2012 NBA Mock Draft: Elite Rebounders Who Can Make a Big Impact

Rebounding doesn't get the highlights and buzz of scoring points, but it is just as essential to winning games. 

There are a few rebounders in this draft that will find a home in the NBA even if they can't find any other way to contribute to their team, but their presence on the boards. 

In my latest full mock below, the players who will be a huge presence on the boards will be given extra attention. 

Langford's 2012 NBA Mock Draft

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Davis is most definitely an elite rebounder, but he is so much more than that. He doesn't need to be a highlighted member of this list. 

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist was inconsistent in the tournament, but he showed the ability to take over games. He has the talent to do that on the NBA level. 

3. New Orleans Hornets: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut

Drummond is a bit raw, but he moves great for a player his size and his potential is through the roof. 

4. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas 

Why Robinson's Rebounding Will Make a Big Impact

Like Davis, Robinson has much more to offer than just rebounding. However, he makes this list because his display of elite rebounding ability in the tournament gave his draft stock a huge boost. 

Robinson averaged 11.8 rebounds on the season, and he stepped that up in the tournament against plenty of other quality big men. 

He averaged 12.5 rebounds in the Jayhawks' six tournament games. And that included a solid nine-board effort against the dominant front line of the Tar Heels, and the amazing 17-rebound performance in the championship game against the lengthy Wildcats. 

Robinson has great instincts and the strength to maintain position. He has the ability to average a double-double in the NBA. 

5. Toronto Raptors: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut

The Raptors must add some scoring pop to their backcourt. Lamb is a natural scorer with a great touch. 

6. Portland Trail Blazers (via New Jersey Nets): Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

Barnes' draft stock took a bit of a hit late in the season, but he is still a great athlete with a developing shooting touch. 

7. Detroit Pistons: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

Beal is a talented and athletic scorer, and the Pistons could desperately use his explosiveness.  

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

Leonard is raw. He has decent touch, but needs work on his post moves. He has all the physical tools to dominate in the NBA. 

9. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Austin Rivers, SG, Duke

It remains to be seen if Rivers can be a point guard. What isn't in question is his ability to score. The Jazz will welcome that. 

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State 

Sullinger's draft stock took a big hit, but he is still an elite low-post scorer. 

11. Houston Rockets (via New York Knicks): John Henson, PF, North Carolina

Why Henson's Rebounding Will Make a Big Impact

Henson needs to add some bulk to dominate in the NBA. However, despite his lack of strength, he will still be able to own the boards. 

Henson has a 7'4" wingspan. He also has great timing and instincts. This will allow him to grab the ball at its highest point even if he can't get optimum position. 

This length is a great fit for the smallish Rockets' front line. If Henson gets the playing time, he will be close to a double-digit rebounder. 

12. Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The Blazers need another point guard to compliment Raymond Felton. 

13. New Orleans Hornets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor

The Hornets need a little of everything. They are in luck because Jones can do a little of everything. 

14. Phoenix Suns: Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

Moultrie will bring a nice physical presence and athleticism to the Suns. 

15. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah Jazz): Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

The Timberwolves must add talent to their backcourt if they want to take the next step. 

16. New Jersey Nets (via Houston Rockets): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

Zeller and Brook Lopez are both athletic enough that they will be able to play together and create a matchup nightmare. 

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

Marshall's true point guard skill set will give the 76ers something they don't have while allowing them the freedom to trade either Lou Williams or Jrue Holiday. 

18. Boston Celtics: Terrence Ross, SG, Washington 

Ross' lengthy defense and smooth shooting will be a nice way for the Celtics to replace Ray Allen.  

19. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, SF, St. John's

Harkless is an athletic player with the potential to be a lockdown defender.

20. Dallas Mavericks: Terrence Jones, SF, Kentucky

Jones will be able to step right in and take over the role currently filled by Shawn Marion. 

21. Atlanta Hawks: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure

Nicholson is an athletic forward that will help the Hawks get up and down the court. 

22. Indiana Pacers: Tony Mitchell, SF, North Texas

Why Mitchell's Rebounding Will Make a Big Impact 

Mitchell certainly wasn't playing against elite competition in his one season at North Texas, but his 10.3 rebounds per game are still impressive. 

Despite the big jump in talent Mitchell will face, he will still be able to rebound. He is long, can jump through the roof and has great instincts. 

He is also a solid 6'8" and has more than enough muscle to body up with NBA small forwards. 

Mitchell won't be in the double digits in rebounding, but you can expect him to be a seven-to-eight-rebound-a-game guy, and that is an excellent number for a small forward. 

23. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins, SG, Vanderbilt 

The Grizzlies have been shopping O.J. Mayo for a while now. Jenkins' addition to the roster will make his eventual departure easier to swallow. 

24. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

Melo is the exact kind of low-post defender the Celtics need as Kevin Garnett ages. 

25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

Taylor will give the Cavs a little scoring punch on the wings. 

26. Orlando Magic: Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky

The Magic need dynamic scorers on the perimeter if they want to enjoy the full benefit of having Dwight Howard. 

27. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Jones, PF, West Virginia

San Antonio will continue to add frontcourt depth as Tim Duncan's minutes decrease. 

28. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli is a project, but the Heat have to try and find a legit center somewhere. 

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tony Wroten, PG, Washington

The Thunder need to find a capable backup for Russell Westbrook. 

30. Chicago Bulls: Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

Green is an ideal fit for the Bulls. He has a fantastic all-around game and is a selfless player.