Justin Blackmon and 5 2012 NFL Draft Picks Who Will Struggle in 2012

The NFL draft is complete and there were certainly some curious picks, especially in the first round. Not every team values prospects in the same way, but some left even the biggest draft aficionados speechless.

While all teams would like their first-round pick to be a cornerstone franchise player for the next decade, that is not always the case. For every Cam Newton, there is a JaMarcus Russell. Many of those dreadful picks have come at the expense of the league's perennially underachieving franchises. Coincidence? I think not.

Here are five players that will not have a big impact for their team this upcoming season.

No. 5: Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have not had a winning season since 2004 and much of that has to do with poor drafting. Buffalo finished 2011 with a 6-10 record after tanking the second half of the season.

They probably should have drafted an offensive player in the first round, preferably a wide receiver, to complement Stevie Johnson. Rather, they opted to select Gilmore, a 6'1" cornerback out of South Carolina.

Gilmore has the size and hands for a corner which gives him the potential to be a big playmaker as he has shown in his collegiate career. Last season he recorded 79 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions which definitely shows his versatility.

The NFL, however, is played at a higher speed, and Gilmore is not an above-average runner. While some corners, such as Darrelle Revis, are able to overcome their disadvantage in foot speed with terrific hip movements and knowledge, Gilmore has been burned for touchdowns by elite receivers while he attempted to go for the interception.

Gilmore may develop into a solid player in a couple years, but in 2012 he will struggle attempting to cover some of the elite receivers in the AFC East.

No. 4: Dontari Poe, Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the season at 8-8, but probably would have won the division had Matt Cassel not gone down, or if there was a better option than Tyler Palko at quarterback.

They opted to select another defensive lineman with their first pick, as they have done three times since 2006.

With the selection of DT Dontari Poe, the Chiefs have the potential for an elite defensive line in a couple years. Poe, measuring in at 6'4", 346 lbs, has freakish speed for a man of his size, running the 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds. He also bench pressed a mind-boggling 44 reps on the 225-lb bench press.

The game of football, however, isn't all about natural ability. Poe, much like Quinton Coples, has not produced dominant numbers in college. Despite playing in the mildly talented USA Conference, Poe was only able to accumulate 33 tackles and one sack last season.

Whether is is from a lack of work ethic, or just a failure to execute, Poe has not been as dominating as his size would indicate.

He may benefit from playing under defensive-oriented Romeo Crennel, but 2012 will prove to be a difficult year for Poe as he adjusts to playing the zero-technique at the NFL level.

No. 3: Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks surprised pretty much everybody with their first-round selection of DE/OLB Bruce Irvin from West Virginia. Perhaps they were looking for their version of Von Miller, but some feel they have found Vernon Gholston instead.

Irvin was ranked as the 12th-best rushing linebacker by Walter Football. He is considered a one-dimensional player who may or may not be strong enough to be a force at the NFL level.

To his credit, he does have terrific speed, as he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and he recorded 14 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2010. Last season, however, he was not nearly as successful and he is not adept at run stopping.

He will not find success in his first year under head coach Pete Carroll, although they could certainly use the help in the pass-rushing department as they only recorded 33 team sacks last season.

No. 2: Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have had a recent history of making curious picks with their first-round selections. This would classify under that as well.

Although Ryan Tannehill has been widely considered the third-best quarterback prospect in the draft, he is certainly a question mark.

Standing at 6'4" and 221 lbs he possesses a good size for a quarterback. The positives don't end there. He has also been a big playmaker with his legs as he ran for four touchdowns last season. He has solid mechanics and a quick release that will enable him to avoid strips from defenders.

Tannehill, however, only started 19 collegiate games at the quarterback position. Previously, he was a wide receiver. As the case with Mark Sanchez, it will most likely take Tannehill extra time to develop because he simply is not as experienced as virtually every other young quarterback. He threw nine of his 15 interceptions against elite defenses, which may be an anomaly or a signal that he can be exposed against solid opponents.

Matt Moore will most likely begin the season as the starter for the Dolphins anyway, so Tannehill does not figure to be much of a factor in 2012.

No. 1: Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars were a disastrous team in 2011. They did not do anything particularly well, namely pass the ball. While the addition of the best receiver in the draft is certainly a big boost, they still need someone to pass him the ball.

Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars ranked 32nd in the NFL in passing yards at an abysmal 136 yards per game. Granted, he was a rookie, but Gabbert just did not seem to be comfortable under pressure and did not show the ability to read defenses.

Blackmon is a freakish athlete, and he could certainly have a big impact as a rookie if he was drafted by a different team. No quarterback means not much production for Blackmon in 2012.