2012 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Sure to Find a Stud in Round 1

There are a few teams that will walk away from the first-round of the NFL Draft with exactly what they needed. 

It seems much longer than a year since the last time we took this dance. Perhaps it's the eagerness we share to see how things will unfold, or the fan in all of us that wants to see how this talent fares at the next level. 

Either way, the 2012 class is an unbelievable collection of future superstars that will make a great many teams very happy. 

Here is an NFL Mock Draft with those teams about to get a bona fide star highlighted. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

One legendary quarterback leaves, and one superstar comes in. The only thing better would be a few more picks in the first round to make the rest of the roster shine.   

2. Washington Redskins (via STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

This just goes to show you how amazing this class is, because this is nearly a case of 1 and 1A in regards to No. 1 picks.

Any other year, and Griffin would be a lock for the top spot.  

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings hold a great spot to ruin a bunch of teams' days. I still have them taking a stout lineman, but they can really cause a manic shuffle if they chose a player like Morris Claiborne.  

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

There is talk of the Browns going elsewhere with this pick, but the fact that Richardson is ready made to be a star makes this a near guarantee. 

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

Shutdown corner is a phrase that gets thrown around far too often, but Claiborne has the talent and instincts to become one at the next level.   

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

I am ready to say this is the obvious pick for the Rams, but I am unsure whether Blackmon will be a good, great or legendary receiver in the league. 

I am fine with him being enough to get Sam Bradford to the playoffs. 

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

He is a stocky gem that doesn't lack for tenacity. The Jaguars would love a receiver, but will take the best defensive end at this point in the draft. 

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

I was very down on this pick but have since seen the light. There is no pick here that would instantly turn around the franchise, making a huge gamble like this worthwhile. 

9. Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State 

He comes in with a great size and tenacity for the position. His motor will make him a star shortly.    

10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The safe play is taking a stout lineman to shore up an immediate need going forward. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College 

His film tells one story, and the combine simply solidified it. He has a knack for finding the ball and getting to tackles. 

He has the speed and power to make a difference and have a long lasting career in the middle for the Chiefs.  

12. Seattle Seahawks: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The only question on him is his motor. If he can put a full game together each and every Sunday, watch out.  

13. Arizona Cardinals: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

I love his speed and ability to drive forward, making Glenn an underrated quantity in this draft. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis 

Yes, I am fully and utterly sold on Dontari Poe. I have breathed in his combine performance and say that is the real deal.

His 44 reps with 225 pounds, and 40-yard dash time of 4.98 seconds signal a mountain of a man that is ready to tear apart the competition.   

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Mark Barron is already heralded as a gifted athlete that will feature heavily in the NFL, but he gets the right fit for his talents with the Eagles.

Philadelphia needs consistency at safety, making Barron a prospect that needs to be ready for heavy usage immediately. I have no doubt he is ready.  

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

His combine dropped him down a peg or two, but I still say he is a first-round guarantee, and one that would be a great find for the Jets.   

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Andy Dalton proved he could get this team to the playoffs, but he still needs another weapon to solidify this budding young offense. 

Floyd has the play-making ability to be a treasure in the red zone. Dalton and Floyd would make an entertaining dynamic duo. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

He raised his game to another level, signaling that he is ready for the demands of the NFL.

19. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa  

The Bears could use a few things, and I could see them taking one of the many receivers still available, but I like them to continue to bolster the offensive line.    

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama 

I like his physicality and instincts. Soon, we will see the chasm between him and Morris Claiborne wasn't nearly as wide as we thought.  

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Bengals get the answer for the other side of the ball. In just one round, the Bengals turn into a scary postseason contender. 

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Colt McCoy gets a vertical threat that just may save his job. 

23. Detroit Lions: David DeCastro, G, Stanford 

The only thing to worry about at this point is keeping Matthew Stafford healthy and upright. 

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

It will take some time, but Hightower will be a star player for a team that is perfectly suited for his talents.

It will take a season of grooming, but Hightower may have the best value of any player at this point in the draft.   

25. Denver Broncos: Nick Perry, DE, USC

If the Broncos do add Perry, they have arguably the best pass rush game in the league.  

26. Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

I would bank on Alshon Jeffery having an amazing rookie campaign on the other side of Andre Johnson.  

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

He may have slipped a bit due to a lackluster combine, but he is still the right pick, bringing in speed and explosion off the line. 

28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

He will fit in well for the Packers who need a versatile player to fit in up front or take the outside. Branch moves very well for his size. 

29. Baltimore Ravens: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame 

The Ravens could move back to get more bang for their buck, but Smith would be a joy for this team. He has all the signs of being a superstar in the league, and possible heir apparent to Ed Reed. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

It's either a receiver like Stephen Hill or a gamble on a great corner talent like Janoris Jenkins.

31. New England Patriots: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU

I am ready to believe fully in his 53 receptions for 917 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season. 

32. New York Giants: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State (Texas)

The offensive line was a bit sketchy at points midseason last year, and the Giants would do well to shore it up here. 

Follow @gabezal