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

Stanford's Andrew Luck will be in the 2012 NFL draft, and the quarterback who has been compared to Peyton Manning looks like the certain No. 1 overall pick.

The question is who will have the first pick. It could be the Indianapolis Colts, or perhaps the Miami Dolphins will get "lucky."

Regardless of who has the fist pick, one of the most eagerly anticipated drafts of all time is rapidly approaching. As each day goes by, the picture becomes less foggy.

Let's see what the crystal ball shows today.

1. Miami Dolphins: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

After an incredible performance in his first game of the year against the New England Patriots, Chad Henne fell back to earth and is done playing for the season. The former Wolverine quarterback's separated shoulder could mean the end of his career in Miami.

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.

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.

2. 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 the former No. 1 overall pick.

The Colts could use help at a multitude of positions, so the best player available makes sense here. If Indianapolis wishes to prolong Manning's career, they may want to consider further addressing the offensive line.

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.

3. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

After having one of the best rookie seasons ever, Sam Bradford has struggled in the early part of the 2011 season. However, the former Oklahoma star has not been aided by his offensive line or his wide receivers.

It is obvious that the Rams need to add some weapons for Bradford. Many were hoping that the team would have a shot at Julio Jones in the 2011 draft, but the Atlanta Falcons snagged him before St. Louis had a chance.

Blackmon isn't an elite talent at wide receiver, but he could end at a level similar to Michal Crabtree's entering the draft. 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.

4. 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 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 is a legitimate star, 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.

Pete Carroll's former starting quarterback can make every throw on the field and has precision accuracy. In fact, there are many who think that Barkley isn't very far behind Andrew Luck as a player.

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. But as everyone knows, Barkley will not be the first pick, as he is unlucky enough to be competing with Luck at the top of the draft.

5. 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.

The Vikings signed Charlie Johnson in free agency, but he is not a particularly good player. Johnson started at left tackle for the Colts and benefited from Peyton Manning's ability to avoid sacks.

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.

6. Kansas City Chiefs: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

The Chiefs have some talented players on the offensive side of the ball, but they are limited by the poor play of Matt Cassel. The former Patriot has established that he is not a quality starting quarterback in the NFL, and it is time for Kansas City to look elsewhere.

Jones isn't quite the prospect that his predecessor Sam 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.

7. 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 McDaniels 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.

8. Carolina Panthers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery may not be an elite wide receiver prospect, but he is likely a borderline top-10 selection. While Steve Smith is currently lighting it up, he is aging and the Carolina receiving corps desperately needs to be improved upon.

The 6'4" 235-pound Jeffery is incredibly strong and catches nearly everything within reach. While the South Carolina wideout is not a burner, Jeffery makes up for it with his size, physicality and overall athleticism.

The biggest concern with Jeffery is his size and a possible lack of burst. Many fear that Jeffery is not explosive enough to separate and may be limited to being a possession receiver. With this said, Jeffery does have the ability to be one of the NFL's best.

9. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Browns already have an excellent cornerback in Joe Haden, but the other side needs some work. Sheldon Brown is no longer an effective player and simply needs to be replaced.

Claiborne isn't an incredible athlete by any means, but he is just a good cover corner. The 6'1" 185-pound LSU star has a great feel for the position and has the hips and feet to excel in both zone and man coverage.

The Cleveland defense remains a work in progress and cornerback is one of the most important defensive positions. With no elite defensive end available here, the Browns turn to another need add a good value in Claiborne.

10. Cincinnati Bengals: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Rey Maualuga is playing middle linebacker for the first time as a Bengal but could easily transition back to the strong side. Manny Lawson shouldn't be a starter, and Burfict offers Cincinnati a potential stud defender.

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.

Cincinnati has young, talented players on both sides of the ball but needs to develop. Burfict could immediately start and make a huge impact at any linebacker position.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Neither Derek Cox nor Rashean Mathis is a particularly good cornerback and the Jaguars need to improve in the defensive backfield. Kirkpatrick is an immensely talented cornerback who has the ability to become one of the NFL's best.

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 cornerback prospect.

Jacksonville would like to add a wide receiver for Blaine Gabbert, but there simply isn't one worth the pick. In this scenario, the Jaguars make the wise decision and address a need without reaching.

12. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Cleveland made a foolish decision relying on right tackle Tony Pashos and the team's offense has paid for it. Pashos isn't a bad player, but he simply can't stay healthy.

Reiff is athletic enough to play left tackle but could really excel on the strong side. Though the former tight end is still somewhat raw, Reiff has a high ceiling and could give the Browns their second bookend offensive tackle.

Colt McCoy's performance hasn't been particularly promising, but there simply isn't a good option for the Browns here. With no good value at quarterback, the team decides to help protect McCoy a little better.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB

Similar to 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 talented secondary with Adrian Wilson, Kerry Rhodes and Patrick Peterson. But once again, the team is lacking a pass rush.

Jenkins is a great athlete with impressive burst and fluidity. The Florida State defensive end needs to develop his pass-rush moves, but he is a threat off the edge nonetheless. At 6'4" 260 pounds, Jenkins has ideal size for Buffalo's 3-4 defense.

Another intriguing characteristic of Jenkins is his experience in coverage. Jenkins has been used some as a linebacker at Florida State and NFL teams love the reduced risk in scouting such a player.

14. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin may be a reach here, but the Redskins don't have too many options. If the team wants to win, the simply cannot enter 2012 with Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback.

The Baylor quarterback is a phenomenal athlete and is one of the fastest quarterbacks in the game. Griffin is, however, just 6'2" 220 pounds and lacks ideal size. He has also failed to display great arm strength and though he throws a nice deep ball, he isn't asked to make many difficult throws.

Griffin may not be ready to start right away, but many said that about Cam Newton. If Griffin does enter the draft, he could easily be a first-round draft pick due to his ability and production.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alameda Ta’amu, DT Washington

The dominant Steelers defense is finally beginning to age. Casey Hampton has been the plug in the middle of Dick LeBeau's defense for years, but Pittsburgh needs to begin looking for his replacement. With Ziggy Hood and Cameron Heyward set to fill the end positions, the team just needs a nose tackle.

The 6'3" 340-pounder is incredibly strong and does an excellent job of clogging up the run game. Ta'amu isn't an ideal player for a 4-3 defense, but his run-stopping ability makes him a perfect fit as a 3-4 nose tackle.

Ta'amu's stock has been on the rise since the NCAA season started, and it will likely continue to do so. The Washington defensive tackle isn't an overly exciting player, but to a 3-4 defense, he looks like a potential savior.

16. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

After the Eagles went on a spending spree in free agency, it was difficult to identify many weaknesses. However, things haven't gone quite as planned and the Eagles have just one win.

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.

17. 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.

New York has a strong offensive line and the team's run game should be much better than it is. Unfortunately for the Jets, Greene has looked slow and fails to hit the hole hard. With a more explosive run game, Sanchez would be a more effective and dangerous passer.

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.

18. Chicago Bears: Nate Potter, OT, Boise 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 offense is still one of the NFL's worst. Potter offers versatility and could end up at guard or tackle in the NFL.

Cutler is a good quarterback, but behind the Chicago offensive line he looks terrible. With a little more time to throw, the former Bronco can and will thrive.

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

19. 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' 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.

20. Oakland Raiders: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

It's no secret that Al Davis loves speed and Zach Brown has plenty of it. Kamerion Wimbley has one of the Raiders' outside linebacker spots locked up, but Quentin Groves could definitely stand to be replaced.

This pick doesn't just make sense because of Brown's speed, however. Brown is a legitimately good player and he fits a need for Oakland. If Brown were bigger than his 6'2" 230-pound frame, he could be a top-10 pick, but as it stands, he is still a first-rounder.

The Raiders are actually developing some talent on both sides of the ball and aren't a bad team. Brown offers the team a potentially electrifying linebacker and could go a ways towards giving Oakland a dynamic defense.

21. San Francisco 49ers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

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.

Gilmore is at his best in zone coverage and has the fluid hips required to turn with the quickest of receivers. The 6'1" 195-pound Gamecock doesn't get a ton of interceptions but he can catch and make plays with the ball in his hands.

22. Buffalo Bills: Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Buffalo is developing at many positions, but inside linebacker is not one of them. Andra Davis is both old and bad, and Nick Barnett is past his prime and injury-riddled. The Bills need linebackers in general, and as the best player available, Te'o makes sense.

The 6'3" 255-pound Te'o has impressive athletic ability and can play sideline to sideline. Until recently, the Notre Dame star was not much of a pass-rusher, but that has changed in 2011.

Te'o could possibly even play outside linebacker for the Bills and he would certainly be moved around as much as possible. Though he may not be a star, Te'o is a solid player and projects as a quality starter in the NFL.

23. 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. The fact that Kuechly has racked up 69 tackles through is first four games speaks for itself.

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.

24. Tennessee Titans: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Tennessee obviously has Kenny Britt at wide receiver, but he has a plethora of legal and medical problems and his future is cloudy at best. Nate Washington has been fairly productive in the early part of the season, but he is not a primary receiver and probably shouldn't be a second target either.

The 6'3" 225-pound Floyd is a physical player with phenomenal catching ability. He isn't particularly fast and has injury problems, but Floyd has the size and ability to dominate defenses. With Jake Locker likely to start in 2012, the Titans need to add as many offensive weapons as possible.

Even if Britt is able to return at a high level, Floyd offers another big target and helps free up the run game. With the passing offense constantly expanding, a team can never have too many wide receivers.

25. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

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.

The 6'1" 270-pound Ingram is an extremely versatile player who can line up all over the field. The South Carolina star is an explosive player who excels against the run and can dominate as a pass-rusher as well.

San Diego doesn't have many huge weaknesses, but they can't seem to put it all together. An improved pass rush could be just the thing to finally push the Chargers over the top.

26. New York Giants: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Giants already have one tremendous guard in Chris Snee, but they simply don't have many needs. New York would like to add a wide receiver or linebacker here, but there just isn't one worth the pick.

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.

New York's offensive line isn't elite, but it isn't bad either. Though the team needs offensive tackles more than guards, DeCastro could be enough to push the unit over the top.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

The Ravens are well on their way to a dominant defensive line with Haloti Ngata and Terrance Cody leading the way. Both Ngata and Cody are over 330 pounds, so there isn't a ton of pass-rushing ability there.

Crick is a great athlete at 6'6" 290 pounds, and is more than capable of getting after the quarterback. Though this isn't the biggest need for Baltimore, Ozzie Newsome loves taking the best player available and that is likely Crick.

With Ngata and Cody available to stuff the run, Crick can focus on getting into the backfield and making plays. The Ravens do have some potential at 5-technique, but too much depth has never been a problem in the NFL.

28. 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.

29. Houston Texans: T.J. McDonald, S, USC

Even after signing Jonathan Joseph as a free agent and spending multiple high picks on the secondary, Houston's defensive backfield still needs work. The cornerback position isn't nearly as troublesome as it once was, but safety remains sketchy.

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.

The Texans are simply loaded with talent in the front seven and an improved secondary could make the defense elite. As players continue to develop, the Houston defense will continue to improve. This unit could be dominant in a couple years.

30. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

The Patriots defense has struggled mightily thus far in 2011, and part of that is due to the team's disappointing defensive line play. With numerous offseason acquisitions made along the defensive front, the team was hoping for far superior defensive play.

Because New England primarily runs a 4-3 defense, Worthy fits the Patriots' scheme. The 6'2" 310-pound Spartan is a penetrating 3-technique who makes plays in the backfield. Worthy may not always be incredibly stout against the run, but he will make plays and can dominate a game.

Ideally the Patriots would add an upper-level pass-rusher here, but that isn't much of an option. However, Bill Belichick simply cannot ignore the defensive front and Worthy fits what New England is trying to do.

31. New England Patriots: Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

Despite drafting numerous cornerbacks in recent years, the unit is still a weak spot. Devin McCourty isn't the player that many believe him to be, and the other players simply aren't good.

At just 185 pounds, Minnifield isn't particularly big, but he does excel in zone coverage which is heavily featured in the New England defense. If Ras-I Dowling develops, the team could have an excellent cornerback trio.

With Brandon Meriweather no longer a Patriot, the team could really use a safety here. Unfortunately, the only first-round-worthy safety was just selected, so the team settles for a quality cornerback.

32. Green Bay Packers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The only reason Janoris Jenkins is available anywhere near this spot is off-the-field issues. Jenkins has been one of the best cornerbacks in college football since his freshman campaign and has a freakishly high ceiling.

The Packers don't have any glaring needs, but cornerback is among the team's biggest weaknesses. Jenkins isn't overly big, but he is fast and has incredibly smooth hips. The former Florida star can stick with the quickest of wide receivers without any problem.

Green Bay does already have Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields but a team simply can't ever have enough cornerbacks. Woodson is likely nearing the end of his career and Jenkins could step in once the legend does finally retire.