NFL Draft 2012: The Non Flashy, but Must-Have, Picks of the 1st Round

Oftentimes it's the non-sexy, non-flashy, almost boring first-round draft picks that become the most vital players on their NFL teams. 

Nick Mangold was picked by the New York Jets at No. 29 overall in 2006. He's been an All-Pro in each of the last three seasons. The San Francisco 49ers made Joe Staley the 28th pick the following year. He was named to the All-Pro team in 2011. Ben Grubbs was the selection immediately following Staley. 

Even first-round defensive linemen that didn't initially create a major fanbase stir like Vince Wilfork (2004) and Chris Long (2008) have played significant roles on their teams during their careers. 

These are the prospects in the 2012 draft class that don't come with a ton of glitz and glamor but will become critical aspects on the teams that draft them. 

Matt Kalil, OT, USC 

Being most likely selected between Robert Griffin III and either Trent Richardson or Justin Blackmon, Kalil's name being called will be far from sexy. 

However, he's precisely what the Minnesota Vikings need at this stage of their rebuilding process. 

With the team being fully committed to 2011 first-round pick Christian Ponder at quarterback, they need to create an environment conducive to success. 

Kalil's the premier left tackle in this class and was an extremely reliable blindside protector for Matt Barkley last season at USC. 

He's got everything you'd want in a franchise left tackle and will be a solid professional. 

Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

LSU's defensive lineman Michael Brockers made his splash when he entered the draft as a redshirt sophomore. He instantly jumped into the top 15 in many draft expert's eyes. 

Dontari Poe of Memphis saw a considerable jump after a Herculean effort at the combine, in which he ran a sub-5.0 40-yard dash. 

Lost in the defensive linemen mix has been Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox. 

He's one of the more athletic defensive trenchman in this class and was utilized at every defensive line position last year for the Bulldogs. 

Cox is about as well-rounded as they come. 

He had 56 tackles (14.5 for a loss) and five sacks in 2011. 

This Mississippi State star will be a key cog on someone's defense for quite a while. In my most recent mock draft, I have him headed to the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz is the best center prospect in this this year's class, but in terms of interior offensive line prospects, he's been overshadowed by Stanford's David DeCastro. 

However, Konz was the anchor on one of the most devastating rushing attacks in college football last season and at 6'5'' and 315 pounds, has mammoth size for a center. 

Due to the Scott Wells' free-agency departure, the Green Bay Packers have a void in the middle of their offensive line. 

Konz, a hometown kid, would be the most ideal selection at No. 28 overall. 

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