2012 NFL Draft Grades: 10 Players Who Could Get Their Coaches Fired

The 2012 NFL draft has come and gone, but it will only be a matter of time until NFL head coaches lose their jobs due to poor draft decisions. The New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks are among the teams already receiving criticism due to their draft selections in the first few rounds.

What players will live up to the hype and save coaches' jobs? What players could ultimately cost coaches their jobs?

Here are 10 players who could potentially get their coaches fired.

10. Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins

When the Washington Redskins drafted Kirk Cousins in the fourth round, a new quarterback controversy began in Washington.

The addition of Cousins puts plenty of pressure on Robert Griffin III and head coach Mike Shanahan.

This week, Cousins compared his situation with Griffin III to the quarterback battle in San Francisco between Joe Montana and Steve Young.

Shanahan convinced the Redskins to sacrifice top draft picks over the next few years. If Cousins manages to beat out Griffin III over time, there could be a new head coach in Washington.

9. Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery

The Chicago Bears drafted Alshon Jeffery as a potential red zone threat who could complement All-Pro receiver Brandon Marshall.

However, there were plenty of pre-draft concerns involving Jeffery. He has lost speed as a wide receiver due to gaining weight. How will that affect his performance early on in the pros?

There are also some character questions with Jeffery, who at times showed he was unable to control his emotions.

The expectations are set for the Chicago Bears. They are expected to be Super Bowl contenders, and if the Bears do not live up to those expectations, Lovie Smith could finally be shown the door.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon

Justin Blackmon, the best wide receiver in college football the last two seasons, landed with a Jaguars team in desperate need of offense.

Mike Mularkey, already considered a questionable head coaching hire, will try to develop second-year quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Blackmon will be the best receiver on the depth chart, but can he live up to expectations? Many scouts believe that Blackmon doesn't possess the speed nor the hands to become an All-Pro receiver.

This doesn't appear that it will end well for Mularkey.

7. St. Louis Rams CB Janoris Jenkins

The St. Louis Rams are taking a major gamble when they selected cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

Jeff Fisher wanted to build up his defense, and he drafted Jenkins as opposed to drafting an offensive target for quarterback Sam Bradford.

Jenkins has a very sketchy past, which ranges from marijuana use to having multiple kids with multiple women.

If he is out of the league in a few years, Fisher could be following him as well if St. Louis doesn't climb out of the NFC West cellar.

6. Seattle Seahawks DE Bruce Irvin

The most criticized move from the 2012 NFL draft was the selection of Bruce Irvin by the Seattle Seahawks.

Irvin did have mixed reviews as a prospect among all 32 teams. However, his track record is very questionable, especially for a player who was selected in the first round.

Also, he was very inconsistent during his final year at West Virginia, which also scared multiple teams during the draft process.

Pete Carroll returned to the NFL in 2010 and wants to prove that he can become a successful head coach. He needs to begin drafting prospects who will make immediate impacts on the pro level.

5. New York Jets DE Quinton Coples

When the New York Jets drafted Quinton Coples, the potential outcome was simple: boom or bust.

Coples has all the potential to be a dominant pass rusher but has not displayed the work ethic to be a consistent threat on the defensive line.

Rex Ryan will have to do his best to get the most out of Coples. If Coples is the second version of Vernon Gholston, Rex will flee from the Garden State.

4. Kansas City Chiefs DT Dontari Poe

Once again, Scott Piolo is using another high draft selection on a defensive lineman.

First it was Glenn Dorsey and then Tyson Jackson. Through Pioli's tenure, both have been major disappointments.

Now, Pioli selected a player who was not effective in college but displayed a fantastic performance at the combine.

It is believed that the Chiefs' owners could be losing faith in Pioli, especially with the recent draft selections he has missed the last few years.

He could get the axe if Poe does not pan out as hoped. And unfortunately for Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel, he would likely be on the way out as well if Poe doesn't live up to expectations.

3. Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden

Brandon Weeden is now the sheriff in Cleveland. When drafted in the first round by the Browns, it seemed to be a forgone conclusion he would replace Colt McCoy as the starter of the Browns.

Unfortunately, he is in a similar situation to McCoy. With no elite weapons in the passing game, how much will Weeden struggle early on in his career?

This could ultimately affect head coach Pat Shurmur, who could get fired if his offense doesn't end up producing with two different quarterbacks.

2. Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill

Eventually, the Ryan Tannehill era will begin in Miami. The question is: How long will it last, and who will pay the price if Tannehill doesn't succeed?

It was indeed a gamble selecting Tannehill with the eighth overall pick, especially since he is not even a polished quarterback.

The two men responsible, general manager Jeff Ireland and head coach Joe Philbin, could eventually lose their jobs if Tannehill fails early in his career.

He is expected to become the greatest Dolphins quarterback since Dan Marino, and those expectations won't change.

1. Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III is facing as much pressure in Washington as Andrew Luck is with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Redskins sacrificed multiple top draft selections to trade up for their hopeful franchise quarterback in Griffin III.

If he doesn't find success in his first few seasons, Dan Snyder will replace Mike Shanahan with a new coach.

Snyder wants to see results, and if "RG3" disappoints, then the coaching staff will be responsible for a trade that could set back the franchise.