2012 NFL Draft Projections: Selections That Will Elate Experts and Fans

Some of the picks made in the first round will be applauded by experts and fans alike. For some selections, the stars will align and a team will draft what appears to be the perfect player for them. 

Indianapolis Colts fans are sure to be thrilled when Roger Goodell announces what we all know, that they will make Andrew Luck the first selection in this year's draft. 

The same could be said for Washington Redskins fans when their team picks Robert Griffin III with the second pick. 

After that, the draft becomes a little more difficult to predict. 

Here are a couple of picks that would thrill teams' fanbases.

Cleveland Browns—Trent Richardson

Matt Miller, along with many other draft experts, have the team selecting the uber-talented running back Trent Richardson with the fourth selection.  

Richardson is primed to contribute in the NFL from day one. His combination of power and speed makes him a can't-miss prospect. 

The Browns have a major need at running back and Richardson is the best running back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. 

Colt McCoy needs some playmakers on offense if the Browns wish to give him a real shot at being successful. Richardson represents a significant improvement over the backs currently on the roster. 

With Richardson in the backfield, the Browns will be much improved running the ball—an area they struggled with last season, finishing 28th in the league. 

As long as Richardson is able to stay healthy, the Browns will not regret this pick. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Morris Claiborne

If Morris Claiborne is available when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select at No. 5, then they should be ecstatic. 

The Bucs have a big need at cornerback and running back. While Trent Richardson is expected to be drafted with the fourth pick, Claiborne, the top-rated cornerback, could be selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the third pick. If this were to happen, then the Bucs would be in a very tough situation. 

If this were to occur, the Bucs should look to trade down, because the only elite player left, Matt Kalil, does not fit one of their major needs. 

The Bucs have to hope that the Vikings select Matt Kalil with the third selection, which would almost assure that Claiborne would be available when the Bucs choose at No. 5. 

Claiborne's skill set proves that he will be ready to contribute in the NFL right away. He will be able to take over for Ronde Barber as the next great cornerback in Tampa Bay when Barber retires. 

Dallas Cowboys—Mark Barron 

The Dallas Cowboys have suffered from inconsistent secondary play for too long. Mark Barron, who started 39 games under Nick Saban at Alabama, would help solidify the secondary in Dallas. 

Barron is one of the best safeties to come out of the college game in a long time, and  he may not be available when the Cowboys are set to choose at No. 14. 

If Barron is available, then the Cowboys should rush to the podium to select him. It will be interesting to see if the Cowboy's like Barron enough to move up to draft him. 

If Barron finishes the night a Dallas Cowboy, then the fanbase will be elated, knowing that they have a franchise safety for the next decade.