2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Teams Will Strike Gold?

Cam Newton and A.J. Green were among the elite prospects in the 2011 NFL draft class. So far, the Panthers look to have made the right decision in selecting Newton, and the Bengals seem to have their franchise wide receiver in Green.

(Note: Why do we always hear franchise quarterback and franchise running back, but rarely franchise receiver?)

The 2012 draft class has a few players who should transition very quickly to the pro games and will make an impact on their teams in their first season.

Who are those prospects?

Andrew Luck

I'll keep it short and sweet on this phenomenal college signal-caller.

He has it all: The size, the arm, the mobility, the scheme in which he plays and the football IQ. Barring any unforeseen injury, Luck has everything to become the next Peyton Manning.

There's a distinct possibility that the Colts could finish with the worst record in the NFL and would jump at the chance to draft Luck.

How crazy would that be?

Robert Griffin III

Griffin wasn't given the publicity that Luck was at the beginning of the season. However, right now, this Baylor quarterback is proving to scouts that he has what it takes to excel in the new age of the NFL.

To me, Griffin has qualities we see today in Newton and Michael Vick. He's got a rocket arm and the size to be compared to Newton. He also is extremely athletic and can make big plays with his legs on any down, similar to Vick.

However, he's a far more accurate passer than Newton or Vick ever were at the college level and has loads of upside.

I know the Chiefs invested in Matt Cassel, but they cannot pass up this talented prospect.

Alshon Jeffery

I don't want to keep comparing these college players to NFL guys. After all, a lot of hard work needs to be put in to become a star in the pro ranks. However, Alshon Jeffery is extremely similar to Lions wideout Calvin Johnson.

He stands 6'4'' and weighs nearly 235 pounds, with all the athleticism and jumping ability you could ever hope for in a receiver.

Whoever drafts him is getting their go-to receiver for the next decade and beyond.

Right now, it looks like the Rams could finish with the No. 2 selection and would strike gold with Jeffery.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck	17. Tennessee Titans: Melvin Ingram
2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery	18. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore
3. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones	19. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn
4. Kansas City Chiefs: Robert Griffin III	20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dre Kirkpatrick
5. Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson	21. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins
6. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin	22. Washington Redskins: David DeCastro
7. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil	23. Oakland Raiders: Cliff Harris
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon	24. San Diego Chargers: Ronnell Lewis
9. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley	25. Houston Texans: Alameda Ta'Amu
10. Carolina Panthers: Morris Claiborne	26. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Toon
11. Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict	27. Buffalo Bills: Donte Paige-Moss
12. Cleveland Browns: Riley Reiff	28. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw
13. New York Jets: Jerel Worthy	29. New England Patriots: Quinton Coples
14. Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o	30. Detroit Lions: Alphonzo Denard
15. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller	31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly
16. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd	32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Jenkins