2012 NFL Mock Draft: Players Who Will Shatter Expectations

Expectations are what make the NFL draft a must-see event. We know all of these prospects so well because of the continuous media coverage they are under, but we care because we hear about how great they could be. 

As we know all too well, not every player drafted in the first round is going to be a hit. In fact, most of them will end up being flops. It's sad but the nature of the process. 

We want to find the players who will not only reach their expectations, but fly right past them to become the next great NFL superstars. 

Here is our latest mock draft with a special emphasis on the players who will exceed their pre-draft hype. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

When names like John Elway and Peyton Manning are used to describe your potential, it will take a lot for you to shatter it. 

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

If you would have asked me before Griffin worked out, I would have said he is so good and athletic he will be a superstar. Now that we have evaluated him ad nauseam, he has a lot of pressure to live up to.

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

As long as Kalil is alert while playing, he is expected to be an All-Pro tackle for the next decade. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Given the way Richardson dominated the SEC, his expectations are already that of a 1,500-yard NFL running back. 

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

Claiborne will be the new face of the Buccaneers defense the second he steps on the field. 

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

The Rams need Blackmon to be a star. His strength, speed and athleticism give reason for hope. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

While we often raise our eyebrows at what the Jaguars do in the draft, selecting Coples is going to be one instance where their reaching pays off. 

Everyone has doubts about Coples because his numbers at North Carolina went down last year, but he was in a difficult situation that likely took a toll on him physically and mentally. 

With a renewed interest in the game, Coples will be a superstar right away. His raw talent is off the charts, he just has to put it together on the field. 

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

Skeptics can criticize the pick, but the Dolphins have to do something, and Tannehill isn't as bad as people would make him out to be. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis 

If you like 340-pound defensive tackles who can run a 4.8 40-yard dash and have amazing athleticism, Poe will be the best player in this draft class. 

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff may be a reach at this spot, but the Bills desperately need an offensive line to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson healthy. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

It might be hard for an offensive lineman to shatter expectations since the players rarely get the credit they deserve. 

DeCastro is going to change all that. He is going to be the foundation for the Chiefs offensive line. He is versatile enough to play anywhere on the offensive line, and his strength, footwork and technique are second to none in this class. 

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Kuechly may not turn into a star, but he has great instincts and feel for getting after the ball. As a middle linebacker, those are invaluable traits. 

13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin has to be great or else Kevin Kolb is going to find it difficult to stay on the field. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

With Gilmore rising up draft boards, the Cowboys need to make a splash to fix their secondary. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers might not be as athletic as Poe, but he is more NFL-ready right now. 

16. New York Jets: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

While other receivers may have grabbed more attention than Floyd, he is going to be a steal at this spot. 

There are few receivers who boast his combination of size, speed, route-running and hands. Even if Floyd doesn't turn out to be a 1,400-yard receiver, he is going to be a red-zone nightmare for opposing teams. 

The Jets need to get more weapons on the outside to help Mark Sanchez take a step or two forward in his development. 

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick has gotten a little overrated because he played for Alabama, but he is still going to be a good No. 2 cornerback. The Bengals' aging secondary needs an impact player. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina 

Ingram is as good as any pass-rusher in this draft. He can play linebacker in a 3-4 or defensive end in a 4-3.

19. Chicago Bears: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

With tight end growing into one of the most important positions on the offensive side of the ball, Fleener's stock should be soaring. 

At 6'6", 240 pounds, there are few linebackers or defensive backs who will be able to match up with him. 

The Bears have made it a priority to get Jay Cutler help this offseason, so why not add another big red-zone threat?

20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery's stock has been all over the place during workouts, but the game film clearly shows that he can be a star. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

After taking care of their secondary earlier, the Bengals will work on their offensive line with the best center in the draft. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Perhaps a reach, but the Browns desperately need to find someone who can plug the middle to stop the run. 

23. Detroit Lions: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Lions are stocked at the skill positions; they just need to get more beef up front. 

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

Upshaw is similar to Melvin Ingram. Neither has a well-developed all-around game, but they can get after the quarterback. The aging Steelers defense needs an impact linebacker who will go all-out every single play. 

Even if Upshaw doesn't turn into the next James Harrison, if he can play up to his full potential, he will be a Pro Bowl player because of his speed and ability to read quarterbacks in the middle of the field. 

25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Broncos have to find someone to plug up the middle of the defensive line. Even if Cox doesn't turn into a star, as long as he makes everyone around him look better, they will be fine. 

26. Houston Texan: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor 

Wright looks more like a possession receiver than a true No. 1 or 2, but the Texans just need a set of reliable hands to pair with Andre Johnson. 

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson

Branch fits the Patriots' scheme and need as a speed-rushing edge player who can succeed in a 3-4 defense. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois

The Packers are desperate for linebacker help. Mercilus is a budding star with speed and instincts close to the same level as Ingram and Upshaw in this class. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

When you have a chance to learn the game from Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, how does Hightower not turn into at least a reliable presence in the middle of the field?

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill has superstar potential. His combination of size and speed is something that teams drool over, but he has a lot of work to do to have success in the NFL. 

At Georgia Tech, Hill was just asked to run down the field and catch the ball. He can do that in the NFL from time to time, but route-running is of the utmost importance at this stage of the game. 

The 49ers are still putting pieces into place for their offense to take the next step. Hill can be the X-Factor in his rookie season before showcasing his full ability in 2013. 

31. New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, DE, Connecticut

Bill Belichick loves to make a surprise pick or two in the draft. Reyes is not a household name, but he is a versatile defensive lineman with the size and frame to handle the defensive tackle spot and speed and quick first step to play defensive end. 

32. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams could be a steal or a bust. His performance at Ohio State left a lot to be desired, but he has the size to be a monster up front. I still see him as a first-round talent, but my confidence is waning. 

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