2012 NFL Mock Draft: Highlighting the Best and Brightest of Round 1

The 2012 NFL draft is tomorrow.

TOMORROW!

This year's draft has definitely been built up enough, and for good reason. The league is getting a very deep draft class, led by two elite quarterback prospects in Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. There's a lot of buzz surrounding the 2012 draft, but for once it doesn't seem like the draft is being over-hyped.

We're going to see several potential superstars come off the board in the first round of the draft. In the form of a full first-round mock, I'm going to point out the best and the brightest.

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

It's official. As reported by ESPN.com, the Colts have already decided that they will be taking Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Luck has been subject to more nitpickery than any other prospect in the draft, but any and all complaints about his game come across as being decidedly petty. Luck is not perfect, but no quarterback prospect is.

Luck is, however, closer to perfect than just about every other prospect we've seen before.

Luck is going to be a good quarterback for years to come, and he's going to shine right away. He can make all the throws, and his experience playing in Stanford's pro-style offense will help make his transition into the NFL a lot easier.

Colts fans will soon forget all about Peyton Manning.

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

With Luck a lock for the No. 1 overall pick, Robert Griffin III is now a lock for the No. 2 overall pick.

I'm a big Griffin fan, too. In fact, I wrote on Tuesday that RG3 has the potential to redefine the quarterback position as we know it. Think Tom Brady or Drew Brees, except with Michael Vick's speed and explosiveness.

Scary, huh? That's the kind of quarterback Griffin has the potential to be. The search for another quarterback just like him will be on.

The Redskins paid a heavy price for the No. 2 pick, but it was something they had to do. They haven't had a franchise quarterback in far too long. May as well take a chance on a guy who could be an all-timer.

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

Virtually all of the experts think the Vikings should take Matt Kalil with the No. 3 pick. The Vikings, however, aren't tipping their hand, and they don't seem all that crazy about Kalil.

Looks like a classic smokescreen to me. Kalil will be the Vikings' best option when they're on the clock with the No. 3 pick. They won't pass on him.

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

The Browns absolutely have to take Trent Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick. It's imperative.

The Browns need a running back, plain and simple. Peyton Hillis' departure left a big hole in their depth chart, and Colt McCoy is going to need a running game to lean on in order for him to be successful.

Richardson is no ordinary running back. He's got a unique combination of size and speed that we just don't see all that often, and his running instincts are second to none in this year's draft class.

He's going to be a star. If the Browns don't draft him, Cleveland fans should boycott the team.

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

If Morris Claiborne is available for the taking at No. 5, the Buccaneers won't pass on him. They need a long-term answer at cornerback, and Claiborne projects as an elite cover corner.

Will Claiborne be a star? I can't say I'm certain. It's hard for cornerbacks to become "stars," and some who aren't stars deserve to be stars. Claiborne will be good, but I don't see the next Darrelle Revis when I look at him. 

6. St. Louis Rams (2-14, from Washington): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network has reported that several NFL general managers think the Rams are going to take Fletcher Cox with the No. 6 overall pick.

This could be due to misinformation coming from the Rams. But since the Rams need a defensive tackle, these rumors might just have some legs. I, for one, can definitely see the Rams taking Cox on Thursday.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

If Justin Blackmon falls to the Jaguars, they'll take him. Wide receiver is a major area of need, and Blackmon's ability to get open will definitely help Blaine Gabbert develop as a quarterback.

Some draftniks see a star when they look at Blackmon. I don't. I see a good possession receiver who might have Pro Bowl potential, but he'll have a hard time realizing that potential as long as Gabbert is his quarterback. Even if Gabbert does develop into a great quarterback, it's not like Blackmon is going to be a record-setter or anything.

Blackmon will be good, but not great.

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

Ryan Tannehill has no business being a top-10 pick, but that's the way the cookie is going to crumble. The Dolphins desperately need a quarterback, and it just so happens that former Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman is Miami's offensive coordinator. 

Tannehill has "bust" written all over him. At best, he'll be a middle-of-the-road quarterback.

9. Carolina Panthers (6-10): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The Panthers could go a number of different directions with this pick. Since they need to bolster the middle of their defensive line, Dontari Poe will be an option. He owned the combine and has big-time potential.

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

This is a simple matter of the Bills filling a need. With Demetress Bell bolting for Philadelphia, the Bills need a tackle. Riley Reiff will be their top option. There's not a whole lot to complain about where he's concerned, which is always a good thing when discussing offensive linemen.

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Chiefs will take a close look at Poe if he lasts to them. If he doesn't, I don't think they'll hesitate to pick Luke Kuechly.

Kuechly is not going to be a superstar linebacker. He will, however, be a guy who routinely racks up over 100 tackles. I'll be surprised if he doesn't make at least one Pro Bowl in his career.

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

Quinton Coples has more bust potential than any player in the 2012 draft class. But since the Seahawks need a defensive end, I could see them taking Coples as a value pick and then hoping for the best.

If Coples pans out, this pick will be a steal.

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

The Cardinals could look for offensive line help at No. 13, but it's going to be very hard for them to pass on Michael Floyd if he's there. They need another wide receiver to play alongside Larry Fitzgerald.

I like Floyd as much as the next guy, but he'll play second fiddle to Fitzgerald as long as he stays in Arizona, as well he should.

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

Mark Barron is a perfect fit for the Cowboys. He has the ability to deliver some crushing hits, but he doesn't get enough credit for his coverage skills. He's the complete package, and he's going to be a productive player for years to come.

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

With Barron off the board, expect the Eagles to go for a defensive tackle. At No. 15, Michael Brockers will be the best option available. He's a project, but his ceiling is through the roof.

Brockers will be more dangerous on the Eagles than he would be on most other teams. He'll be able to play right in the middle of a defensive line that loves to bring the pressure from the edges, and that will open up more opportunities for him. Don't be surprised when he makes an impact a lot quicker than expected.

16. New York Jets (8-8): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Keep an eye on the Jets. There hasn't been a whole lot of noise about them, but I won't be surprised if they make a big trade to move up in the draft. If they do, it will likely be to draft Trent Richardson.

If the Jets stay put at No. 16, they'll take a long look at Melvin Ingram if he falls to them. They need an outside linebacker who can rush the passer and help out in other areas, and that's a role Ingram can play.

Ingram is a lot more athletic than he looks, and he had a knack for making big plays at South Carolina. He's exactly the kind of guy the Jets need in their front seven.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from 8-8 Oakland Raiders): Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Stephon Gilmore may as well come gift-wrapped at this point. He deserves to go a lot higher than this, and some think he will.

If you ask Greg Cosell of NFL Films, he'll tell you that Gilmore is the best cornerback prospect in this year's draft class, better even than Morris Claiborne. Cosell thinks he could be a "Charles Woodson type player."

That might be a bit much, but Gilmore's ceiling is definitely high. He could be the steal of the draft.

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

The Chargers need an upgrade at right tackle. Cordy Glenn is perfectly capable of playing right tackle, and he could also fill in at guard if need be. He'd be a solid pickup for the Chargers.

19. Chicago Bears (8-8): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The Bears' options will be wide open at No. 19, but their top priority should be bolstering their offensive line. Mike Adams could play opposite 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi.

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With Cortland Finnegan in St. Louis now, cornerback is without a doubt Tennessee's top need heading into the draft. Dre Kirkpatrick is a reach at this point, but his skill set makes him a fit in Tennessee's defense.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Bengals could easily go for David DeCastro at No. 17, but they'll need to jump on Gilmore first. If DeCastro falls to them at No. 21, this will be their dream draft.

DeCastro is without a doubt the top interior offensive lineman in this year's draft class. Look for him to be a rock in Cincinnati's offensive line for years to come.

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

After they draft Richardson, look for the Browns to target a speedy wide receiver to help out McCoy. Kendall Wright is the top speedy wide receiver in the draft, and he'd fit in well opposite Greg Little.

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

The Lions could go for a cornerback here, but their top priority now (and forever) should be to make sure Matthew Stafford is safe. Adding another piece to their offensive line is the smartest thing they can do, and Jonathan Martin will be a fine option at No. 23.

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

With all the top offensive linemen gone, the Steelers will have to settle for Dont'a Hightower. He'll be a shot of youth for an aging linebacking corps.

25. Denver Broncos (8-8): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

This will be a tricky pick. The Broncos need a defensive tackle, but there likely aren't going to be any worth drafting. They also need a cornerback, and the fact of the matter is that Janoris Jenkins would be a great value pick here.

Would the Broncos roll the dice on his character issues? I think so. They know that Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger. If they draft Jenkins and let him develop under Bailey's guidance, they'll have themselves a star.

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

The Texans need a speedy wide receiver who can stretch the field for Andre Johnson. Stephen Hill has tons of speed and he's also got size. He could very well develop into a star.

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

The Patriots will be on the lookout for versatile front-seven players in the draft, so Nick Perry will be on their radar. He can play down on the line or back off it, and he'll prove useful in the pass rush.

28. Green Bay Packers (15-1): Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

Shea McClellin is a fast-rising prospect, and his versatility makes him a good fit for Green Bay. The Packers need a linebacker who can star alongside Clay Matthews. McClellin will be an upgrade over what they currently have, and he'll free up Matthews to attack quarterbacks.

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

The Ravens know that Matt Birk is going to retire soon. They can draft Peter Konz as an heir apparent, and use him at guard until Birk hangs up his spikes.

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3): Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

The 49ers have two great tight ends, but that won't stop them from looking at Coby Fleener. He's a great value pick at No. 30, and he used to play under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford. He and Vernon Davis could be the NFC's version of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

31. New England Patriots (13-3): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

After the Patriots draft Perry, look for them to go for a defensive lineman who could help out the pass rush. Jerel Worthy is a guy who should appeal to them, as he has a good swim move that will come in handy in the NFL.

32. New York Giants (9-7): Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

Why on earth would the Giants draft yet another defensive end?

It's simple. The Giants are going to take the best player available on draft day, and Chandler Jones will be in the discussion at this point. Also, there's no telling how much longer Osi Umenyiora is going to be a Giant. The G-Men need to make sure they're covered in case he leaves.