins' talent or ability to compete on an NFL level. His lack of maturity and good intentions as a human being are what create doubt about his overall ability to succeed.

Jenkins is in a rough place. He has four children already, and the pressures of fatherhood along with fighting previous vices will be tough. He will either grow up, face those challenges and succeed or crash and burn.

I'm voting and praying for the former. Everybody needs a second, and sometimes third and fourth chance. Ultimately, I think Jenkins will get it right. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Run defense is first on Philly's docket. With Poe off the board, Eagles help the second level with Kuechly.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, OLB/DE USC

The Jets need some bite to their pass rush and Perry is the best available pass-rusher.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

I love this pick for the Bengals. Miller is an underrated prospect because of his versatility.

18. San Diego Chargers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Robert Meachem fills the WR void left by Vincent Jackson. DeCastro strengthens interior O-Line.  

19. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Bears continue a strong offseason by filling a big need at LT.

20. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

I still believe the Titans will win the Peyton Manning derby. Glenn helps the overall protection and run game in front of the future Hall of Famer.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bengals need corners and Kirkpatrick is one of the draft's best.

22. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Cleveland needs weapons for whoever they place under center.

23. Detroit Lions: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Hosley has big-time speed, and with losing Wright, they have a bigger need at cornerback.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Say hello to the new James Harrison, minus the helmet-to-helmet fines.

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

After missing out on Manning, the Broncos will continue to build a Tebow-friendly squad. It's about defense and the running game at this point.

26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill could be the steal of the draft after his great combine performance.

27. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore is a great get for the improving Patriots defense.

28. Green Bay Packers: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Scott Wells looks to be headed out of Green Bay. This is a great replacement.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Hightower gets a chance to learn from the G.O.A.T.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

Randle made a nice account of himself at the combine. 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, OLB/DE, Illinois

The Pats add another piece to the 2012 AFC Champions.

32. New York Giants: Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Giants start rebuilding their backfield.