2012 NFL Mock Draft: Sure Things for Every First Round Team

Every selection is a risky investment and, when they backfire, the long-term consequences can be devastating to a franchise.

The NFL draft at its core, is an inexact science; which is also one of the few things we can be sure of when late April rolls around.

There are, however, sure things each team can count on as well. So to remain optimistic, here is a sure thing every organization can count on in Round 1.

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

Transition: Having played for a former NFL quarterback in Jim Harbaugh at Stanford and in a pro-style system, Andrew Luck will transition as quickly as any quarterback to the pros. His accuracy, arm strength and football IQ says it all, and the Colts may have potentially found the next Peyton Manning.

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

Decision-Making: Throughout his college career, Robert Griffin III threw over 10,300 yards, ran for over 2,200 yards and accounted for 111 total touchdowns.

However, the man never threw more than eight interceptions in a season and had a 72.4 completion percentage in 2011.

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

Reliability: In order for the development of quarterback Christian Ponder to continue, the Vikings must add Matt Kalil to protect his blindside. Kalil and the Trojans offensive line gave up just eight sacks of Matt Barkley in 2011 and USC also averaged over 160 rushing yards per game.

The Vikings must expect Kalil to contribute from day one, because Ponder has more potential than given credit for.

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

Prowess: The Cleveland Browns haven't had that exciting playmaker for quite a while. Braylon Edwards provided a glimmer of hope, but it died quickly. Justin Blackmon on the other hand, was college football's best receiver in 2010 and 2011.

With over 3,300 receiving yards on 232 receptions and 38 touchdowns during the past two seasons, the Browns can count on Blackmon to stretch defenses to help set up the run.

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

Consistency: If there's one thing that current running back LeGarrette Blount has been, it's inconsistent. Trent Richardson, on the other hand, accounted for over 900 total yards between 2009 and 2010.

He then exploded onto the scene in 2011 with over 2,000 total yards, taking his consistency to another level.

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

Attitude: The perfect complement to Cortland Finnegan, Morris Claiborne offers the same attitude when it comes to playing tough defense.

A true playmaker, Claiborne has the quickness and fearlessness to bring the pain with every tackle and when he lines up in press coverage. A big need for the Rams' defense.

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

Athleticism: A nimble-footed offensive tackle, Riley Reiff has the quickness and agility to protect the blindside and pave the way on the ground for Maurice Jones-Drew in Jacksonville.

Reiff is a better-than-advertised athlete and the Jaguars haven't had a tackle of his potential since Tony Boselli.

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

Stability: It's not a bad idea for the Dolphins to select Ryan Tannehill at No. 8 overall, however, that won't fix the 52 sacks Miami allowed in 2011. The addition of David DeCastro, though, will certainly help in both phases.

Reggie Bush has finally looked like an every down back and getting the most complete interior offensive lineman in the draft will lead to a more consistent attack. Plus, Stanford allowed just 11 sacks of Andrew Luck in 2011.

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

Versatility: The best thing about Melvin Ingram's versatility resides in that he's not a bad selection for any franchise. Ingram can play anywhere in the front seven—depending on the game situation—and even help on special teams.

The Panthers need a complete defender who can provide a pass-rush, sink into coverage on occasion and stop the run. Ingram can do all that and will be a great complement to Charles Johnson and Jon Beason.

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

Swagger: Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick isn't one of those flamboyant defenders who is always looking for the camera. He does, however, bring that extreme amount of confidence and swagger to the Bills, whose front seven is looking impenetrable.

Buffalo needs that complete corner who can play up to the run and take away half the field. Kirkpatrick's speed and ability to maintain a low center of gravity is perhaps his most impressive attribute.

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

Unselfishness: While at LSU, albeit he only had one legit season under his belt, Michael Brockers saw a lot of double-teams and simply put an all out effort to make plays.

His presence alone in the trenches allowed the linebackers and secondary to be the stars of the Bayou Bengals defense. In Kansas City, much will be the same as linebackers like Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson make plays.

But, Brockers will be the one drawing blocking and splitting doubles to plug the running lanes.

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

Effectiveness: One of the more overlooked defensive players in the SEC alone, Fletcher Cox was a force on Mississippi State's defensive line. With the ability to also play defensive end, Cox give Seattle the front-four partner that Chris Clemons needs.

And in order for the Seahawks to challenge San Francisco in 2012, shutting down the 49ers' ground game is key.

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

Confidence: An area that has lacked in the Arizona Cardinals' offense, Jonathan Martin can bring some much-needed confidence to the Cardinals. Having been a part of the Stanford offensive line with DeCastro, the Cardinal dominated the trenches.

In Arizona, Martin makes for a safe pocket playing opposite of Levi Brown for quarterback Kevin Kolb.

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

Intimidation: Quinton Coples comes in at 6'6", 284 pounds and has Julius Peppers-esque potential. The man has awesome explosive at the snap and uses his size to make plays.

For the Cowboys, Coples would be in the same front seven as DeMarcus Ware. Yikes.

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

Production: The Eagles may not exactly need Luke Kuechly, but his production warrants consideration. In three seasons, Kuechly recorded 532 tackles, made seven picks and defended 17 passes.

He has the size and awareness to play on the outside, because quickly dissecting the offense's hot reads before the snap is key to limiting the intermediate passing game.

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

Adaptability: Notre Dame's all-time leading receiver, Michael Floyd did so having played with three different starting quarterbacks. Not to mention that the Irish also got a new head coach in Brian Kelly in 2010, so Floyd can easily adjust to personnel and staffs.

Floyd suits well for the Jets as they begin the Tim Tebow era and need that young standout receiver. In a run-oriented offense, you can bet Floyd will block well with his size, while also being his reliable self in the passing game.

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

Longevity: Currently, the Cincinnati Bengals are a top -0 defense with top-five potential. In a few years, Janoris Jenkins will be the expected replacement of Nate Clements. Doing so will keep the Bengals defense among the top 10, if not the top five in the league thereafter.

It's about sustaining a consistently elite defense in a defensive-minded division. Something that has basically been trademarked by Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

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

Power: Strength in the trenches is something that the Chargers missed last season. A defense that allowed over 120 rushing yards per game, San Diego must get a run-stuffer on the defensive line to contend in 2012.

Having to play run balanced offenses in Kansas City, Oakland and Denver, Dontari Poe's strength combined with his initial quickness generates impressive power. And thus, the Chargers have a guy who controls gaps and make plays in the backfield.

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

Sensibility: In 2011 the Chicago Bears allowed an average of 254 passing yards per game and ranked No. 28. Still, having to play against elite passing offenses in Green Bay and Detroit, the Bears need to upgrade the pass defense to contend for the division.

Stephon Gilmore has a sixth sense about where the ball is when in man or zone coverage. He's quick to defend the run, and is always alert of the receivers' patterns and the quarterback's eyes.

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

Balance: For his size at 6'5", 345 pounds, Cordy Glenn has great balance as a run- and pass-blocker. Whether he's pulling, firing off the ball or sitting back to protect, Glenn remains light on his feet.

Having the No. 31-ranked rush offense in 2011, the Titans surely could use a lineman with solid footwork. Through pro development, Glenn has starter potential at both guard and tackle.

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

Tenacity: The Bengals need to replenish their defensive line this offseason, and selecting a dominating force like Devon Still will suffice to say the least.

He's a consistent interior pass-rusher and presence in the backfield, while also possessing enough speed at the snap to beat double-teams. If the Bengals want to take their defense to the next level, adding Still in the trenches is a great step.

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

Development: In their front seven, the Cleveland Browns are one player away from really improving. Defensive linemen Phil Taylor, Jabaal Sheard and Frostee Rucker will work well together while D'Qwell Jackson controls the middle.

Courtney Upshaw, however, is Cleveland's ideal fit at outside 'backer. The man possesses a unique skill set to pass-rush, defend the perimeter ground game and occasionally sink into coverage. This takes a lot of pressure off Joe Haden, because the Browns can now blitz from all over.

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

Speed: Missing that complete linebacker who can defend the run and pass, Zach Brown's combination of speed, lateral quickness and ball awareness bodes well in the Motor City.

With Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril controlling the line, Brown will have numerous opportunities to make plays on the edge and form a shield against the intermediate passing game. Against offenses like Chicago and Green Bay, the Lions need a fast and fierce player of Brown's caliber.

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

Applicability: The Pittsburgh Steelers need some help on the interior part of their front seven. The outside is set with James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, so adding Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower is the perfect fit.

Hightower is an excellent run defender, won't have to play outside the tackle box and has the coverage awareness to always get the right depth to defend the pass. If Hightower reaches his full potential as an NFL middle linebacker, this could turn out to arguably be the best selection of the 2012 draft.

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

Menacing: If there's one area the Denver Broncos must address in the 2012 draft, it's the interior defensive line. Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are on the outside, with D.J. Williams and Wesley Woodyard controlling the middle of the front.

Jerel Worthy can slide right in and start from the get-go, because the Orange Crush is restoring itself as we speak. Worthy is an impressive interior pass-rusher and can adjust to plays backside and prevent cutbacks.

An explosive player, Worthy will upgrade the Broncos from their No. 22 rush defense ranking and take pressure off those in coverage. Michigan State's defense was stout because Worthy was a constant nuisance in the backfield. He'll do just that for Denver.

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

Control: Perhaps the most impressive aspect about Kendall Wright is his ability to maintain body control throughout a pattern. The man is so explosive and has such great acceleration that it would be easy for anyone to lose control and their center of gravity.

Well, Wright has the ability to stretch a defense and catch quick screens to get up field. In addition, he can go over the middle and draw up the safeties.

For Houston, this will just allow Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels to be more productive as Wright can beat virtually any coverage anywhere on the field.

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

Capability: Having recorded 16 sacks, 57 tackles and nine forced fumbles in 2011, Whitney Mercilus has proven great potential to develop in the NFL.

Under the tutelage of Bill Belichick and the Patriot Way, Mercilus is capable of achieving a lot more than his one-hit-wonder college season for the Illini.

New England also needs a stud pass-rusher anyway, because linebacker Rob Ninkovich must also drop into coverage and Vince Wilfork needs help in the trenches.

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

Opportunity: The bright side of finishing 2011 with the NFL's worst passing and overall defense is there's nowhere else to go but up.

And the Packers are the perfect opportunity for Nick Perry, who can pass-rush, defend the perimeter ground game and get a paw on the ball against quicker passes. Green Bay needs a sidekick to Clay Matthews and Perry's proven consistency at USC will get him on Lambeau Field from the beginning.

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

Systematic: The Baltimore Ravens' offense revolves around Ray Rice as it should. However, the offensive line needs to add some talented depth on the interior. With AFC North defenses upgrading their front sevens, the Ravens need to make the most of having the best running back in the division.

Still, Rice can only be as productive as his line and Kevin Zeitler from Wisconsin knows how to run block. Well, that's the philosophy of the Badgers' offense, and Zeitler can also chip-block to the second level.

For Rice to have another great year, which will also set up the play-action pass to Torrey Smith, Zeitler's addition will be welcomed.

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

Dependability: San Francisco's offense is run-oriented and after having played in a triple-option offense, Stephen Hill knows how to stock block quite well.

The 49ers can easily count on Hill to seal edges and take on defensive backs to allow Frank Gore and Brandon Jacobs to get downfield. Hill is also great after the catch and will be excellent on second- and third-downs.

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

Ingenuity: Mark Barron likes to be around the football, period. In three seasons, Barron had 34 defended passes, 12 interceptions and 234 tackles. That will greatly benefit the Patriots' weak deep middle and restriction on yards after the catch.

With reliable corners in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington, Barron will need to be greedy and take everything that comes over the middle. Even when rolling down to fill for a blitzing 'backer, Barron's ball awareness will shutdown the intermediate passing game and perimeter ground game.

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

Fluidity: A dual-threat back who simply knows how to find the end zone (47 career touchdowns), Martin's size at 5'9", 220 pounds allows him to bowl over would-be tacklers in a narrow lane. However, Martin has a smooth running style that displays great balance and control.

Therefore, he can easily make a move in the open field or just off tackle to dart upfield for extra yards. The Giants need this kind of ability, because using a two-back set has worked for them in recent years.

John Rozum on Twitter.