2012 NFL Mock Draft: Day 1 Players You'll Talk About for Years

Despite the fact that so many prospects enter the NFL draft to much fanfare, the vast majority of them are ultimately anonymous players who never live up to the hype. There are others who become solid, if unspectacular, pros, and then there are the chosen few who become elite, Hall of Fame-caliber players in the NFL.

Those types of players are few and far between, but there are usually a couple of them in every draft. While they don't always come out of the first round, that is the most likely spot to find one. Identifying precisely which players have that type of potential is extremely difficult, but when a franchise drafts such a player, it is a major coup.

In addition to a full, first-round mock draft, here are my picks for players who will become bona fide NFL stars and will be talked about for years to come.

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

When a player is selected No. 1 overall, positional need is taken into account some of they time, but they are normally taken that early because they are considered to be the top prospect in the class. There is no question that the Indianapolis Colts need a new quarterback after releasing long-time superstar Peyton Manning, but they are going to take Stanford signal caller Andrew Luck because he is the elite talent in the pool.

Luck was twice the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and was by far the most productive pro-style quarterback in college football over the past couple years. Every tool you can possibly name, he possesses.

Not only does he have a strong and accurate arm, but he can scramble, roll to either side and may be the smartest player in the entire draft. With all of that said, it is very difficult to envision him failing at the next level.

The first year or two may be rough for Luck as the Colts' cupboard is pretty barren, but Manning went through growing pains as well. Luck never really had top-notch weapons at Stanford so he is used to making more out of less. Luck has all of the aspects you look for in a quarterback, and when his career is said and done, he could very well be Canton bound.

2. Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via STL)

No matter what happens with Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III during his NFL career, I have a feeling this pick will be talked about for a very long time. As the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, RG3 has a great pedigree, but there are some questions with regards to whether he can translate to the next level. The fact that he played in a spread offense troubles some, but clearly not the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins parted with their No. 6 overall pick and a couple future first-rounders to move up to the St. Louis Rams' No. 2 spot. That was a hefty price to pay, but obviously the organization believes that he can thrive.

I tend to agree based upon the way offenses are trending in the NFL. Quarterbacks who can run and pass accurately out of the spread are all the rage as many teams are beginning to employ the spread as their main offense.

Ten years from now there is a very real chance that it could be the norm in the NFL and guys like Griffin and Cam Newton will be viewed as pioneers. Griffin may not be the classical quarterback like Luck, but he also has everything you look for in a signal caller.

His game may not be quite as refined as Luck's but until he develops more, he can make up for his shortcomings with supreme athleticism and creativity. Because of that, he should be a great one.

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

There have been a lot of rumors regarding the Vikings trading out of this pick, but they desperately need a left tackle, so they should stand pat and nab Kalil.

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

You simply don't see running backs taken early in the draft too often anymore because of the nature of the position. Not only is it becoming easier to find quality starters late in drafts or as undrafted free agents, but longevity is an issue. There is a school of thought that most backs hit the proverbial wall at the age of 30, and while there are obviously some exceptions, there seems to be some validity to that theory.

With all of that said, though, if there is a sure thing at running back, then a team shouldn't shy away from taking him. That looks to be the case with Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

This past season was his first as a full-time starter and he didn't disappoint as he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting and led the Crimson Tide to the National Championship. He was a workhorse and he did a little bit of everything for Alabama as he ran inside and outside, was a solid pass receiver and was a good blocker as well.

After letting Peyton Hillis sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Browns are awfully light in the backfield right now. Montario Hardesty is the starter at the moment, but he has proven to be extremely injury prone during his short time in the NFL.

With so many rough-and-tumble teams in their division, the Browns need a tough offensive player they can rely on and Richardson is just that. He won't be able to bring Cleveland back to from the doldrums on his own, but he will be a big part of the solution.

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

The unfortunate release of Claiborne's low Wonderlic score has created a lot of backlash, but it won't stop the Bucs from taking the best corner in the draft.

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (via WAS)

It would seem as though the Rams have always planned to pick Blackmon, and even though they traded down four spots, they will still get their No. 1 receiver.

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

Jacksonville can go in any number of directions here, but with Jeremy Mincey stepping up as a pass rusher last season, a complement like Coples is a good idea.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Dolphins are one of the teams rumored to be interested in quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but they would be better off playing it safe with Reiff.

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

One way or another the Panthers need a defensive tackle, and while Dontari Poe may be a higher-rated prospect, Brockers is a better fit in a 4-3 defense.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Bills are a dark-horse playoff team heading into the 2012 season, but unless they get Stevie Johnson a running mate like Floyd, they won't realize their potential.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Kansas City can probably afford to take whoever it desires at this spot, but since the offensive line has been a problem as of late, Martin should be the pick.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Seahawks have a lot of options in terms of improving their pass rush, but Ingram appears to be best available choice in terms of 4-3 defensive ends.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Arizona's defense has been decimated in free agency over the past few seasons, but Kuechly is the perfect foundation for a rebuild on that side of the ball.

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

The Cowboys have never been shy about gambling on a risky prospect, and while Kirkpatrick has some off-field issues, he can be an elite cornerback.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Philadelphia's defense was a major disappointment last season, and although there are good corners in place, a leader in the secondary like Barron is needed.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Jets simply won't be able to survive with Aaron Maybin as their primary pass rusher, so expect them to nab a rush linebacker in the form of Upshaw.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

It may not be a necessity, but the Bengals would benefit from getting quarterback Andy Dalton another weapon, so Wright should be the selection here.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Chargers' offensive line has been battered by injuries, free agency and retirements in recent years, so they need a guy like DeCastro to provide a steady presence.

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

Chicago has a possible holdout from running back Matt Forte to worry about, but without a top center like Konz, it will be tough for its offense to get off the ground regardless.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Nick Perry, DE, USC

It may seem counterproductive to throw another name into the Titans' gaggle of pass rushers, but they need one who stands out from the crowd, and Perry may be just that.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals signed cornerback Terence Newman, but he is on his last legs and Leon Hall is injured, so another corner like Jenkins is still a necessity.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Fans of the Browns will probably be hoping for a saucier pick at this juncture, but Adams seems like a a safe selection who will help hold the ferocious AFC North pass rusher at bay.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Lions desperately need secondary help after being torched by opposing passing games late last season, so fast-rising cornerback Gilmore is a no-brainer.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Most mocks have him off the board by this point, but due to a lack of need Poe is likely to fall to the Steelers and they'll make him the new anchor of their 3-4 defense.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

There is some question as to whether Glenn will be a guard or tackle in the NFL, but with Ryan Clady locking up the left tackle position, Glenn will become Peyton Manning's new left guard in all likelihood.

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

It is always a bit risky to take a prospect based on late hype, but Hill showed a lot at the combine and in a traditional offense, he could be a star.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Andre Carter is injured and Mark Anderson is with the Bills, so the Pats have to address their pass rush by taking Mercilus here.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Devon Still, DL, Penn State

There isn't a single position on defense that the Packers can't improve upon, but a guy like Still who can take up blockers will make life easier for everyone.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Ravens have a pretty complete team already, so expect them to take the heir to Ray Lewis' middle linebacker throne in the form of Hightower.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss

All of the first-round prospects at offensive line are gone by this point, but that won't stop the Niners from reaching a bit for Massie to fill a need.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Fletcher Cox, DL, Mississippi State

The Patriots always seem to get by on defense somehow, but there is a severe lack of depth on the defensive line, so they would benefit from a versatile player like Cox.

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

Both Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum are on the shelf for an undetermined amount of time, so the Giants would be well served to snag the draft's best tight end in Fleener.