2012 NFL Mock Draft: Updated Pick-by-Pick Analysis of Round 1

With the 2012 NFL draft just hours away, we run down the final pick-by-pick analysis of the draft's first round:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Luck has probably been the Colts' No. 1 choice since the end of last season. The Stanford quarterback represents the perfect bridge to connect the end of the Manning era to the start of something new in Indianapolis. 

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (trade w/ St. Louis)

The Redskins didn't give up first-round picks in 2012 and '13 for the right to take anyone but Luck or Griffin.  

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil and Morris Claiborne make sense here, but protecting Christian Ponder with a 10-year starter at left tackle trumps a bigger need at cornerback.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Missing out on the draft's most complete non-quarterback would be a huge mistake for the Browns, who need an identity on offense. 

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

Claiborne falls into an ideal situation in Tampa Bay, where he'll learn from veteran Ronde Barber while also reuniting with his former position coach from LSU. 

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (trade w/ Washington)

It's not hard to envision Jeff Fisher taking a defensive player with his first pick here, but he has to understand the lack of weapons Sam Bradford currently possesses. 

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

With Aaron Kampman's future in jeopardy, the Jaguars can't pass on the top pass-rusher in the draft at No. 7 overall.

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

It would be hard to make sense of the Dolphins' first offseason with head coach Joe Philbin if the team doesn't acquire a long-term quarterback option.

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

The Panthers transformed their offense in 2011 with No. 1 pick Cam Newton. Now it's time to address the defensive line, where Carolina was pushed around last season. 

10. Buffalo Bills: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

The Bills think they are close to making the playoffs next season, but it won't happen unless they keep Ryan Fitzpatrick upright in 2012.

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

The elite guard in this class, DeCastro pushes the Chiefs another step closer to being that run-dominant offense they were in 2010.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

A defensive end like Chandler Jones or Quinton Coples would have to be in play here, but Kuechly is one of the safest picks in the entire draft.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Left tackle Levi Brown was brought back this offseason, but the Cardinals desperately need an upgrade over the former first-round bust. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

There's a good chance Barron doesn't get this far, but the Cowboys won't hesitate to grab the draft's best safety if he's there at No. 14 overall. 

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

The Eagles take a page out of the New York Giants' draft book by continuing to stockpile pass-rushing talents along the defensive line. 

16. New York Jets: Shea McClellin, OLB/DE, Boise State

Rex Ryan's club won't get back to the playoffs unless the pass rush improves in 2012, and McClellin is a versatile chess piece who makes getting to the quarterback look effortless. 

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

Most have Gilmore going higher, but there aren't many fits for the South Carolina cornerback in the first 16. Barring a trade up, I could see Gilmore sliding to No. 17 and Cincinnati. 

18. San Diego Chargers: Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

The Chargers are dealing with a turnover on the offensive line, and Zeitler's ability to play at several different spots along the line will help ease the transition. 

19. Chicago Bears: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

A poor senior season at UNC could drop the ultra-talented Coples, but the pass-rush hungry Bears won't let him fall into the 20s.    

20. Tennessee Titans: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Tennessee got a pass-rushing upgrade with the free-agent signing of Kamerion Wimbley, but they'll need more on the edge if they want to compete with Houston for the AFC South.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Receiver isn't a huge need for Cincinnati, but it will come as a surprise that Floyd is still on the board. The offensive line can wait when the opportunity to team Floyd and A.J. Green is on the table. 

22. Cleveland Browns: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Wright will excel in Cleveland's West Coast offense by owning the slot and making vertical plays in the seam.

23. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With many of the top pass-rushers off the board, Detroit settles on a player who should be a long-term starter in the Lions' secondary at either cornerback or free safety.

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

Hightower can play rotationally early on, but veteran Larry Foote won't be able to hold him off for a starting job inside.

25. Denver Broncos: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Denver's defense has done well to acquire edge players in the front seven, but it's time in this draft to get the inside plugger.

26. Houston Texans: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Owen Daniels could be a No. 1 tight end if he was able to stay on the field. Teaming the oft-injured Daniels with Fleener gives Houston's offense another dynamic.

27. New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn

Reyes has experience playing in several defensive fronts and should be able to start right away for a defense that needs more talented bodies.

28. Green Bay Packers: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

The Packers couldn't ask for a more perfect prospect to fall to No. 28 than Upshaw, who sets the edge against the run and rushes the passer with power. Clay Matthews breathes a sigh of relief.  

29. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford

The Ravens will consider Wisconsin center Peter Konz here, but the man who protected Andrew Luck's blindside for three years at Stanford is a better value. 

30. San Francisco 49ers: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The 49ers went offense early and often in free agency, making it likely they look at defense early in this draft. Still would provide another talented player to plug in at a strength for San Francisco. 

31. New England Patriots: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

If Boykin was 2-3 inches taller, we'd be talking about him as a top-15 pick. He's tough, versatile and a standout on special teams. 

32. New York Giants: Mike Adams, T, Ohio State

The Giants can overlook some of the red flags if it means snagging the future for the team at left tackle.