2012 NFL Mock Draft: Offensive Studs That Will Go Early

The NFL draft is only a couple of short weeks away, which means there is still plenty of time for things to shuffle around on the board before it all goes down. 

There are some offensive superstars, however, who have been locked in at certain spots since the speculation began months ago. With lots of talent available at wide receiver and left tackle—and, of course, there are those two quarterbacks—this year's draft will give lots of teams some good opportunities to stock up on the stars of tomorrow.

Here is a first-round mock that focuses on offensive talent that is sure to go early.

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

Colts owner Jim Irsay made it clear this week what he intends to do with Indianapolis' first overall pick. Luck gives the Colts the best chance at producing an MVP-caliber quarterback who can fill the void left behind by a dispatched Peyton Manning.

Luck is incredibly coachable and has the kind of accuracy that could make him a Pro Bowler not too far down the line. He truly understands how to run an offense and has the kind of mental and physical toughness coaches love to see.

His best selling point is his ability to read defenses and to look one way and throw the other, which leaves defenses unable to react. The one thing Luck needs to improve upon is his decision-making, but he is certain to be a game-changer in the league immediately.

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

When Luck goes to the Colts, the Redskins won't be disappointed. RG3 is certain to be their quarterback of the future and is one of the fastest and most athletic quarterback prospects to hit the board in years.

3. Miami Dolphins (mock trade from Vikings) (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Whether Tannehill goes here or later in the top 10, he is certain to be the third quarterback off the board and is the only one besides Luck and RG3 worth taking in the first round. 

There are questions about Tannehill's ability to transition into an NFL offense because he switched back and forth between wide receiver and quarterback a couple of times during his college career. By all indications, though, he has the kind of upside that will allow him to be successful and he gives a team like the Dolphins a chance to find their quarterback of the future.

As a receiver for two season at A&M, Tannehill led the team in receptions and when he stepped in at quarterback for an injured Jerrod Johnson, he led the team to six straight wins. He has intelligence and the potential to be a dual-threat quarterback.

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

There's a quasi-controversy concerning Richardson's speed, but he brings to mind Adrian Peterson with his fortitude and his power on the run.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne, the top-rated defensive player on the board this year, could serve as the long-term replacement for Ronde Barber.

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

The Rams also need an offensive tackle, but they have the opportunity to get a serious playmaker in Blackmon, which would drastically improve a passing game that ranked 30th in the league last season.

There is a possibility that St. Louis could go with Kalil here and though he's still a solid pick, Blackmon has the skills and the speed to make an immediate impact on this offense. He is the top-ranked receiver on the board and scored 38 touchdowns in his final 25 games in college. Moreover, he's durable: He missed just one game in his final two seasons and it was because of a suspension.

Slight character issues aside (he had a DUI in 2010), he has the kind of football IQ and upside that the Rams should not pass up. His talent is too massive to overlook.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Jags still need a right offensive tackle and Kalil has the versatility to play on both sides. He still has the immense talent and potential to transition into a top-tier left tackle down the line.

8. Minnesota Vikings (Mock trade from Miami) (3-13): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Though he doesn't have elite athleticism or core strength, he's above average in both areas and is still the second-rated offensive tackle available.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Carolina's defense, which finished 25th in opponent rushing yards in 2011, needs a solid presence on the line.

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

Floyd was a standout at Notre Dame and departs with seven school records in tow. The Bills need a playmaker on offense, and next to Blackmon, Floyd is the best bet.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

This tackling machine is Kansas City's best bet at filling a big hole at linebacker, and he is a driven, intelligent player who is NFL-ready right now.

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

His versatility allows him to fit in anywhere on defense and he's one of the more explosive prospects off the ball.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama

Upshaw's stock seems to be dropping by the day because of questions about his explosiveness, but with Coples off the board, there's still not a better option and he is durable and solid against the run.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe has the Cowboys excited after an explosive performance at the combine, and he has the work ethic to develop into a top-tier tackle down the line. 

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

The Eagles have some work to do in improving their secondary and Barron is the best safety in the draft. He is NFL-ready and can make a difference right off the bat.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse

As one of the more underrated defensive prospects on the board, Jones has the potential to be a serious threat on the pass-rush and he's still growing into his frame, so there's room for him to develop.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) (8-8): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

He's versatile enough to fit into any scheme in the NFL and comes from a pro-style system at Stanford, which will make his transition even easier.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

He made starts at left tackle, right guard and left guard in college, giving the Chargers some versatility and solid protection for Philip Rivers.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin helps the Bears fill in their hole at left tackle and he's a durable, impressive athlete who hasn't missed a game in two seasons.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick, whose size (6'2", 185 pounds) gives him an advantage, will fit in nicely in Tennessee because of his solid instincts.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

He is a top-five corner who allows the Bengals to address their need in the secondary and helps them improve a unit that finished in the top 10 in opponent passing yards in 2011.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) (4-12): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The wide receiver can be another weapon on Colt McCoy's offense. Wright is NFL-ready now and has the speed to be a home run threat.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

He was a late bloomer who inserted himself in the conversation after a senior season in which he had 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles, but his seemingly out-of-nowhere rise has some scouts concerned.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Hightower has the versatility to play inside linebacker, nickel linebacker or defensive end. He fits the Steelers' needs and immediately gives them a very physical inside presence.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

He has a lot of upside and played in all 27 games during two years at LSU, and his work ethic offsets concerns about him leaving school after his redshirt sophomore season.

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

Hill had a very impressive performance at the combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds. He also has good hands and top speed, which make him a very alluring selection.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) (13-3): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Patriots would be incredibly fortunate to get him here, considering how his stock is soaring. He has a quick first step and his ball-rushing skills are spectacular.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Nick Perry, DE/LB, USC

If Perry is still available, the Packers need to take USC's Defensive Lineman of the Year, who finished the 2011 season with a Pac-12 best 9.5 sacks. He's the best prospect left on the board.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith hasn't suffered any injuries throughout the course of his career and has top-end speed and a high football IQ.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

The 49ers have a hole to fill at defensive end and Branch is a durable option who played in all 41 games during his last three seasons at Clemson.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

Reyes' intangibles are what make him such an appealing prospect: He has a great work ethic and can pick up schemes quickly.

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

Fleener was able to get through his entire Stanford career without missing a game because of an injury and is extremely coachable.