2012 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Projections for Entire First Round

Less than a month until the 2012 NFL draft, April for the most part will be rather calm until its final weekend

March was filled with free agency and pro days galore, so the next month won't be much more than to anxiously await the draft itself.

To that end, here is an updated first-round mock in full.

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

Although he's a defensive-minded head coach, Chuck Pagano saw a pro-style system when in Baltimore, and for 13 years from 1998-2010, the city of Indianapolis saw how that kind of offense is developed.

In three seasons at the helm for Stanford, Andrew Luck ran a pro-style offense to a T. With a 71.0 completion percentage and 69 touchdowns to just 18 picks between 2010 and 2011, Luck is the perfect fit for Indianapolis.

The Colts and Jim Irsay once again have that opportunity to build around a No. 1 overall selection at quarterback. Therefore, they must remain with what history has proven to be successful.

2. Washington Redskins: (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

Making some important moves this offseason via trades and free agency, the Washington Redskins have no other player they could justifiably select at No. 2 overall.

That is, unless our nation's capital has a craving for more Rex Grossman. So, with their first legit franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann, Robert Griffin III provides much hope after having won the Heisman Trophy and finished 78 career passing touchdowns to only 17 interceptions.

Not to mention Griffin can run when needed, as evidenced bye more than 2,200 rush yards, including 33 touchdowns.

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

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings allowed 49 sacks and ranked No. 28 in passing offense, averaging just 184.8 pass yards per game.

Additionally, Vikings quarterbacks combined for seven fumbles and 17 interceptions. Regardless of how stellar a receiving corps may be, any passing game will struggle without pass protection.

Matt Kalil will definitely provide Christian Ponder more time in the pocket and his targets to develop the routes. The next step is actually getting Ponder a standout No. 1 receiver to help set up the running game.

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

Perhaps the most interesting spot to be in for the 2012 draft, the Cleveland Browns can go multiple directions here.

Morris Claiborne would be a great complement to Joe Haden, and Trent Richardson would take a lot of pressure off the passing game. However, the Browns would still lack a passing game, so they're basically splitting hairs either way.

Trading down is also possible, but catching Justin Blackmon is arguably the best fit. In 2011, Colt McCoy had more than 2,500 passing yards with 14 touchdowns to just nine picks in 12 games.

Considering he had one of the NFL's worst receiving corps, he'll certainly exceed expectations with Blackmon.

The nation's best receiver, Blackmon is the elite playmaker Cleveland has been missing for quite some time.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

With Vincent Jackson out wide and guard Carl Nicks helping pave the way to better running lanes, the Buccaneers need a back who is consistently reliable.

Trent Richardson makes Tampa Bay a complete offense. LeGarrette Blount may have led the Bucs in rushing, but he finished the final five weeks with just 137 yards on only 46 attempts.

Tampa Bay has a franchise quarterback in Josh Freeman. With Richardson bowling over would-be tacklers and pass blocking to setup screens, the Bucs offense will have NFC South defenses on their heels.

6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

The St. Louis Rams could go a few routes here, but Morris Claiborne is a great addition to play opposite of Cortland Finnegan.

Between 2010 and 2011, Claiborne recorded 11 interceptions and returned them for 274 yards, while also defending a total of 23 passes. That's an average of almost 25 yards per return, which equates to 2.5 first downs.

Considering how horrendous the Rams offense was in 2011, having to travel 25 less yards after a turnover will significantly help. Lest we forget about the other picks the Rams received from Washington.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Believe it or not, but the Jacksonville Jaguars will have a more legitimized passing offense in 2012. After ranking dead last by averaging just 136 pass yards per game and allowing 44 sacks, the Jags improved through free agency, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew remains a beast.

And not since the days of Tony Boselli have the Jaguars had that franchise tackle to protect their quarterbacks. Iowa's Riley Reiff has that kind of potential, as he's quick for his position and has great strength and athleticism.

Also a reliable run blocker, Reiff can get to the second level and lengthen the running lanes for Jones-Drew.

8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Staying with the pass-protection theme, the Miami Dolphins allowed 52 sacks in 2011 and ranked No. 23 in passing offense.

Rebuilding the offense, quarterback Matt Moore has potential, and with a consistent all-around blocker like DeCastro next to tackle Jake Long, Miami's ground game will also see improvements.

Stanford averaged 210 rushing yards per game in 2011 (ranked No. 18), and Luck was sacked just 11 times in 13 games.

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

The Carolina Panthers last season ranked No. 24 against the pass and No. 25 against the rush and allowed an average of 377.6 total yards per game (ranked No. 28). So, they can basically go anywhere at No. 9 overall, as long as it's defense.

Here, Melvin Ingram suits well, as he's arguably the draft's most versatile prospect. In Carolina's 4-3 front, Ingram is a great pass-rushing complement to Charles Johnson and is a reliable run defender to help linebacker Jon Beason.

Ingram can also sink into coverage, as he recorded two picks in 2011, and when needed, he can serve on special teams.

10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Addressing the No. 19-ranked pass defense would be a good move for the Bills.

Heading into the draft, Buffalo looks like it has the league's best front seven, with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson to help out Marcell Dareus and Nick Barnett.

Enter Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, who has the man-coverage skill set to blanket receivers. With great lateral agility and size, Kirkpatrick would thrive on a Bills defense that applies a lot of quarterback pressure—in turn, utilizing his acceleration and ball awareness to break up passes and jump routes in zone.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

Provided that the Kansas City Chiefs can remain healthy through the 2012 NFL season, they have great odds at competing with the Denver Broncos for the division title.

Defensively, K.C. is set, except on the interior defensive line. Michael Brockers is the perfect addition to improve the Chiefs' No. 26-ranked rush defense that allowed 132 rush yards per game.

And, although he has just one legitimate season under his belt, Brockers made the best of it with 54 tackles and two sacks. The man draws a lot of double-teams, which will benefit solid linebackers like Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Fletcher Cox, DT (Mississippi State)

Along their defensive line, the Seattle Seahawks have a stud defensive end in Chris Clemons, who accounted for 51 tackles, 11 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2011.

Still, Seattle was a bit vulnerable against the run, as they allowed 112 rush yards per game (ranked No. 15). A sound defense nonetheless, Fletcher Cox from Mississippi State can provide an excellent interior pass rush to free up Clemons on the outside.

With 7.5 sacks, seven additional quarterback hurries and 85 tackles, Cox will help shut down the standout rushing attack of San Francisco and Frank Gore. Plus, Fletcher blocked four kicks the past two seasons, so special teams will be a factor.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

In 2011, the Arizona Cardinals allowed 54 sacks, which was the second-most in the league. So, aside from getting Larry Fitzgerald a legit franchise quarterback, upgrading the offensive line is the next-best option.

On the left side, Arizona has Levi Brown, who is just 28 years old, and Daryn Colledge at left guard. Stanford offensive tackle Jonathan Martin will give Kevin Kolb quite a comfortable pocket to set up in and Fitz a bit more time to develop his routes.

At the same time, Martin's run-blocking talent will help improve the running game, because Beanie Wells may have hit 1,047 yards, but roughly 35 percent of those yards (366) came in two games.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

If Quinton Coples isn't available here for the Dallas Cowboys, it's not a major loss, as there are some stud pass-rushers to be had in Round 2. However, despite his freakish athleticism, Coples can be inconsistent at times.

Nevertheless, his raw pass-rush ability will complement DeMarcus Ware quite well. From 2009-11, Coples recorded 22.5 sacks and forced five fumbles with 21 additional quarterback hurries.

Not nearly as solid as a run defender, as long as Coples can beat one-on-one situations, he'll make plays at the line quite often. In a pass-happy division, his size will also benefit at knocking down the quick passes and middle screens.

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

Yes, the Philadelphia Eagles have their stud middle 'backer in DeMeco Ryans. And, the Eagles could address the defensive tackle position to enhance the defensive line.

But Luke Kuechly is a great selection, because his size at 6'3", 243 pounds can transition into an outside 'backer.

And for strict passing situations, the Eagles can move Kuechly to the inside for a 4-2-5 look to adjust to four- and five-wide sets.

While at Boston College, Kuechly compiled 532 tackles in just three seasons and also recorded seven interceptions. His preparedness is what will benefit the Eagles rush defense and ability to defend better against the intermediate passing game.

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

6'4", 225-pound receiver Chaz Schilens may be with the New York Jets for next season, but Gang Green still needs to upgrade at receiver.

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd comes in at 6'3", 220 pounds and finished his college career with 217 catches for almost 3,700 yards and 37 touchdowns.

The Jets haven't had a young receiver of Floyd's caliber for quite some time, and playing opposite of Santonio Holmes, the Jets offense is nearly complete. Plus, Floyd is a reliable stock-blocker downfield to create additional lanes for Shonn Greene and if Tim Tebow scrambles.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)

The Cincinnati Bengals could stretch here for Boise State's Doug Martin to complement BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the backfield, but keeping the defense stout with a tough corner like Janoris Jenkins will suffice.

While at Florida, Jenkins was a consistent shutdown player in getting eight picks off 33 total passes defended. Jenkins also made 121 tackles for the Gators before transferring down to Northern Alabama in 2011.

Cincinnati also must consider Jenkins to eventually take over the No. 1 corner spot from Nate Clements. By the end of the 2012 season, Clements will be 33 years old, so sooner than later, the Bengals will have to be ready to reload in the secondary.

18. San Diego Chargers: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

Last season, the San Diego Chargers ranked No. 20 against the run and allowed an average of 122 rush yards per game.

In the AFC West, which has great running teams, the Bolts must find a guy who can control both A-gaps to free up the linebackers. Lacking against the run cost the Chargers in 2011, and the rest of the division is only getting stronger.

Dontari Poe has the excellent strength and size to split double-teams and beat one-on-one blocks inside. His jump at the snap and lateral quickness will stifle lead blockers, therefore forcing plays outside to let the defense gang tackle.

19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

Prior to getting hit with the injury plague, the Chicago Bears were 7-3 and in definite playoff contention. However, Chicago was still vulnerable against the pass all season and finished ranked No. 28 (allowed 254 pass yards per game).

The front seven remains solid, with Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers among others, but Charles Tillman needs a reliable corner opposite of him to lock down the pass-happy NFC North. Stephon Gilmore plays with a physical attitude and has good size to match up one-on-one.

Having accumulated seven picks, 23 defended passes, four forced fumbles and 181 tackles in three seasons, Gilmore is an underrated corner. With his zone awareness, Chicago could also transition him to safety if needed.

20. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

Despite having Chris Johnson, the Tennessee Titans finished with an average of only 90 rushing yards per game. Johnson went for more than 1,000 yards, but he had a slow start and against tough AFC South defenses like Houston and Jacksonville, Tennessee had better improve on the ground.

Therefore, Georgia run-blocking specialist Cordy Glenn is a great fit for the trenches. Not as impressive as a pass blocker, but he has the athleticism to develop quite well.

Glenn can get to the linebackers consistently and is arguably best when pulling for counters, traps and quarterback waggles. Setting up the play-action pass will be the ultimate result from Glenn's addition.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

To keep their front seven among the elite in pro football, the Bengals need to get a promising defensive tackle.

If anything, Devon Still provides talented depth and youth for Cincy and has impressive interior pass-rush skills. Between 2010 and 2011, Still recorded 8.5 sacks, 94 tackles and 27 tackles for loss.

In the AFC North, a run-first division, Still's ability to control gaps, defeat blocks and find the ball-carrier through double-teams allows the linebackers to monitor the line of scrimmage. Here, the Bengals begin to emerge from a top 10 to a top five defense.

22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

The Cleveland Browns have a solid front seven right now but are still missing that outside pass-rushing presence that can constantly make plays.

With D'Qwell Jackson at middle 'backer and Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor on the defensive line, Courtney Upshaw complements everyone in the front seven. A reliable tackler, Upshaw recorded 16.5 sacks and 104 tackles (32.5 for loss) and forced six fumbles the past two seasons.

The Browns need a guy who can defend the run on the outside, get pressure opposite of Sheard and occasionally sink into coverage against quick slants and pop-passes. Upshaw's addition also takes pressure off the secondary, which can then shut down receivers even more in 2012.

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

Looking anywhere except at the Detroit Lions' passing offense, we see more than a few needs. Defensively, the Lions significantly underperformed in 2011, as they allowed 367 total yards per game.

They were equally as bad against the pass as the rush, so selecting a complete linebacker in Zach Brown will take care of a lot. Brown has the speed to defend the run all over and cover skills to shield the intermediate passing game.

Combined between 2010 and 2011, Brown defended 10 passes and returned six picks for 137 yards. He also collected 177 tackles and in last season alone, forced three fumbles while recording 5.5 sacks.

Detroit needs a dynamic 'backer, otherwise the NFC North pass offenses will just work the Lions once again.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

Dont'a Hightower to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Round 1 could potentially turn out to be the best fit of the 2012 draft. The Steelers have always been a reloading as opposed to rebuilding team, and getting a stud defender embodies their philosophy.

On the outside, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau had LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison. In the secondary, safety Troy Polamalu continues to do work and control the zones.

An instinctive player, Hightower is just what Pittsburgh needs in the middle to remain dominant. He recorded 234 tackles for the Crimson Tide and has the all-around field awareness to dissect offenses pre-snap.

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

One of the final pieces of the puzzle the Denver Broncos need to find for their defense is a stud defensive tackle. After ranking No. 22 against the run last season, the Orange Crush has the tools in Elvis Dumervil, Von Miller, D.J. Williams and Wesley Woodyard to literally crush in 2012.

Worthy suits the Broncos' 4-3 scheme to a T, as his size and burst at the snap will control the interior line. A consistent pass-rusher, Worthy recorded 12 sacks in three seasons with 108 tackles and six pass breakups.

Expect Denver to blitz even more in 2012, because sending Miller off the edge and opposite of Dumervil will allow Worthy to beat one-on-one blocks while tracking down screens and check-downs.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

Andre Johnson has needed a standout No. 2 receiver for quite some time, and although Kevin Walter has been reliable, he's not consistent enough to beat single-coverage over the middle.

Kendall Wright, however, has the acceleration, body control and top speed to really burn any defender deep or widen the zones to fit underneath.

This also will derive attention from running back Arian Foster and tight end Owen Daniels, both of whom will see more single-coverage in routes. Provided that the Texans quarterback situation isn't in dire straits like 2011, Houston takes flight in 2012.

27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

If anything, the New England Patriots need to add youth on defense and, more specifically, the front seven.

Here, Bill Belichick gets one of the nation's best sack-masters in Whitney Mercilus, who totaled 16 sacks and forced nine fumbles in 2011. Include 57 tackles on top of that, and Mercilus could quickly develop as a complete player next season.

He's not nearly as much of a run defender, but he has the tenacity and nose for finding the ball. As long as Belichick can get Mercilus to play within himself and not get out of position against the run, the pass-rushing force will become an immediate threat on any down.

28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

2011 was a vehement disappointment for the Green Bay Packers, because getting upset after going 15-1 doesn't sit well with anyone.

That said, much can be attributed to the atrocious defense; for the unit allowed 411.6 total yards per game, which ranked dead last in overall defense. Plus, the Packers ranked last against the pass and recorded just 29 sacks while allowing an average of 4.7 rush yards per attempt.

So, getting a sound defender like USC's Nick Perry is the first step in the right direction. Perry collected 21.5 sacks, 104 tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss and forced five fumbles during his tenure with the Trojans.

Possessing great play-recognition skills, Perry lining up opposite of Clay Matthews will be challenging for any offense.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Zeitler, OG (Wisconsin)

In an offense that revolves around running back Ray Rice, the Baltimore Ravens cannot go wrong with a Wisconsin Badger offensive lineman.

The Badgers ranked No. 11 in rushing offense last season by averaging 235.6 rush yards per game. Zeitler was a big part of that success, as his quick explosion from the snap jolts defensive linemen off the ball.

Zeitler is also great at walling off linebackers to elongate the running lanes and is one of the better pass blockers at recognizing blitzes and helping with a double-team.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

Randy Moss may be lining up out wide for Alex Smith to hit downfield, but the man is 35 years old and won't be around for another decade, much less five years.

To that end, the 'Niners and receiver Stephen Hill are a great match to give San Francisco a complete team. Hill has been climbing up the draft boards for a while now, as his array of skills is quite impressive.

Despite playing in a triple-option offense, Hill recorded 820 yards on 28 receptions and scored five touchdowns. That's damn impressive, because averaging almost 30 yards per catch will really force a defense to play outside the box.

Also, having that run-blocking experience will help Frank Gore downfield as well as set up the play-action for he and Moss.

31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

With some durability concerns, it would not be surprising to see Mark Barron fall to the end of Round 1. However, he's still a legit first-round selection and is the ideal prospect for Belichick and New England.

At corner, the Pats have two reliable players in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington. The front seven improved greatly toward the end of 2011, so finding that hard-hitting safety who can make an immediate impact is key.

Barron from 2009-11 recorded 219 tackles, made 12 picks and defended a total of 34 passes. Therefore, with size at 6'1", 213 pounds, Barron can either roll down for zone-blitz schemes or play back in a Cover 1 man-under look.

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

If the New York Giants want to remain an elite passing offense, a two-back threat in the backfield must stay intact.

Ahmad Bradshaw is a great dual-threat back, but he needs a stud Brahma Bull to slam between the tackles and make defenders miss. Doug Martin has the perfect size to fit Big Blue's system, and his quickness when changing directions is arguably his best attribute.

The past three seasons, Martin compiled more than 3,300 rushing yards and scored 43 touchdowns. He also averaged 5.7 yards per carry and added 593 receiving yards on 56 receptions between 2010 and 2011.

Martin in the Big Apple only gives Eli Manning more pass protection and that systematic two-back tandem to rely on.

John Rozum on Twitter.