2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Studs and Duds of the First Round

Robert Griffin III isn't the only 2012 NFL draft prospect that will become a downright stud at the pro level. 

There are many others. 

A handful of first-rounders will ultimately flop, too. It happens every year. 

These are my projections of the studs and duds of Round 1. 

2012 NFL Mock Draft (Final Pre-Draft Update)

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford 

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

STUD

I mentioned RGIII in the intro, so I might as well tell you why he'll become a star. Mike Shanahan will play to his strengths by giving him a ton of spread shotgun looks—sets in which he thrived in at Baylor. 

He's got an underrated and extremely versatile running back in Roy Helu and what's actually a semi-respectable receiving corps around him. 

Griffin III's passing precision and scrambling ability are the two most important facets that led me to believe he's on the rapid path to stardom. 

If Cam Newton can succeed in his rookie year, Griffin III most certainly will. 

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

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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

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

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

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

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

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

STUD

Everyone's talking about the defensive possibilities in Buffalo after the team acquired Mario Williams and Mark Anderson in free agency. 

However, the Bills are a premier wide receiver away from having quite the offensive attack. 

They're offensive line allowed the least amount of sacks (23) in the NFL last season and paved the way for 4.9 yards per rush on the ground, which was good for fifth in the league. 

Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller are capable backs and Stevie Johnson and David Nelson are formidable wideouts. 

That being said, in order to get the most out of their relatively inconsistent passing attack, the team needs a supremely-talented receiver that can go up and get the football and physically dominate cornerbacks.

Johnson isn't there yet as a receiver and is far from "dynamic." 

Floyd isn't. 

In Gailey's spread system, the former Fighting Irish star will flourish. 

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

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

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DL, LSU 

DUD 

Brockers is a tough prospect to figure out. Some of his game tape really stands out, but he also goes invisible for long stretches. 

Entering the league as only a redshirt sophomore, he undoubtedly has room to grow. Therefore, it may take a while before he can become a force on the interior of the Eagles defensive line. 

His initial presence will create opportunities for many teammates, especially Trent Cole. 

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

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

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

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

DUD 

Coples has all the physical tools to become the next Julius Peppers on the same defensive line as the man himself. 

However, Peppers has used his ridiculous athletic ability and non-stop motor to become one of the best and most intimidating defenders in the game. 

I'm not sure Coples has that dedication and work ethic.

Is he coachable? Eh. 

He'll be a serviceable defensive end, but never a guy that reaches his full potential. 

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

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

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

23. Detroit Lions: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

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

STUD 

There's no doubting this is a fantastic fit. There's something about the Pittsburgh Steelers and thumping, in-your-face linebackers that go hand in hand. 

They seemingly re-load their defense every year in the first round of the draft. 

Hightower instantly calls the middle of the Steelers' vaunted defense his home, a spot most recently called home by James Farrior.

The Alabama defensive leader is nearly 260 pounds but moves extremely well. Playing with Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons, he'll quickly become a star. 

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT Penn State

26. Houston Texans: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford 

STUD 

Fleener runs as effortlessly as a wide receiver, but is 6'6'' and nearly 250 pounds. He was Andrew Luck's favorite target during his illustrious career in Palo Alto. 

NFL teams have been featuring tight ends more prominently over the last two seasons due to the matchup issues they can create. 

Fleener is undoubtedly a matchup nightmare. With Arian Foster toting the rock and opposing secondaries still having to focus on Andre Johnson, Fleener will become a rockstar in Houston. 

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

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

29. Baltimore Ravens: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

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

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

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

Follow @ChrisTrapasso