2012 NFL Mock Draft: Ryan Tannehill and Biggest Risers Before Draft Day

With less than a week to go until the 2012 NFL draft, there are already a few pieces that seem to be in place.

For example, it's been reported by the Associated Press that Andrew Luck has been told that he will be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Assuming that report is accurate, it can be taken for granted that Robert Griffin III will go No. 2 to the Washington Redskins.

We've known for a while now that these two are going to be the first players off the board on Thursday. But in recent weeks and days, quite a few players have seen their names shoot up big boards. There are more than a couple players that have gone from being borderline first-rounders to surefire first-rounders, and a few more that have gone from being late-first-rounders to being early-first-rounders.

Below is a full first-round mock that pays special attention to the big-time late-risers.

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

This pick is already set in stone if you believe the reports. As expected, Andrew Luck will be Peyton Manning's replacement in Indianapolis.

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

If Luck goes first, Robert Griffin III will go second. The Redskins will get the franchise quarterback they've been missing for a long time. The stuff one scout told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about RG3 being selfish is a bunch of baloney. 

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

Matt Kalil has been linked to the Vikings for months. It's possible that the Vikings will trade the No. 3 pick to a team looking to get its hands on Ryan Tannehill. But if they stay put, I just don't see them passing on Kalil.

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

The Browns could do a lot of things on draft day. The one right thing they can do is drafting Trent Richardson. If they don't, they'll be making a mistake. The Browns can't afford to make a mistake at this point in the franchise's history.

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

The Bucs will take Richardson if he drops to them. If he doesn't, they'll take Morris Claiborne. There's quite a bit of uncertainty regarding their cornerback depth chart, so passing on the best cover corner in the 2012 draft class would be foolish.

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

The Rams have already traded back once, and I could see them moving again on draft day. But if they have a shot to draft Justin Blackmon with the No. 6 pick, they'll do it. Sam Bradford needs a stud wide receiver.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Here's a late-riser we should stop and talk about.

When the Super Bowl ended and the NFL officially went into its offseason, Melvin Ingram was something of a well-kept secret. Some scouts were singing his praises, but not all. The ones that weren't apparently hadn't gotten a chance to take a look at Ingram's tape.

In the months and weeks following the end of the season, Ingram has been steadily rising. What is most often noted is that Ingram is going to be a highly versatile player in the NFL. Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com wrote recently that a "creative defensive coordinator could have a field day" with Ingram.

Mel Tucker did a good job as Jacksonville's DC in 2011, and he could use a player like Ingram in his defense. The Jags wouldn't regret taking him.

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

We go from one late-riser to another. The trouble with Ryan Tannehill is that not everyone agrees that he deserves to go as high as he's projected to go.

The Tannehill hype is just that: hype. He's not as good as the buzz suggests he is, a reality that I wrote about in a recent article. The so-called experts have fallen in love with him not because of his tape, but because of how he's performed in shorts during the offseason.

Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider told The News Tribune this week that he's expecting Tannehill to be off the board before his team is on the clock with the No. 12 pick. ESPN's Adam Schefter and pretty much everyone else is expecting him to end up on the Miami Dolphins.

It is what it is. At this point, Tannehill is a lock to be over-drafted.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Fletcher Cox is yet another fast-, late-rising prospect who is likely to be drafted high on draft day.

ESPN's Todd McShay is a huge fan of Cox. Via Pat Yasinkas of ESPN.com, McShay said recently he's fallen more and more in love with Cox as he's watched more and more tape:

"

I think he plays the game hard. I think he can rush the passer both from the inside and the outside, different styles, more of a three technique. On the outside he seals the edge and is stronger at the point of attack than when he plays on the inside, but I also see some ability to get off the quarterback with power moves and leverage moves as a left defensive end type or a 3-4 defensive end, as well, on occasion. I think he's the best of the group, I really do, and I think he'll continue to get better.

"

It's worth noting that McShay is also a huge fan of Tannehill, but he seems to be onto something with Cox. This year's DT crop is a little shaky, but Cox has been revealed to be the safest pick of the bunch. He's got talent, he's got the physical tool set, and he's got experience.

Cox will be able to cut it in the NFL and he'll be a great pick for a Panthers team that needs help at defensive tackle.

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

The Bills need a replacement for Demetress Bell, so they won't pass on Riley Reiff if he's there. Since they're paying him so much money, they had better make sure Ryan Fitzpatrick is safe.

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

The Chiefs could go a number of different directions with the No. 11 pick, but their biggest need is at nose tackle. Dontari Poe established himself as the best nose tackle in the 2012 draft class at the combine, so he'll be an easy pick for the Chiefs if they choose to solve their NT problem at No. 11.

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

It's going to be very tempting for the Seahawks to draft David DeCastro here, as they have a need at guard and he's a very talented player. But if he falls this far, Quinton Coples will be a value pick too good to pass up. It just so happens the Seahawks need a defensive end.

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Cardinals could go for an offensive lineman or a linebacker here, but nobody should rule out the idea of them drafting a wide receiver. Michael Floyd is a good value pick at this point, and the Cardinals need a stud like him to take some pressure off of Larry Fitzgerald.

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Cowboys are going to be a team to keep an eye on when draft day comes, as they could pursue a number of different prospects with the No. 14 pick. However, since safety is one of their primary needs, I don't think they'll pass on Mark Barron if he's there. He's a bit of a reach, but he'll fit in well in Dallas.

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Eagles shored up their front seven by trading for DeMeco Ryans, but they still have a weakness to address at defensive tackle. Michael Brockers is a bit of a project, but his upside is huge. The Eagles should take him if he's there.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Jets will be in play for Michael Floyd if he falls to them. If he doesn't, look for them to go for a pass-rushing linebacker. Courtney Upshaw is the top pass-rushing linebacker in the 2012 draft class, so he would make perfect sense for them.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from 8-8 Oakland): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

If this pick actually happens, it will be a steal. David DeCastro should go much higher than this, but the Bengals will gladly take him to fill their need at offensive guard.

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

The Chargers need an upgrade at right tackle. Cordy Glenn could play as either a guard or a right tackle in the NFL, so he'd be a good find for the Chargers at No. 19.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Bears need to find an heir apparent for aging veteran Brian Urlacher. To that end, Luke Kuechly is perfect. If he's available, the Bears should jump on him.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

With Cortland Finnegan in St. Louis now, the Titans need to make sure they draft a cornerback in the first round. Drafting Stephon Gilmore is the ideal scenario for them.

It's worth noting that Peter King of Sports Illustrated says the Jaguars like Gilmore "a ton," and he has them taking Gilmore at No. 7 in his latest mock. That would be a huge rise for Gilmore, but just because the Jags like him doesn't mean they'll take him. I'm skeptical.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Bengals are another team in need of a cornerback. Janoris Jenkins' draft stock is trending in the wrong direction due to character concerns, but it's a good bet the Bengals will be willing to roll the dice on his talent.

22. Cleveland Browns (from 10-6 Atlanta): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

After drafting Richardson, expect the Browns to look to grab a wide receiver to help out Colt McCoy. Kendall Wright's speed makes him a good fit to play alongside Greg Little.

23. Detroit Lions (10-6): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Keeping Matthew Stafford healthy is of the utmost importance, especially after the year he just had. If the Lions get a chance to add a lineman with Mike Adams' talent, they should do it.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Steelers also need offensive line help. Jonathan Martin's draft stock is not as high as it once was, but I doubt that the Steelers would pass on him if he's available at No. 24. They need O-line help more than they need anything else.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Broncos would love to get a defensive tackle here, but there are none worth taking at No. 25. Instead, look for them to jump on Dre Kirkpatrick, who could go higher than this on draft day.

26. Houston Texans (10-6): Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

It's been a while since we last stopped to focus on a late-riser, but Stephen Hill is definitely a guy worth focusing on.

In the words of NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock (via WEEI.com), Hill "killed it" at the combine. Since then, he's been steadily rising up big boards, as scouts have fallen in love with the combination of speed and size that Hill brings to the table.

The Texans are the most natural fit for Hill's talents among the teams that could conceivably draft him on Thursday. They need a speedy wide receiver to open the field for Andre Johnson, and Hill's the man for the job.

27. New England Patriots (from 13-3 New Orleans): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

When the Patriots are on the clock on draft day, look for them to take a versatile defensive player who could provide a boost to a defense that needs one. Nick Perry is a guy who can play down on the line or behind it. He should suit Bill Belichick.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

The Packers need a pass-rusher to help take some pressure off of Clay Matthews. Andre Branch has the athleticism to handle linebacker duties in the NFL, and rushing the passer is something that he can most definitely handle.

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

The Ravens need help at guard and they also need to worry about finding an heir apparent for Matt Birk. Peter Konz is a guy they could use at guard until Birk retires. 

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State

The 49ers could go for Hill if he falls to them, but I doubt he will. If he doesn't, look for them to reach for an offensive guard. After DeCastro and Konz are off the board, Kelechi Osemele will be the best option, even if he would be a reach.

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

After the Pats draft Perry, look for them to go for a defensive lineman to help pick up a unit that was inconsistent last season. Kendall Reyes would be a good get for them at No. 31.

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

Coby Fleener is entering the NFL at the right time.

Fleener was largely an afterthought right up until Stanford's pro day in late March. That's when he ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second range, which is remarkably fast for a tight end.

Now the consensus is that the sky is the limit for Fleener, and Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com correctly pointed out that Fleener is in line to capitalize in the NFL's new-found obsession with athletic tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski.

Eli Manning would love to have a tight end like that.