2012 NFL Mock Draft: Draft Selections That Will Change Franchises

Landing that franchise player in Round 1 can bring so much immediate good fortunate to a team. We saw it with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay; the selection that can change a franchise and make a turn for the better is what lies at the core.

This NFL draft won't be any different and the season can't get started soon enough. To that end, let's take a look at another updated first-round mock.

Highlighted players in italics.

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

Andrew Luck is expected to get the Indianapolis Colts back on the right path sooner than later. Once he actually gets drafted the post-Peyton Manning era begins and considering that the quarterback is the most important position, Luck's development is beyond important.

Coming from a pro-style system that saw much success during his tenure, Luck had the luxury of playing for Jim Harbaugh as well. So, his knowledge of how to read defenses pre-snap, setup from under center and sell play-action fakes is second-to-none.

Luck's pocket awareness is arguably his best asset, because despite having a reliable offensive line he makes reading through progressions look effortless.

Provided that Indy supplies Luck with at least one young receiving target from the draft to build chemistry with, 2012 has potential to turn out better than expected. It's Luck's cognitive approach that will change the franchise, as his preparedness is his best attribute.

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

After adding receivers to upgrade the offensive weaponry and then moving up to the No. 2 spot, Washington cannot justifiably select anyone else other than Robert Griffin III in Round 1.

Much like Luck, RG3 is expected to change the franchise around and rightfully so, because the Redskins haven't fielded a true franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann. Griffin's mobility and accuracy will bode well early on, as the Redskins dealt with too many turnovers last season.

Although he didn't come from a true pro-style offense, RG3 knows how to remain in the pocket and use his legs as a last resort. He allows his targets to make plays, buys time outside of the pocket and throws impressive on the run.

Griffin's transition to under center will take a year or two, but the Redskins have a promising ground game and defense to back him. Expect a lot of play-action roll outs this season to utilize RG3's mobility, but straight drop-backs will occur to test his pocket awareness and patience.

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

Christian Ponder has potential to be a legit franchise quarterback. Matt Kalil however, brings reliability at pass protection and stability in the ground game.

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

Trent Richardson is a running back the Browns can build their offense around. The next step is adding a stud receiver to make the play-action pass even tougher to defend.

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

The Buccaneers upgraded the offense and now need a corner to complement Eric Wright. Morris Claiborne has excellent potential and his playmaking skills give Tampa Bay a distinct advantage.

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

St. Louis has their franchise player in Steven Jackson. It's getting him help on the outside that's needed to field a balanced offense. Justin Blackmon's presence alone will make play-action pass quite dangerous.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

Jacksonville may have enhanced the receivers, but Michael Floyd brings youth and top-notch potential as a No. 1 target. His addition completes the Jags' weaponry and makes them immediate postseason contenders.

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

Ryan Tannehill could change the Dolphins' franchise, but a lot depends on whether Matt Moore is the future. Still, Tannehill has the basic skill set to develop, and especially because he'd reunite with Mike Sherman in Miami.

9. Carolina Panthers: Melvin Ingram, LB/DE (South Carolina)

Carolina has their franchise changer in Cam Newton. Melvin Ingram on the other hand, has the versatility to change the defense into a top 15 unit. He's a playmaker that's a great complement to Charles Johnson and Jon Beason in the Cats' front seven.

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

Riley Reiff won't change the Bills' franchise (leave that to the upgraded defense), but he will provide improved pass protection and extending running lanes for Fred Jackson.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE (Mississippi State)

Kansas City simply needs a defensive lineman to help stop the run. Fletcher Cox has the lateral quickness to plug multiple gaps, and a knack for making plays at or behind the line of scrimmage.

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

The Seahawks' defense is nearly complete. The addition of Luke Kuechly fills another need at improving against the run and walling off receivers against the intermediate passing game.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Arguably the most complete lineman in the draft, David DeCastro provides top-of-the-line pass protection and polished running lanes for Arizona. To challenge for the NFC West, the Cardinals need DeCastro to field a more balanced offense.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Quinton Coples undoubtedly has bust potential, however; pairing him with DeMarcus Ware negates that and immediately creates a dominant pass-rushing duo. Dallas needs to get Ware some help in the front seven and Coples has that capability.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

Lacking against the run cost Philadelphia in 2011. Therefore, getting Dontari Poe to plug gaps and free up the linebackers will take pressure off the secondary. The Eagles become a more complete defense and contend for the division in 2012.

16. New York Jets: Nick Perry, DE (USC)

Tim Tebow may turn out to be the franchise changer for the Jets, but Nick Perry addresses a defensive need at getting quarterback pressure. Additionally, Perry is a proven run defender and plays with impressive discipline.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK): Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)

Nate Clements in 32 years old and Leon Hall missed the final eight games of 2011 to injury. So, selecting Stephon Gilmore at No. 17 ensures talented depth at corner and his skill set also transitions to safety (if and when needed).

18. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

San Diego needs a pass-rusher and a consistent run defender. Well, look no further than Courtney Upshaw as he addresses both areas and has a knack for causing turnovers (forced six fumbles between 2010 and 2011).

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)

Considering that the NFC North is overloaded with pass-heavy offenses, upgrading the pass rush is the best counter move. Whitney Mercilus adds talented-depth and youth to Chicago's front wall with Julius Peppers.

20. Tennessee Titans: Dont’a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

Tennessee failed to stop the run in 2011, so taking Dont'a Hightower shuts down opponents between the tackles. In addition, the Titans become less vulnerable to play-action as Hightower is an underrated coverage 'backer.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)

The Bengals must improve against the run to contend in 2012. Michael Brockers has the quickness to beat double-teams at the snap and apply interior pressure for Cincinnati. In turn, the Bengals field a top five defense.

22. Cleveland Browns (via ATL): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

At No. 4 overall Trent Richardson is Cleveland's best bet to field a more presentable offense. The addition of Dre Kirkpatrick however, immediately creates one of the league's best cornerback tandems alongside Joe Haden.

Kirkpatrick has the skill set to take away half the field as a rookie and is arguably better at run support. With three forced fumbles and 19 defended passes in two seasons, Kirkpatrick was rarely challenged in college football's best conference.

The Browns currently field a solid front seven led by D'Qwell Jackson, but they need to complete the secondary in order to contend in the AFC North. Kirkpatrick provides aggressive press coverage, excellent zone coverage and is a reliable tackler.

He's not going to allow many yards after the catch and Kirkpatrick's acceleration allows for corner blitzes to be a viable option. A complete defender, Kirkpatrick has the potential to take on No. 1 receivers as a rookie and give the front seven more time to apply pressure.

23. Detroit Lions: Mark Barron, Safety (Alabama)

Detroit needs any and all kinds of help it can on defense. Fortunately, Mark Barron has a knack for always being around the rock and making plays. His instincts if anything, will pay off for the Lions above all else.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

Pittsburgh allowed 47 sacks in 2011 and 31 came against postseason teams. Jonathan Martin however, protected Andrew Luck's blindside and the Stanford line allowed just 23 sacks in three years. The Steelers definitely need this kind of stability; otherwise 2012 will be another disappointment.

25. Denver Broncos: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

Jerel Worthy is a defensive tackle that can draw/beat double-teams, get sacks and consistently get in the backfield. With Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil on the outside, Denver just completed its front seven.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)

Kendall Wright is the final missing piece to Houston's offense. Needing a No. 2 receiver, Wright is a fast complement opposite Andre Johnson and his presence only makes the ground game more dangerous.

27. New England Patriots (via NO): Shea McClellin, DE (Boise State)

Bill Belichick must replenish his front seven by adding a young and vibrant pass-rusher. Shea McClellin specializes at making plays in the backfield and knows how to force turnovers as well.

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE (Marshall)

Last season Green Bay recorded only 29 sacks. Therefore, Vinny Curry's services are needed as this guy can constantly get in the backfield to make plays. Whether it's forcing fumbles, getting sacks or defending the run, Curry is the perfect complement to Clay Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT (Georgia)

In order to keep the offense revolving around Ray Rice, bringing in Cordy Glenn adds dynamics to the Baltimore offensive line. A better athlete than advertised, Glenn specializes as a run-blocker and can contribute at guard or tackle.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Stephen Hill, WR (Georgia Tech)

Stephen Hill may not have caught an abundance of passes like Kendall Wright, Justin Blackmon or Michael Floyd, but his reliability all over the field is what's most impressive.

San Francisco runs a balanced offense, but needs that young No. 1 receiver to stretch defenses. Randy Moss is 35 years old and not much of a run-blocker. Fortunately, Hill played for Georgia Tech where stock-blocking as a receiver is imperative to development.

With the 49ers' offense predicated off the success and presence of Frank Gore, Hill possesses the size, speed and technique to seal edges against linebackers and defensive ends. He can also go in motion to kick out ends and 'backers or take on defensive backs from the backside.

All this in turn, helps set up the play-action pass. Hill sells the run very well and will be a dangerous weapon on double-moves downfield. Averaging almost 30 yards per catch in 2011, Hill will be San Francisco's red zone threat on fades and in long down-and-distances. 

It's his dependability that the 49ers can count on the most as a franchise game-changer.

31. New England Patriots: Lavonte David, LB (Nebraska)

Lavonte David is one of the draft's most underrated linebackers. He's fast, defends well against the pass, stuffs the run and can provide a solid pass rush. With his abilities, David makes an immediate impact in New England and helps keep it the standard of the AFC.

32. New York Giants: Doug Martin, RB (Boise State)

The Giants ranked dead last in rushing offense last season. So in order to defend their Super Bowl, Big Blue must improve on the ground. Doug Martin is a complete ball-carrier and retains that two-back system New York has relied on since 2007.

John Rozum on Twitter.