2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Biggest Game-Changers in 2012 Class

Most of the teams drafting near the top of the first round need to find themselves a game-changer.

NFL teams covet players who can impact a football game either by making a winning throw, catch, sack or interception.

While every team would like to end up with at least one of these types of players during the draft, there simply are not that many and the few whom flash that ability in college tend to go early.

Let’s take a look at five guys who really have the ability to positively impact the team that drafts them right away. 

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is the most obvious game-changer and the one who has the most surefire star potential at the next level.

Andrew Luck comes from an NFL pedigree and has an immense knowledge of the game. His mechanics and footwork are sound and he can make any throw.

He also has special ability in the pocket and has no qualms staying in if the protection is there. The best part is that he has more than adequate speed to abandon if things get heavy.

Look for him to most likely go No. 1 overall and begin the 2012 season as a starting QB in the NFL.

He’ll certainly be an improvement at the position for whoever drafts him, unless of course it’s the Colts. 

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is putting up freakish numbers at Oklahoma State and there is no way it does not transfer over to the pros.

In 2010, he had 111 receptions for 1782 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Those are simply incredible statistics and despite facing a ton of double teams and coverage designed to stop him this year, he is still excelling.

In Oklahoma State’s big win over Texas A&M, Blackmon stepped up and caught 11 passes for 121 yards and a TD.

You can expect him to be a big factor on Sundays next year.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict has burst onto the scene this year and is considered the top linebacker prospect in the nation.

The kid plays until the whistle and sometimes even after on every single down.

The biggest knock on him going into this year was the insane number of penalties he would draw and a lot of them were boneheaded, after the play hits.

He seems to be more disciplined and focused this season and is helping ASU to a solid year so far.

Linebackers usually have an easier transition to the NFL, as evidenced by the number of Defensive Rookie of the Year awards they garner, and Burfict should be no exception.

Look for him to be the first linebacker off the board during the 2012 NFL draft.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

South Carolina does not have the best of quarterbacks in Stephen Garcia, but Alshon Jeffery is making due.

He’s a big reason the Gamecocks are undefeated right now and the tall, athletic and dangerous receiver is having a solid season.

Jeffery has 19 receptions for 332 yards (17.5 average) and two touchdowns, which is not too bad for the type of coverage he often sees.

At 6'4", 230-pounds, Jeffery is a prototypical No. 1 receiver that NFL offenses desire. He can tower over corners and is quite an athlete too, able to jump up and catch balls at the highest point.

I expect him to go early in the first round and he seriously has potential to be one of the best pro receivers we have seen in a long time.

Dre Kirkpatrick, DB, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick is physically a monster at the cornerback position.

He stands a whopping 6'3", 192 pounds and looks to be the best defensive back in the entire draft.

He has gifted speed and athleticism to go with his height and reminds many of an Antonio Cromartie as a prospect.

Cromartie, as we know, is a quite successful NFL corner and does not display the same type of awareness that Kirkpatrick can flash.

He should carve himself out quite a nice pro career and will have the ability to shut down any receiver, which should make him a game changer for whatever team drafts him. 

Full 2012 NFL Mock Draft

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Miami Dolphins (0-4)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (0-4)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Denver Broncos (1-3)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
5.	Indianapolis Colts (0-4)	Matt Kalil, OT
6.	Kansas City Chiefs (1-3)	Landry Jones, QB
7.	Seattle Seahawks (1-3)	Matt Barkley, QB
8.	Minnesota Vikings (0-4)	Jonathan Martin, OT
9.	Carolina Panthers (1-3)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
10.	Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)	Trent Richardson, RB
11.	Arizona Cardinals (1-3)	Riley Reiff, OT
12.	Cleveland Browns (2-2)	Michael Floyd, WR
13.	Oakland Raiders (2-2)	Morris Claiborne, CB
14.	Cleveland Browns (via Falcons 2-2)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
15.	Chicago Bears (2-2)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
16.	Washington Redskins (3-1)	Jared Crick, DE
17.	Dallas Cowboys (2-2)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
18.	Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)	Brandon Thompson, DT
19.	Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)	Dave DeCastro, OG
20.	New York Jets (2-2)	Manti Te'o, LB
21.	Tennessee Titans (3-1)	Luke Keuchly, LB
22.	San Francisco 49ers (3-1)	Cordy Glenn, OG
23.	Buffalo Bills (3-1)	Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB
24.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)	Stephon Gilmore, CB
25.	Houston Texans (3-1)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
26.	San Diego Chargers (3-1)	Alameda Ta'amu, DT
27.	New York Giants (3-1)	Zach Brown, LB
28.	New England (via Saints 3-1)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (3-1)	Michael Brewster, C
30.	Detroit Lions (4-0)	Cliff Harris, CB
31.	New England Patriots (3-1)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (4-0)	Courtney Upshaw, OLB