2012 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Projection for First Round

Here's an updated projection for the first round. With the first three picks almost set in stone, the key will be the Browns' pick at No. 4, which will set the tone for the round.
 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
When RGIII declined to work out for Indy, Luck to the Colts became a 100 percent done-deal.

2. Washington Redskins (via St. Louis): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
He's already learning Mike Shanahan's offense. This one is set in stone.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
There's speculation that the Vikings could grab Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne here, but at the end of the day, Kalil fills their biggest need and will be a 12-plus year starter.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
No changes here. Colt McCoy will remain the starter (for at least this year), and the Browns will likely pick up Brandon Weeden in the second round.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
He may have scored a four on the Wonderlic, but it won't hurt his chances at being a top-five selection. The Bucs will be drafting him for his athleticism and ability to shut down receivers, not how quickly he can do mental math.

6. St. Louis Rams (via Washington): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Jeff Fisher needs a playmaker, and Sam Bradford needs to throw the ball to someone other than Stephen Jackson. Blackmon fills both voids.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Floyd's draft stock continues to soar after his outstanding pro day and appearance on ESPN's Sports Science. There's a high demand for athletic receivers in this year's draft, and the Jags are desperate for a keeper.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins
I don't agree with this pick myself, but it's likely going to happen. Matt Moore and David Garrard are obviously not the answers for this franchise. Tannehill could be a high-risk, high-reward type of player but will need a few years to develop.

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Brockers may not be the most NFL-ready defensive tackle in the draft, but he possesses the most raw talent and upside. I think Carolina is willing to take a shot and mold him into a future Pro Bowler.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
It seems as if the Bills are waiting to take care of their offensive line issue for the draft. Buffalo did not re-sign Demetress Bell, allowing him to go to the Eagles. Reiff would be an immediate replacement.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
DeCastro would fill a much-needed role on the Chiefs' offensive line.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Coples would help give the Seahawks a pass rush and possibly make some noise in the NFC West.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Someone needs to protect Kevin Kolb's (or John Skelton's) blindside.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
The 'Boys need a pass rush from someone other than DeMarcus Ware. With Anthony Spencer gone, Perry would give them just that.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Dontari Poe is the best available at his position and would be the best fit for consistency on the Eagles' defensive line.

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
I wouldn't be completely opposed to the Jets picking Kendall Wright here, but I think their biggest need comes on defense. Their inability to contain the edge and get to the quarterback needs to be addressed ASAP.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Cincy re-signed Adam (Pacman) Jones and added Jason Allen but are still in great need of a No. 2 corner alongside Leon Hall. Kirkpatrick has had off-field issues, but the Bengals have never been the type of team to discriminate.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
Ryan Mathews needs a powerful guard to step in and give him room to work. Glenn's versatility also comes in handy at left tackle, in case Jared Gaither cannot stay healthy.

19. Chicago Bears: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
With Jonathan Martin off the board, the Bears will go to their next biggest need. With Brandon Marshall aboard, drafting Jeffery would give Cutler two huge threats on both sides, and Devin Hester can slip into the slot position.

20. Tennessee Titans: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
Tennessee would be killing two birds with one stone, as Upshaw is a versatile defender who can set on the defensive line or play linebacker.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Andre Caldwell is a Bronco, and Jerome Simpson could face an NFL suspension. Adding Wright would give Andy Dalton a dangerous offense, with the likes of A.J. Green, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham in the mix.

22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
After taking care of its running back issue, Cleveland will address its second-most glaring problem with the lack of playmaking receivers. Standing at 6'4" and owning a 4.30 second 40-yard dash time, Hill would be a Day 1 starter.

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Gilmore is too good for the Lions to pass up here. There will be plenty of quality offensive linemen available in the second round.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Kuechly's athleticism and outstanding knowledge for the game make him a perfect fit on the aging Pittsburgh Steeler's defense. It's unlikely he'll start right away, but he could be a big factor on special teams and could replace James Farrior.

25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Cox could fill the penetrating three-technique role for the Broncos and would be a great one-two punch with linebacker Von Miller.

26. Houston Texans: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
With all the top receivers already taken, the Texans won't shy away from building an explosive offense. Coby Fleener is a dynamic player who will thrive with Matt Schaub in Houston's pass offense.

27. New England Patriots (via New Orleans): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Patriots don't have anyone to start alongside free safety Patrick Chung, and Barron is the only player at his position with a first-round grade.

28. Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois
After leading the NCAA with 16 sacks in 2011, Mercilus has watched his draft stock rise slowly but steadily. He is a pass-rushing specialist who is a perfect fit as a 3-4 OLB across from Clay Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
Hightower is a natural leader and would be the future replacement of the aging Ray Lewis. He has a multi-faceted skill set that brings an added dimension to the Ravens' 3-4.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
Konz is the best available offensive lineman and has the versatility to make the transition to right guard, an area that desperately needs work.

31. New England Patriots: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
A defensive end in college, Branch would likely make the transition to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defense.

32. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Giants can take their time and work on Adams' shaky footwork as he awaits to replace Kareem McKenzie at right tackle.