2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Alshon Jeffery and Early-Round Receiver Steals

We know receivers like Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd are going in Round 1 of the 2012 NFL Draft. Perhaps even both in the top 10, along with other guys like Baylor's Kendall Wright thereafter.

But in Rounds 2 and 3, some impressive receivers will potentially be available and have the skill set to make a big impact this upcoming season.

And with pro football being so reliant on the passing game, we can expect quite a few receivers to be gone after the first few rounds.

Round 2: St. Louis Rams (From WAS), Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Despite still possessing first-round talent, it would be somewhat surprising if Alshon Jeffery wasn't available for Round 2. There, with their second pick in Round 2, Jeffery fits with St. Louis.

The Rams are desperate for a receiver who can stretch the field and need someone who can drive attention out of the box and away from running back Steven Jackson. The man still has a good three years left to remain as a No. 1 Brahma Bull, but it won't last without a presenting threat out wide.

And especially in the NFC West against teams like Seattle and San Francisco, who are excellent at stopping the run, being multidimensional is key.

One knock on Jeffery, though, can be his inconsistency; after gaining over 1,500 yards in 2010, he dropped to below 800 in 2011.

However, his quarterbacks consisted of Stephen Garcia and Connor Shaw. Not to mention running back Marcus Lattimore had his season cut short, so Jeffery was the Gamecocks offense the last half of 2011.

With great size, strength and leaping ability, Alshon will transition well into the pros.

Round 3: Miami Dolphins, Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers

Early in Round 3, Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu suits wells for the Miami Dolphins. With a new head coach and the potential of fielding a new quarterback under center, might as well get a receiver with great promise.

Through his first two years, Sanu had solid production, with 95 catches for over 1,000 yards and five touchdowns. He then went above and beyond expectations in 2011 with 115 catches for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns.

Sanu has good size at 6'2", 210 pounds and is a great intermediate route-runner, who, if anything, is quite reliable over the middle. Miami needs a guy who can widen a defense across the field and, by virtue of a balanced offense, set up the draw play and screens for Reggie Bush.

More of a possession receiver as his forte, Sanu can get yards after the catch, but could improve here as well. Provided that he develops more in this area, we will then see Sanu emerge as a solid No. 1 receiver.

Round 3: Baltimore Ravens, Greg Childs, Arkansas

If there's one receiver from a BCS school who's going under the radar, it's Greg Childs from Arkansas.

Despite only catching 21 passes for 240 yards as a senior in 2011, Childs had two solid years in 2009 and 2010 that combined for 1,556 yards on 94 receptions and 13 touchdowns. No, not extensive stats by comparison to other draft prospects, but the Razorbacks also spread the wealth.

Childs played alongside other standout receivers like Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and, when healthy, running back Knile Davis. In addition, Arkansas played a ridiculous schedule and had a new quarterback in Tyler Wilson.

At 6'3", 217 pounds, Childs had a good combine and even better pro day. The Ravens could snag him late in Round 3 as speedster Torrey Smith needs a complement with Anquan Boldin turning 32 years old next season.

In the red zone is where Childs will be most dangerous, as his size, body control and strength are obvious advantages. And after the AFC Championship game, Baltimore needs that reliability near the goal line.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)
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: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)	25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)	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 Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

John Rozum on Twitter.