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

With two weeks of the 2011 NFL season in the books, team needs are beginning to become more clear. Each game reveals weaknesses and flaws, while the same happens to NFL Draft prospects.

Through these first two weeks, some NFL teams have fallen on their faces, while others have far surpassed expectations.

Though only three weeks of the college football season are in the books, a few players have begun to strengthen or weaken their stocks. Some prospects are breaking out, while others are failing to live up to expectations.

Even now in this early stage of the draft, the pictures is growing more clear. While many players will inspire debate for months, others, such as Andrew Luck, are unanimously praised.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

After making the playoffs in 2010, the Chiefs could not have possibly gotten off to a more disappointing start. Only two games into the season, Kansas City has lost two of its best players, Eric Berry and Jamaal Charles, for the season.

The team has allowed an astounding 89 points while scoring just 10. Quarterback Matt Cassel has thrown one touchdown to four interceptions and has a passer rating of 50.4.

This terrible play from Cassel makes Andrew Luck an even easier pick. Nearly every team in the NFL would take Luck if given the opportunity, and the Chiefs are no exception.

The 6'4" 235-pound Stanford star has been called the best prospect since John Elway and is widely considered to be a can't-miss selection.

The Chiefs do have talent on their roster and even a small upgrade at the quarterback position could dramatically impact the team. And Luck isn't likely to be just a small upgrade, either.

2. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

After somehow making the playoffs in 2010, Seattle seem to be falling back to earth in 2011. Tarvaris Jackson has struggled (as was expected) and the 0-2 Seahawks have little reason to be optimistic.

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.

Barkley has dramatically improved every year at USC, and he has the physical talent and intelligence to be the first overall pick in many drafts. However, Barkley is likely to be in the same draft as Andrew Luck and will have to settle for going second.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

As was expected, the Colts have been awful without Peyton Manning at the helm. While Indianapolis is still a good team with Manning, a high draft pick would go a long way towards preparing for life without No. 18.

Despite drafting offensive linemen with their first two picks in 2010, the Colts' offensive line remains a huge issue. With the addition of Kalil, Anthony Castonzo could move to right tackle and Ben Ijalan could fill in at one of the guard positions.

The 6'7" 295-pound Kalil is great in pass protection and has excellent feet. It is still early in the draft process, but Kalil could end up being an elite left tackle prospect.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

While rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has showed promise, the Bengals have struggled early in 2011.  The team's offense has talent and A.J. Green looks like a future superstar, but Cincinnati could use more playmakers.

At 5'11", 225 pounds, Richardson is a bit of a physical specimen. The Alabama star has the speed and power to run away from or through a defender.  While Richardson still needs to prove himself in his first year as a starter, he has shown great ability in previous seasons and has produced thus far without Mark Ingram.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Jaguars are counting on Blaine Gabbert to develop into the team's franchise quarterback, but in order for him to do so, they will need to find him some weapons. Maurice Jones-Drew is obviously a nice piece, but beyond Mike Thomas, the team's wide receiver corps is seriously lacking.

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 may not be a once-in-a-decade player, but he has the potential to be a superstar.

6. Denver Broncos: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Kyle Orton has not given Denver any reason to believe he can lead the team to the promised land, so the Broncos will likely look to improve at quarterback in the off season. The team may choose to give Tim Tebow a chance, but reports indicate that John Fox is far from enamored with the former Florida star.

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. Bradford has helped to eliminate some of the concerns about Oklahoma's spread offense, but it remains an issue.

7. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

When watching the Browns, it is immediately evident that the team needs to find some wide receivers for Colt McCoy. Mohamed Massaquoi may become decent, but he will never be a primary option or anything close to it. In order for McCoy to have a chance, he will need some more weapons.

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.

8. Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Panthers would like to add an offensive weapon for Cam Newton here, but no offensive players make sense for the team here. Newton has already shown flashes of his potential, but Carolina is forced to address the defense here.

Chris Gamble isn't a bad player, but he probably should be the second cornerback on a defense.  Captain Munnerlyn should be no more than a nickelback, and the Panthers' safeties leave a lot to be desired as well.

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

9. Miami Dolphins: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake give the Dolphins two star-quality linebackers but a player like Burfict never hurts. With no real glaring needs, Miami adds a potential star.

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 due to his enormous potential.

Burfict could actually play outside or inside in the Dolphins' 3-4 defense, but he will likely stay inside where his physicality can be better utilized against the run.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

After losing Aubrayo Franklin, the 49ers were forced to move Isaac Sopoaga to nose tackle. The team's defensive line is far from a strength and Poe projects as a dominant 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 in the backfield.

11. Washington Redskins: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

What Washington really wants here is a quarterback, but with the top three gone, they instead address the cornerback position. DeAngelo Hall is an inconsistent playmaker, but is, on the whole, decent. The other cornerback spot is an issue, however.

Hosley is quite small at 5'10" 175 pounds, but he should be able to bulk up some.  The Virginia Tech cornerback had nine interceptions in 2010 and demonstrated excellent ball skills.  Few defenders are faster and more adept at handling quick receivers.

Hosley may not ever be a true shut-down cornerback, but he can be a solid player who will create turnovers.  The biggest risk with Hosley is his lack of size and whether he can handle playing on the outside at the NFL level.  But for now, his play making ability makes him a worthwhile first-round pick.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Bryant McKinnie never panned out as an elite left tackle, and with McKinnie now gone, the position is an even bigger issue for the Vikings. With Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson in the backfield, the offensive line could be the reason for the Minnesota offense either dominating or failing.

Jonathan Martin isn't Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but he is a solid value in the top part of the first round. The athletic offensive tackle uses his size and natural gifts to keep pass rushers at bay, while also dominating in the second level.

13. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

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.

Reiff is a good athlete with underrated footwork and technique. The Iowa left tackle should be able to play on the blind side in the NFL, but will not be an elite player. But with Buffalo's current offensive line, solid is more than satisfactory.

14. Tennessee Titans: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

With Stephen Tulloch now a Detroit Lion, the middle linebacker spot is a bit of a concern. Akeem Ayers looks like he will develop into a quality starting linebacker, but the unit is far from perfect.

Kuechly is a machine and has racked up more than 50 tackles in his first three games of the 2011 season. The 6'3" 235-pounder isn't a great athlete, but is more than capable of covering all parts of the field.

Despite his lack of size, Kuechly is able to disengage from blocks and make plays in the backfield.

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

Jay Cutler was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL during the 2010 season, and despite spending a first-round pick on Gabe Carimi, the Bears' offensive is still one of the NFL's worst.. Osemele offers versatility and could end up at guard or tackle in the NFL.

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 possibly 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.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The Cardinals have plenty of defensive talent, but the team's pass rush is a huge issue. 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. However, Joey Porter and Clark Haggans simply are not good enough to provide consistent pressure.

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.

17. 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. The team is currently touting Stanford Routt as its No. 1 cornerback, but he is not nearly as good as his salary suggests.

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 continues to play at a high level and stays out of trouble, this may not be too crazy of a spot for him. Regardless of where his stock may end up, Jenkins is talented enough for Davis to take a chance on him.

18. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Many have Coples as a top-five pick, but he doesn't seem to have the burst and pass-rushing ability to be selected that high. Though he is only about 6'6", 280 pounds at the moment, the North Carolina end could easily bulk up and play the 5-technique in Dallas's 3-4 defense.

While he may not have great burst as a 4-3 defensive end, Coples is more than athletic enough to play in a 3-4 and could be an explosive player. In the 1-gap scheme that Dallas runs, Coples' athletic ability would be used to penetrate the backfield.

The Cowboys lost defensive end Stephen Bowen in free agency and the position wasn't a strong spot to begin with. Dallas' defensive ends rarely weigh much more than 300 pounds and must be athletic.  If Coples can get his weight up to just 290 pounds, he is a great fit.

19. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

The Browns current starting linebackers consist of D'Qwell Jackson, Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong.  Jackson is a good but inconsistent player. Fujita is aging and slow, and Gocong simply isn't very good.

Te'o is an exciting athlete who is capable of making plays all over the field. The 6'3", 255-pound Notre Dame star can play any of the three linebacker positions due to his rare physical abilities.

On the Browns, Te'o would likely play middle linebacker with Jackson moving to the weak side position.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Aqib Talib is an excellent player, but his troublesome off-the-field problems are well documented. Ronde Barber has aged and has become a bit of a liability for the Tampa Bay defense.

The 6'1" 185-pound Claiborne is an excellent athlete who is still developing as a cornerback. Claiborne is a quality athlete who is still developing as a player, but he and Talib could eventually give the Buccaneers an elite cornerback combination.

21. New York Jets: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

The Jets don't seem to have much confidence in Shonn Greene, and Mark Sanchez doesn't appear to be the type of quarterback to carry a team. Santonio Holmes is an excellent wide receiver, and a playmaker like Miller out of the backfield would go a long way towards solidifying New York's offense.

The 5'11" 210-pounder is extremely explosive with huge playmaking ability. Few running backs have better speed and Miller is more than capable of taking over a game. With an exciting run game in New York, the team could be prepared to make a Super Bowl run.

22. St. Louis Rams: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Sam Bradford showed elite ability in 2010, but he will need players around him in order to give the Rams a quality offense. As it stands, St. Louis has no No. 1 wide receiver and the unit is one of the NFL's worst.

At 6'3", 225 pounds, Floyd is a big receiver with nice potential. The Notre Dame star has great hands and uses his strength to dominate defensive backs. While Floyd has had some durability issues, he is a legitimate first-round talent and offers Bradford a quality weapon.

23. San Diego Chargers: Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State

Since Shawne Merriman fell from stardom, the Chargers' pass-rush has struggled some. The team's defense has been very successful in spite of this, but a legitimate threat off the edge would further solidify the unit.

Jenkins is a smooth athlete with excellent burst and pass-rushing potential. The 6'4" 260-pounder still needs to develop more pass-rushing moves, but he has the motor and ability to dominate.

Jenkins was extremely productive in 2010, and a similar season could make him a top-15 pick.

24. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. McDonald, S, USC

It is no secret that Ed Reed has been considering retirement, and Dawan Landry left the Ravens for Jacksonville in free agency. Tom Zbikowski isn't bad, but when Reed does leave, the unit will be lacking a star.

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.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

James Farrior is no longer a high-level player and may not be a Steeler for much longer. Lawrence Timmons is an excellent player, but Upshaw would add a more physical component to the Steeler defense.

At 6'2", 260 pounds, Upshaw is big and strong with plenty of pass rushing ability. Dick LeBeau loves to blitz his linebackers in a variety of ways, so this versatility is extremely valuable to Pittsburgh.

Even if Farrior does stick around for a while yet, it is typical of the Steelers to draft a replacement player a few years in advance.

26. New York Giants: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

With Steve Smith now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Giants are now in need of a wide receiver. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham make a solid pair, but every team needs three legitimate wideouts. 

At 6'4" 215 pounds, Fuller is a legitimate threat in the red zone and offers a reliable target. He doesn't have the speed or quickness to be a true No. 1 receiver, but with Nicks, he doesn't need to be. 

Fuller can stretch the field vertically with his size and straight-line speed but don't expect too many huge plays. Fuller may not ever be elite, but he can be good enough to make the Giants' offense deadly.

27. Detroit Lions: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Detroit was expected to address the cornerback position in either the 2011 draft or free agency, but they made only minor moves in the secondary. The Lions' pass rush can cover up for some flaws in the secondary, but the unit is in definite need of upgrading.

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. If the Lions' front seven reaches its potential, that should be more than good enough.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

The Eagles' secondary and defensive line are absolutely loaded, but the linebacking corps is a bit of a weakness. None of Philadelphia's starting linebackers are anything special, and it could be argued that they are all below-average players.

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 be yet another star in an already loaded Philadelphia defense.

29. Houston Texans: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

The Texans already have an excellent offense, but another receiver could push them over the top. Andre Johnson is the best wide out in the NFL, so Criner would be under minimal pressure in Houston.

Criner is a big, fast receiver with the ability to stretch the field. Matt Schaub does an excellent job of spreading the ball around, and Criner would help to open up both the run game and underneath passing attack.

30. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

It is quite possible that the Patriots have the NFL's best offense, but could another receiver hurt? Brady is able to dominate defenses with mediocre weapons, but with a legitimate arsenal, he breaks records.

At 5'10" 190-pounds, Broyles is a small receiver who excels from the slot. This may sound like Wes Welker, but the two are actually quite different. The Oklahoma star is exciting with the ball in his hands and he can play vertically as well, while Welker is mostly limited to underneath passes.

31. Green Bay Packers: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

After losing Cullen Jenkins to the Eagles in free agency, the Packers' defensive end situation is less than ideal.

Mike Neal has never proven himself as a starter and he has had some injury problems as well. Ryan Pickett, on the other hand, is best as a rotational run stopper and offers minimal pass rush.

The 6'6" 290-pound Crick is athletic enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense, but is better suited for a 3-4. Crick uses his speed and length to penetrate the backfield.

Dom Capers wants exactly this from his defensive ends, and the Nebraska defender would be able to contribute immediately.

32. New England Patriots: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Logan Mankins is one of the NFL's best offensive linemen, but a team can never have too many stars along the offensive front. Tom Brady doesn't need a ton of time to operate, but the Patriots could stand to improve in the run game.

DeCastro is an athletic offensive lineman who can both pull and dominate at the point of attack.  With the addition of the Stanford guard, New England could feel even more comfortable with their already dominant offensive line.