2012 NFL Draft Projections: Who Will Land in the NFC East in First Round?

The NFC East will come up big in the 2012 NFL Draft. 

The Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles all have top-15 picks and will be selecting from the cream of the crop. In fact, there's a 99.9 percent chance the Redskins will go back to the nation's capital with arguably the best quarterback in the draft, Robert Griffin III.

The NY Giants, reigning Super Bowl champions, have the 32nd pick this year. 

The 2012 draft class has a number of stellar athletes, but which ones will land in the NFC East in the first round?

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Draft Pick: Washington Redskins, No. 2

This is a no-brainer. The Washington Redskins are ready to welcome Robert Griffin III with open arms. With the Indianapolis Colts announcing they will be taking Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick, RG3 is the obvious choice for the Redskins.

The Redskins sent three first-round picks and their 2012 second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams for the No. 2 pick. They have long struggled with getting their team off the ground, and it looks like the former Baylor quarterback can be the savior they have been waiting for. 

RG3 represents a new breed of quarterbacks, one who excels at both rushing and passing. He is arguably the most talented player overall in the 2012 draft. The Redskins will take full advantage of Griffin's amazing athletic ability. Not only is he capable of making deep passes to lead his team down the field, but he can also make plays with his feet.

Griffin had a 72.4 completion percentage in 2011. He threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, with a 189.5 passer rating.  

Griffin is expected to begin the season as starting quarterback for the Redskins. The Heisman Trophy winner said he still has to beat out current quarterback Rex Grossman for the job, but with the talent and hype he brings, that shouldn't be too difficult.   

Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State

Draft Pick: Dallas Cowboys, No. 14

While many mock draft scenarios have Mark Barron locked in as the Cowboys' top pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it is unlikely Mark Barron will remain on the board until the 14th pick. However, LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers has a better chance of ending up in a Cowboys uniform.

Standing at 6'5" and 322 pounds, Brockers has a massive frame. That, combined with his athleticism, makes him an exciting prospect for the Cowboys.

Brockers made 72 tackles last season, including 9.5 for loss. He had two sacks, four quarterback hits and one interception. He possesses the ability to play different roles depending on the scheme, so he would be able to ease into the Cowboys' 3-4 defense.

The defensive tackle has already expressed great interest in joining the Cowboys. Brockers told the Star-Telegram, "I grew up a major Cowboys fan and still am and always will be. They have needs. Hopefully Barron's gone before they pick, and I'm the last player to fill their needs, and they pick me."

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Draft Pick: Philadelphia Eagles, No. 15

Fletcher Cox is a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Andy Reid has a history of drafting defensive linemen, and Cox is one of the best this year. 

The Mississippi State defensive tackle had an excellent season in 2011. He had 56 tackles and five sacks, along with 14.5 tackles for loss. In addition, Cox was named to the All-SEC first team.  

Cox is known for snapping his hips into the offensive line hard, then quickly getting into the backfield. As a raw athlete, he relies on his natural ability to make big plays. At 6'4" and 298 pounds, Cox has an impressive frame that will add force to the Eagles' defensive line. 

Cox is still learning to use his power to his advantage, so Philadelphia will have to work with him to maximize his full potential. While current DT starters Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins are solid players, adding the explosive, younger Cox to the lineup will take the defensive line to a new level. 

Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Draft Pick: New York Giants, No. 32

Coby Fleener is possibly the best tight end in this year's draft. He played with top QB Andrew Luck at Stanford, which undoubtedly increased Fleener's draft stock.

Fleener was a go-to target in the red zone for Luck, putting up 667 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The senior's consistent improvement during his time at Stanford will allow him to be an effective starter in the NFL.

The NY Giants are in desperate need of a tight end. After losing TEs Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum in the Super Bowl, the team must fill those holes. Even if the players are ready for the 2012 season, they are coming off serious injuries and may not be able to perform at their highest level.  

That is where Fleener enters the picture. He is an technical route runner who isn't afraid to make plays in the red zone. He's able to anticipate the throw, go up for the ball and come down with it in his hands.

Fleener would be a good fit for the reigning Super Bowl champs. His position is crucial to the team's offense, and the Giants need to maintain a solid passing game.