2012 NFL Mock Draft: Highlighting the First Round's Most Important Selections

In our 2012 NFL mock draft, we highlight the important selections that will help shape the first round:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (via trade with St. Louis Rams)

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

We know that Luck and Griffin III will be the draft's first and second picks. However, while some think that the Cleveland Browns' fourth overall selection represents the turning point in the draft, Kalil is no lock to be taken at No. 3 overall.

Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne and Michael Floyd could all be in play.

We still think Kalil will be Minnesota's pick—the safety and value is too much to pass on—but this is an important selection that will help decide how the rest of the first 10 picks plays out.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

If Kalil does go at No. 3 overall, Cleveland will be the pivot point of the first round. The Browns have plenty of options, but no player will be as impactful right away as Richardson could be next season.

The rest of the Top 10 looks more clear if Richardson goes here, too. 

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

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (via trade with Washington Redskins)

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

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

There are so many teams rumored to be in the hunt for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, making this pick an important one.

Tannehill must first get by Cleveland at No. 4 overall. He makes the most sense in Miami. If he falls into the teens, a bidding war could ensue. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa 

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

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

13. Arizona Cardinals: Nick Perry, OLB/DE, USC 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Cowboys could impact the second half of the draft by taking Barron here.

Many teams, including the Eagles, Jets, Bears, Lions, Patriots and Packers, could be in on Barron if he starts to fall. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The Eagles can go so many ways at No. 15 overall. They could move up to get a defensive tackle or Tannehill, stay put and take a guy like Poe or even move back in the first round.

When a team has that many options, they're bound to be important in deciding how a draft will ultimately play out. 

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama 

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

18. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame (TRADE w/San Diego)

The Browns shouldn't be shy in moving up to get Floyd. He could be a game-changer, and I'm not sure you could put together a better first-round haul for Cleveland than Floyd and Richardson.

If Floyd is still there at No. 18 overall, this is a no-brainer. 

19. Chicago Bears: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

20. Tennessee Titans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia  

22. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford (trade w/Cleveland) 

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Unless you consider Janoris Jenkins a first-round cornerback, Kirkpatrick represents the last of those worthy of being taken this early.

Given how many teams at the back-end of the first round need a cover corner like Kirkpatrick, Detroit's decision here holds some weight. Teams would be licking their chops if the Lions let him fall any further.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

27. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, OLB/DE, Boise State

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

The Packers will keep their fingers crossed that teams pass on Mercilus. He had just one good year at Illinois, but there's enough from that tape to consider Mercilus a game-changing pass-rusher at the next level.

If he's even close to the player Aldon Smith was for the 49ers last season, the Packers get a whole lot better here.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

31. Chicago Bears: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford (trade w/New England)

The Patriots are almost guaranteed to move out of this pick, so it makes sense to find a trade partner.

Chicago could be an option to move back into the first round, especially considering the availability of Fleener here. He fits a big need for the Bears' suddenly dangerous offense. 

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