2012 NFL Mock Draft: Top Candidates to Become Future Hall of Famers

Every year, experts single out a handful of players who have Hall of Fame potential, and this year there are several players, such as quarterback Andrew Luck, who could reach that level when their careers come to an end.

Last year, a lot of people said Von Miller was the Hall of Fame prospect in the draft, and with a stellar rookie season for the Denver Broncos, the young linebacker is on the right track to Canton.

Let's look at the top candidates to become future Hall of Famers in this class.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford 

Even though the Indianapolis Colts may like the skills package that Robert Griffin III has, I can't see owner Jim Irsay taking anyone but Luck in this draft.

He reminds me a lot of Steve Young in that he's accurate, has a good arm and is very smart. Luck's mobility is also pretty good, and it's an area of his game that's not getting enough credit. 

He can be on the run and still complete passes with a high level of accuracy. If all goes right, Luck could very well end in the Hall of Fame someday.

2. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via STL) 

The Washington Redskins gave up a ton to get this pick from St. Louis, and there's no chance they don't make Robert Griffin III their quarterback of the future.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC 

USC left tackle Matt Kalil is the perfect offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings to build their line around. He's big, strong and excels in all blocking areas.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Browns need a playmaking running back that creates nightmares for defenses, which is why electrifying Alabama star Trent Richardson is a perfect fit.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Morris Claiborne is one of the most talented players in this draft and has the potential to be an elite cornerback as a rookie. 

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (via WAS)

With Brandon Lloyd leaving the team through free agency, the need for a No. 1 wide receiver like Justin Blackmon is a glaring one for the Rams.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC 

With an awful pass rush last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars need to find a defensive end in the draft. North Carolina's Quinton Coples is the best pick at No. 7.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

This is a no-brainer for the Miami Dolphins, who have a big need at right tackle. Riley Reiff of Iowa will be a tremendous NFL player.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Defensive tackle is a weak spot in the Carolina Panthers defense, and they will fill this gap with LSU star lineman Michael Brockers.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame 

Michael Floyd would be another awesome target for Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, especially when he already has talented wide receiver Stevie Johnson to throw to.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford 

The Kansas City Chiefs could find a franchise left tackle in Jonathan Martin with the No. 11 pick.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina 

Melvin Ingram's ability to get to the quarterback would be a major boost to a struggling Seahawks pass rush.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Inside linebacker is a position of need for the Arizona Cardinals, which is why BC Eagles star Luke Kuechly is a perfect fit.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Cornerback is a glaring issue on the Dallas Cowboys defense, and Alabama star corner Dre Kirkpatrick could be an elite player in just a few seasons.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama 

The Eagles will select the best safety in this class and the only one that will be able to start from Week 1 in Alabama star Mark Barron.

Instead of going for the big hit like most safeties do nowadays, even at the NFL level, Barron is a textbook tackler and wraps up his opponents to make sure they don't get away.

He's ability to cover wide receivers as well as tight ends because of his speed and strength is also a real asset to his game.

Barron is a fundamentally strong player and is a candidate in this class to become a Hall of Fame player.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The New York Jets defense needs to get to the quarterback better, which is why versatile pass-rusher Courtney Upshaw would be a nice addition to Gang Green.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

Kendall Wright's speed and playmaking ability would be a real weapon in the rapidly improving Bengals offense with young quarterback Andy Dalton.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford 

There's no chance that the Chargers take something other than an offensive lineman with this selection.

David DeCastro of Stanford is one of the best offensive guard prospects in years and excels in both pass protection and run-blocking.

He did a tremendous job of protecting Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck last season, and has the football intelligence needed to excel in the NFL right away.

DeCastro is a potential Hall of Famer.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

Peter Konz is the best center in this class and won't be passed on by the Chicago Bears, especially when their offensive line needs a ton of work.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Tennessee Titans need to get more athletic along their offensive line, which is why Nick Perry is a great fit there.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama 

Even though there are questions about his character, the amount of talent Janoris Jenkins has is too much to overlook when the Bengals need a cornerback.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State 

Mike Brown is one of the best offensive tackle options available at this spot for the Cleveland Browns, who need to get stronger on the offensive line.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore is a tremendous cornerback with elite cover skills, and is perfect for the Detroit Lions defense, which desperately needs an upgrade at corner. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

With a need for a future defensive tackle, selecting Memphis NT Dontari Poe is a no-brainer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford 

Adding talented tight end Cody Fleener to an offense with Peyton Manning would be a smart move for the Broncos. Fleener is a good pass-catching tight end.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina 

Alshon Jeffery is a tremendous talent and the Texans would give defenses nightmare by forcing them to cover him and All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson. 

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois 

Taking the nation's sack leader is a no-brainer for the New England Patriots, given their need for more quality pass-rushers. 

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Devon Still, DL, Penn State 

Devon Still and B.J. Raji would be a fantastic combo on the Packers defensive line with their size and ability to disrupt plays.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Baltimore Ravens need to find a future leader at linebacker for when Ray Lewis retires, which makes Alabama star Dont'a Hightower a tremendous pick in the late first round.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia 

Cordy Glenn would be a real boost to an offensive line that could pass protect a bit better. This would be a smart and safe pick by the 49ers.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State 

Fletcher Cox is a stud defensive tackle and the kind of player that can learn Bill Belichick's defense and make an impact from Week 1.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson 

Dwayne Allen's ability to be a receiving tight end as well as a fine blocker is a package the Super Bowl champs cannot ignore.