2012 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions and Analysis for First Round

Finally the 2012 NFL Draft is here and all the speculation can end as we discover where every young player is going once and for all.

So, here's a final look at how it all shakes out tonight.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts have already stated they will take Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. They parted ways with legendary quarterback Peyton Manning to do so, and, in Luck, might have found their franchise quarterback for the next 10-15 years.

Prediction: Luck will be as advertised and have a very impressive career with the Colts. His numbers will mirror those of Peyton Manning, and he will take his team to multiple Super Bowls with at least one ring to show for it.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

It's been a while since the Redskins have had some semblance of a passing attack led by a legit quarterback. RG3 is a Heisman Trophy winner and the second best quarterback in the draft. His skill and athleticism make this an easy pick for Washington.

Prediction: RG3 will be the franchise quarterback Washington expects. He won't be as good a passer as originally thought, but instead his athleticism will make him an elite quarterback. Sadly for RG3, I'm not sure the 'Skins can build a good enough team around him to win based on their past.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Minnesota Vikings can't seem to make up their mind with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but I'm sticking to my guns and keeping Kalil as their pick. They could desperately use some help up front to protect Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson.

Prediction: Kalil won't be the next Gene Upshaw, but he won't be Robert Gallery either. Ultimately, the Vikes will wish they had either traded down or drafted someone else, because Kalil won't be as exceptional as is expected with the third pick.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Browns will be looking to beef up their offense this season and surround Colt McCoy with as many options as possible. Richardson will be the first step toward that, as he is one of the most talented players in the draft. This one just fits, end of story.

Prediction: Richardson will be the best running back in Cleveland since Jim Brown and will have an illustrious career as an annual Pro Bowler and eventual Hall of Famer. However, as logic would dictate with the Browns, there won't be nearly enough around him to win a Super Bowl.

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

The best thing about the Bucs used to be their defense, but that has changed in recent seasons and Tampa Bay must rebuild. Claiborne is projected to be a shutdown corner in the NFL and that is just what the doctor ordered.

Prediction: Claiborne will be a shutdown corner and a huge part of the eventual success of the Bucs. A return to defense could mean a return to glory for this franchise, and Claiborne will no doubt have a hand in that.

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Sam Bradford needs some help and what better way to oblige than to give him a stud receiver in Blackmon? He's the big, reliable option that the Rams' third-year quarterback needs and should help Bradford regain some confidence after a rough season.

Prediction: Justin Blackmon will be the best receiver since Torry Holt and shatter every Rams receiving record. Bradford and Blackmon will be deemed "The Killer B's," and will rival the greatness of other famous quarterback-receiver tandems throughout NFL history.

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

Without a worthy skill-position player available for the Jags' ailing offense to add, Jacksonville will look to bolster their defense with a pass-rusher and Ingram is the man for that job. The Jags were at their best as a franchise when they played great defense, and drafting Ingram is a start.

Prediction: Ingram will make an immediate impact as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. His quickness will be well known throughout the league, and his incredible ability to get to the quarterback will make him the leader of an elite Jags defense for years to come

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

Miami hasn't had a good quarterback since Dan Marino, and that is far too long for a football team to be without a solid signal-caller. However, the Dolphins are taking a huge risk selecting an unproven commodity like Tannehill this high in the draft and could end up right back where they started.

Prediction: Tannehill will be a complete bust and will never make it past a full season as the starting quarterback of an NFL team. Tannehill will fade into the background as a backup quarterback and eventually realize his skills are better suited for a receiver.

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

The Panthers used to be well known for being strong up the middle defensively, and drafting Cox will return them to that stature once again. Cam Newton has taken Carolina's offense to a new level and now it's time for the Panthers to focus on their defense.

Prediction: Cox will be the Panthers' defensive equal of Newton and change the entire face of the defense. Bringing everything together, Newton, Cox and the Panthers will be a perennial playoff team with a shot at a Super Bowl or two.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Buffalo just signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to a new deal, so it's only natural that they give him some help on the offensive line. Reiff will give Fitz an instant hand with protection, so that will be no more excuse for the Bills' quarterback.

Prediction: Although Reiff will become a reliable lineman, it will go mostly unnoticed, as the failures of Fitzpatrick will trump all, proving he isn't a good starting quarterback.

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

The Chiefs need plenty of help on their team, but with Kuechly being the best player on the board in this spot, that's the direction they'll go. Kansas City has weapons on offense, but their defense has few to speak of and Kuechly can help in that department.

Prediction: Kuechly will go mostly unnoticed as a solid NFL linebacker surrounded by a pitiful defense. Kuechly will be a perennial Pro Bowler and eventually get himself to a winning franchise where his skills will be showcased. 

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

Without a quarterback in sight, the Seahawks will look to strengthen their defense even more with the pick of Coples. But that's okay—Seattle will be a nice home for him and Coples can settle in nicely playing with an already elite defense.

Prediction: Coples will become a solid but under-appreciated lineman lost among the fray of a solid defense in Seattle. This is a player who will terrorize quarterbacks for years to come.

13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Kevin Kolb didn't play so well last year—a result not only of injuries, but also of a bad offensive line. While the Cardinals can't help injuries, they can help their offensive line by picking DeCastro and building a foundation to protect the quarterback.

Prediction: DeCastro will be an elite guard in the NFL for years to come, and will anchor an offensive line for Kolb that will give him the time he needs to get better. As a result, Kolb will fulfill the expectations that existed for him as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and will take the Cardinals to the playoffs.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

Secondary help should be first on the Cowboys' list and Barron will be the easy choice. Along with Brandon Carr, Dallas will greatly bolster their defensive backfield and make themselves a more complete team.

Prediction: With Barron's help, Tony Romo will find that he doesn't have to do as much anymore, and in turn, he will perform under less pressure. That will make the Cowboys a Super Bowl threat and I'd expect to see them there in the next year or two.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Philly is pretty much set in most areas of their team, so adding a defensive tackle couldn't hurt. While Poe doesn't have college numbers that jump out at you, the skill is there and he could help the Eagles' pass rush down the road.

Prediction: Poe's lackluster college career is a sign of things to come and the rise in his draft stock will fool everyone, including the Eagles.

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

Rex Ryan is used to having an elite defense, so it's only fitting that he begin drafting in that direction, starting with Upshaw. The Jets will improve themselves in the pass-rushing department with this pick, which will help return them to defensive dominance.

Prediction: Upshaw will help the Jets' defense mightily and become an elite linebacker in the NFL under the care of Rex Ryan.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

With a solid offense developing for the Bengals, quarterback Andy Dalton needs help with protection and Glenn could be the long-term solution to that problem. If Cincy wants their stud quarterback to continue to progress, he'll need time to throw the ball.

Prediction: Glenn will be a major contributor to the future success of the Bengals with Dalton behind center, and will help them become a perennial playoff team as well as a Super Bowl contender.

18. San Diego Chargers: Chandler Jones, LB/DE, Syracuse

The Chargers need help on defense and Jones is the perfect pass-rusher to help them out. Philip Rivers has everything under control on the offensive side, and that means San Diego needs to become a more complete team by adding to the other side of the ball.

Prediction: As long as Norv Turner is coach, this team will underachieve—and that goes for Jones as well. He will be part of a wholly disappointing finish to this era of Chargers football.

19. Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

With Julius Peppers on their defensive line, the Bears are one solid lineman away from dominating opponents' offensive lines on a more consistent basis. Mercilus will be the perfect complement to Peppers and will give the Bears another option to get to the quarterback when Peppers faces extra attention.

Prediction: Mercilus will be a solid defensive lineman who will put up gaudy numbers in the beginning of his career, only to tail off once Peppers' career comes to an end. Then he will be exposed as a lineman dependent on other linemen to be successful.

20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Character issues have been a concern for Kirkpatrick, but that won't be enough to overlook his skill and potential as a solid corner in this league. The Titans need the help defensively and Kirkpatrick will be happy to oblige.

Prediction: Kirkpatrick's off-the-field issues will become too much and the Titans will get a dose of deja vu after the disappointment of losing out on another promising corner.

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

Gilmore is thought to be the safer bet when compared to Kirkpatrick, and the Bengals will be happy they didn't have to make that decision. Gilmore will help bolster the other side of the ball after Cincy helps themselves offensively with their first pick.

Prediction: Gilmore will prove to be a better cornerback than Kirkpatrick and will anchor the Bengals' elite secondary as part of a perennially elite defense. The Titans will kick themselves for years to come because they chose Kirkpatrick over Gilmore.

22. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Adding further to their offense, the Browns will take Michael Floyd with the No. 22 pick. Along with Richardson, Colt McCoy will have all the options he needs and won't have a single excuse if he doesn't pan out.

Prediction: Floyd's full potential won't be realized in Cleveland. Without a dependable quarterback, Floyd will spend his time running down field without the ball in his hands on a regular basis. Only when he leaves the Browns will the NFL see how good Floyd is.

23. Detroit Lions: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford.

Although Martin's stock has fallen, the Lions would be happy to take him at No. 23 to help give Matthew Stafford some protection. With all the potential this team's passing attack has, there's no better choice than to bolster their offensive line.

Prediction: Martin will exceed expectations and help anchor an offensive line that protects one of the best passing attacks in the NFL. Martin will spend plenty of time protecting his quarterback in the playoffs throughout his career.

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

If there were ever a perfect fit for a young linebacker, it would be the Steelers. Not only will the Steelers be better off with Hightower, but Hightower's career will also be better in Pittsburgh, under their system of defense.

Prediction: A promising prospect will become an elite linebacker and Hightower will be a major player in continuing the long-running success of the Steelers as a franchise and a defense.

25. Denver Broncos: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

A quarterback like Peyton Manning can never have enough options to throw to. So naturally, the Broncos won't mind adding another offensive threat in a great tight end like Fleener.

Prediction: Fleener will be an elite NFL tight end who terrorizes defenses for big plays and consistent yardage throughout his career. Although he won't spend much time with Manning, the time he does spend with him will make all the difference in the world.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

If the Texans are looking for a second option to Andre Johnson, Wright would be the right man for that job. With little-to-no pressure on Wright, this is the ideal situation for a wide receiver breaking into the league.

Prediction: Wright will become Matt Schaub's No. 2 guy and will flourish as a member of the most complete team in the NFL. His numbers will certainly reflect that, as will Schaub's.

27. New England Patriots: Shea McClellin, LB, Boise State

The Pats are fine offensively, so they need to focus strictly on defense in the first round. McClellin would be the ideal pick at this late stage in the round. He can give the Pats a solid pass-rusher—something they lacked all of last season.

Prediction: McClellin will be the next great Pats linebacker, similar to Teddy Bruschi. Under coach Bill Belichick, McClellin's ability to buy into the system will keep him in New England for a long time.

28. Green Bay Packers: Nick Perry, OLB, USC

With the best quarterback in the NFL, the Pack is set offensively and will look to defense in order to bolster their roster. Perry seems like the best fit here and will give Green Bay a chance to put pressure on the quarterback.

Prediction: Perry will flourish among the Packers' talented linebackers, and will complete Green Bay as a team, helping return them to Super Bowl greatness.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Baltimore has a perennially elite defense, so it's safe to say they will look to help protect Joe Flacco's facial hair. Konz will give the Ravens that help, and with a little work, he could prove to be a difference-maker on the front line.

Prediction: Konz won't help much, and will instead lead to the ultimate demise of Joe Flacco as the Ravens' starter.

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

While he has had some issues off the field, Jenkins is a talent and a steal this late in the draft. Jenkins won't have to do much, since the 49ers already have an elite defense, making them a better fit for a young corner.

Prediction: Jenkins won't be much more than a solid corner in the NFL and his lack of success in the league will always be masked by the 49ers' great defense year-in and year-out.

31. New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

Further upgrading their defense for now and for the long term, the Pats will take Reyes to beef up their front line on the defensive side of the ball.

Prediction: Along with McClellin, Reyes will help the Pats' pass-rush, although he won't amount to the same type of successful player as his fellow teammate and first-round pick. 

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

Eli Manning could use some extra protection and Adams is just the pick for that. Adams will give the G-Men some consistency on their offensive line for years to come.

Prediction: Adams will help the Giants' offensive line and give Manning the protection he needs to get back to—and win—another Super Bowl.