2012 NFL Mock Draft: Perfect Placement for Every College Star

Regardless of which NFL draft prospect goes where, there's always going to be a discussion as to whether it was a good selection.

And in some cases, as long as a franchise fills a need then the right call has been made.

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

The addition of Andrew Luck simply keeps the Colts rolling with a pro-style system. Possessing Peyton Manning-esque potential, Circle City may suffer from déjà vu—but in a good way.

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

Under the tutelage of Mike Shanahan, Robert Griffin III would quickly develop and transition even more into a pro-style quarterback.

Shanahan's worked with eventual Hall-of-Famers in Steve Young and John Elway, so starting fresh with RG3 only ensures a fast process. The Redskins have a solid defense and upgraded the offense via free agency.

Griffin's pre-snap football IQ will be put to the test as the NFC East is loaded with stud pass-rushers.

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

No franchise quarterback can survive without consistent reliability from the blindside. The next issue is whether Christian Ponder is that franchise quarterback.

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

The Browns could go a few ways here, but Justin Blackmon provides Colt McCoy with reliability on any route all over the field. In turn, this will setup the ground game to field a balanced attack.

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

LeGarrette Blount has potential, but his inconsistency warrants concern. Trent Richardson is a do-it-all running back and will also provide extra pass protection for Josh Freeman.

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

Much like Cleveland, St. Louis can go more than one direction here. At this point, Morris Claiborne is the best available player and he does create an intimidating cornerback tandem opposite Cortland Finnegan.

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

Jacksonville needs an athletic lineman who can get to the second level, seal off the edge on passing plays and keep ahead of Maurice Jones-Drew on screens. Riley Reiff's mobility and quickness does just that and helps the Jaguars' receivers more time to get open.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB (Texas A&M)

Ryan Tannehill is a risk at No. 8 for Miami, but he does fit the Dolphins system. He'll quickly develop with his former head coach Mike Sherman calling the shots and worst-case scenario, Tannehill transitions back to receiver.

Also, Tannehill's addition would generate an even more competitive quarterback competition. Matt Moore no doubt proved reliability in 2011, but consistency on an annual basis needs to be seen.

Tannehill, on the other hand, has great size, mobility, strength and can run when needed. But with durability concerns always there until the pads get on, the Dolphins may even sit him a year to learn.

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

Carolina needs defense and Melvin Ingram is Mr. Versatility. The Panthers could go anywhere at No. 9 for defense, but Ingram is the perfect complement to Charles Johnson and Jon Beason in the front seven.

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

The Buffalo Bills defense is nearly complete. With top 10 potential from the front seven alone, the Bills can be top five potential with a standout corner in Dre Kirkpatrick.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

At No. 11, the Chiefs need to address defensive tackle or the No. 2 inside linebacker to complement Derrick Johnson. Luke Kuechly recorded 532 tackles in three seasons and is the draft's most complete 'backer.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

On the defensive line, the Seahawks need a young interior complement to Chris Clemons. Michael Brockers will draw double-teams to get Clemons in one-on-one situations and free up David Hawthorne (if he re-signs) even more to stop the run.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Consistently controlling the interior is a must for Arizona to have a competitive chance in 2012. David DeCastro is a complete player and will elongate the running lanes as well as provide more pocket protection.

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

The most raw-talented pass-rusher in the draft, Quinton Coples is the ideal sidekick to DeMarcus Ware in Big D. With an improved secondary, the Cowboys front seven returns to the Doomsday Defense.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

There's no doubt the Michael Vick has improved as a pocket passer. However, his scrambling ability helps quite a bit in the pass-rusher dominant NFC East. Stanford's Jonathan Martin will wall off Vick's blindside and help keep the ground game stout.

Last season the Eagles got off to a slow start, but finished on a four-game win streak. Maintaining that momentum is needed and will only happen with a balanced offense.

Vick's mobility will help Martin's transition and once he get acclimated, the Eagles will hit another stride. With LeSean McCoy doing work as the No. 1 back, Martin will lengthen running lanes and seal the edges to create more yards before initial contact.

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

Gang Green with Tim Tebow only becomes a stronger rushing threat. Shonn Greene continues to develop, so adding a promising No. 1 target is needed. Michael Floyd has the size and reliability to make plays all over and is a solid run-blocker as well.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

Cincinnati selecting Stephon Gilmore ensures a long-term commitment to keeping the secondary elite after Nate Clements is gone. At 32 years old, Clements is still a stud No. 1 corner, but the Bengals must plan for the future right now.

18. San Diego Chargers: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

Against run-oriented offenses in Kansas City, Oakland, and Denver in the AFC West, the Chargers need to improve against the run. Fletcher Cox can get it done at defensive tackle or end, as well as provide a good pass rush, albeit splitting double-teams and providing great effort.

19. Chicago Bears: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Julius Peppers is 32 years old, Israel Idonije is 31 and Chauncey Davis will be 30 by season's end. So, the Bears need to get some youth at defensive end. Nick Perry is a consistent defender against the run and can occasionally sink into coverage to help against the intermediate passing game.

20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

In 2011, Tennessee ranked No. 24 against the run. Well, Houston and Jacksonville are going to try and slam on the ground once again in 2012. The Titans adding a two-gap controller in Dontari Poe will free up the linebackers to make plays at the line.

Tennessee allowed an average of almost 130 rush yards per game, which is a big reason why the Titans just missed the playoffs. Losses to Jacksonville early and Indianapolis in Week 15 cost the most, so getting Poe who possesses excellent strength can create pileups in the lanes.

A positive side effect of this is it will force opponents to throw, and the Titans defensive strength is against the pass. Poe can then draw double-teams to free up blitzes and improve on the 28 sacks from 2011.

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

If there was a weakness on Cincinnati in 2011, it was the inability to consistently stop the run against the better ground teams. Devon Still can sift through double-teams and make plays in the backfield. He's also a better-than-advertised interior pass-rusher.

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

If Cleveland wants to go offense at No. 22 such as offensive line it's not a bad idea. However, Alabama's Courtney Upshaw provides an excellent outside presence in the front seven to complement D'Qwell Jackson. In the AFC North, Upshaw is the next piece to finishing Cleveland's defense.

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

A fast and agile linebacker who can defend well against the intermediate passing game, Zach Brown suits the Lions' mold on defense. And in strict passing situations, Brown can also provide an edge pass rush to help those in coverage.

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

Controlling the line of scrimmage is what the Steel Curtain is all about. And, what better way than to get younger at middle 'backer like Alabama's Dont'a Hightower. With James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley on the outside, Hightower can control between the tackles just as he did for Nick Saban.

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

A constant menace in the backfield, Jerel Worthy would draw enough double-teams to free up Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil on the outside. The Broncos front seven then improves against the run to complement the pass defense.

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

The final piece to the Houston Texans' puzzle is getting Andre Johnson a stud No. 2 receiver. Well, Kendall Wright has the acceleration to stretch and widen any defense. This in turn, derives attention from Johnson, tight end Owen Daniels and the running game.

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

The Patriots need some youth on the defensive line, and Whitney Mercilus has a lot of potential. Albeit being a one-hit wonder at Illinois, Mercilus proved he can play when given the opportunity. In New England, we know he'll develop as part of Bill Belichick's defense.

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

It may be a bit of a stretch to reach for Vinny Curry in Round 1, but the man has proven consistently dominance for Marshall. The Packers need a stud pass-rusher opposite of Clay Matthews, and Curry's capable of both that and causing turnovers.

From 2009 through 2011, Curry recorded 26.5 sacks, 230 tackles and forced nine fumbles with 32 additional quarterback hurries.

Curry's ability to get constant pressure will benefit the NFL's worst pass defense, as well as upgrade the pass rush (had just 29 sacks in 2011). In the pass-happy NFC North, Curry paired with Matthews will keep the cheese atop the division.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

A quick-footed interior offensive lineman, Cordy Glenn is perfect for the Ravens to keep rolling on the ground with Ray Rice. Specializing as a trap and pull-blocker, Glenn can get to the second-level and sell play-action for boot-leg waggles.

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

A proven playmaker, Stephen Hill has the size, run-blocking consistency, and athleticism to get the 49ers' offense on the next level. Randy Moss is 35 years old, so planning ahead now is crucial to maintaining a balanced offense.

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

With two promising corners in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington, Mark Barron to New England is perfect to complete the secondary. Now, Barron has some durability concerns so he is a risk. Then again, as long as the Pats front seven reloads, Belchick's secondary will easily dominate.

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

The two-back system has been crucial to Big Blue's success under Tom Coughlin. Needing to get Ahmad Bradshaw his No. 2 back, Doug Martin can hit the lanes quickly and is a reliable pass-blocker. If anything, Martin is a late Round 1 steal.

John Rozum on Twitter.