2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predictions for All 32 1st Round Picks

The 2012 NFL draft, also known as the Andrew Luck show, is already receiving attention from the hype machine that is the internet. With only one week of college football underway, previous seasons are the only way to evaluate draft prospects.

Obviously, a mock draft at this point requires even more guesswork and projection than one around draft time. However, that does not mean that it's not fun to discuss.

While Luck obviously receives the majority of the 2012 draft hype, there are a number of well-known prospects. With this in mind, here is a look at one way the 2012 NFL draft could play out.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

To put it simply, Andrew Luck is a once-in-a-decade quarterback. The Stanford star has excellent size, intelligence and accuracy. The 6'4" 235-pounder has played in a pro-style offense throughout his career and has virtually no weaknesses.

The Cincinnati Bengals, on the other hand, are not so good. While the team itself is a bit of a mess, the quarterback position is especially awful. Former No. 1 overall pick Carson Palmer refuses to play for the team and rookie Andy Dalton has done little to inspire confidence.

Despite holding the first pick in this draft, the Bengals aren't a terrible team for Luck to go to. They have a decent offensive line, good running backs and a potentially elite wide receiver in A.J. Green. The team's offense is not without talent, but experience and a quarterback are desperately needed.

2. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Despite going 7-9 in 2010, the Seattle Seahawks are not a good team. Tarvaris Jackson is Peter Carrol's starting quarterback, and the former Viking has never done anything in the NFL to inspire confidence.

Besides the quarterback position, there isn't a ton of offensive talent on the team. Sidney Rice, Marshawn Lynch and Mike Williams aren't terrible, but none of them are legitimate stars either.

Barkley, on the other hand, is an excellent prospect. The 6'2" 220-pound Trojan has a great arm and possesses well above-average physical tools. Though he isn't a great athlete, Barkley is very poised in the pocket and can feel when he needs to step up.

While Barkley is still somewhat raw with his footwork, he has the physical talent and intelligence to be the first overall pick in many drafts. However, Barkley is unfortunate to be in the same draft as Andrew Luck and will have to settle for going second.

3. Washington Redskins: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Washington's wide receiver corps isn't awful, but Jeffery is too good of a talent to pass up on here. With a number of needs, it makes sense for the Redskins to take the best player available.

Santana Moss has been a solid player over the years, but he is 32 years old and past his prime. After Moss, the unit includes Jabar Gaffney, Anthony Armstrong and Leonard Hankerson. While there are worse units in the NFL, this isn't a particularly strong one.

The 6'4" 235-pound Jeffery is incredibly strong and catches nearly everything. While the South Carolina wideout is not a burner, Jeffery makes up for it with his size, physicality and overall athleticism. Jeffery is not Calvin Johnson as a prospect, but he isn't too far off either..

4. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Having largely ignored the offensive front in the draft, the Bills have one of the NFL's worst offensive lines. The team did spend two picks in 2009 on Eric Wood and Andy Levitre, but neither has developed into a star. While the team's interior line isn't terrible, Demetrius Bell and Erik Pears are not an acceptable tackle tandem.

Jonathan Martin isn't Joe Thomas or Jake Long (at least not yet), but he is a solid value in the top five. The athletic offensive tackle uses his size and natural gifts to keep pass-rushers at bay, while also dominating in the second level.

Buffalo desperately needs to find their franchise quarterback, but with Luck and Barkley off the board they turn to the offensive line. It's always nice to add a star left tackle, but the Bills should be hoping for one of the top two quarterback to be available here.

5. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Head coach John Fox wants to bring his run game to Denver but currently lacks the backs to do so. Former first round pick Knowshon Moreno has not panned out and Willis McGahee hasn't been effective for years.

At 5'11" 225-pounds, Richardson is a bit of a physical specimen. The Alabama star has the speed and power to run away or through a defender.  While Richardson still needs to prove himself in his first year as a starter, he has shown significant talent in his prior seasons.

Denver desperately needs to acquire playmakers after Josh McDaniel traded all of the team's stars. Richardson doesn't make up for the losses of Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, but he isn't a bad start.

6. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Chad Henne's play has not been good enough to give the Dolphins' coaching staff any help. The Miami team has some talent, but until they have a legitimate quarterback, they will not be able to win in the competitive AFC East.

Jones isn't quite the prospect that his predecessor Sam Bradford was, but he isn't a scrub either. At 6'4" 230-pounds, Jones has good size and and accuracy. It is difficult to judge Jones' arm strength due to the extremely high number of short passes he throws, but it seems to be more than adequate. Sam Bradford has helped to eliminate some of the concerns about Oklahoma's spread offense, but it remains an issue.

With a good wide receiver corps, offensive line and defense, the Dolphins already have a strong nucleus in place for a young quarterback.  If a good quarterback is in charge of the Miami offense, the Dolphins could be a legitimate contender.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Even an optimistic fan would admit that San Francisco's cornerbacks need some work. Nate Clements never really panned out for the 49ers and the team has just one legitimate starter on the outside.

Carlos Rogers isn't terrible, but he isn't particularly good either. Unfortunately for San Francisco, he is also the team's best cornerback.

The 6'3" 195-pound Kirkpatrick has great length and uses his long arms to handle receivers in press coverage. Kirkpatrick also possesses good speed and fluid hips, so he is capable of running with fast receivers. The Alabama defender won't be mistaken for Patrick Peterson, but he is yet another excellent cornerback prospect to enter the draft in recent years.

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

Justin Blackmon may not be an elite wide receiver prospect, but he is likely a borderline top ten selection. Steve Smith continues to age, and the Carolina receiving corps desperately needs to be improved upon.

Blackmon isn't quite the player Jeffery is, but he is not too shabby himself.  The 6'1" 215-pound receiver has great hands and is shifty enough to get yards after the catch.  He does not, however, have great speed and isn't much of a deep threat.

The Oklahoma State star won't be one of the NFL's best, but he projects as a good primary receiver and a consistent target. With Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Steve Smith, the Panther offense has youth and talent. Blackmon is simply another piece to the puzzle for Carolina.

9. Cleveland Browns: Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina

Though Cleveland did devote its first two picks of 2011 to the defensive line. the unit still needs work. Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin should be fine at defensive tackle, but the end spot is much more hazy. 

Jabaal Sheard looks to be a fine player, but it is unlikely that he will ever be a great pass-rusher and he may have to play on the strong side. Taylor, on the other hand, has the ability to be an elite sack artist and has incredible potential.

At 6'7" 260-pounds, the South Carolina defensive end has freakish athletic ability and a long frame that can handle more weight. Taylor is still raw, but he is already producing at the college level—if he improves his technique, he should take over the college game and eventually move on to the NFL as a high draft pick.

10. Tennessee Titans: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict is a physical specimen and it shows on the playing field.  While Burfict does deserve to go in this range, linebacker is also a position of need for the Titans. Stephen Tulloch left for the Lions in free agency and Barrett Ruud is nothing more than a one-year stop gap.

The 6'3" 250-pound Burfict has tremendous size and athleticism and can easily keep up with tight ends in coverage. If he can improve at the mental aspect of the game, Burfict could even be selected higher than this due to his enormous potential.

Rookie Akeem Ayers has earned a starting spot as an outside linebacker, and he and Burfict would make an excellent duo in the future. Since losing Albert Haynesworth in free agency, the Tennessee defense has struggled some and Burfict could help turn the unit around.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Even before releasing Bryant McKinnie, the Vikings offensive line was a major weakness. Phil Loadholt has not panned out very well at right tackle and Steve Hutchinson is on the downside of his career.

Kalil isn't a great run blocker, but he has great feet and excels in pass-protection. The 6'5" 295-pounder has rare athletic ability for an offensive lineman and is the ideal blind side protector.

After taking Christian Ponder with the 12th pick of the 2011 draft, it makes sense for the Vikings to seek protection for their investment. Kalil isn't an elite prospect, but he is an excellent addition in the upper half of the first round.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Jaguars' struggles against the pass game have been well documented and a big part of this is the team's pass rush. Aaron Kampman has been an excellent player over the years, but injuries and age seem to have caught up with the former Packer.

Coples isn't an overly dynamic pass rusher, but the 6'6" 285-pound end is excellent against the run. The North Carolina defender is solid in every aspect of the game and is versatile enough to move around the line of scrimmage.

While the secondary in Jacksonville remains an issue, the pass rush needs to be addressed in order for the pass defense to turn around. Coples won't do this by himself, but he is a good start.

13. Oakland Raiders: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Many things can be said about Al Davis, but the Raiders' owner certainly isn't afraid to take a chance. After losing Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, it makes sense for Oakland to add another cornerback.

Jenkins has been one of the NCAA's best cornerbacks during the past couple of seasons, but off the field issues got him kicked out of Florida. Now at North Alabama, Jenkins looks to continue his dominating performance.

If Jenkins has a good year free of trouble off the field, this may not be too crazy of a spot for him. As it currently  stands, Al Davis will do anything if a player is talented enough.

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

For much of the time prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, the Rams were linked to Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget in the first round. St. Louis ended up with Robert Quinn when the North Carolina defensive end fell into their lap, but they were obviously looking at the defensive tackle position.

A whole offseason later, the defensive tackle position remains an issue. Worthy is an incredibly talented defensive tackle who makes his name in the backfield. At 6'3" 310-pounds, Worthy isn't overly big but his quickness makes him an intriguing fit in Steve Spagnuolo's defensive scheme.

Quinn and Chris Long should make a formidable defensive end combo, but the interior line will hold back the defense. Just one addition would make a huge impact on the Rams defense, and Worthy could end up as an elite player.

15. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Prior to the 2010 draft, many projected former Iowa tackle Bryan Bulaga to the Kansas City Chiefs due to Scott Pioli and Kirk Ferentz's friendship. This prediction is not based on that friendship, but on need and talent.

Jared Gaither may pan out for Kansas City in 2011, but if he doesn't expect the team to look for an offensive tackle in free agency or the draft.  Reiff is a former tight end has excellent athletic ability for an offensive lineman.

Reiff projects well as a blindside tackle and his addition would allow Brandon Albert to move to right tackle, where he should excel. 

16. Dallas Cowboys: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

After losing defensive ends Chris Canty and Stephen Bowen in recent years, defensive end has become a bit of an issue for the Cowboys. Crick isn't an ideal fit in every defensive scheme but he projects as a star 5-tech in Dallas's defense.

The 6'6" 290 defensive lineman is quick and possessed excellent pass rushing ability along the interior defensive line. Crick's size and speed fits in well with the rest of Dallas's defensive line and he could excel in Rob Ryan's defense.

Crick isn't nearly as good as his former teammate Ndamukong Suh, but he is a nice pick for a 3-4 defense in the middle of the first round. 

17. Chicago Bears: Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

Jay Cutler was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL during the 2010 season, and though the Bears spent a first-round pick on Gabe Carimi, their offensive line remains brutal. Osemele offers versatility and can play four of the positions along the offensive front.

Osemele is a huge lineman, measuring in at 6'6" 345 pounds, and gets a terrific push in the run game. Though Osemele will likely play guard in the NFL, he could possible play right tackle and is a good backup at either perimeter position.

While not known for his pass-blocking ability, Osemele has quick feet for a guard and should help keep Cutler off his back. Though an offensive tackle would be preferred here, Osemele is the best available lineman.

18. Detroit Lions: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Lions were expected to be big players for a top notch cornerback in free agency, but ended up with only Eric Wright. While Wright isn't as bad as his 2010 season suggests, he isn't a great player and another cornerback is definitely needed.

Dennard is short at just 5'10" but has excellent bulk and weighs a surprising 205-pounds. The Nebraska cornerback is physical and dominates receivers in press coverage.  Dennard had four interceptions in 2010 and displayed good ball skills.

Dennard probably won't ever be a great cornerback, but he will be a solid player who won't get beat for big plays very often. With the Lions' brutal secondary, that is an excellent start.

19. Cleveland Browns (from ATL): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Cleveland had what was arguably the NFL's worst receiving unit in 2010 and the team was led in receiving by running back Peyton Hillis and tight end Ben Watson. Even after drafting Greg Little in the second-round, the receiver position remains a huge issue.

Floyd has great size and possesses fantastic catching ability. He is not, however, overly quick or explosive and could struggle to get open in the NFL. Receivers with Floyd's size can be difficult to project to the NFL, but he could become a number one target.

The Notre Dame star has had some issues off the field, but a good season in 2011 will make up for those. If Floyd can show improved quickness, he can be an early pick in 2012 due to his size and catching ability.

20. New York Jets: Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State

Despite a great run defense and secondary, the Jets struggled to rush the passer in 2010. Calvin Pace is the team's best pass rusher, and even he is not particularly good.

Jenkins is a smooth athlete with excellent burst and pass-rushing potential. The 6'4" 260-pounder is the type of player that Rex Ryan is able to mold into a star. Jenkins still needs to develop more pass-rushing moves, but he has the motor and ability to dominate.

Outside of their pass-rush, New York has very few defensive weaknesses and dominates offenses. Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie can cover just about any receiver duo, but a pass-rush would certainly make their jobs easier.

21. Arizona Cardinals: Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina

Like the Jets, the Cardinals have a plethora of defensive talent. Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell and Dan Williams should be an excellent defensive line, capable of stopping the run and rushing the passer.  Arizona also possesses a great secondary with Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes and Patrick Peterson leading the way.

But once again, a pass-rush is missing. Joey Porter and Clark Haggans simply are not good enough to provide consistent pressure. Paige-Moss is a good athlete with a promising bull-rush and pass-rush. The 6'4" 260-pounder could play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, but he is primarily a pass-rusher.

The North Carolina defender hasn't put up big numbers yet, but he has the ability to produce at a high level in 2011. Paige-Moss doesn't have the great first step that other pass-rushers do, but he combines good strength and power to beat offensive tackles.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

2011 third-round pick Mason Foster is the current starting middle linebacker. However, Foster can play any of the linebacker positions and it would not be an issue to move him.

Kuechly is a smart player who uses his intelligence to constantly be near the ball. He isn't as big or athletic as many top linebacker prospects, but his instincts are superb and he is rarely out of position. The Boston College linebacker doesn't quite have sideline-to-sideline speed, but his range is decent.

After using four high draft-picks on defensive linemen in the past two years, the Buccaneers must now focus on the linebacker unit. Foster looks to be a good player, but the other two positions could use some work. The addition of Kuechly would show the dedication to bringing a legitimate defense to Tampa Bay.

23. San Diego Chargers: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

Darius Butler is a promising young linebacker, but Stephen Cooper and Takeo Spikes are both aging.  Te'o is a star with the ability to dominate in any defensive scheme.

The 6'2" 255-pounder is a great athlete who can easily play sideline-to-sideline. With his size and athletic ability, Te'o is good against both the run and pass and can play in any situation.

It's hard to find a huge weakness on the Chargers, but they will gladly take an impact defensive player here. Te'o may not be a star from the get go, but the ability is there for him to be San Diego's best defensive player.

24. Houston Texans: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

With Wade Phillips now in charge of Houston's defense, the team is transitioning to a 3-4. J.J. Watt was drafted 11th in 2011 to play the 5-tech position, but Shaun Cody is unlikely to be an impact player at nose tackle.

Poe is a superb athlete, and at 6'5" 350-pounds, he has the size to dominate in the run game. While Phillips has occasionally used a smaller nose tackle, Poe has the ability to penetrate and make plays int he backfield. 

The addition of a legitimate nose tackle would be a huge step in solidifying the Texans' defense, and the team has already made huge strides. With Poe and Watt, Houston could potentially have one of the NFL's best defensive lines.

25. New York Giants: Nate Potter, OT, Boise State

For years, Giants fans have speculated that the team may add an offensive tackle in the first round. While the position isn't in terrible shape, David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie are both aging and declining.

Potter has more than enough ability to be a quality blindside protector, but he needs to become more consistent. The Boise State lineman occasionally gets sloppy with his technique and doesn't always look natural.

William Beatty is now the team's starting left tackle, but he is still unproven. However, even if Beatty succeeds in 2011, right tackle is a position of need and Potter could easily play on the strong side.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama

While it may seem like Ray Lewis will never truly become old, the day will eventually come. Beyond Lewis the Ravens don't have a ton of talent at inside linebacker, but McClain could easily change that.

The 6'4" 260-pounder is the definition of a thumper and best projects to a 3-4 defense.  The Alabama linebacker is a capable pass rusher and actually occasionally lines up at defensive end in passing situations. 

McClain is not nearly as athletic as Lewis, but he could help fill the massive void that will be left by the legendary linebacker. The Alabama defender may struggle some in coverage, but he will make plays against the run and help provide a pass-rush.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

The Colts defense is well known for being small and fast with little physicality. However, this strategy has largely failed and it may be time for Indianapolis to follow the rest of the league.

Brown is still fairly small at 6'2" 230 pounds, but is a legitimate player who can play in a typical defensive scheme. The Tar Heel linebacker has developed a reputation for making plays defensively, and he could fill a huge void in the Indianapolis defense.

There are a variety of ways Indianapolis could look to improve their defense, but the team should start with their run support and front seven. Brown is athletic enough to play in coverage for the Colts, but can also play against the run.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

After the Eagles went on a spending spree in free agency, it is difficult to identify many weaknesses.  Already possessing a multitude of cornerbacks, Philadelphia could turn to defensive tackle depth. With Broderick Bunkley now a Bronco, the Eagles rotation isn't quite what it once was.

Cullen Jenkins is an excellent defensive player, but it appears that he may not be an Eagle for an extended amount of time. Thomas is the ideal penetrating defensive tackle for Jim Washburn's scheme and does a great job of making plays in the backfield.

The Eagles already have a multitude of defensive ends, but they could stand to add more defensive tackles. Thompson wouldn't start immediately but within a year or two he could be playing at a high level.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers: Robert Lester, S, Alabama

Troy Polumalu is nearing the end of his career, and the Steelers need to add an impact defensive back. While Lester is of a different mold than Polumalu, he has a playmaking ability as well.

Lester is a legitimate ball-hawking safety and compiled eight interceptions during the 2010 season. At 6'2" 210 pounds, Lester has good size even though he isn't a very physical player.

The Steelers are a team without many weaknesses, but it makes sense for them to add a coverage safety. For years, Pittsburgh fans have jockeyed for a defensive back in the first round and they could finally get their wish.

30. Green Bay Packers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Even though Charles Woodson is a special player, even he cannot last forever. The Packers do have a fine cornerback in Tramon Williams but they are a little thin after him.

Gilmore is at his best in zone coverage and has the fluid hips required to turn with the quickest of receivers. With the Packers' current talent in the defensive backfield, Gilmore wouldn't play much immediately but would only come in the game for dime situations.

Green Bay has put themselves in a position where they can afford to leave rookies on the bench, while developing them for the future. The Packers are doing that this year with Derrek Sherrod and will likely continue the practice in the future.

31. New England Patriots: T.J. McDonald, S, USC

If Belichick has proven anything over the years, it is that he will always surprise on draft day and will draft defensive backs. The Patriots have tons of depth at cornerback, but safety is not nearly as solid of a position.

Brandon Meriweather had regressed so much that he was actually released by the Patriots. Patrick Chung has developed well, but the team needs another safety. McDonald is a physical defender who does a great job of playing the run.

At 6'3" 205 pounds, McDonald isn't huge but is big enough to play physically.  Though the USC safety isn't great in coverage, he has the athletic ability to develop and can become a complete safety capable of playing the run and pass.

32. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State

Dan Koppen isn't necessarily a bad player, but he is one of the weaker links on the Patriots offense. Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick has begun to focus more on the offensive line recently, and Brewster fits the New England profile of smart, versatile offensive linemen.

The Ohio State center has great athletic ability and does an excellent job in pass protection. The 6'5" 295-pounder should add more weight to avoid being overpowered, but his technique helps him considerably when dealing with strong nose tackles. 

Brewster isn't as good of of a player as many other recent first-round centers, but he has a low floor and projects as a long-term starter and team leader. With Koppen currently at center, Brewster wouldn't be under pressure to immediately start, but could instead develop on the bench.