2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting All the Top Prospects

While there is a long way to go until the 2012 NFL Draft, it's probably time to start taking a look at how things are shaping up for this year's top college prospects. The five most talented guys have separated themselves from the pack and all look ready to make an impact at the next level.

Andrew Luck

Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck is obviously the jewel of the 2012 draft class. He has everything you could possibly want in a franchise quarterback, and will be the most sought-after prospect to enter the NFL since Peyton Manning. Luck is the total package, and right now the Miami Dolphins are the only winless team that has a desperate need at the quarterback position.

I think Luck would be a perfect fit in Miami and right now there is no question they want him.

Matt Kalil

USC's Matt Kalil is a prototypical left tackle and if not for Luck would probably be the best player in this year's draft. At 6'7" and 295 lbs, Kalil has the size to step in and make an impact right away at the NFL level. Throw in his phenomenal footwork, NFL bloodlines—his brother Ryan is a starting center for the Carolina Panthers—and incredibly athleticism and you've got a can't-miss prospect. 

The Indianapolis Colts selected Boston College's Anthony Castonzo with the 22nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but it is apparent to all that they need serious help along the offensive line. Sliding Castonzo over to the right side and putting Kalil on the left would solidify the team's O-line for years to come.

Alshon Jeffrey

The St. Louis Rams just swung a trade to get Brandon Lloyd from the Denver Broncos, but it never hurts to add more weapons for your franchise quarterback. Sam Bradford needs targets, and he would get a big one in the 6'4" 233-pound Alshon Jeffrey. 

Despite his South Carolina team having tons of issues, the big play-maker has remained one of college football's premiere players. He is an imposing presence and while he's not as athletically gifted as Calvin Johnson, he has the ability to make that type of impact. Bradford would be wise to beg St. Louis' management to snag Jeffrey with the third pick.

Landry Jones

Speaking of quarterbacks from Oklahoma, Landry Jones has made a name for himself over the past year or so. Currently in charge of  one of the top offenses in the country, Jones has been even more impressive in 2011. He has good size (6'4", 229 lbs) and a decent arm, while displaying fantastic accuracy.

While Matt Cassel has improved things over the past few weeks, it is clear that the Kansas City Chiefs need a long-term solution at quarterback. If they are picking in the Top Five, Jones should be their target. He could sit behind Cassel for a year before taking over.

Trent Richardson

If you haven't seen Alabama running back Trent Richardson play yet, make it a point to do so. The junior is almost a perfect back, and he has developed consistency this season. He almost never goes down on the first hit, displays enough shiftiness to make defenders miss and almost never goes down on this first tackle.

Richardson has 751 yards and eight touchdowns on 145 carries this year, and should be solidly in the Heisman Trophy chase at the end of the season.

The Denver Broncos drafted Knowshon Moreno with a first-round pick in 2009 and he has been a complete disappointment. You can bet that head coach John Fox—who loves having a consistent running back—will snag Richardson if he's available with the No. 5 pick.

2012 Mock Draft

1. MIA - QB Andrew Luck	17. WAS - CB Dre Kirkpatrick
2. IND - OT Matt Kalil	18. TEN - WR Michael Floyd
3. STL - WR Alshon Jeffrey	19. CHI - G David DeCastro
4. KC - QB Landry Jones	20. TB - CB Janoris Jenkins
5. DEN - RB Trent Richardson	21. HOU - LB Brandon Jenkins
6. ARI - OT Jonathan Martin	22. NYG - RB Lamar Miller
7. MIN - WR Justin Blackmon	23. OAK - CB Cliff Harris
8. JAC -  DE Quinton Coples	24. BUF - QB Robert Griffin III
9. SEA - QB Matt Barkley	25. PIT - G Cordy Glenn
10. CAR - CB Morris Claiborne	26. SD - LB Ronell Lewis
11. CLE - OT Riley Reiff	27. NE - LB Donte Paige Moss
12. PHI - LB Vontaze Burfict	28. DET - CB Alfonzo Dennard
13. NYJ - DT Jared Crick	29. SF - WR Nick Toon
14. CLE - LB Manti Te'o	30. BAL - LB Luke Kuechly
15. CIN - DE Melvin Ingram	31. NE - LB Courtney Upshaw
16. DAL - CB Stephon Gilmore	32. GB - CB Jayron Hosley