2012 NFL Mock Draft: Training Camp Edition

Who will win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes?

That is what the 2011 NFL season basically breaks down to. Yes, a Super Bowl champion will be crowned, but at the opposite end of the spectrum, a 17-week long battle for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft will also play out with anxious eyes this season.

Luck, by all accounts, is a sure-fire No. 1 overall pick. And not like Jake Locker was supposedly the No. 1 overall pick before the 2011 draft. No, Luck will be the first pick unless the team that uses the pick already has a very good young quarterback on the roster.

So how will the draft play out? We've taken our NFL power rankings and used them as the order for the first round. Here's how it looks.

1. Seattle Seahawks: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

"And with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks select..."

Are the Seattle Seahawks the least talented team in the NFL? Absolutely not, and they definitely don't play in the toughest division. There's just something about them that screams underachievers.

The consolation prize, and please remember this when commenting, is that Seattle will be able to draft the best quarterback prospect ever. Yes, ever.

Luck is the perfect combination of smarts, strength, mobility and poise. Any team drafting him will be lucky (no pun intended) to have him.

2. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Tennessee Titans are a young team loaded with talent on the offensive and defensive lines, and definitely at running back. They also have rookie quarterback Jake Locker, so they're at least committed to someone at the position for now.

This leaves Tennessee in a position to simply draft the best available player. That player is Alshon Jeffery.

Jeffery is a big, powerful receiver with great deep speed and hands to go up and get the ball. Teamed with Kenny Britt, Jeffery would give the Titans a legitimate passing threat.

3. Cleveland Browns: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Cleveland Browns are heading in the right direction, but playing in one of the NFL's toughest divisions with a young quarterback and a revamped defense will keep the Browns selecting in the top five next year.

Quinton Coples is the type of defensive end who should excite Browns fans. He's a great athlete, is an exceptional pass-rusher and has the size/speed combination to great matchup problems coming off the right end in a 4-3 defense.

Coples would team with 2011 rookies Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a damn good defensive line to build around.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

Trent Richardson fans may cry about this one, but Knile Davis is the best running back in college football right now.

Davis' rare mix of speed, size, strength and agility will remind fans of Adrian Peterson's days running over Big 12 foes.

The junior running back has talent unlike any we have seen at the college football level in some time. Davis may be the best runner to enter the league since another Arkansas Razorback, Darren McFadden.

5. Buffalo Bills: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

If it weren't for Andrew Luck, we would be talking about Landry Jones as the best quarterback in college football and as the preseason favorite to go No. 1 overall.

Instead, Jones may have to settle for a Heisman Trophy and a National Championship this season.

Should Jones decide to leave Oklahoma early, he could create a potential situation where a quarterback is drafted with the first two picks in the 2012 NFL draft.

The Buffalo Bills are intending to use Ryan Fitzpatrick for the 2011 season, and while I do like Fitzpatrick's moxie, he's not a franchise quarterback. Fitzpatrick will never lead the Bills to a Super Bowl. Landry Jones could.

6. Carolina Panthers: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is one hell of a wide receiver. It is impossible to argue against his production at Oklahoma State or his raw ability. Blackmon is simply incredible to watch.

Wide receivers have seen their value rise as of late in the NFL, and Blackmon's comparisons to guys like Andre Johnson and Roddy White will have NFL general managers excited.

In Carolina, Blackmon would team with Steve Smith and tight ends Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey to give Cam Newton an excellent cast of pass-catchers to grow with.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Donte Paige-Moss, OLB, North Carolina

How can the San Francisco 49ers return to respectability? One easy answer is to rebuild their defense to scare the living daylights out of the talented passers in the NFC West.

The 49ers used the No. 7 overall pick in 2011 on pass-rusher Aldon Smith. In 2012 they can add to the group with another athletic pass-rusher when they select Donte Paige-Moss from North Carolina.

A lanky, lean athlete with amazing burst, Paige-Moss is the type of pass-rusher who projects very well to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

If the 49ers hope to duplicate the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers defense, they will need a solid pass-rusher coming off of both edges.

8. Washington Redskins: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

The Washington Redskins may plan to use John Beck and Rex Grossman in 2011, but if so it will be because they know they can draft a true franchise quarterback in the first round of the 2012 draft.

Matt Barkley is as NFL-ready as they come after spending three years at USC. He's accurate, with great footwork and field vision.

Andrew Luck and Landry Jones are both exceptional, but Barkley is as well. All three quarterbacks could easily be drafted in the first five picks of the draft next year.

9. Denver Broncos: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The Denver Broncos move from a 3-4 defense to the 4-3 preferred by John Fox, will not be an easy transition. Drafting an outside linebacker with their first pick in the 2012 draft will definitely help.

Teaming Zach Brown with Von Miller and D.J. Williams would give Denver the most feared linebacker unit outside of Pittsburgh. The athleticism and playmaking ability of the three would cover up weaknesses at defensive tackle and in the secondary while Denver continues to re-load.

10. Miami Dolphins: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins may have traded for Reggie Bush and drafted Daniel Thomas, but they still need a feature running back. Trent Richardson is the type of running back the Dolphins offense lacks right now.

Richardson would be welcome in South Beach, but Dolphins fans may want a quarterback here. Trouble is, as of right now, there are no quarterbacks worthy of being drafted so high.

Miami, in this scenario, would be in an excellent position to trade.

11. Oakland Raiders: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Oakland Raiders are desperate for a franchise left tackle to settle a position that's been in flux for the last eight years.

Jonathan Martin won't have to move from from Palo Alto to Oakland, where he'll become a household name as one of the best left tackles in football.

Martin is well versed in a pro-style blocking system, and he's athletic enough to handle pass-rushing right ends and outside linebackers.

In the actual 2012 NFL draft, it would be a shocker if Martin falls out of the top 10. In fact, he's rated as my No. 2 overall player this preseason. However, the way the board falls here pushes him out of the top 10.

12. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Arizona Cardinals thought they had their bookend tackle of the future when they selected right tackle Levi Brown No. 5 overall in the 2007 NFL draft. With Matt Leinart, a left-handed passer, thought to be the future at quarterback at the time, Arizona hoped they had his blindside protector in Brown.

As it turns out, neither Leinart nor Brown were worth their high draft positions. The Cardinals are now hoping Kevin Kolb will be their franchise passer.

Helping Kolb out with a left tackle who has elite potential would be a smart move. Kalil, whose brother Ryan is a starter for the Carolina Panthers, is good enough that he kept 2011 No. 10 overall pick Tyron Smith at right tackle while at USC.

13. Minnesota Vikings: Alfnonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Continuing to improve on defense will be the priority for the Minnesota Vikings offseason in 2012. Step one is drafting a young cornerback who can step in for Antoine Winfield as his career ends.

Alfonzo Dennard was overshadowed at Nebraska by Prince Amukamara, but he shouldn't have been. Watching the two head-to-head on film, Dennard looks like the better NFL prospect.

That's high praise considering Amukamra was the No. 19 pick in the 2011 draft.

14. St. Louis Rams: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The St. Louis Rams have been brilliant at drafting to improve the overall talent of their roster. During the 2011 offseason they have also been smart at adding key free agents to complement the drafted talent.

Expect more of the same next summer as the Rams look to get better at defensive tackle and cornerback through the draft.

Both cornerback and defensive tackle will be loaded with talent next year, and our best player available at the No. 14 spot is also our No. 1 defensive tackle. Jerel Worthy is a great fit for the penetrating defensive systems used by Steve Spagnuolo in St. Louis. He will be able to step in as a three-technique tackle immediately.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide will feature a defense that is absolutely loaded with future NFL players. The best of that group just might be cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.

Known for his aggressive man-cover kills and ability to close on the ball, Kirkpatrick will be a great addition in Jacksonville, where cornerbacks are needed in a hurry.

As the draft nears, look for Kirkpatrick to emerge as a potential top-10 pick.

16. San Diego Chargers: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

The San Diego Chargers roster has taken a hit over the years as key free agents departed and high draft picks failed to live up to expectations. One area of immediate concern is at linebacker, where the team is pinning their hopes on a second-round draft pick and a 34-year-old to man the middle of their 3-4 defense.

Vontaze Burfict happens to be one of my favorite players in college football right now. He's a violent tackler, an able cover-man from the middle of the field and one of the best run-stuffers in college today. He is, in my opinion, the best linebacker in college football.

Burfict will be a steal for any team picking him up, especially if he lasts until pick No. 16.

17. New York Giants: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The New York Giants do a great job of positioning themselves to draft the best player available each year from their big board. They did it in 2010 with Jason Pierre-Paul and again in 2011 with Prince Amukamara. In 2012 they will pull the trigger on the best available player, but he'll be able to step in and help immediately.

Riley Reiff is one of three elite tackle prospects we are watching for the first round of the 2012 draft. Reiff is a tough-nosed bookend tackle who will be a big upgrade over the existing tackles in the Giants locker room.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have a good duo at cornerback for the 2011 season with Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib. Both may be questionable for the 2012 season.

Barber turned 36 years old this year and has to be on his last legs in the NFL. Talib is awaiting a hearing on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after the season ends.

The status of both starters can easily be called "up in the air," which is why the Buccaneers would be wise to invest an early draft pick in a cornerback.

Stephon Gilmore is all you could hope for in a cornerback prospect. He's also a good fit for the Cover 2 scheme after being asked to play in multiple zone coverages during his time at South Carolina.

19. Detroit Lions: Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State

The Detroit Lions have done a wonderful job building a defensive line that will be competitive against even the best offensive lines in the NFL. Now it's time to build an offensive line to match.

Detroit is happy with Jeff Backus at left tackle, but at almost 34 years old it is time to start looking to the future. The Lions could also use an upgrade at all four remaining offensive line positions.

Drafting a versatile guard/tackle athlete like Kelechi Osemele gives Detroit the flexibility to plug him in at guard or right tackle immediately.

20. Dallas Cowboys: Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon

If this happens in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, Dallas Cowboy fans should send me a thank-you card.

Cliff Harris is a player you want in your locker room. He's athletic as all get out, in fact he's a comparable athlete to 2011 No. 5 overall player Patrick Peterson. Harris is a dynamic return man and cover corner, especially in a zone situation.

Put Harris in the Cowboys lineup and forget about Terence Newman.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

I badly wanted the Indianapolis Colts to draft a quarterback here, but there are not any other quarterbacks worth a first-round grade at this time. Keep an eye on Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M, though.

The Colts, if they do not draft Peyton Manning's eventual replacement, will need to spent a draft pick on a defensive tackle. And they should do so early and often.

The Colts made a smart pick by drafting a left tackle in the first round of the 2011 draft, ignoring a position of need for at least three years. In 2012, they should draft to fix an error on the defensive line that's been prevalent just as long.

22. Houston Texans: Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State

The Houston Texans did a great job addressing needs in the 2011 draft and making draft picks to target those areas. With the team moving to a 3-4 defense this year, the Texans used their first three picks improving the roster's talent at defensive end, cornerback and outside linebacker. The 2012 draft should be more of the same.

Houston is hoping Mario Williams transitions well to outside linebacker, and that rookie Brooks Reed does more than just look like Clay Matthews. Should either player struggle, Houston would be wise to check out Florida State's stud pass-rusher, Brandon Jenkins.

It's conceivable that Jenkins will go much higher in the 2012 draft if he can follow up a dominant 2011 season with an equal performance.

23. Chicago Bears: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The LSU Tigers seem to have an endless supply of first-round talent in the secondary. Their 2012 edition is cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Overshadowed in 2010 by Patrick Peterson, Claiborne is a legitimate star as a cover corner. He will be an ideal fit in the Chicago Bears favored Cover 2 defense, as he has the athletic ability to close on the ball and the physical ability to play the run in his zone.

Claiborne is a name to watch during the 2011 college football season.

24. Kansas City Chiefs: Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

An honest disclaimer: I may be seriously underrating Cordy Glenn as of right now. Once the season starts, I plan to take a fresh look at him.

Glenn looks like the best guard in college football, and maybe the best guard since Branden Albert was tearing apart defensive linemen at Virginia.

The Chiefs would love to find a replacement for Brian Waters, and Glenn's power game would be a great complement to the agility of Rodney Hudson at center and Jon Asomoah at guard. Glenn is not just power though, he's nimble enough to handle the zone blocking scheme favored by the Chiefs.

25. New England Patriots: Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

*Pick acquired via trade during 2011 NFL draft

In New England, the Patriots seem to be moving to a 4-3 base defense, which means they will need to add more linebackers who are able to run from sideline-to-sideline and cover tight ends and running backs.

Bruce Irvin will be an intriguing pick for the New England Patriots with the selection they received in a trade with the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 draft.

Irvin is a classic outside linebacker, with exceptional speed and the body to add 10 more pounds to an already chiseled frame.

26. New York Jets: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

The New York Jets knew they needed to add defensive linemen, so during the 2011 NFL draft they selected Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson. Their 2012 draft strategy should be similar.

The Jets will again need to add defensive ends for their 3-4 scheme, and Jared Crick just might be the best pure 3-4 defensive end available.

Crick will compare very well to 2011 first rounder J.J. Watt, now of the Houston Texans. Their ability, size and work ethic are eerily similar.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

How many years now have we been expecting the Baltimore Ravens to draft Ray Lewis' replacement? Perhaps the 2012 draft will be the one where the Ravens finally acknowledge that Lewis may actually retire some time in the distant future.

The Ravens do need to think about a future without Lewis, and not just in terms of replacing an amazing leader, but in replacing their middle linebacker.

Lewis' talent is all but irreplaceable, but Boston College's Luke Kuechly would be an impressive fit in Baltimore. He's a versatile inside linebacker with the speed to terrorize the offense. His read-and-react ability is also very good, something a 3-4 inside 'backer must have, first and foremost.

28. Cleveland Browns: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

*Pick acquired from Atlanta Falcons during 2011 NFL draft

If the Cleveland Browns are able to land Quinton Coples with their first pick, and then follow that up with the selection of defensive tackle Josh Chapman later on, watch out.

Cleveland, as mentioned before, double-dipped to grab defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard in the 2011 draft. Put those two on a line with Coples and Chapman and the Browns defensive line would rival the best in the league.

Chapman has the look of a dominating three-technique defensive tackle, even if Alabama doesn't choose to use him as one.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Chase Minnfield, CB, Virginia

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the talent to win a Super Bowl this season, but if one position will keep them from seeing their goal met it is at cornerback.

The team trusts Ike Taylor much more than I do, and outside of him they have little established talent. Pittsburgh did spend two 2011 selections on Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen, but neither looks like a slam dunk starter for the next decade.

Using their late first-round selection on a cornerback like Chase Minnfield, who has the height to matchup against elite No. 1 wide receivers and also the ability to sink into a zone and close on the ball, would be a sweet pickup for the Dick LeBeau defense.

30. Green Bay Packers: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami FL

This may be favoritism, but Lamar Miller is a beast. Keep him on a list of players to remember for the 2011 season.

Miller would fill a role that Ryan Grant is expected to fill in Green Bay this season as the Packers' featured running back. James Starks and Alex Green are on the roster, but neither has the definite look of a workhorse running back.

Miller does. His combination of speed and power would shift the balance in Green Bay from an elite passing team to a well-rounded offense.

31. New England Patriots: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Who do you draft, as the team that has everything?

That's a very good question, and until the New England Patriots take the field and show some weaknesses, predicting who they will draft is just an educated guess.

The Patriots could use an upgrade at wide receiver, where Chad Ochocinco will fill the role of No. 1 for at least the 2011 season, but no clear No. 2 receiver is present.

Drafting Michael Floyd would allow New England to move Wes Welker to the slot full-time, where he is a matchup nightmare, and would let them use Julian Edelman and Taylor Price in four and five wide sets, or as potential replacements for Ochocinco on the boundary.

Floyd has his own problems, including multiple alcohol-related offenses at Notre Dame, but if any head coach is willing to take on a troubled playmaker, it's Bill Belichick.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

You might think that after a rampage through free agency and pulling off an impressive trade that netted them cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick, the Philadelphia Eagles would have few team needs.

Not so fast.

The Eagles are surprisingly inexperienced at linebacker, leaving the position as a major question mark entering the season. Philadelphia could start two rookies, Casey Matthews and Brian Rolle, at linebacker this season.

While Matthews and Rolle are talented players, neither has the overall ability of Alabama's Courtney Upshaw. Upshaw can play both inside and outside linebacker in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, and do it well.

Philadelphia could have as many as three openings at linebacker next year. Expect at least one to be filled through the draft.