2012 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Picks and Projectons for Entire First Round

Roughly two weeks away from the 2012 NFL draft, let's look at the latest updated picks and projections for Round 1.

The first few selections remain the most concrete, but the draft can go a lot of different ways thereafter.

Check it out.

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

It's a new era with Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. Fortunately for the Colts, he's the best prospect and fills their biggest need at quarterback.

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

Unless the Redskins want to see another full season of Rex Grossman/John Beck, Robert Griffin III will be selected at No. 2 overall. Washington didn't move up to go in another direction.

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

To field a balanced offense in 2012, Minnesota needs Matt Kalil to protect the blindside and get upfield in the running game. It's a small step to catch up in the NFC North.

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

The Browns need to upgrade the rushing attack to take pressure off Colt McCoy. Trent Richardson brings power, balance, control and dynamics that Cleveland hasn't seen in its backfield for quite some time.

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

With a spruced-up offense, Tampa Bay can now focus on the defense. Morris Claiborne improves the pass defense, which allows the front seven to focus on stopping the run and getting quarterback pressure.

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

The Rams need a receiver who can beat single cover, put a defense on its heels and take defenders out of the box to help the running game. Justin Blackmon is the best solution for St. Louis to present a more balanced approach.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jaguars have added Lee Evans to their receiving corps. That said, Jacksonville still needs to get Notre Dame's Michael Floyd to get the passing offense to the next level.

Floyd finished his career for the Fighting Irish as arguably the program's best all-time receiver. In 2011 alone, Floyd caught 100 passes for 1,147 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Last season Jacksonville ranked No. 32 in passing offense and needs just one more receiver to complete the weaponry.

With Evans, the Jags also have Laurent Robinson, so either of them can play the slot and the No. 2 receiver. Now include tight end Marcedes Lewis and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and there's no reason why Blaine Gabbert can't develop in 2012.

Floyd is a reliable receiver who will stretch defenses, provide extra downfield blocking in the ground game and can break tackles consistently. His strength and leaping ability will pay dividends in the red zone and force opponents to play a lot of single coverage.

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

Ryan Tannehill possesses a strong arm, mobility and great size to develop as a pro quarterback. Despite the red flags of inexperience under center and durability, Miami taking him at No. 8 simply depends on whether the future rests with Matt Moore.

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

As long as the Panthers go defense at No. 9, it's not a wrong decision. Melvin Ingram, however, is the best selection, as his versatility will help Carolina against the run and with quarterback pressure. This, in turn, helps the pass defense in a pass-happy division.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Mauled by injuries on offense in 2011, Buffalo needs to upgrade the pass protection with Iowa's Riley Reiff. His athleticism will pay dividends in both aspects of the offense and increase the Bills' odds at competing for the division.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

Fletcher Cox is a potential top-10 pick, but is a steal for Kansas City at No. 11. The Chiefs need an interior defender to make plays in the backfield, and Fletcher can also draw double-teams to free up the linebackers.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

Luke Kuechly is the draft's best linebacker, and Seattle needs a complete front-seven defender to complement Chris Clemons. Kuechly will be productive against the run, and his awareness against the pass will benefit as well.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Arguably the best offensive lineman in the draft, David DeCastro immensely helps the Cardinals get more consistency on the ground and better pass protection. To contend in the NFC West, allowing Larry Fitzgerald to get open on play-action will continue to be key.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Although it wouldn't be surprising to see Quinton Coples go before or after Dallas, he is a great fit to play opposite of DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys need a second pass-rusher, so Coples has potential to quickly develop with Ware doing work on the other side.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

The Eagles may have replenished the offensive line, but adding talented depth at offensive tackle is still needed. Jonathan Martin can play either side, will enhance the pocket protection and create polished running lanes along with Demetress Bell.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

The inability to get consistent quarterback pressure was the catalyst that hurt the Jets in 2011. Recording just 35 sacks, Rex Ryan's defense was also vulnerable at defending the run (which allows the flood gates to open up).

In addition, Gang Green allowed an average of 22.7 points per game, which ranked No. 20. The selection of USC's Nick Perry, though, upgrades the pass rush and perimeter rush defense. Perry accounted for 30.5 tackles for loss during his college days, and broke up six passes.

Against quick-hit offenses like New England and Buffalo, Perry's awareness and instincts will initially blanket the fast developing plays and help the coverage. He's a well-coached player who rarely misses assignments and explodes off the edge to make plays even from the backside.

Perry's size and athleticism allows Ryan to use him as a 3-4 outside linebacker or defensive end, depending on the game situation. As long as Darrelle Revis and Co. continue the suffocating pass defense, Perry will get pressure and the Jets will get back to being AFC playoff contenders.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

Stephon Gilmore is a prospect who possesses excellent reactionary and play-recognition skills. His ability benefits the Bengals as a cover corner on the outside or as a nickel/dime back in passing situations. Through development, Gilmore can also contribute as a safety in Cover 1 or Cover 3.

18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

Whether it's an outside linebacker or defensive lineman, the Chargers must add a player who can stop the run and apply quarterback pressure. Courtney Upshaw is their best option at No. 18, because his speed and agility will set the edge and flush quarterbacks out of the pocket to create more broken plays.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

Last season Chicago recorded just 32 sacks and had one of the league's worst pass defenses. So, getting Whitney Mercilus provides a more prominent pass rush to take pressure off the coverage.

20. Tennessee Titans: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

With the addition of Dontari Poe, Tennessee increases its division title odds. Both Jacksonville and Houston love to run the rock, which happens to be the Titans' defensive weakness. Poe will beat one-on-one blocks, cause pileups and draw double-teams to give Tennessee a sound defense.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

The better rushing offense got the best of Cincinnati's defense in 2011. Therefore, adding Michael Brockers to the front wall in 2012 creates a faster and more agile defense. With Gilmore in the secondary, Brockers will draw double-teams and the Bengals would field a top-five potential defense.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

In their front seven, Cleveland has solid players like D'Qwell Jackson and Frostee Rucker. Also, as long as the two promising defensive linemen in Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor continue to develop, the Browns can make some noise in 2012.

One missing piece to their defense is a No. 2 cornerback opposite Joe Haden. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick is an ideal fit, because he can play dominant press coverage and read quickly when defending the run.

Kirkpatrick isn't the flashiest of playmakers, so turnovers and big-play opportunities will be far and few between. Nonetheless, Kirkpatrick will get a lot of defended passes and/or rarely get challenged. This, in turn, allows the front seven to focus more on shutting down the run, and Kirkpatrick's man-coverage skills will free up the safeties to get interceptions.

A year ago, the Browns significantly lacked against the run, so Kirkpatrick's physical play will help on the outside. Provided that Cleveland remains stout against the pass, the Browns are sleepers in 2012.

23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

Pass-heavy offenses like Green Bay and New Orleans thrashed the Lions in 2011. And although he's a stretch, taking Zach Brown in Round 1 solidifies an improved pass defense to help the front four. Brown is also a playmaker who can get interceptions and, when blitzing, cause fumbles.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

A quick interior defender, Dont'a Hightower fits the bill for Pittsburgh, with James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley on the outside. Plus, Hightower possesses the football IQ that gives coordinator Dick LeBeau the option of adding the Tampa 2 coverage in strict passing situations.

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

Much like Pittsburgh, Denver needs to improve the interior of its defense. The difference is the Broncos need a defensive tackle. Jerel Worthy is a great selection here, as he's always in the backfield making plays against the run or pass.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

The lack of a reliable No. 2 receiver cost the Texans (along with injuries) in 2011. Kendall Wright will produce from the get-go in beating single coverage, which ultimately takes pressure off the running game and then derives attention from Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Mark Barron, SS (Alabama)

Although it wouldn't be surprising to see Mark Barron go sooner, durability concerns drop him to No. 27. There the Pats take full advantage, because Bill Belichick needs a safety who can roll down to help against the run and fill the zone for a blitzing linebacker against the pass.

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

Having a dominant pass-rushing duo is required to remain consistent on defense in today's NFL. Green Bay has one in Clay Matthews, and Vinny Curry becomes his trusty sidekick. The man can get constant pressure, force fumbles and defend well against the run—something the Packers desperately need.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT (Georgia)

In order to keep Ray Rice a dual-threat out of the backfield and the play-action pass relevant, Baltimore needs Cordy Glenn on the line. He's a dynamic lineman who will improve the running lanes and possesses the skills to sell the run on play-action.

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

San Francisco is one receiver away from completing its offense. Stephen Hill is an impressive playmaker with great size, speed and leaping ability to stretch defenses and set up the running game—not to mention he specializes as a run-blocker since Georgia Tech ran the triple-option offense.

31. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, LB/DE (Boise State)

One of the more overlooked defenders with first-round potential, Shea McClellin has the ability to play as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker for Bill Belichick.

He's explosive around the edge and is a lot more agile than given credit for. New England needs to get a younger outside presence opposite Rob Ninkovich and to help Vincent Wilfork in the trenches. Throughout the course of the 2011 regular season, the Pats lacked consistently against the run and pass.

To continue building upon their postseason improvements, McClellin will make a solid impact. He has a knack for making plays in the backfield, and simply knows how to get around the ball. While at Boise State, McClellin forced five fumbles and recorded four picks for the Broncos.

If New England wants to remain the standard in the AFC, sprucing up the front seven is needed. Also, if the Pats land Barron at No. 27, McClellin's addition creates more zone-blitz opportunities to confuse offenses. After all, running a complex 3-4/1-5-5 scheme has benefited Belichick for quite some time.

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

Doug Martin is the draft's next most complete running back and brings a lot to the table, especially his reliability in the red zone. The Giants must keep their two-back offensive system working, because it creates balance and dependability. Plus, it has been the formula that's helped win two Super Bowls with Eli Manning at the helm.

John Rozum on Twitter.