2012 NFL Mock Draft: Project Players Who Won't Contribute Right Away

With the 2012 NFL draft just a few days away, breaking down which first-round picks will not contribute right away is the key to a good draft for the NFL teams. While a long-term project is good for rebuilding teams, organizations that must win now will find no use in the raw prospects.

The following italicized players will not contribute right away in the NFL.

1. Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Andrew Luck to the Colts is a lock.

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

Just as certain about the No. 1 pick, I'm just as certain Robert Griffin III goes to Washington DC.

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

The real action starts at No. 3, with many teams looking to trade back and many teams looking to trade up. The No. 3 spot will be Matt Kalil when all is said and done.

4. Cleveland Browns—Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Another team looking to trade out, Cleveland will take best player available in Morris Claiborne if it can move back.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The addition of Trent Richardson to a backfield that already features LeGarrette Blount makes the Bucs one of the best running teams in the NFL.

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

Another team looking to deal, I see the Rams taking Justin Blackmon as possible trade bait. I think they see him as overrated as I do.

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

While there is a big concern about Quinton Coples' attitude, there is no questioning his amazing talents.

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

The Mimi Dolphins are an embarrassment and that will continue as they reach for Ryan Tannehill and possibly even miss on him.

9. Carolina Panthers—Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

While Michael Brockers is raw, so was Cam Newton and that worked out well for Ron Rivera and the Panthers.

10. Buffalo Bills—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

While the Buffalo Bills need serious help all over the field, their offensive line actually wasn’t terrible. If they do add Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff, it could be a season or two before the Bills decide to start him. That could be great for the young star’s development.

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

My personal No. 2 offensive lineman in the whole draft is guard David DeCastro. He will be the protection up front that the Chiefs need.

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

The weak run defense of the Seahawks will be amped up by inside linebacker Luke Kuechly and his sure tackling abilities.

13. Arizona Cardinals—Nick Perry, OLB, Southern California

The lack of a pass rush will force the Cardinals' hand and make them reach a bit for outside linebacker Nick Perry.

14. Dallas Cowboys—Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

This is my pick for steal of the draft if Melvin Ingram can duplicate his college success in the pros. He has the talent.

15. Philadelphia Eagles—Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

With a major need right through the middle to stop the opposition’s run game, drafting a powerful tackle like Poe is the Eagles' choice for how to address their needs.

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

The perfect weapon for a team still looking for a quarterback…

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK)—Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Andy Dalton needs all the weapons he can get, and Kendall Wright is a great pick for the Bengals.

18. San Diego Chargers—Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

With needs in the secondary, San Diego will pass on the offensive linemen left here and take the best player available form a position of need. That’s Stephon Gilmore.

19. Chicago Bears—Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

With Mike Martz out of Chicago, the need for a tight end is a priority again. Lucky for the Bears, a gem will fall to them at No. 19 with Coby Fleener.

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

While there are some questions about the South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver’s work ethic, the Tennessee Titans will not be taking the young man as a quick fix. If the Titans take Jeffery at No. 20, it will be as a long-term complement to Kenny Britt and Jake Locker.

21. Cincinnati Bengals—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

A cornerback with a criminal record. Where do the Bengals sign up?

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL)—Lamar Miller, RB, Miami-FL

With Peyton Hillis leaving via free agency, the new era in Cleveland begins with Lamar Miller in the backfield.

23. Detroit Lions—Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Matthew Stafford proved that when healthy, he is a beast, Cordy Glenn will help keep him healthy.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The aging Steelers defense will get a shot in the arm from the stellar outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw from Alabama.

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

With John Fox continuing his rebuild of the Broncos defense, adding a stellar 4-3 defensive tackle that can stuff the run like Fletcher Cox is a perfect fit.

26. Houston Texans—Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

The loss of Andre Johnson last year proved the Houston Texans need more depth at wide receiver. Hill will add much more than just depth.

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

The rebuilding of the Patriots' non-existent pass rush will begin with Clemson outside linebacker Andre Branch.

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

The perfect complement to Clay Matthews will be star outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.

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

With a Hall of Fame middle linebacker like Ray Lewis as a teacher, there is no reason Alabama star Dont’a Hightower can’t become a star of his own. Lewis will remain in Baltimore for the next few seasons, while the team and the star teach the prospect the ins and outs of the game, all while alleviating some of the pressure off the aging star.

30. San Francisco 49ers—Peter Konz, OG, Wisconsin

Adding an offensive lineman as good as Peter Konz this late is a huge steal for the already tough San Francisco 49ers.

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

The Patriots pass rush rebuild will also consist of UConn defensive end Kendall Reyes, who will fit right into Bill Belichick’s 3-4 defense.

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

Protecting Eli Manning is a top priority for the Giants, and Mike Adams will be a huge help to that effort.

Check back for more on the National Football League as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NFL page to get your fill of all things football.

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