Stat Projections for Every 2012 First-Round NFL Draft Pick

Every fan of every team in the NFL is currently pondering the same question, and the oh-so-elusive answer.

How good will my team be in 2012?

More specifically, however, these fans are wondering how their first-round picks will perform. Will the Redskins get a Cam Newton-esque season from Robert Griffin? Will the Colts immediately forget Peyton Manning as Andrew Luck takes the reins?

Both of these players'—and 30 less publicized first-round picks—rookie campaigns are projected. Just what should you expect from your star draft pick?

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Projected Stats: 254 COMP, 416 ATT, 3,078 yards, 25 TD, 19 INT, QB Rating: 84.8, 314 rushing yards 

The most pro-ready quarterback in at least a decade, Andrew Luck is facing monstrous expectations. Whether he will meet them remains to be seen, but Colts fans have reason for optimism.

Though he is best known for his intelligence and excellent arm, Luck is an impressive runner capable of making plays on the move. This athleticism will serve him well as a rookie, especially when plays don't go how the Stanford product planned.

The talent around Luck won't do him many favors as a rookie, and he will be the focal point of the Indianapolis offense. If ever a quarterback has been thrown to the wolves, it's Andrew Luck.

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

Projected Stats: 214 COMP, 362 ATT, 2,824 yards, 21 TD, 16 INT, QB Rating: 84.8, 752 rushing yards

As Cam Newton and Vince Young have shown, running quarterbacks excel as rookies. Robert Griffin is simply an incredible athlete who can make plays on the move with the NFL's best talents.

Griffin isn't just a runner, however. The Heisman winner can throw from the pocket to all parts of the field. In other words, Griffin is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback.

The Redskins' offense isn't exactly loaded with talent, but it isn't barren either. Griffin will step in as the team's offensive star, but he won't have to do all the work by himself, either.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

Projected Stats: 290 carries, 1,363 yards, 11 TD, 38 Rec, 314 yards

As his draft selection suggests, Trent Richardson is quite the talent. He is already Cleveland's starting running back, and the team's other backs won't be stealing too many carries.

The Browns' offensive line is young, but it does have a few excellent players. If Brandon Weeden develops as a passer, Richardson should have plenty of room to run.

4. Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings

Projected Stats: 16 starts

Yeah, sorry, not too many statistics here. So instead, we'll talk about how well Matt Kalil will play. Kalil should be the Vikings' starting left tackle for the entire season, and he be strong.

A terrific left tackle prospect, Kalil doesn't need much time to adjust to the NFL. He will have some struggles, but, on the whole, he'll establish himself as a top-10 left tackle.

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Stats: 62 rec, 734 yards, 5 TD

For as much as his upside is limited, Justin Blackmon is relatively NFL-ready. The Oklahoma State star caught a ton of passes in college, and he can run routes at a high level.

That doesn't mean Blackmon is going to bust out with a Pro-Bowl-caliber season, but he will contribute. Look for Blackmon to reel in plenty of catches but not too many yards. Blaine Gabbert won't help matters.

6. Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Projected Stats: 55 tackles, 4 INT, 14 PD

The Cowboys traded up for Morris Claiborne with the intention of starting the LSU product. Claiborne isn't amazing at any one thing, but he's solid at everything.

Claiborne's above-average ball skills will help him bring in a few interceptions and knock down some passes. The rookie should have a solid season.

7. Mark Barron, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Stats: 74 tackles, 3 INT, 11 PD

Most didn't have Mark Barron in the top 10, but he is a complete safety. Barron excels against the run, though, and he should pick up plenty of tackles near the line of scrimmage.

Though he isn't a ballhawk, Barron should make some plays in coverage, picking up a few interceptions and deflections.

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins

Projected Stats: 193 COMP, 350 ATT, 2,660 yards, 17 TD, 15 INT, QB Rating: 78.0, 245 rushing yards

A talented but raw quarterback, Ryan Tannehill will show flashes of both brilliance and awfulness. Tannehill will probably sit the bench for at least a couple games, so he won't have a full season.

The Texas A&M star will throw some interceptions to go with his big plays, and he won't complete a staggering number of his passes, either. On the whole, though, he will show promise.

9. Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers

Projected Stats: 120 tackles, 2 INT, 3.0 sacks

Above all else, Luke Kuechly is an instinctive player who racks up tackles. Even playing next to Jon Beason, Kuechly will pick up plenty of tackles as a rookie.

Kuechly also has some coverage and blitzing ability, so he isn't just a run defender. Look for him to make some plays in blitzing the passer in addition to his solid run support.

10. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills

Projected Stats: 44 tackles, 6 INT, 14 PD

A fantastic athlete, Stephon Gilmore will make plays when he's around the ball. Gilmore may not start all 16 games, but he will see the field plenty and make his presence known.

Even though he will likely pick up his fair share of interceptions, Gilmore will get burnt on occasion, and his play will be far from flawless. But he will definitely be drawing some attention.

11. Dontari Poe, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Stats: 33 tackles, 3.5 sacks

Though he is certainly raw, Dontari Poe is the Kansas City Chiefs' starting nose tackle, and he will make his presence known. Poe is the definition of a physical freak, but he has football ability too.

As a 3-4 nose tackle, Poe won't pick up just too many tackles. He will, however, use his athleticism to pick up a few sacks, even though that isn't expected from his position.

12. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Stats: 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks

Fletcher Cox is as much of a pass-rushing defensive tackle as the draft has seen in a while. Cox is extremely versatile, capable of rushing from the inside at tackle or the outside at end.

In Jim Washburn's defensive scheme, Cox will have plenty of chances to make plays, and he will consistently be around the ball. Expect big things from the Mississippi State product.

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Projected Stats: 52 Rec, 631 yards, 7 TD

With Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona, Michael Floyd won't be the Cardinals' No. 1 wideout anytime soon. He will, however, be the team's No. 2 target.

Floyd won't catch too many passes, but he will gain a decent amount of yards and score some touchdowns. The Notre Dame product's size and athleticism will be extremely helpful there.

14. Michael Brockers, DT, St. Louis Rams

Projected Stats: 38 tackles, 2.0 sacks

Like many defensive tackles, Michael Brockers is raw. However, he lacks the elite physical ability to make up for his lack of refinement as a rookie.

Brockers will probably start, but he won't light up the field with dominant play. In all likelihood, Brockers will be a plug in the middle of the St. Louis defense. The big plays will come in another year or two.

15. Bruce Irvin, LB, Seattle Seahawks

Projected Stats: 25 tackles, 0 INT, 6.0 sacks

Like Aldon Smith a year ago, Bruce Irvin will probably see the field as a situational pass-rusher. Irvin won't be nearly as dominant as Smith was, though.

Against the run, Irvin won't do a whole lot. His entire contribution will be as a pass-rusher, not as a run-stopper or pass-defender.

16. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Projected Stats: 45 tackles, 6.0 sacks

An outstanding athlete, Quinton Coples isn't lacking in talent but rather football ability and drive. Coples is entering a great situation with Rex Ryan, though, and could make a huge impact as a rookie.

The 6'6", 285-pounder has the ability to be a force against both the run and pass. Expect Coples to show flashes of dominance in both areas, while also looking awful on occasion.

17. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Stats: 55 tackles, 4 INT, 10 PD

Like many Bengal draft picks, Dre Kirkpatrick is talented but has some off-the-field issues and is in need of refinement. It remains to be seen just how Cincinnati will use Kirkpatrick, but he should see plenty of playing time.

The 6'2", 186-pounder is an adept tackler and can make plays on the ball. He will go through both cold and hot streaks, though, and he won't blow anyone away.

18. Melvin Ingram, OLB, San Diego Chargers

Projected Stats: 42 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 1 INT

A versatile player, Melvin Ingram's play often won't show up in the form of stats. His ability to move around will make a definite impact, however.

Ingram isn't an overly explosive pass-rusher off the edge, so he won't be producing double-digit sack numbers as a rookie. He should be solid overall, though.

19. Shea McClellin, DE, Chicago Bears

Projected Stats: 39 tackles, 8.5 sacks

Shea McClellin was underrated for much of the draft process, but the explosive pass-rusher wound up in the first round and could make a huge impact opposite Julius Peppers.

McClellin's game immediately translates to the NFL, and he could make a name for himself soon. Depending how Chicago utilized McClellin's skills, he could even be a force.

20. Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans

Projected Stats: 45 Rec, 621 yards, 4 TD

Kendall Wright was the draft's most explosive wide receiver, and he could put up gaudy numbers with the rocket-armed Jake Locker at quarterback. In fact, Wright could do a lot of things for Tennessee.

The Baylor product will make some huge plays as a rookie, and he will also come up with some big catches. As a rookie, Wright will still be inconsistent, though, and he won't pick up too many catches.

21. Chandler Jones, DE, New England Patriots

Projected Stats: 43 tackles, 8.5 sacks

A lengthy pass-rusher with above-average athleticism and size, Chandler Jones can move around in New England's defense, possibly becoming Bill Belichick's next Willie McGinnest.

Jones still needs to develop as a pass-rusher, but New England defensive ends tend to put up better numbers than expected. As a rookie, Jones just might surprise some people.

22. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

Projected Stats: 244 COMP, 420 ATT, 3,108 yards, 23 TD, 19 INT, QB Rating: 80.7, 120 rushing yards

At this point, Brandon Weeden is, for all intents and purposes, Cleveland's starting quarterback. Weeden will make some mistakes, but he'll play well on the whole.

The 28-year-old isn't exactly surrounded by elite talent, so he won't put up gaudy numbers, by any means. However, Browns fans should be able to expect a successful season from the former baseball player.

23. Riley Reiff, OT, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 16 starts

Riley Reiff is expected to start at offensive tackle, replacing either Jeff Backus or Gosder Cherilus. The Iowa product is ready to start, but he won't be dominant.

Reiff is only average physically, so while he can perform solidly, he won't be elite. Detroit shouldn't expect brilliance on the blind side, but they can expect well-above-average play at right tackle, should the team play Reiff there.

24. David DeCastro, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Stats: 16 starts

David DeCastro was generally ranked much higher than his actual draft slot, and he should immediately be a force for Pittsburgh. DeCastro might already be the AFC North's best guard.

The Stanford product is a complete player, capable of dominating in the power game or open space. There's nothing DeCastro can't do, even as a rookie.

25. Dont'a Hightower, LB, New England Patriots

Projected Stats: 62 tackles, 0 INT, 4.5 sacks

Primarily a run-defender, Dont'a Hightower's role has yet to be established. Hightower can be used as pass-rusher in passing situations, but New England probably has better options.

The 6'2", 265-pounder is powerful and has some speed, so he should do a good job against the run. However, Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo also play for the Patriots, so Hightower won't be picking up too many tackles.

26. Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Houston Texans

Projected Stats: 24 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 0 INT

Though Houston lost Mario Williams, the team still has Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed at outside linebacker. Thus, Whitney Mercilus probably won't get too many opportunities in his first season.

Mercilus will see some time as a pass-rusher, but he is too raw to rack up big numbers. The Illinois product won't be a total write-off as a rookie, he just won't be a huge contributor.

27. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Stats: 16 starts

A solid but not elite guard, Kevin Zeitler is ready to start, and Cincinnati has a hole at guard. Zeitler won't shock anyone with his play, but he won't disappoint either.

The Wisconsin product will spend a good amount of time on the move, playing in space. The Bengals will likely take advantage of Zeitler's versatility.

28. Nick Perry, OLB, Green Bay Packers

Projected Stats: 34 tackles. 6.5 sacks, 1 INT

A likely starter, Nick Perry should be able to produce some pretty good numbers. However, Perry will be adjusting to a 3-4 defense, and he isn't a finished product as a pass-rusher.

At times, Perry will make plays purely off his physical ability, but it will take at least another year before he is a true impact player.

29. Harrison Smith, S, Minnesota Vikings

Projected Stats: 46 tackles, 4 INT, 9 PD

Though Harrison Smith is nothing special physically, he is a smart player who can come in and start as a rookie. The Notre Dame product will make a few plays in coverage, but he won't rack up too many tackles.

As a rookie, Smith will probably be more of a not-bad player than a good player. He won't be beat too often, and he won't be out of position often. In other words, Vikings fans won't notice him a whole lot.

30. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

Projected Stats: 24 Rec, 267 yards, 1 touchdown

A.J. Jenkins has the potential to be a solid wideout, but he is joining a crowded wide receiver corps. In addition, the Illinois product showed up at OTAs out of shape and is still a bit raw.

Jenkins' rookie season will likely be a learning experience. He will pick up some playing time as the season progresses, but he won't start and won't make a huge impact.

31. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Stats: 205 carries, 882 yards, 6 TD, 49 Rec, 357 yards

A three-down running back, Doug Martin will at first split carries with LeGarrette Blount, but he will still see the majority of playing time. The Boise State product possesses good hands and will see almost all of Tampa Bay's third-down snaps.

Martin won't dominate on the ground, but he will be a solid weapon. His overall play will impress, playing among a talented offense.

32. David Wilson, RB, New York Giants

Projected Stats: 134 carries, 590 yards, 4 TD, 26 Rec, 207 yards

David Wilson isn't really a complete running back, and, as a rookie, he will be backing up Ahmad Bradshaw. Wilson will receive some playing time as he spells Bradshaw, but it won't be too significant.

A quick, explosive athlete, Wilson will make some plays with the ball in his hands, but he'll also come up empty on occasion. The Virginia Tech product's overall numbers will be solid for his amount of playing time, but close observers will notice his inconsistency.