Fantasy Football Mock Draft 2012: WRs Who Are Worthy of 1st-Round Selection

Taking a receiver in the first round of a fantasy football draft is certainly a risk, mainly because the NFL is so heavily reliant on quarterbacks spreading the wealth around and running backs can gain yards via the ground or air.

That said; there are some receivers it's reasonable to consider in the first round, especially if you're in a deep league (i.e. 12 teams or more).

Highlighted players in italics

1. Tom Brady: QB, Patriots

Had it not been for Drew Brees, Tom Brady would hold the single-season passing-yards record. The man can still sling it and his weaponry is arguably better than ever.

2. LeSean McCoy: RB, Eagles

Arguably the NFL's best every-down back, LeSean McCoy is the main focal point of the Eagles' offense. With quite a bit of talent around him, McCoy has 2,000-yard potential in 2012.

3. Aaron Rodgers: QB, Packers

The NFL's most prolific passer in 2011, Aaron Rodgers spreads the field as good as anyone in the game. The Packers don't need a stellar ground game to contend, as the NFC North remains weak against the pass.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew: RB, Jaguars

Last season Maurice Jones-Drew led the NFL in rushing despite having the league's worst passing offense backing him up. With an upgraded receiving corps, Jacksonville will have a better passing game, which means another impressive campaign from MJD.

5. Calvin Johnson: WR, Lions

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Calvin Johnson's production isn't the numbers, but his consistency despite having six different quarterbacks toss him the rock in four NFL seasons.

The good news however, is that Matthew Stafford was finally healthy in 2011 and the two put on one helluva show. Johnson hit career highs last season with 1,681 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns on 96 receptions.

He also averaged 17.5 yards per catch (another career high) and the league has yet to find a defense that can completely shut him down. Regardless of the Lions' production at running the ball, Megatron will soar over opponents all season en route to another All-Pro performance.

6. Matthew Stafford: QB, Lions

One of three 5,000-yard passers in 2011, Matthew Stafford displayed how great he is after playing in just 13 games between 2009 and 2010. His numbers continue, especially with Megatron out wide.

7. Andre Johnson: WR, Texans

Obviously the biggest concern with Andre Johnson was health in 2011. The man only played in seven games but still averaged almost 15 yards per reception, so his presence does significantly boost the Houston offense.

We know that Arian Foster is going to have another stellar season, so before Johnson can reestablish himself, defenses will stack the box to stop the run. Therefore, expect big numbers from Johnson early in the year as he'll occasionally see single coverage or a shared zone where a corner passes him off to the safety.

The rest of the Texans' offense will produce because the offensive line remains dominant, so it's up to Johnson to keep making plays downfield. In two playoff games last year he had 13 catches for 201 yards, so let's hope that momentum carries over into the beginning of 2012.

8. Arian Foster: RB, Texans

Houston has a improved passing attack and a lot of Arian Foster's production will be predicated off Andre Johnson's health. Still, he's a dual-threat back that has proven consistency without the help of a dominant passing game.

9. Larry Fitzgerald: WR, Cardinals

Larry Fitzgerald has not had an elite NFL quarterback, other than Kurt Warner, targeting him downfield. Still, Fitz manages to fly over any secondary he faces and is coming off his fifth straight 1,000-yard season.

Now, Kevin Kolb still has time to develop and 2012 has optimism all over with the addition of Notre Dame's Michael Floyd. Floyd's presence will begin to draw attention from defenses a few weeks into the season, so Larry will start off slow.

Nevertheless, the Cardinals do have a promising ground game and improved defense to provide more possessions, so Fitz will catch fire by the middle of the year. The only concern is Kolb, because after underachieving in 2011, he needs to prove himself this season.

10. Steve Smith: WR, Panthers

Steve Smith turns 33 years old before the 2012 season begins, but after his 2011 campaign he's a first-round pick in fantasy football drafts.

Cam Newton gave Smith the third-most productive season of his career with 1,394 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 79 receptions.

Carolina's offense was balanced, explosive, dynamic and finished strong with a 4-2 record. Now that the defense has improved and the Cats' offensive playmakers remain intact, Smith's 2012 will be epic. Not to mention the NFC South is pass-heavy and the Panthers are potential postseason contenders. That motivation alone will only increase Smith's odds at even more production.

11. Cam Newton: QB, Panthers

Cam Newton revived Steve Smith's career and the two work very well together. In addition, Carolina has a sound running game and an array of other targets to complement Smith. Newton continues his elite play and the Panthers emerge as postseason contenders.

12. Ryan Mathews: RB, Chargers

Now that Mike Tolbert can no longer steal his touchdowns, Ryan Mathews will have an even more electric season in 2012. An underrated performer, Mathews remains a complete back but produces at a high level in the red zone this season.

John Rozum on Twitter.