2012 NFL Mock Draft: Step-by-Step Guide to Round 1

After months of dedicated research, I've finally nailed the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

For those who've been following my mock drafts during the pre-draft process, you'll notice a variety of changes. 

Barring any unforeseen any drastic changes in a prospect's draft stock, this is my final mock before the first name is called by commissioner Roger Goodell on April 26th.

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Final Pre-Draft Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Michael Wilbon recently stated, citing some sources, that the Colts are considering Robert Griffin III over the Stanford icon.

While I'm not surprised that the Colts are having a hard time making a decision between these two stunning prospects, I still have to go with Luck as the No. 1 overall selection.  

2. Washington Redskins (trade with St. Louis Rams): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

That means RGIII goes here to the Redskins. Both guys will be great in the NFL, but there's something extra special about Griffin III. Whenever I watched him last fall, the word "transcendent" came to mind. He'll team up with Pierre Garcon and should bring new life to the hapless Redskins in the high-profile NFC East. 

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern California 

This pick should be made immediately after Griffin III puts on the Redskins hat and takes his picture with Roger Goodell. 

That fast.

The Vikings are committed to 2011 first-round pick Christian Ponder and Kalil instantly becomes their franchise left tackle. With Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers and the Detroit Lions' ferocious defensive line in their division, Minnesota's in need of a stonewall blind-side protector. 

Kalil's their guy.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson demonstrated his beastly attributes during his pro day last week and the most recent rumblings on Twitter between draftniks is that Justin Blackmon isn't worthy of a top-five pick because he lacks elite the characteristics guys like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald have.

While I believe he could work wonders in Cleveland's West Coast system, the Browns may be better suited becoming a run-heavy club and Richardson's the best candidate to launch that attack. 

He'll alleviate a ton of pressure from Colt McCoy, too.

Jamal Lewis anyone?

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

A no-brainer. The Buccaneers would have loved to pair Richardson with LeGarrette Blount, but with him gone, Claiborne is the next best player. Their secondary was torched in 2011, allowing the fourth-highest passer rating in the NFL. (97.2 average)

Claiborne has shutdown potential.

6. St. Louis Rams (trade with Washington Redskins): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

I've had Poe here in the past, and am starting to warm to the idea of him landing with Jeff Fisher in St. Louis once again. The new Rams head coach would love to get his Albert Haynesworth-type defensive lineman. St. Louis will be tempted to grab Blackmon to aid Bradford's development, but they'll ultimately go with Poe due to the same reasons Cleveland passes on the Oklahoma State wideout. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

To some, this will be considered a fall for Blackmon, but he represents much better value here and fills a glaring need for Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars. I'm not purposely knocking Blackmon by slotting him here instead of at No. 4 or No. 6; it's not easy being in the same wideout category as the NFL's elite. 

I see Blackmon in the Anquan Boldin mold: an imposing, in-your-face receiver with good physical traits that will work hard to become a solid contributor at the next level. 

Jacksonville needs another hard-nosed player on their offense outside of Maurice Jones-Drew.

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

The Dolphins make the first big splash in the 2012 draft with this selection of the Aggies quarterback. We saw Jake Locker and Ponder go much higher than expected last year and the trend continues.

Every team understands the how pivotal having a franchise quarterback is.

Although Tannehill needs some work, who better to mold him at the next level than former Texas A&M head coach and current Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman? 

He can learn from David Garrard and possible step into the starting role late in the season if the Dolphins struggle.

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

Michael Brockers has been the pick here for a while, but Cox's experience and versatility trump Brockers' upside and probable lengthy learning curve. The Panthers need to bulk up along the interior of their defensive line and could use some abusing pass-rushers after totaling only 31 quarterback takedowns in 2011.

While Cox isn't an explosive player, he's a reliable one and is NFL-ready. The Panthers, to me, are ready to win now mode more than people think. 

A better defense makes Newton better, as well.

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

During the Bills' drastic downward spiral in 2011, outside of injuries, the lack of premier talent at wide receiver was extremely apparent and a driving force behind the team's catastrophic losing streak.  

Floyd is arguably the most NFL-ready receiver in this draft. He's got plenty of experience and has a big body to win in traffic. 

He demonstrated great straight-line speed at the combine. After attempting to fortify their defense in free agency, the Bills must add a supremely-skilled wideout to their offense.  

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

The Chiefs don't have many voids in their roster—especially if Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki all return from knee injuries suffered in 2011. 

Kuechly is the best player available at this juncture and would formulate a nasty linebacker duo with Pro Bowler Derrick Johnson. Throw in Tamba Hali rushing the quarterback and Brandon Flowers locking down opposing No. 1 receivers, and you've got quite the defense in KC. 

12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE, Southern California

The Seahawks got their quarterback in free agency when they signed Matt Flynn. Now, they'll look to add a complementary piece to Red Bryant, a key cog to their defense for years. 

Perry played for Pete Carroll at USC, so the Seahawks head coach knows how to get the most out of the menacing defensive end. A slam dunk for both Perry and Seattle. 

Watch out, the Seahawks could make a run at the playoffs in 2012.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

I initially had Melvin Ingram to the Cardinals here, but DeCastro is too good to pass up. Arizona has allowed a ridiculous 104 sacks over the last two season and although DeCastro won't be facing defensive ends on the edge, he'll instantly make Levi Brown's life much easier. 

A huge boost to the running game, too. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

DeCastro seemed like an ideal fit until the team decided to sign guard Nate Livings to a five-year deal on March 16th before releasing Kyle Kosier. 

Now, Kirkpatrick is the pick to take the role left by the departure of Terence Newman. 

Kirkpatrick is a big, ultra-aggressive cornerback that could even see some time at safety. Rob Ryan will love his multi-dimensional skill set and will utilize him in many ways next season. Exactly what the Cowboys defense needs: an imposing cornerback to deal with the NFC's premier wideouts.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU 

The Eagles made a fantastic trade with the Houston Texans to get stud linebacker DeMeco Ryans. However, they still need beef on the interior of their defensive front. 

Enter 6'5'', 322-pound Michael Brockers. 

He's a penetrating defensive tackle that will almost always take on double-teams in the NFL. He's got a ways to go to become an elite interior defensive lineman, but his presence will greatly benefit the Eagles defense in the future. 

16. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Wayne Hunter is clearly not the answer at right tackle. We saw that on many occasions in 2011. Reiff is one of the better tackle prospects in this year's class, but lacks the arm length to be a stable blind-side protector. 

Ideal for the Jets on the right side to protect Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. Yes, Tim Tebow.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB South Carolina

The Bengals lost Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene in free agency, and would like to bring in a versatile replacement along their defensive front seven.

Ingram is a special athlete and even a more unique talent.

Mike Zimmer will use him in many different packages next season, and playing with Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson, Ingram will piece together a solid rookie year.  

18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB Alabama

Jarret Johnson was acquired in free agency, but he's more of a viable option in run support than he is getting to the quarterback. Shaun Phillips is an underappreciated defensive end, but he needs help on the edge. 

Upshaw isn't dynamic off the ball, but overall, is a well-rounded football player that is more than a situational pass-rusher. He'll be the perfect complement to Shaun Phillips.

19. Chicago Bears: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Bears were major players in free agency, and now, they have a rather impressive roster with Jay Cutler throwing passes to Brandon Marshall and Michael Bush joining Matt Forte in the backfield.

They have Julius Peppers, arguably the most disruptive and athletically gifted defensive end in football, but they'd like to pair him with another premier edge rusher.

With the right coaching, they'd get that with Coples 

20. Tennessee Titans: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

The Titans were rabid in their pursuit of Peyton Manning, but ultimately fell short of the legendary quarterback. 

What they need is a talented outside linebacker for their 4-3 alignment to deal with Jones-Drew and Arian Foster. Brown's perfect. He's as quick as they come from sideline to sideline and has the speed to cover tight ends.  

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore's stock is rising, as teams are realizing his fiery demeanor against the run and ball-hawking skills make him a tremendously well-rounded cornerback prospect. Leon Hall will be returning from a devastating Achilles injury and they'll need a reinforcement in their secondary. 

Nate Clements has been serviceable, but he's only signed through 2012.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright has probably the most impressive tape of any receiver from 2011. He's a true burner on the outside and will drastically help Colt McCoy's chances at improvement. He is exactly what Browns fans have yearned for over the last five years. 

Braylon Edwards was the last true deep threat and only had one fantastic year with Cleveland—in 2007.

23. Detroit Lions: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

The Lions could use help along their offensive line, especially on the edges. Jeff Backus was re-signed, but he's 34 years old and Gosder Cherilus is inconsistent at right tackle—an upgrade could be used at that position.

Glenn's a tremendous athlete that moves well for his size. He could compete for the right tackle job in 2012 and scoot over to the left side after Backus retires. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Inside linebacker James Farrior was cut in early March, so now there's instantly a hole in the middle of Pittsburgh's vaunted defense.  

Hightower is a rare mover for a 260-pound linebacker prospect and Dick LeBeau will fall in love with his instinctual and thumping play.

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT Penn State

The Broncos desperately need bulk on their interior. It's that simple. Still, at 6'5'' and nearly 330 pounds, is the ideal candidate to fill that need. 

When giving his all, Still can be quite the disruptive force. Playing on the same line as Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller will increase the chance he makes a major impact on the inside of Denver's front.   

26. Houston Texans: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford 

Even on an ankle that wasn't 100 percent, Fleener displayed his tremendous speed and agility during his March 22nd pro day. 

At 6'6'' and nearly 250 pounds, he's a physical specimen and pops out on tape. Owen Daniels is the team's primary starter, but with Fleener, the team gets a more athletic, pass-catching tight end and simultaneously fills the complementary receiving option they've been looking for to take coverage away from Andre Johnson. 

Matt Schaub's new best friend and another facet of the Texans' dynamic offensive attack.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Barron is a similar player to Patrick Chung. He's a hard-hitting run supporter who isn't bad but doesn't necessarily excel in coverage. 

Still, James Ihedigbo doesn't represent the future for the other safety spot. 

Barron has potential to create a formidable and intimidating duo with Chung. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

The Packers need a pass-rushing specialist to pair with Clay Matthews. That was made extremely clear in 2011. This may be a bit of reach for Branch, but it's such a major need that the Packers, who still have a Super Bowl-caliber roster, are willing to grab the guy they want. 

Branch has elite explosiveness off the edge and has the potential to be the catalyst that helps the Packers defense become powerful once again.

With added attention being paid his way, Branch could help B.J. Raji return to form, too.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding are gone from the defensive line, so the Ravens need a starter to fill the void left by those two veterans. 

Chandler Jones is a rangy defensive end with upside and has a shot to become a terrorizing player with coaching. 

Playing with Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis should help his maturation process.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

Adam Snyder bolted in free agency, so the 49ers need to add an offensive guard. Zeitler is a safe prospect who teamed with Konz to formulate Wisconsin's mauling offensive line that paved the way for Montee Ball in 2011.

He's got experience in a power-blocking scheme—perfect for the run-heavy 49ers, who have loaded up for another run at the Super Bowl. 

31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

The Patriots need to replace Mark Anderson and must get more dynamic on the edge getting after the passer. Mercilus is a one-year wonder, but if anyone can get the most out of him it's Bill Belichick. The Patriots head coach and defensive guru can use Mercilus in situations conducive to success on passing downs. 

Yeah right, the Patriots will trade out of this pick—who am I kidding?

32. New York Giants, Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Giants could go offensive tackle to replace Kareem McKenzie or running back to replace Brandon Jacobs—it doesn't matter. 

I've been a big fan of what Martin brings to the field for a while, and although many have questioned his overall strength, he's the team's day-one starter if selected, although he'll likely go through a training camp battle with 2011 fourth-round pick James Brewer. 

Martin would provide great depth for an aging offensive front. 

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