2012 NFL Mock Draft: Morris Claiborne and Defensive Stars Sure to Shine

Thursday, April 26 marks the beginning of the 2012 NFL draft, but we can’t wait for the fun to begin; we have to mock now!

The defensive players italicized are sure to be NFL stars this season and for the foreseeable future.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts have confirmed their pick at No. 1 to be Andrew Luck. No surprise.

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

After trading up, the Washington Redskins will hinge their future on Robert Griffin III.

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

Franchise left tackles don’t come around very often, and the Minnesota Vikings can’t afford to pass on Matt Kalil.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

With Peyton Hillis heading out of town via free agency, the Browns need to find their new power back. Trent Richardson is too talented to not fill the major void at running back for Cleveland.

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

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have depended on the stellar play of veteran cornerback Ronde Barber for years, but his time in the NFL is almost over. It’s time for the team to draft a viable replacement.

That’s where LSU star Morris Claiborne comes in.

With at least one season of Barber back with the Bucs, Claiborne would have the on-field training he needs to become an elite NFL cornerback for a long time.

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

New Rams head coach Jeff Fisher knows the importance of getting serious weapons for a young quarterback like Sam Bradford. That’s why he will take Blackmon at No. 6.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering a long-term rebuilding phase and Michael Brockers is the kind of raw product they would have time to mold. Perfect fit for both.

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

After missing out on every major free agent and the two elite QBs in the draft, the Dolphins will take a shot in the dark with Ryan Tannehill.

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

The Carolina Panthers are not afraid of a serious risk associated with a pick like Quinton Coples; just look at what the talk was like around Cam Newton last season.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

As good as the Bills’ offensive line was last season, adding a stud like Riley Reiff would make Ryan Fitzpatrick’s life so much easier.

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

With star running back Jamaal Charles and Matt Cassel needing more protection, Kansas City must take star offensive guard David DeCastro at No. 11.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, OLB, Southern California

While Pete Carroll tries to avoid it as much as possible, he will take USC alum Nick Perry at No. 12 to help improve the dreadful Seahawks pass rush.

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

With problems right up the middle, Arizona will find the anchor they needed last season at middle linebacker in Boston College star Luke Kuechly.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to add offensive line protection for their weak running game and even weaker QB. Cordy Glenn is a great addition.

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

The Philadelphia Eagles need plenty of help, but their philosophy at No. 15 has to be taking the best player available. If he falls this far, that would be Melvin Ingram.

With Trent Cole and Jason Babin, Ingram’s plying time would be limited, but enough versatility to play either end, defensive tackle and a bit of outside linebacker would have him on the field a lot his rookie season.

After a season or two developing, the Eagles can move an end that is not producing and have a veteran defensive end right there to replace him. Ingram will be too good in the future to pass on here.

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

Poe will be asked to play some defensive end and nose tackle if the Jets take him at No. 16, but it will be a challenge the physical freak is ready for.

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

To compliment AJ Green and give Andy Dalton another weapon, the Bengals will look to draft Baylor standout wide receiver Kendall Wright.

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

While there may be more talented cornerbacks left on the board, none have the work ethic and glass ceiling like Stephon Gilmore.

19. Chicago Bears: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Jay Cutler will finally be able to run a normal Mike Martz-less offense that utilizes a tight end. That’s why drafting Coby Fleener No. 19 just makes sense.

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

While Michael Floyd comes into town with a bit of baggage, the strong leadership and long-term commitment will make this a great move by Tennessee.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami-FL

With Cedric Benson out the door, drafting Lamar Miller will be the future of the Bengals' running game.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

With Trent Richardson comes the need to protect him, and that’s exactly what taking Ohio State tackle Mike Adams is all about.

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With a serious need in the secondary, adding Alabama star Dre Kirkpatrick adds another element of toughness to a rebuilding defense.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh defense was once something to fear, but age and a loss of speed has not allowed them to make the kind of impact they’re accustomed to. Courtney Upshaw will be a shot in the arm to wake them up.

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

The Denver Broncos' offseason was a wild one, snagging the biggest free agent in NFL history with Peyton Manning. The offseason rebuild continues on draft day.

One of the most underrated moves of the draft will come at No. 25 when new Broncos head coach John Fox continues the overhaul by taking big defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.

Cox is the kind of solution through the middle that can cause havoc in the run game and get in the face of a quarterback during the pass rush. This will be a great move and Cox will be a star.

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

With Andre Johnson’s injury, the Houston Texans' need for a wide receiver will lead them to Georgia Tech star Stephen Hill.

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

The non-existent New England pass rush cost them a Super Bowl. They will take outside linebacker Andre Branch as the first part of the rebuilding process.

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

The Green Bay Packers need someone to take the pressure off Clay Matthews off the edge, and they will find that with outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.

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

The Ravens need to find the eventual replacement for Ray Lewis, and this will be the year. Meet the next great Ravens linebacker, Dont’a Hightower.

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

With the biggest need coming right through the middle of the 49ers' offensive line, Peter Konz offers the kind of versatility that the 49ers are dreaming of. This is a perfect fit.

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

After selecting a 3-4 outside linebacker with their first first-round pick, the Pats will take UConn star 3-4 defensive end Kendall Reyes. The pass rush issue may have just been solved.

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

With Mario Manningham in San Fran, Eli Manning’s gift from the franchise for winning the Super Bowl will be Alshon Jeffery. Make sure you save the receipt, Eli.

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

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