2012 NFL Mock Draft: Trent Richardson and Biggest Drops Near Draft Day

With the 2012 NFL draft just a few days away, the excitement over what should be a great NFL appetizer is reaching epic proportions.

All of the following prospects will go in the first round, but the players italicized will be falling near or on draft day.

1. Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Indianapolis Colts have told Andrew Luck he is the No. 1 overall pick.

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

If the Colts called Andrew Luck, the Washington Redskins should give RGIII a call as well.

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

While there is talk that the Vikings could trade back and some possible character issues with Matt Kalil, I don’t think Minnesota has any other choice but to take a player as gifted as the USC left tackle.

4. Cleveland Browns—Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*

Most of the talk in the first round about trading down has been surrounding the Cleveland Browns. With the No. 4 overall pick, the team could move back again and gather even more prospects for the future.

While it would mean allowing a player like Trent Richardson to slide past them, there are other quality running backs that can be had in the second round of the draft this year.

If Richardson does get passed over by a team moving up to this spot for another player, he could fall as far as the Arizona Cardinals at No. 13. The hype around the Alabama star won’t let that happen, but he will drop when the Browns trade this pick.

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

With Ronde Barber’s retirement party coming sooner rather than later, the Bucs need to get Morris Claiborne on the team to learn as much as he can from the veteran while he is still around.

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

St. Louis is looking for a consistent weapon for Sam Bradford and that could be star wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars— Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Everything in Jacksonville is a project this season, so taking Michael Brocker, one of the rawest of all the early talent in the NFL draft, is something that could pay off huge for the Jaguars.

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

There is no doubt that the poor free-agency period that consisted of swings and misses on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn will play into the Dolphins selection of Ryan Tannehill at No. 8.

9. Carolina Panthers—Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Ron Rivera has the ultimate confidence on his ability to shape players after his selection and success with Cam Newton. Quinton Coples is next.

10. Buffalo Bills—Nick Perry, OLB, Southern California

With Mario Williams signed to play defensive end in the Bills 4-3 scheme, Buffalo needs that perfect outside linebacker complement. That’s where Nick Perry comes in.

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

The Chiefs need serious help on the offensive line, and they will find it with star Stanford guard David DeCastro. Matt Cassel will be thanking Kansas City.

12. Seattle Seahawks—Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Seattle Seahawks must find plenty of help this season, and offensive line is definitely a position of need. Though, if they don’t take Iowa tackle Riley Reiff here, the star could be falling.

With needs at linebacker, cornerback and all over on offense, Seattle would be smart to trade back if possible and gather as many picks in the second and third rounds as possible. That would add depth while not reaching for anyone.

Reiff could be a star in the NFL, but there are some questions surrounding the his NFL-readiness. If the Seahawks pass at No. 12, the offensive lineman could fall, at the very latest, to the Bears at No. 19.

13. Arizona Cardinals—Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The need for middle linebacker is huge, and the opportunity to take Boston College standout Luke Kuechly is too perfect to ignore.

14. Dallas Cowboys—Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

With Dallas ready to win now, the addition of a huge offensive lineman like Cordy Glenn would make everyone’s job on offense easier.

15. Philadelphia Eagles—Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina

Just like Nick Perry at No. 10, Melvin Ingram isn’t the prototypical 4-3 outside linebacker, but there is so much talent that the teams will make it work. It's too much talent to pass on.

16. New York Jets— Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Looking for a serious nose tackle to work under Rex Ryan’s tutelage, Dontari Poe fits that mold like a glove.

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

With a complement needed for A.J. Green, the Bengals will take Baylor star wide receiver Kendall Wright at No. 17.

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

Despite needs on the offensive line and in the pass rush, the San Diego Chargers will fall into a cornerback that fits them perfect. The lack of baggage helps as well.

19. Chicago Bears—Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Without Mike Martz ruining the Bears’ offense and the addition of Brandon Marshall, Jay Cutler now needs a tight end. Hello, Coby Fleener.

20. Tennessee Titans—Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

With uncertainty surrounding Kenny Britt’s health and future in Tennessee, it’s time for the Titans to get Jake Locker a long-term project at wide receiver.

21. Cincinnati Bengals—Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Despite off-field issues, Dre KirkPatrick has too much talent for the Bengals to ignore.

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

If the Browns pass on Trent Richardson at No. 4 as I expect them to, their first pick of the first round will be Miami Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller.

23. Detroit Lions—Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Now that the Lions realize just how great Stafford can be when healthy, it’s their turn to reciprocate the love with an offensive tackle like Ohio State’s Mike Adams.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers—Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting older by the minute and their play on the field is not what it used to be. Adding a relentless player like Courtney Upshaw would be a great shot in the arm.

The fit is perfect, and learning under a star like James Harrison will have Upshaw hitting harder and playing meaner than he already did in Alabama.

The problem for Upshaw arises if Pittsburgh doesn’t take him at No. 24. With no perfect fit for the rest of the first round, the Crimson Tide star has a chance to fall all the way to the second round.

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

Broncos head coach John Fox is still trying to rebuild the new 4-3 Denver defense, but his task will get easier with star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.

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

With Andre Johnson on the mend for most of last season, the lack of depth at wide receiver was exposed last season. Stephen Hill is the raw talent that Johnson could help mold.

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

The need for a legitimate pass rush in New England is immense. Their pass-rush evolution begins with outside linebacker Andre Branch.

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

With the ability to play defensive end and outside linebacker, Whitney Mercilus could be the ultimate utility man on the Green Bay defense.

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

The Baltimore Ravens have to be planning ahead for the departure of Ray Lewis, and the perfect protégée will be Dont’a Hightower.

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

If the 49ers are convinced that Alex Smith is their man for the future, they need to protect him with a versatile offensive lineman like Peter Konz.

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

The lack of any consistency on the defensive line cost the Patriots a Super Bowl last season, but Bill Belichick won’t let that happen again, right Kendall Reyes?

32. New York Giants—Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

For winning the Super Bowl, the New York Giants are going to get Eli Manning another wide receiver to replace his old one. Like a very-belated Christmas present.

* Indicates possible trade

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

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