NFL
HomeScoresDraftRumorsFantasyB/R 99: Top QBs of All Time
Featured Video
EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Current Info for All 32 First Round Selections

John RozumJun 5, 2018

Whether it's stats and/or analysis to figure out the possible impact a first-round selection will have on the upcoming season, it's obvious that top prospects have quite a bit of pressure to perform as rookies.

That said, let's get a quick look at each potential pick in Round 1 of the 2012 NFL draft.

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

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football

Andrew Luck certainly has some big shoes to fill coming after Peyton Manning. The good news is that Indy remains in a rebuilding process, so the expectations for immediate success won't add much pressure.

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

Much like Luck, Robert Griffin III is being thrust into a rebuilding process. The downside, however, is that RG3 isn't filling any major shoes in Washington, and the Redskins' spruced-up receiving corps does add some pressure in a fairly evenly matched NFC East.

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

Christian Ponder is a developing quarterback with solid potential and great mobility. His arm strength is reliable and the accuracy has promise. However, none of these attributes mean squat if Ponder is getting knocked around all day each week.

Last season he was sacked 30 times in just 11 games and ended up scrambling for 219 yards on 28 attempts. Selecting USC's Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall, though, decreases the amount of pressure Ponder receives from his blind side, which ultimately can set up the play-action pass.

Kalil is an experienced tackle that knows when to extend his arms at the right time against aggressive pass-rushers. In the running game, Kalil has better-than-given-credit-for explosion and has the fast reaction skills to adjust his course when blocking the second level.

Provided that Adrian Peterson gets back to 100 percent sooner than later, Minnesota could turn out better than expected in 2012.


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

The Browns can't afford to pass on Trent Richardson, as the running back position isn't as deep this draft as it is with corners and receivers. And in the AFC North, having that stud Brahma Bull pays dividends against some tough defenses.

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

The Buccaneers need to improve defensively in order to contend in the NFC South. Morris Claiborne's ability to make plays, help against the run and change the field position gives Tampa Bay a needed edge.

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

The addition of Justin Blackmon in St. Louis is a top priority to keep defenses from loading the box against Steven Jackson. Blackmon is a complement to field a balanced offense, and the Rams' play-action pass will become more reputable.

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

Michael Floyd finished college as arguably the best receiver in Notre Dame history. Jacksonville needs a young and promising No. 1 wideout to complete the offensive weaponry and keep defenses from zeroing in on Maurice Jones-Drew.

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

Miami needs to improve the offense, and getting a young quarterback to compete with Matt Moore will address some concerns about the future. However, if the Dolphins choose to go elsewhere at No. 8 overall, expect them to remain on offense as a receiver or lineman will suffice.

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

The Carolina Panthers have many issues to address on their defense. Last season, the Cats ranked No. 24 against the run, No. 25 against the pass and No. 28 overall. Carolina also allowed almost 380 total yards per game, recorded just 31 sacks and forced only 10 fumbles.

So, Melvin Ingram is here to help in all aspects to slow down any opposing offense. Ingram can play outside linebacker or defensive end, and in strict passing situations inside linebacker or defensive tackle.

In 2011 alone, Ingram accounted for 10 sacks, 48 tackles, two interceptions and three touchdowns. He has the size, speed and athletic combo to beat anyone one-on-one, and the awareness to sink into coverage and seal off the quick slants and crossing patterns.

On the line, Ingram will draw a lot of double-teams but can also read on the edge and make consistent plays from the backside. The Panthers landing him immediately makes Carolina division-title contenders.


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

Buffalo had a great offense in 2011 until injuries put a halt roughly halfway through. Riley Reiff possesses the agile skill set to protect the blindside, and he creates polished and lengthened running lanes so the Bills can present a balanced attack.

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

Kansas City ranked No. 26 against the run and recorded just 29 sacks last year. Fletcher Cox has the instincts to find the rock anywhere at the line, split double-teams and be a consistent backfield nuisance.

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

Defending the intermediate passing game was trouble for Seattle in 2011. Luke Kuechly, however, will take away the crossing routes and find receivers between the zones, as his field awareness is second to none. He's also an excellent run-stuffer that will greatly complement Chris Clemons in the front seven.

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

Arizona has potential to be quite effective on offense. The addition of David DeCastro helps the much needed pass protection and leads to better and longer running lanes for Beanie Wells.

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

Although DeMarcus Ware will be dominant without a solid pass-rusher playing opposite of him, Quinton Coples has raw talent to contribute right away. With Ware forcing offensive lines to shift their blocking schemes, Coples will have plenty of chances to make plays in favorable situations.

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

To have a shot at contending for the division title, the Eagles need to add young, talented depth at the offensive line. Jonathan Martin has the ability to play either tackle spot, is a protective wall in the passing game and has the explosiveness to open up running lanes both inside and out.

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

Last season, Rex Ryan's defense hurt the Jets quite a bit by allowing 22.7 points per game. Nick Perry is a complete defender that provides a reliable pass rush, play recognition skills and can dominate against the run. All this allows for Darrelle Revis and the secondary to lock down even more in coverage.

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

Perhaps the most impressive attribute about Stephon Gilmore is his ability to quickly dissect plays. Gilmore possesses great reactionary skills, which makes him a perfect fit to Cincinnati. Plus, Gilmore can transition to safety if needed, as his ability to see the field allows for increased odds at making plays.

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

Lacking a quality rush defense and pass rush significantly cost the Chargers in 2011. So, getting Courtney Upshaw to explode off the edge and be a constant menace in the backfield takes pressure off the pass defense. Then, the rest of the front seven can react quicker against the run.

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

Chicago has an upgraded offense to keep pace with Green Bay and Detroit. Now, getting a young and promising pass-rusher like Whitney Mercilus gives the Bears a defensive edge in a pass-happy division.

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

Dontari Poe has potential to develop as a two-gap controller in Tennessee. The Titans need to improve against the run as well, and Poe will create interior traffic to force ball-carriers outside. This, in turn, allows the linebackers to freely scrape over and around the line and defend the perimeter.

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

Improving the front seven against the run is a big concern for the Bengals this season. Michael Brockers has the lateral explosiveness to defend two gaps and can beat double-teams to get in the backfield. Consider Cincinnati a top-five defense with Brockers and Gilmore in 2012.

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

With Joe Haden in the secondary, Cleveland has half the field taken away. Add Dre Kirkpatrick to that equation and the Browns have arguably the league's best cornerback tandem and additional run support on the outside.

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

Yes, North Carolina's Zach Brown is a stretch for the Detroit Lions at No. 23 overall. Still, the Lions need a guy that can cover quickly from sideline-to-sideline against the intermediate passing game.

Brown recorded six interceptions between 2010 and 2011 for the Tar Heels and returned them for 137 yards. He's also an impressive pass-rusher off the edge with 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last season.

A fast defender that reads well against the pass, Brown has the acceleration to react late to the run. He'll be one of the few pass-first players at the linebacker position, but the high-powered NFC North offenses basically force defenses on its heels early on anyway.

So, the addition of Brown will force quarterbacks to hold the rock just a bit longer while the Lions' front four gets pressure. The best use for Brown on the outside, though, is as a blitzer when Detroit anticipates play-action pass. His speed won't allow the play to develop and turnovers will occur.


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

Lacking consistently against the better running teams ended Pittsburgh's season early in 2011. However, bringing in Dont'a Hightower to monitor the middle of Dick LeBeau's front seven is the most ideal solution. As long as James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley keep doing work on the outside, Hightower will dominate as a rookie in 2012.

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

The Broncos are in dire need of a defensive lineman that can draw double-teams and get into the backfield. Jerel Worthy has the quickness and explosion to be that guy, which makes life easier for Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil on the outside.

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

Houston's inconsistent passing offense was the Texans' weakest area in 2011. With a healthy Andre Johnson, Kendall Wright will develop quickly as a No. 2 receiver and draw enough attention from the ground game and force defenses to play more against the play-action pass.

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

Mark Barron has an eye for the ball and is always breaking up passes or making tackles in or near the box. Durability concerns drop him to the Pats at No. 27, but New England needs an instinctive safety that can play over the top or underneath in any situation.

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

As long as Green Bay addresses the defensive front in Round 1, the Packers remain the standard in the NFC North. Vinny Curry is a complete defender that will get quarterback pressure, shut down the run and cause fumbles to help those covering the intermediate passing game.

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

Ray Rice is arguably the NFL's best and most complete running back. So, it's no surprise when defenses zero in on him, and the Ravens' offense struggles with consistency from time to time.

Well, the Baltimore Ravens need to put Cordy Glenn on the front wall to keep Rice as a dual-threat and the passing game relevant. Glenn is a run-blocking specialist that excels at working in one-on-one situations.

His ability to keep a low center of gravity and take defenders out of the play will create running lanes faster and set up the play-action pass. There, Glenn's lateral agility and body control will sell the run and protect Joe Flacco while he's rolling out.

In turn, speedster Torrey Smith will have more time to get downfield, and the running game makes him more dangerous on double-moves. This is why an offense needs a versatile lineman like Cordy Glenn; because his ability creates a balanced attack, thus allowing the playbook to open up.


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

San Francisco lacked a deep threat in 2011 and has for quite a while. Stephen Hill is the long-term solution as the man averaged almost 30 yards per catch last season. Not to mention, but Hill is a dominant run-blocker that will make the play-action pass even more dangerous.

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

New England's defense fields a lot of dynamic players and Shea McClellin fits that mold. He's a sound pass-rusher with a knack for causing turnovers, and he can occasionally sink into coverage. The Pats need McClellin's aggressive play to keep up the pressure and generate more possessions for Tom Brady and co.

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

The next most-complete ball-carrier in the draft, Doug Martin is nimble in space and bowls over would-be tacklers when needed. He's also reliable out of the backfield and provides extra pass protection after play-action. The Giants need this kind of contribution, because a two-back system has been a big part of Big Blue winning two Super Bowls under Tom Coughlin. 


John Rozum on Twitter.

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

TOP NEWS

Colts Jaguars Football
Rams Seahawks Football
Mississippi Football
Packers Bears Football

TRENDING ON B/R