2012 NFL Mock Draft: Contenders That Will Miss in 1st Round

The NFL draft is an important time of the offseason for each and every team in the league.

2012 is no different, although many contenders have the luxury of being loaded and less in need of elite talent as some of the franchises drafting near the top.

Regardless, because of the inevitable parity the league has worked so hard to achieve, it’s extremely important for these powerhouses to draft well to stay competitive.

Let’s take a look at the latest first-round mock with an eye on some Super Bowl hopefuls that seem destined to miss and pick a bust.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts reportedly told Luck he is going to be the No. 1 pick and the hopeful savior of the team.

2. *Washington Redskins (5-11): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

With Luck off the board, Griffin is the only other franchise QB available and a huge reason why Washington moved up via a trade with St. Louis to nab him.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

This pick may likely get traded if a team gets desperate for Ryan Tannehill (namely the Dolphins). If the Vikings stay pat, they can’t go wrong taking a franchise LT.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson is one of those running backs that comes along every few years and is actually worth a top-five pick. He’ll instantly add another dimension to Cleveland’s running game.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Tampa has to be happy getting the best defensive prospect in the entire draft here and his impact will be immediately felt on the field when he’s helping lock down the best receivers in the league.

6. *St. Louis Rams (2-14): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The Rams knew they didn’t need a QB with the second pick, so they happily traded down to get a great shot at the best WR prospect and a lot of future value.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Some scouts are just as high on Floyd as they are on Blackmon, citing the lack of an elite QB in South Bend as the reason why his stats aren’t as gaudy. Regardless, he’s an elite player and someone that will help Blaine Gabbert develop.

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

As mentioned, Miami may elect to trade up to secure this kid. He’s got a lot of upside, but even at No. 8 the Aggies quarterback isn’t great value.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore has been steadily rising up big boards because he’s an all-around solid corner that looks NFL-ready. The Panthers could definitely use his skills.

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is clearly the second-best LT in the draft and since Buffalo isn’t going to get a QB here, they’ll add a piece they can keep around for a long time.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

If Poe lives up to his abilities as a workout warrior, he’s going to be one of the most dominant forces in the league. K.C. will gladly take the risk here.

12. Seattle Seahawks (7-9): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Seattle has a puncher’s chance of competing for the NFC West crown now that Matt Flynn is on the team. Unfortunately, selecting a bust like Coples is going to hamstring their efforts. The UNC prospect simply has not been able to show dominance like his size and athleticism suggest he would have by now.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly can play inside or outside and has great instincts with above-average athleticism. An absolute steal this late.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro is one of the best guard prospects in a long, long time. The Cowboys have a need to protect Tony Romo and improve their running game, so this is a perfect pick.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Philly addressed their biggest need at linebacker with the DeMeco Ryans signing earlier this offseason. Now they should set their sights on a kid who can play multiple positions along the D-line.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Jets safeties were constantly being picked on last season because of their small stature and slow speed. Barron is an instant upgrade here and someone who should be able to start his rookie year.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Cincy would be stupid to pass on a top-10 talent with the No. 17 pick at a position of need. The rangy CB prospect is largely considered a good kid, despite his misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

With Peyton Manning running rampant in the division, the Chargers can’t afford to ignore their massive hole at OLB. Upshaw is a strong and creative pass-rusher who will find a way to get pressure on the future Hall of Famer.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Glenn is a big boy who will immediately start pancaking pass-rushers and clearing running lanes for a Bears line that sorely needs help.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

The Titans need a pass-rusher and the Gamecocks product might be the best available. However, he’s still somewhat of a risk. Unless he shows he’s capable of conquering NFL linemen right away, this may be a wasted opportunity.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright is a speedster that made RGIII look good and he could easily do the same for Andy Dalton in Cincy.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

Hill is a workout warrior with a ton of upside. He’s a legit 6’4” and has insane speed. If he pans out, the Browns will have the steal of the draft this late.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

It’s understandable that the Lions want to get a big body on their line to help protect Matthew Stafford and Jahvid Best and keep them safe from injury.

However, Martin skipped out on the combine due to his own injuries and then woefully underwhelmed at the Cardinal Pro Day.

He’s yet to prove he’ll be anything more than a good collegiate blocker.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Pittsburgh has a tradition of employing big, strong, tough, physical linebackers and Hightower would be the latest addition to that fraternity.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Brockers could be one of the best DTs in this draft and an impact player if he lives up to his promise. He’s young with a lot of upside—assets that the Broncos would be happy getting at No. 25.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Trojans pass-rusher is a puzzling prospect. He’s got elite athleticism but never truly took over games.

Houston lost Mario Williams this offseason and they’ll be looking to replace him, but Perry could be a major disappointment.

27. New England Patriots (via NO 13-3): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

If anyone knows how to help a talented but troubled player turn their life around and excel on the football field, it is the New England Patriots and their coach, Bill Belichick. Jenkins has top-10 talent, but his off-the-field issues are killing his stock.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

The Fighting Illini prospect is a boom-or-bust type player. He had an incredible campaign last year, but he has to prove he can do it more consistently and at an NFL level.

Should he do that, the Packers have a great pick here this late. If not, he’s a practice squad scrub.

29. Baltimore Ravens (12-4): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Matt Birk isn’t going to be around forever, which is exactly why the Ravens should grab Konz late in the first round.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery should be a top pick in this draft. He should be able to create separation and use his 6’4” frame and immense athleticism to go up and get jump balls at a high rate.

However, Jeffery hasn’t shown that ability at all during his collegiate career and there is no guarantee whatsoever that he’ll somehow learn with an NFL team.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

The Pats need help rushing the passer and Reyes is a nice prospect that will help them do that.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Fleener is capable of running a sub-4.5 40-yard-dash and has incredible hands. He’s the perfect fit for the defending champs, who only truly need an elite TE.