2012 NFL Draft: Projecting the Smartest Picks in the First Round

Perhaps the most interesting aspect about the NFL draft is every single selection can be a bust, eventual Hall of Famer or anywhere in between.

Therefore, it's extremely crucial that every pick be wisely chosen, as the investment of time and energy is of great cost to the franchise.

Here, we look at the smartest first-round picks in the 2012 draft.

Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB

The obvious choice here and despite entering a rebuilding period, the Indianapolis Colts are in a deja vu situation before the 1998 NFL draft.

After the 1997 season, the Colts finished 3-13 and held the No. 1 overall pick. At the time, Indy's quarterback situation was Jim Harbaugh (the aged vet), Paul Justin (the career-backup/starter) and Kelly Holcomb (the new guy).

In 2011, the Colts had Kerry Collins (the aged vet), Dan Orlovsky (career-backup/starter) and Curtis Painter (the new guy). Therefore, with Luck having the incredible tangible and intangible skill set like Manning, expect the Colts to draft him.

Of every selection in this draft, it's the smartest one.

Washington Redskins (via STL.): Robert Griffin III, QB

The Redskins have made some important offseason moves and doing so has to land them Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Put it this way: of anyone that will be available for Washington with the No. 2 overall selection (other than Andrew Luck if the Colts decide to pass on him), is there another player that could justify the Redskins moving up to that spot?

No.

There is no other option that is acceptable at No. 2 overall for Washington. The Redskins are desperate for a franchise quarterback, a position they have lacked since the days of Joe Theismann and one that has eluded them in recent years.

So, unless another campaign with Rex Grossman at the helm in in the works, don't expect anybody else but RG3 to Washington (unless the Colts pass on Luck).

Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB

We make the jump from Washington to Cleveland late in Round 1.

The Browns need a complement at linebacker for D'Qwell Jackson in their 4-3 front, as Cleveland ranked No. 30 against the run last season.

Defensive lineman Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard displayed potential, as both combined for 12.5 sacks and 114 tackles. Cleveland needs to shutdown the perimeter rushing attack, get additional outside pressure and simply add depth as well.

Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw is the perfect fit, as he made 104 tackles the past two seasons, but 32.5 were for loss. In addition, Upshaw recorded 16.5 sacks and forced six fumbles.

With great speed, knack for finding the ball and the consistency at making plays, the Browns with Upshaw create one of the league's best up-and-coming front sevens.

Not to mention, but it would take a lot of pressure off Joe Haden and the pass defense.

New England Patriots (via N.O.): Whitney Mercilus, DE

Along the defensive line, the New England Patriots are old and have a lack of depth. Mark Anderson has made the move to Buffalo and veteran Andre Carter remains on the market.

Bill Belichick is in the need of a guy who can quickly take the reigns as his next dominating force off the edge. 

Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus is just that guy.

Albeit a one-hit wonder for the Illinios, Mercilus recorded 16 sacks, 57 tackles (22.5 for loss), forced nine fumbles and had six additional quarterback hurries.

In New England, Mercilus would make a great complement to Rob Ninkovich and Vincent Wilfork in Belichick's 1-5-5 look.

Also, you can expect the man to occasionally sink into coverage, as Mercilus possesses the size and athleticism to develop more versatility.

Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE

Last season the Green Bay Packers recorded just 29 sacks, ranked dead last against the pass, dead last in total defense and allowed an average of almost five yards per rush.

To say the least, it was an extreme disappoint compared to the 2010 regulars season from a defensive perspective. The Packers led the league in interceptions, but after all, the team was challenged more often than not as their pass defense and pass rush were inconsistent.

Linebacker Clay Matthews needs a complement opposite of him, which is where USC's Nick Perry come in.

A reliably and consistent performer for the Trojans, Perry recorded nine sacks as a freshman and four sacks with two forced fumbles as a sophomore.

In 2011, Perry added 8.5 more sacks, forced three fumbles and made 54 tackles. Developing into a complete defender last year, Perry would improve the Packers run defense and pass rush.

In the pass-happy NFC North, having more than one stud pass-rusher is crucial to slowing opponents down.

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: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi 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: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan 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: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)
16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

John Rozum on Twitter.