2012 NFL Mock Draft: Robert Griffin III and Prospects with MVP Potential

Though it's unlikely a rookie will win the MVP this season, a few of them have a shot at winning one down the road. It's a safe bet the best candidates for MVP in this draft would be a QB or RB.

It's not just because of Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III's talent. History of the award says these positions win most often.

Since the Associated Press NFL MVP award was created in 1957, only three players that didn't play QB or RB have taken home the hardware: DT Alan Page in 1971, K Mark Moseley in 1982 and LB Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

Is there a player in this draft with that type of ability?

Let's take a closer look at the future MVP candidates within a first-round mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Luck certainly has the ability to win the MVP in a few years. The Colts have apparently told Luck he will be the top pick in the draft. Now the Colts must supply the weapons, protection and studs on the defensive side of the ball to support their young QB.

He'll need capable receivers and offensive linemen to put up the passing numbers and a decent defense so his team can remain competitive.

All of these things are necessary if he is to be considered for the MVP award in the future.

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

The Redskins have their own MVP candidate of the future. RG3 is the most physically gifted prospect in the draft. His dual-threat capabilities coupled with the Redskins' strong young defensive players makes him a legitimate threat even earlier than Luck.

Assuming the Skins take RG3—as we all expect they will—he'll take over a team that is already a fringe contender for the playoffs.

If he's made significant strides from year one to year two, he could be in the discussion in 2013.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil represents the Vikings slow and steady climb back to relevance. 

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, HB, Alabama

Richardson is one of the most NFL-ready prospects in the draft. He could be plugged into just about any system, and he would succeed.

His north/south running style, strength and vision will lend itself to some nice statistical seasons in the NFL.

It's hard to imagine any Browns' player winning the NFL MVP, so if Richardson is indeed drafted here, his chances will take a hit.

The Browns need a playmaker in the passing game more than anything, but it seems as though Richardson could be the favorite here per Mike Mayock of NFL Network. 

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

Claiborne possesses great ball-skills and instincts. I believe he will be a quality CB in the NFL for the next five to seven years.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blackmon's hold on the tag of best WR-prospect has loosened per Greg Cosell of nflfilmsnfl.com, but I still see him as a solid pick here for the Rams.

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

If there is a defensive player in this draft with the potential to have an MVP season, it's Ingram. Ingram is 6'2" 270 pounds and he has the strength to play on the defensive line and the speed to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme.

That combination screams big sack totals, and that would be the key statistic for a defensive player to gain consideration.

He would also have to play for a successful team, and of course the Jags don't appear to fit that label just yet.

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

This could be the biggest reach of the first round. Tannehill is a solid prospect, but not a top-10 pick in my opinion.

9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers' size (6'5" 322 pounds) and potential will get him drafted high, but he could be two years away from a significant impact.

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd has been impressive during the buildup to the draft, and he looks like a top-flight receiver.

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

The gap between DeCastro and the second-best guard prospect is as wide as any such gap at any other position in the draft.

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

Kuechly is a solid pick for the Seahawks who need to address their run defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Selecting a potential bookend T makes perfect sense for the Cardinals here.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

Poe looked like a mixture of Warren Sapp and Jamal Williams at the combine. We'll see if he turns out to be as great in pads on the field.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT Mississippi State

Cox is a stout run-stuffer and an underrated pass-rusher. He'll help the middle of the Eagles' defense. 

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

The Jets need a pass-rusher and Upshaw will likely be the best available.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Cincy's top priority should be a CB since Leon Hall is recovering from Achilles injuries and the newly-signed Terrance Newman will be 34 years old on September 4.

18. San Diego Chargers: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Perry would be an excellent pass-rushing threat for the Chargers. He could possibly add the same type of threat Shawne Merriman once did.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

Upgrading the pass rush is a smart move for the Bears. This could take pressure off of Julius Peppers.

20. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

The Titans bread and butter is the run game. Adding Glenn would further strengthen a strong unit.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

This may seem like a stretch, but Martin reminds me of Ray Rice—and I definitely consider him an MVP candidate.

Martin would get plenty of touches in the Bengals' offense, and he has the versatility to be a threat out of the backfield as a receiver in addition to his talents as a runner.

I acknowledge this is a long-shot, but Martin could become a star.

22. Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

If the Browns draft Martin, he and Joe Thomas would make up one of the most talented OT tandems in the NFL.

23. Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore is a very well-rounded CB prospect and an instant upgrade at CB for the Lions.

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

The Steelers could land one of their future stars on defense with this pick.

25. Denver Broncos: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

I love Wright's agility and ability to take it the distance after the catch. This could be a steal for the Broncos.

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

Hill's size (6'4") and athletic ability could be a great complement to Andre Johnson's all-around game.

27. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

If Coples slips this far, New England could be the best landing place for him. He'd be surrounded by veterans and a winning culture.

28. Green Bay Packers: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Minnifield could be an eventual successor to Charles Woodson, who will turn 36 in October.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz is clearly the best prospect in the draft at center. That is an area of need for the Ravens, and this would be a solid selection. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

The possibility of Vernon Davis and Fleener in a dual-TE set is exciting.

31. New England Patriots: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has as much upside as any player in the draft. If the Pats can use him like they once used Randy Moss, he'll be a star.

32. New York Giants: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

If the Giants draft Wilson, they'll be adding the home run threat out of the backfield the offense has never had with Eli Manning under center.

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