2012 NFL Mock Draft: Latest First-Round Predictions

Things are starting to take shape with the NFL Draft just three weeks away. Prospects should have a good read on where they'll likely get selected and teams have narrowed their lists down to the players who really intrigue them. It's basically just a waiting game now.

Here's a complete mock draft of the opening round featuring underrated prospects who will shine in their first season in the NFL. That's what every team hopes for in its first-round selection, but not all of them succeed.

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

The Colts are apparently taking a long look at both elite quarterbacks before making a final decision. Passing on Luck would be a major mistake, though.

2. Washington Redskins (via STL 2-14): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin has a lot of pressure on his shoulders after seeing how much the Redskins gave up to get him, but the dynamic quarterback can handle it.

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

Adrian Peterson's recovery from a major knee injury will be a lot easier with Kalil opening up huge running lanes for him.

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

Ryan Tannehill is an option for Cleveland, but Richardson represents a much safer pick while also filling a position of need on offense.

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

While a lot has been made about his low Wonderlic score, the focus should remain on his terrific cornerback abilities. That's what really matters to teams.

6. St. Louis Rams (via WAS 5-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams were able to slide down four spots and still get Blackmon to improve their receiving corps. It would make an already solid deal look even better.

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

Jacksonville has plenty of holes to fill heading into the draft, so the Jaguars will likely pick the best player available. Based on his potential to help their pass rush, Coples fits the bill.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn both signed elsewhere, which left the Dolphins without a new quarterback. Tannehill continues to rise rapidly, so Miami won't let him slip by.

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

Brockers has tremendous physical skills, but the Panthers will need to be patient with him because an extended transition period should be expected.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

After making major strides last season, Buffalo's offensive line needs an anchor to take it to the next level. Reiff can do exactly that.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Kansas City doesn't have enough playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. Upshaw showcased his ability to change the course of games during his time with the Tide.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

This draft class has three elite tackle prospects and Martin is the last one left on the board, making him a nice fit for Seattle.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Arizona's offense should still be formidable even though the team wasn't able to land Manning. Kevin Kolb has the talent to bounce back from a disappointing first season and Larry Fitzgerald gives the offense an elite weapon.

The gap between Floyd and Blackmon isn't as large as the pick difference would lead you to believe. The Notre Dame product actually has better size than the projected top receiver and has the experience to make noise right away.

Fitzgerald has been able to post monster numbers on a consistent basis despite lacking another receiver to take the pressure off him since Anquan Boldin left. Floyd will give him some much-needed relief and play a major role for the Cardinals.

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

Kirkpatrick would bring needed physicality to Dallas' defensive backfield, which has underperformed in recent years.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Even though the Eagles made a late charge toward the playoffs, they still have some voids to fill before next season. Adding a linebacker like Kuechly would be a good start.

16. New York Jets (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

It doesn't matter if Mark Sanchez or Tim Tebow starts under center, the Jets' offensive line needs to improve so the running game can get back on track.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

There are risks involved with taking Jenkins after some off-field issues during his college career, but the Bengals need a corner and his talent is undeniable.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

The Chargers have been searching for an impact outside linebacker ever since Shawne Merriman's production fell off a cliff. They haven't had much luck so far, but Ingram has the potential to make that weakness disappear.

He has a rare combination of size and speed that will make him able to attack the pass in various ways while also dropping back into coverage when necessary. Those type of linebackers don't come around often.

San Diego's front office will have to hold its collective breath hoping Ingram falls to them, but if he does, the Chargers won't wasting any time snagging him. He's exactly the type of prospect they need to solidify their defense.

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

Konz has been working his way back from an ankle injury, but when healthy he'll be an elite center. He's worth taking a chance on for Chicago.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The defensive tackle group isn't as talented as recent seasons, but it has plenty of depth. Still would be a nice upgrade for the Titans.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe has more upside than Still, but won't have the same type of instant impact after playing against inferior competition at Memphis.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Cleveland should be targeting offensive weapons in the opening round. After getting Richardson earlier, Wright gives Colt McCoy a versatile wideout.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Lions have made a lot of progress in a couple years, leaving just some beefing up to do to help them survive in the playoffs. Adams is the best second-tier tackle.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Often overlooked, Glenn will make a nice addition to any offensive line in need of a guard. The Steelers shouldn't let him get away.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

With the team's offense set for the Manning Era, making sure the defense becomes as strong as possible will be Denver's draft strategy.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Andre Johnson has been operating as a one-man band in Houston for far too long. Hill, who impressed at the combine, should take some pressure off.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

After a season of watching teams pass at will against their defense, Dennard would be a perfect fit for the Patriots secondary. He's a physical corner that should help clean up some of the mistakes made throughout last year.

Bill Belichick always finds a way to get the most out of his defensive players, but when the talent simply isn't there, he's stuck. Dennard would represent the first piece to help turn around the defense, making the Patriots a title threat once again.

Since Tom Brady ensures New England will be in good shape on offense, the Patriots have more flexibility to overload the class with defensive picks. That should lead to noticeable results next year, starting with a solid rookie campaign for Dennard.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Following a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, the Packers need to bulk up the defense to make another championship run.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Ravens defense still ranks among the best in football, but it's getting old. Adding Hightower will lead to a much smoother transition.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Having filled other needs during free agency, San Francisco can improve its secondary with the battle-tested Gilmore.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

The Patriots are going to score points at a rapid rate, so making sure the defense doesn't give up just as many will be the key.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

One of Luck's favorite targets, Fleener has impressed every step of the way during the draft process and should sneak into Round 1.