2012 NFL Draft: 1st-Round Mock with 10-Year Player Projections

As draft debate heats up, we are reminded that often times, we spend much of our energy and focus leading up to the first round discussing what a player can offer his team in his initial season as a pro.

It's a natural tendency and one that makes sense given the recent track record of rookie success.  

But it's also important to be mindful of the arc of development for every prospect, as the NFL is a league founded upon principles that include growth and improvement. Players rise from obscurity to relevant and from pedestrian to sensational in a matter of one season. One dud year doesn't preclude prolonged NFL success.  

Few people remember the first year in the NFL for Drew Brees, but hardly a soul in San Diego believed he'd emerge as an elite quarterback. The same can be said for the Giants' Victor Cruz, Packers' Jordy Nelson and Steelers' Antonio Brown, as each member of the receiving trio vaulted his game to a new stratosphere in 2011.  

These guys are just a minuscule sample of the population of NFL players that have shown that value cannot be measured in just 16 games. As tempting as it may be to stew solely over what a rookie can offer his team next season, it's equally important to keep an eye on the future.

With that in mind, here's a look at my latest first-round mock draft accompanied by a look at what each player's career may look over the next 10 seasons.  

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

Projection: A starter from day one and an impact player by year two. Luck has all the physical tools and intangibles to star in the NFL for years and will ultimately yield a similar result for the Colts franchise that Peyton Manning did from 1998-2010. 

Luck will emerge as a consistent Pro Bowler and entrench himself amongst the elite wave of quarterbacks in the NFL.  

I expect him to have Indianapolis back on track to its winning ways by year three, and provided the team can continue to draft offensive players with as much efficiency as it did for Manning, it will re-assert itself as an annual threat to win double-digit games shortly thereafter.

Simply put, Andrew Luck is a sure-fire star worthy of the hype.  

Rookie Stat Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 3,219 passing yards, 17 TD's, 21 INT's

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Projection: Because of the division he plays in, Griffin will experience some growing pains as a rookie, but he'll quickly overcome them and become the quarterback the Redskins have never had under Mike Shanahan.

Like Luck, Griffin is a franchise-altering player who will brings legitimacy to any offense he guides and will receive annual Pro Bowl nods for his efforts.

The Redskins will need time to overcome the loss of the draft picks they shipped in order to acquire Griffin, but he will have them competing for the playoffs by his third or fourth year and eventually establish the Redskins as a winner.

Given his ability, makeup and determination, Griffin has the ability to rank amongst the league's elite, and 10 years from now, will be one of the most indispensable players in all of football.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 3,694 passing yards, 20 TD's, 15 INT's

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Projection: A franchise left tackle from the moment he steps foot onto the gridiron. Kalil would give Minnesota the perfect piece to protect young quarterback Christian Ponder, and he'd immediately upgrade a line that needs to be able to protect with a division loaded up on pass-rushers.

Kalil will visit Hawaii on numerous occasions for his work, although it will take much more than just this burly left tackle to make Minnesota competitive, as we've seen even the best left tackle can't morph a below-average offense into an elite one (see: Joe Thomas).

All that being said, Kalil will thrive in Minnesota for as long as they are willing to keep him around, which should safely last more than 10 years.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

Projection: The running back position is an ever-evolving one, but Richardson's ability to factor into both the running and passing game will lead him to an All-Pro career and will dramatically lighten the load on Colt McCoy from day one.

Richardson enters Cleveland as the team's second-best offensive player and has a chance to play right away.  

Ten years down the road, Richardson will be on the back half of his career and likely needing to pare down his workload, as is usually the case with running backs. In between then and now, however, look for this guy to be the offensive catalyst for an improved Cleveland offense.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 262 carries, 1,153 yards, 8 TD's, 31 catches, 284 yards, 2 TD's

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

Projection: Much like fellow LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson, Claiborne will crash onto the scene with a major impact in his rookie season with Tampa Bay. He'll become a day one starter opposite of Eric Wright, and his physical presence with be felt as a secondary run defender on top of his early shutdown potential.

As the Bucs turn over a new leaf with the start of the Greg Schiano era, Claiborne will stand out as a building block piece.

In 10 years, he'll maintain his veteran presence and get by with his instincts and smarts.  But there's a lot of good that will come before that, including many Pro Bowl visits and interceptions returned for scores.

Don't discount the possibility of Claiborne becoming a safety down the line, given his size and tackling ability.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 71 tackles, 3 INT's, 10 PBU's

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Projection: It won't take long for everyone to realize what has long been presumed about Justin Blackmon: He is the best receiver available in this draft.

Those who knock Blackmon want to cite his timed speed and the offense he played in; neither of those will be remembered when he produces as a rookie and easily assimilates himself as the Rams' top receiving option in 2012.

Blackmon has tremendous makeup (every NFL scout and coach I've talked to has echoed this), and is the kind of player who takes his craft extremely seriously. Hard work has never been an issue with Blackmon, and he'll steadily improve throughout the early portion of his NFL tenure.

Like each of those ahead of him, Blackmon will visit numerous Pro Bowls and may prove to be the second or third-best receiver in the NFC West by the time 2012 is over.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 72 catches, 1,044 yards, 6 touchdowns 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

Projection: There's so much to like about Ingram's game, but it is his versatility that will shine through early on in his NFL career.  He'll immediately become the Jaguars' most talented pass-rusher and will lead to the further breakthrough of Jeremy Mincey and Tyson Alualu on the inside.

Ingram will never be a guy to top the charts of the NFL sack leaders, but I expect him to continually produce eight to 12 sacks on an annual basis from his second year on.

It may take a year for Ingram's talent to generate the results that Jags fans likely want, but not much longer. With so many blessed pass-rushers in today's game and what looks to be another strong crop in this year's draft class, Ingram won't be rewarded with regular Pro Bowl invites, but he's an undeniable part of the Jaguars' long and short-term plans.

Rookie Stat Projections: 16 GP, 16 GS, 52 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 FF 

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

Projection: Here's where things get interesting, as Tannehill is the first player that will be drafted that I don't foresee a smooth transition to the NFL for.

In fact, despite the first-round investment, I see Tannehill starting 2012 on the bench.  Matt Moore showed enough in 2011 to retain his grip on the starting gig, at least until the Dolphins fade from contention.

After landing the starter role later in 2012, I see Tannehill wobbling through a rookie year as he grows to understand the nuances of NFL defenses and concepts. 

Eventually, Tannehill will become the Dolphins' steadiest replacement since the conclusion of the Dan Marino era, but he'll never be able to lead Miami to consistent contention for the playoffs or a Super Bowl.

Projected Rookie States: 10 GP, 8 GS, 1897 passing yards, 9 TD's, 11 INT's  

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State

Projection: Cox is the kind of guy whose disruptive force won't always show up in the box score, but he will instantly make those already him better. Cox should start from day one and has a chance to change the face of a Panthers run defense that flat-out stunk in 2011.

He'll maintain an active role up the middle for Carolina in the early goings and will eventually resemble what Broderick Bunkley was for Denver in 2011. Those kind of guys don't always get the recognition they deserve on a larger scale, but are never unnoticed and unheralded by their teammates and coaches.

What else wouldn't surprise me? Cox flying up even higher come draft day.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 34 tackles, 7 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF.  

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Projection: The Bills make Floyd the pick because he adds talent to an already budding receiving core. Head coach Chan Gailey likes to spread the wealth on offense, and Floyd will immediately become a factor for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

With his size, speed and ability to make plays down the field, Floyd will become an early fan favorite in Buffalo and star next to Stevie Johnson as a rookie. Because Buffalo will mix in a heavy dose of running the football as well, his production won't match that of Justin Blackmon's during his rookie season.

Receiver is a position loaded up on young talent league-wide right now, so although Floyd won't be rewarded with any early Pro Bowl nods, he'll evolve into Buffalo's top receiving threat by his third year in the league and sustain his production for much of the next decade.

Rookie Projection: 16 GP, 13 GS, 42 catches, 702 yards, 6 TD's 

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College

Projection: An early candidate for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, as Kuechly slides into the starting "mike" linebacker position next to Derrick Johnson and takes on a quarterback role for Romeo Crennel's defense.

Kuechly has the tools—both physical and mental—to be an early impact player and rack up a ton of tackles. He'll play on all three downs and defend the pass, and Chiefs fans will grow to love everything about this guy.

The duo of Johnson and Kuechly will be good for multiple Pro Bowl invitations over the next decade (although Johnson doesn't likely have more than six to eight years left in him), and Kuechly will eventually become a leading tackler in all of football.

This is perhaps the best marriage between a player and a team outside of the top six picks.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 109 tackles, 2 INT's, 2 FF

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

Projection: Sorry, Seattle, this pick may cause you some sleepless nights down the road.

Coples has many of the tools needed to be an effective edge rusher at the next level, but few positions have as much bust potential as first-round defensive ends.

While I see Coples coming in and making a sufficient impact as a rookie, I don't foresee him becoming a constant double-digit sack player, nor does he play the run well enough (right now, at least) to classify his prospects as those of a star.

He'll likely have a handful of seasons with seven to nine sacks and may crack the double-digit barrier on a single occasion, but I'm hesitant to peg this guy as a sure thing based on both his position and some of the limitations he showed during his collegiate career (which included an inconsistent motor. There's no place for that in the pros.).

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 11 GS, 41 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 FF 

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Projection: My sense is that Reiff is slowing slipping down the boards as the draft approaches, and he may end up being drafted closer to 20 than 10. That being said, for now I see Arizona taking him at 13 with the hopes of plugging him in as a left tackle.

Eventually, however, the Cardinals will come to realize that Reiff's arm length and inability to get out of his stance quickly enough make him a stronger fit on the inside as a guard.

It's a transition Arizona is familiar with, having once drafted Leonard Davis out of Texas with the intention of making him their franchise left tackle. That quickly changed, and Davis went out to become a forceful guard throughout his NFL career.

Reiff will enjoy a steady, if unspectacular, tenure as a guard in Arizona.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS (at guard) 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

Projection: The Cowboys hit a home run at pick 14 with Barron, the unquestioned top safety in the draft and the kind of guy who can help fortify what was a porous secondary in 2011.

Barron will assume a day-one starter position and remain there for years to come. He isn't of the mold of Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu and is a cut below recent safety prospect Eric Berry, but the kid has the makings of a consistent 100 tackles, multiple turnovers forced per season.

He'll lead the communications efforts for Dallas and become a favorite of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan from an early date.  

In the next 10 years, Barron will elevate himself to one of the best players on Dallas' defense and a steady rearguard presence.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 82 tackles, 3 INT's, 2 Sacks

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, Nose Tackle, Memphis

Projection: Few players will be as interesting to watch as Poe going forward. You know the rap on the guy by now: huge upside, physical abilities and potential; little in the way of a track record of production.

Here's how I see things shaking out for Poe: some years up, others down. That's partly the nature of the position he'll play and also the nature of his natural abilities.

I don't know the guy—haven't ever spoken a word to him—but with such minimal production in a medium-range conference with as much ability as he has, it's fair to wonder if he has effort and motivation problems on the field.

The Eagles have a wonderful defensive line coach in Jim Washburn, and that gives me confidence that Poe will hone his skills in his rookie season, but ultimately, I don't see the guy as being a consistent interior force.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 9 GS, 32 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 FF (although not a stat, I expect Poe to swat a lot of passes at the line of scrimmage)

16. New York Jets: David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford

Projection: Is the Jets' most pressing need at guard? No. Is DeCastro the best player available at pick 16? Yes.

And it won't take long for Jets fans to warm up to this pick, as DeCastro should immediately supplant Matt Slauson as the starter on the left side. (By the way, this pick is not an indictment on Slauson's play. DeCastro is just too good of a value to pass up at this point.)

DeCastro has early success written all over him and will endure a decorated career with the Jets laced with Pro Bowl and All-Pro considerations. New York will boast one of the best interior lines in all of football, and that helps in a division with as much talent on the defensive line as the AFC East has.

This pick I love for the Jets.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS 

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

Projection: The Bengals had success with a former South Carolina cornerback when they drafted Jonathan Joseph in 2006 and will be pleased to experience some deja vu with Gilmore.

Gilmore will thrust himself into a starting role from day one and earn the favor of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who will quickly come to love his size and foot quickness.

When Leon Hall returns from his Achilles' injury, the Bengals will once again boast a strong starting cornerback pair, and one that figures to tag team for years to come.

Cornerback is a tough position to unseat players like Darrelle Revis and Champ Bailey for postseason individual accolades, but Gilmore projects to be a very good starter and mainstay in the Cincy secondary and may see time as a punt returner too.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 44 tackles, 4 INT's 

18. San Diego Chargers: Michael Brockers, Defensive Line, LSU

Projection: Teams will come to kick themselves for passing on Brockers because this guy reeks of long-term talent and production. Brockers has such impressive explosiveness and strength and could serve in a variety of roles for San Diego right away.

The guy has the frame and strength to be two-gapping end in a 3-4 alignment, and the explosiveness to be a disruptive defensive tackle from anywhere on the line.

Here's big praise, but I see Brockers evolving into a role that mirrors Richard Seymour insofar as that he can be a factor on whatever line he plays on. Is that to say I think he'll have the same career as Seymour? No, but he has a boatload of potential.

Production-wise, Brockers many not always wow, but he'll be a player that opposing lines fear for years to come.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 12 GS, 50 tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 sacks

19. Chicago Bears: Courtney Upshaw, Defensive End, Alabama

Projection: Playing opposite of Julius Peppers is a near-guarantee to earn a guy three or four additional sacks, so don't be surprised to see Upshaw become a popular commodity as a first-year Chicago Bear.

Because of the defense he'll be playing in, Upshaw figures to start his career as a hand-in-the-dirt down lineman coming off the edge.

Like many of his Alabama brethren in this year's draft class, Upshaw doesn't strike me as a superstar down the line, but undoubtedly a solid player who already has experience in a NFL-style defense.

Upon the completion of Peppers' career, Upshaw could be forced into being the primary pass rusher for Chicago, and that's not a role I believe him best suited for. To me, he's a really solid second option, not unlike Brian Robison in Minnesota.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 13 GS, 41 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 FF

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Projection: Kirkpatrick will take over for Cortland Finnegan in Tennessee, but that's not an indication that he'll play the same kind of game.

Although Kirkpatrick has toughness and grit to his game, he's certainly not the physical and at-times combustible player that Finnegan is. He'll be a solid corner prepared to thrive in a zone scheme and fully capable of handling the assignments he'll be held accountable to execute at the next level.

Kirkpatrick isn't quite in the same tier as Stephon Gilmore, but is a long-range investment for the Titans and the kind of guy who will start a ton of games over the next 10 years and help out all over the kicking game, too.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 52 tackles, 2 INT's

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, Offensive Line, Georgia

Projection: Here's what I love most about Glenn's game: his versatility. Glenn can play tackle or guard, and that's what it takes to carve a role out in the league as a rookie on the offensive line.

He'll start out as a guard for the Bengals and will likely thrive in that role from an early stage. He's got the size and power to mash on the inside.

Down the line, Glenn could flex outside to the right tackle position, especially if Cincy parts ways with Andre Smith.

Regardless of where he plays, I see Glenn as a line fixture for many, many years for the Bengals and a guy who can develop into a leader with his strong character.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS 

22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Projection: An immediate starter. This is the kind of player who teams will regret over thinking during the pre-draft process. When you put on Wright's tape, the kid flashes excellent speed and a knack for making plays down the field. A slow 40 knocked his stock, but the Browns won't mind his falling into their laps.

Wright should also thrive in the West Coast offensive system that Cleveland is currently running, and he and Greg Little will form the foundation of a young receiving core that will boost the play of Colt McCoy.

Overall, I see Wright as a multi-year starter in the slot and a guy capable of separating in tight space. That can keep a player in the league for many years.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 9 GS, 52 catches, 551 yards, 3 TD's

23. Detroit Lions: Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Projection: The Lions are thinking for the future with this pick, as Perry may find himself in a situational role only in 2012, with Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril (presumably) starting at the end positions.  

But to think of Perry down the road is simply scary, especially in a defense that is willing to unload ends and send them after quarterbacks like vultures.  

And not to oversimplify a comparison, but Perry has some potential to be like Avril as a rusher, but with even more athleticism to move in space. That's a frightening thought for opposing offenses, and I believe Perry will prove to be one of the steals of the first round.

Ten years from now, Perry will be one an upper-tier front seven player and a franchise cornerstone for Detroit.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 0 GS, 17 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 FF 

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

Projection: Some draft matches are made in heaven, and Hightower to Pittsburgh is one of them. This guy plays like a Steeler, and although it was tough to see him go, Hightower will step right in to fill the void created by James Farrior's release.

I expect Hightower to morph into a consistent 100-tackle player and someone who will make all the calls for Dick Lebeau's defense. He'll join the wave of up-and-coming inside linebackers that should patrol the middle of their defenses for years to come.

A tremendous value and a great fit for the Steelers, Hightower will be a stud for the next decade.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 102 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT 

25. Denver Broncos: Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin

Projection: Sorry, JD Walton, the era of you starting in Denver won't last much longer. Konz will step in to a starting role and quickly become a good friend of Peyton Manning as he returns to the field in Denver.

It's a benefit for Manning to have a rock at center to take snaps from, and I think that playing with Manning will prove invaluable to Konz too. There's no telling how much he can absorb from the future Hall of Famer, but rest assured he'll pick up nuances aplenty that will help him endure in a tough league.

Exepct Konz to stand the test of time in Denver even after Manning walks off into retirement.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS

26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech

Projection: Raw, unrefined, relatively unknown before the combine and loaded with potential. That's Hill in a nutshell.

And I cannot think of a better team to take a chance on him than the Houston Texans.

Best-case scenario: Hill becomes an immediate second threat in Houston's potent offense and a lethal field stretcher with his size and speed.  

Worst-case scenario: He never hones his athletic gifts and produces a career in the mold of Bethel Johnson.

My guess? Hill flashes early stardom with a few huge plays for the Texans as a rookie, but never develops into a total package receiver who can serve as a No. 1 threat. With speed to burn, however, he remains a valuable commodity in a league that requires most offenses to play with a threat to take the top off of defense. 

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 6 GS, 32 catches, 688 yards, 4 TD's

27. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, Outside Linebacker, Boise State

Projection: I suppose it's a little early to call a guy the steal of the round, but McClellin is my early candidate to wear this crown a year from now.

He oozes many of the strengths that Bill Belichick wants in his draft choices, namely the ability to play in a multitude of roles on a defense.

So where does he end up 10 years from now? As a staple of the next slate of popular Patriots defenders and a guy who will make an impact as an edge-setting run defender, a pass-rusher, a cover player and an all-around gem for Belichick (although I'm not counting on him still being the coach in a decade).

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 12 GS, 56 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 INT's, 4 FF 

28. Green Bay Packers: Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End, Illinois

Projection: I mentioned the benefit Courtney Upshaw will experience playing opposite of Julius Peppers in Chicago, and count Whitney Mercilus in as another fortunate youngster who will be surrounded with talent to free up space for him to work (notably, Clay Matthews).

Mercilus isn't a guy with an infinite ceiling, but he can become a serviceable edge player in the 3-4 scheme and a sub-package down lineman as well.

Green Bay shows awesome ability to get creative with its defensive looks, and Mercilus should benefit from that early on and pile up a handful of sacks.

Down the line, he's a solid, complimentary rusher with the ability to consistently win setting the edge. Never a star, but never overmatched either.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 49 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 FF 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Projection: This one is a nice mix of value and need, as the Ravens find a guy who can eventually assume the left tackle position once Bryant McKinnie's stay ends in Baltimore.

Once he does, Martin will become a solid, dependable left tackle who will eventually flip over to the right side. He's not an elite athlete, but he has enough physical tools to hack it on either side of the line, and perhaps the temperament to play guard in a pinch too.

At this point of the first round, teams aren't necessarily shooting for stars, but rather, guys who can fill a void on the roster both now and for the future. Martin does just that for Baltimore, as he'll start a ton of games over the next 10 years all over the offensive line.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 0 GS

30. San Francisco 49ers: Kevin Zeitler, Guard, Wisconsin

Projection: The 49ers are building their offense using a strategy that I think teams will soon follow suit with, and that's through the offensive line.  Zeitler would make their fourth starter acquired via a first-round investment, and he's another good one.

Zeitler has good power, size and some nastiness to his game that will make him an immediate starter and a blend-right-in kind of guy with fellow mauler Mike Iupati.

He isn't a sexy pick now and won't draw a lot of attention throughout his career, but he'll be a sustained starter in San Francisco. Can't ask for much more than that at pick 30.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS 

31. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

Projection: From a talent standpoint, not many more than a dozen players stack up to Jenkins in this draft-he's that gifted. The biggest question—check that, hugest question—is whether or not his behavior can be controlled, as there are a myriad of off-field concerns surrounding Jenkins.

Enter Bill Belichick.

No coach is better at roping in the malcontents and the misbehaved and righting their personal ships. Belichick will do to Jenkins what he has successfully done with guys like Corey Dillon and Randy Moss: maximize their talent and diffuse their distractability.

Jenkins will become an immediate rotation player for the Patriots and give them their best man-to-man option, and by the end of his rookie season, he'll be a starter.  

From there on, he'll become the cover corner that the Patriots have lacked in recent seasons and develop into a total stud whose biggest hindrance would be his ability to curtail his troublesome habits.

Does Belichick have that magic touch?  I think so.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 7 GS, 37 tackles, 4 INT's, 10 PBU's

32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, Tight End, Stanford

Projection: The Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011 without a major receiving threat from the tight end position, but that will change with the addition of Fleener.

After losing Jake Ballard to a major knee injury, Fleener will be called upon to start as a rookie, and I expect him to thrive as a middle-of-the-field attention-grabber. That's scary for opposing defenses because that may force them to address either Victor Cruz or Hakeem Nicks with minimal safety help.

Fleener has a chance to be dynamic, and I foresee him becoming a favorite target of Eli Manning's, particularly in the red zone and on third down. Should teams look to roll coverage to Nicks and Cruz in those scenarios, Fleener will find himself in mismatch against either a slower linebacker or smaller safety.

This kid will be a major part of the Giants' passing game in the next 10 years, with the ability to be a consistent 60-70 catch threat and tremendous third option.  

A huge pickup to end the first round.

Rookie Stats Projection: 16 GP, 16 GS, 48 catches, 615 yards, 6 TD's