2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which College Stars Will Help Their Stock Down the Stretch?

It's that time of year when the underrated prospects start to garner more attention and begin jumping up draft boards.

Players such as Wisconsin wide receiver Nick Toon are beginning to emerge as legitimate first-round prospects while disappointments such as North Carolina's Donte Paige-Moss are plummeting in the eyes of many experts.

The first round of the 2012 NFL Draft will surely include some top names, but there are also some stars who are just beginning to show their potential at the next level.

Here is my 2012 NFL mock draft, complete with how they will fit into their new teams and their NFL potential.

1. Miami Dolphins: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Why Does He Fit?

The Miami Dolphins were already a troubled team with starting quarterback Chad Henne under center.

Now, after Henne's season-ending injury, the Dolphins are trotting out backup Matt Moore. I don't expect this to go too well, as the Dolphins' 18-15 loss to the Denver Broncos in Week 7 suggested.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, this may mean they get a chance to draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, who is being compared to Peyton Manning when he came out of Tennessee.

Pro Potential

Luck does virtually everything well. He can throw with accuracy, power and has the proper footwork and throwing motion to translate nicely to the NFL. He has even shown the ability to scramble if he needs to.

The Dolphins will draft Andrew Luck No. 1 overall and begin a resurgence under the top 2012 prospect.

2. Indianapolis Colts: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Why Does He Fit?

Future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is getting older now and he's coming off two neck surgeries.

There's no telling at this point how much longer Manning can hold up, and drafting the No. 2 quarterback on the board in Landry Jones is a step in the right direction for life after Manning.

Pro Potential

Landry Jones, once grouped in with USC's Matt Barkley, has separated himself in 2011. He continues to improve his game and his accuracy has grown by leaps and bounds throughout the years.

Jones is being looked at as a future star in the NFL, with the arm strength, accuracy and decision-making to make an impact at the next level.

He's no Andrew Luck, but he's the next best thing.

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

Why Does He Fit?

The Rams did just pick up former Broncos receiver Brandon Lloyd, but it's hard to pass up a young difference-maker like Justin Blackmon.

All Blackmon has done while at Oklahoma State is dominate. He could become a receiver like Atlanta Falcons rookie Julio Jones, and young quarterback Sam Bradford will be more than willing to welcome him to the team.

Pro Potential

There is no doubt that Blackmon has Pro Bowl potential. He has size, strength and the kind of ability to break away after the catch that already has NFL scouts drooling.

There is debate whether Blackmon can separate from top cornerbacks at this point, but that's nothing a little coaching can't fix. He's a special athlete and he's made big catch after big catch while at Oklahoma State.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Why Does He Fit?

The Cardinals picked up a big offseason acquisition in quarterback Kevin Kolb (or so it seemed), but the protection has simply not been there.

Tackles Levi Brown and Brandon Keith have predictably struggled and the Cardinals need to protect Kolb before they expect him to lead them to the promised land.

Tackle Matt Kalil is a great first step.

Pro Potential

USC quarterback Matt Barkley has been sacked just four times in seven games this season, tied for the third-best mark in college football.

A lot of that has to do with the No. 1 offensive lineman on most draft boards, tackle Matt Kalil.

Kalil has exceptional technique and smarts and he's coming from a pro-style offense. Kalil would be a dream pick for the struggling Cardinals.

5. Denver Broncos: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Why Does He Fit?

Sorry to break it to you, Broncos fans, but Tim Tebow isn't proving to be the answer.

Tebow continues to complete under 50 percent of his passes, even against a poor Miami Dolphins secondary in Week 7, and his intangible don't make up for his accuracy issues.

Matt Barkley hasn't looked like the up-and-comer we expected him to be this season, and he's not a top-10 talent, but I do think the Broncos will reach here.

Tebow will be the only Broncos quarterback who isn't a free agent this offseason.

Pro Potential

Barkley hasn't dropped off the way former Washington quarterback Jake Locker did last season, but he has dropped off.

His decision-making has been questionable, as well as his accuracy, and it has some questioning whether he can be a franchise quarterback.

My thoughts?

I think he can be, but it's going to take him a few years to develop. He's a project, but he has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

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

Why Does He Fit?

And Sam Bradford thought he had issues at receiver.

Rookie Blaine Gabbert has been given a team that has Mike Thomas as its No. 1 receiver. That's nothing against Thomas, it's just that he's by no means a No. 1 wideout.

Alshon Jeffery is one of the two elite receivers in the draft, mirroring the 2011 NFL Draft when A.J. Green and Julio Jones were highly touted. He would be an upgrade over Thomas right out of the gate.

Pro Potential

Jeffery has a bigger body than Blackmon and has a better ability to stretch the field, but he's not as explosive after the catch.

That doesn't mean he's not bound to be a Pro Bowl receiver in the NFL. This is the type of guy who can make bad throws look good with his exceptional pass-catching, and you don't have to work for many yards after the catch when you've already burned your opponent in the end zone.

7. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Why Does He Fit?

Second-year pro Greg Hardy has been decent this season, but the Carolina Panthers only had nine sacks as a team headed into their Week 7 matchup against the Washington Redskins.

The Panthers need a bigger difference-maker opposite Charles Johnson, and Coples has the ability to be a star in the NFL. He fits well in the Panthers' 4-3 defensive scheme.

Pro Potential

Coples is another monster defensive end out of North Carolina. He has size and freakish athletic ability and he's one of the best pass-rushers in the draft. 

Before the season started, Coples was being looked at by many as the No. 2 prospect in college football behind Andrew Luck. He could still get there by the time this season's through.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Why Does He Fit?

Bryant McKinnie was a disappointment in Minnesota so he was cut.

The only problem with letting McKinnie go was the Vikings didn't find a replacement but instead scrapped together some players to hopefully make an impact.

The Vikings have allowed 16 sacks this season and a lot of that has to do with their situation at left tackle.

Enter Stanford's Jonathan Martin.

Pro Potential

Martin is not only a great pass-blocker, he run-blocks very well, too. He's a rare find in that he doesn't have a clear deficiency in one area of blocking. He'll give rookie quarterback Christian Ponder more time and open up some holes for Adrian Peterson.

Like Kalil, he has the ability to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.

9. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Why Does He Fit?

The contract talks between the Browns and running back Peyton Hillis aren't getting any better.

In fact, Browns president Mike Holmgren described them as "quiet."

If the Browns have a shot at Alabama's Trent Richardson, I expect them to go the cheaper route and draft whom many are calling a better running back than former teammate and current New Orleans Saint Mark Ingram ever was.

Pro Potential

Richardson has everything that Ingram had, with added burst and explosiveness.  

He's had some sensational runs this season that have opened some eyes and he appears to have the kind of game-breaking ability to make an impact right away in the NFL.

Speed, power and broken tackles galore.

10. Seattle Seahawks: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Why Does He Fit?

It's no secret that the Seahawks need help in the secondary.

They have the same problem they did in 2010, giving up more than 268 passing yards per game headed into Week 7.

Morris Claiborne, the top cornerback prospect in 2012, would fit a need and be one of the best players available at this point.

Pro Potential

Remember Patrick Peterson, top LSU cornerback?

Well, Claiborne isn't quite in that range, but there's no doubt he's been a lockdown defender in college football.

Claiborne's a bit undersized, but it doesn't seem to matter given his elite coverage skills. He also has the heart and determination to be effective against the run.

A potential Pro Bowl corner.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Why Does He Fit?

Two words, one name: Barry Richardson.

The Chiefs' starting right tackle, Richardson hasn't been able to do much of anything right this season, specifically when it comes to pass blocking.

Riley Reiff could step in at right tackle and help give quarterback Matt Cassel more time in the pocket.

Pro Potential

Reiff has soared up draft boards this season and is now looked at by many experts as the No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2012 draft class. 

Iowa's known for developing technically sound offensive linemen and Reiff is no exception. He's also athletic enough to deal with the quicker pass-rushers of the NFL and is well coached enough to step into the NFL right away as a starter.

12. Cleveland Browns: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Why Does He Fit?

The Browns need an impact player at middle linebacker and Vontaze Burfict has proven to be a force at Arizona State and will dramatically improve the Browns' rush defense.

Pro Potential

I was originally concerned with Burfict's hot-headed and fiery demeanor, but it's hard to pass up a talent like this.

Burfict has the tenacity of a Ray Lewis and the tackling ability to be a force in the NFL. He's one of the most intimidating defenders in college football and you just know this guy isn't going to back down to anyone at any level.

13. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Why Does He Fit?

The Dallas Cowboys secondary has been better this season under new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, but it could still use pieces, particularly with aging veteran Terence Newman in the later stages of his career.

Dre Kirkpatrick is a very athletic player with the ability to collect his fair share of interceptions. Ryan would be thrilled to add another talent to his defense.

Pro Potential

Some experts are claiming Kirkpatrick projects more as a safety in the NFL given his ability to swing across the field, but cornerbacks are valued more in the NFL than safeties and I doubt teams are going to try to convert him if he's drafted in the top 20.

Kirkpatrick's athleticism makes him a good fit for Ryan's defensive schemes and he could still be a very good corner in the NFL.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Why Does He Fit?

The Philadelphia Eagles added a lot of pieces this offseason and spent a lot of money.

Unfortunately, they failed to realize they didn't have much beef up the middle and it's cost them this season. Headed into Week 7, the Eagles were giving up 4.8 yards per carry and that's not going to magically change if they can't find someone to clog the middle.

Manti Te'o has made it a habit to clog the middle of the field at Notre Dame, and he does a pretty good job of stuffing outside runs, as well.

Pro Potential

Te'o is not only a freak athlete, this guy knows how to tackle. He may be the best tackler of the 2012 draft class.

With Trent Cole and Jason Babin firing off the edges and Te'o manning the middle, offenses are going to have a hard time deciding where to run the football.

Te'o has Pro Bowl potential and is battling Vontaze Burfict as the top linebacker in the class.

15. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

Why Does He Fit?

Do I really need to explain this?

The Chicago Bears offensive line has had significant problems for the last two years and was giving up 19 sacks this season headed into Week 7.

Rookie offensive tackle Gabe Carimi can't be blamed, but the rest of the line can.

This may be a reach at No. 15 overall, but quarterback Jay Cutler and the Bears know better than anyone that the O-line must be addressed first and foremost.

Pro Potential

Cordy Glenn belongs in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but I wouldn't call him a top-15 prospect. He should fit better as a guard in the NFL, but that's not to say he can't become a good tackle.

Either way, he has the potential to be a legit starter in the NFL and he figures to be better than anyone on the Bears' O-line not named Gabe Carimi right out of the gate.

16. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Why Does He Fit?

The Cincinnati Bengals lost top cornerback Johnathan Joseph and signed 32-year-old Nate Clements in the offseason and somehow they've been able to limit opponents' points, ranked third in passing yards allowed per game headed into Week 7.

Clements hasn't been horrible, but he's only getting older and the Bengals need to think about his successor.

Pro Potential

You ask most draft experts and Janoris Jenkins is considered a top-10 prospect on his talent alone.

However, we all know talent isn't everything. Jenkins has had a series of marijuana-related offenses and they led to him getting kicked out of Florida.

Jenkins has excellent athleticism, great burst and the instincts needed to jump routes and fool quarterbacks, but when you're busted for one thing and you follow it up by getting busted for the same offense, you have to wonder if Jenkins learns from his mistakes.

Nonetheless, Jenkins has the ability to be a Pro Bowl corner based on his talent.

17. Houston Texans: Alameda Ta'Amu, NT, Washington

Why Does He Fit?

After the Houston Texans moved to a 3-4 defense this season, they are looking for a nose tackle to complement defensive ends Antonio Smith and J.J. Watt.

Washington's Alameda Ta'Amu is widely considered the top nose tackle prospect in the 2012 draft class and would help shore up a rush defense that was giving up 4.6 yards per carry headed into Week 7.

Pro Potential

Ta'Amu has soared up draft boards this season, displaying the strength and technique needed to transition to the NFL.

He has a very good chance of becoming a dependable NFL starter and he would help a Texans team that still has several issues to address despite some notable offseason additions.

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

Why Does He Fit?

Rex Grossman, John Beck, who cares?

It's pretty obvious by now that neither Grossman nor Beck are the answers at quarterback for the Redskins. The issues of 2010 continue to plague a team that has jumped in other areas. The ghost of Donovan McNabb still lingers.

Robert Griffin III is an exciting prospect who would be hard to pass on at this position.

Pro Potential

The average spectator looks at Griffin's running ability and can be swayed into calling him just another dual-threat quarterback.

However, Griffin is looking more and more like the real deal, and I'm talking specifically about his presence in the pocket. He's completed 78 percent of his passes so far, showing impressive accuracy on the deep ball, and been very composed with the football, throwing only two interceptions.

Griffin has shown every sign of becoming a starter in the NFL given a little time.

19. New York Jets: Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Why Does He Fit?

The New York Jets have a variety of needs, but a pass-rushing outside linebacker would be a good place to start. 

Grabbing a player like Ronnell Lewis would potentially allow Rex Ryan to ease back on the blitzes and give an already solid secondary more help.

Pro Potential

Lewis is really beginning to blossom this season and the NFL has taken note.

He has the ability be a true threat from the edge given his quick first step and explosive burst to the football. He's just the kind of player that can emerge as a key player on an elite defense.

Pro Bowl may be a reach, but he certainly has the ability to be an impact player in the NFL.

20. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Why Does He Fit?

The Cincinnati Bengals helped out rookie quarterback Andy Dalton right away when they drafted A.J. Green, but they could still stand to add some more weapons in the receiving corps.

A combination of Green and Notre Dame star receiver Michael Floyd would potentially be a fearsome duo and help Dalton develop into a franchise quarterback.

Pro Potential

Like Janoris Jenkins, most of the concerns about Floyd lie in his off-field activities, given he's been arrested three times on alcohol-related charges.

On the field, however, he has the explosiveness to be a handful for opposing defenses. He's not the speediest receiver, but he has enough speed to stretch the field and his size and strength allows him to box out defenders going up for the catch.

Floyd need to improve his route-running to be a true threat as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but for now I don't think he's going to have any trouble being the second option.

21. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Why Does He Fit?

After passing on defensive tackle Nick Fairley in the 2011 NFL Draft, I don't expect the Titans to make the same mistake twice.

The Titans have had trouble rushing the passer this season, with 11 sacks headed into Week 7, and Clemson's Brandon Thompson has a way of collapsing the pocket.

Pro Potential

It's very possible that Thompson goes earlier in the 2012 NFL Draft, but I have him here based on other teams' needs.

He provides balance, effective against the rush and the pass, and he would be a good fit for a Titans team still looking for a replacement for long-departed Albert Haynesworth.

22. New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Why Does He Fit?

The New York Giants need a replacement for middle linebacker Jonathan Goff, who tore his ACL and is a free agent this offseason.

Greg Jones is still a question mark at this point and Boston College's Luke Kuechly could take over right away.

If Kuechly lands this far down, it would be shocking if the Giants didn't select him.

Pro Potential

Luke Kuechly is an exceptional tackler, knows the game of football and is a born leader.

He doesn't have the greatest speed, but his instincts help him fly to the ball and disrupt offenses from sideline to sideline.

Kuechly has the ability to be a Pro Bowl player in my eyes, given his overall makeup, intelligence and eye-opening determination.

23. Buffalo Bills: Bruce Irvin, DE/LB, West Virginia

Why Does He Fit?

The Buffalo Bills, despite their emergence as a difficult offense to stop, have clear issues rushing the passer.

Headed into Week 7, the Bills had four sacks as a team, the worst mark in the league.

Someone like West Virginia's Bruce Irvin would bring a threat from the edge and give offenses something to think about.

Pro Potential

Irvin is a bit raw, so he's going to need some extra coaching, but his athleticism and quickness of the edge could make him a force in the NFL.

There were concerns that outside linebacker Aldon Smith would need some time adjusting to the NFL, but all he's done in his rookie season is lead the San Francisco 49ers in sacks with six.

Irvin could be another one of those raw prospects who blossoms a lot quicker than most would expect.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Why Does He Fit?

Buccaneers star cornerback Aqib Talib could still receive a suspension from the NFL for his legal troubles and Ronde Barber is getting old.

The Buccaneers appear to be for real, but they won't be for long unless they find a new star at cornerback.

Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard could be that next star.

Pro Potential

Dennard is a first-round prospect in most experts' eyes, but there are still questions surrounding some of his performances, like the one against Wisconsin's Nick Toon on Oct. 1.

Dennard is a very good bump-and-run corner, but questions have arisen about his straight-up man coverage and his string of injuries haven't helped.

I have full confidence Dennard can be a solid No. 2 corner in the NFL, but I'm still hesitant to call him the Buccaneers' next lockdown defender.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Why Does He Fit?

The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a good cornerback in Ike Taylor, but they could use some help on the other side of the field.

The Steelers have always liked physical corners who can step up and stuff the run and Stephon Gilmore is precisely that kind of player.

Pro Potential

I actually like Gilmore better than Alfonzo Dennard, but I expect Dennard to go first given the general consensus.

Gilmore is not only a physical corner who can put pressure on receivers at the line of scrimmage, he also has the athleticism and coverage skills that make him an all-around promising prospect.

If the Steelers see Gilmore fall to them, I find it hard to believe they pass up a player so fit for their style of play.

26. Detroit Lions: Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech

Why Does He Fit?

The Lions defense has grown by leaps and bound this season, but a lot of that is due to the pressure displayed by the front four.

Chris Houston and Eric Wright aren't bad, but they aren't shutdown cornerbacks either.

The Lions need to improve their secondary to take that next big jump.

Pro Potential

Jayron Hosley is a quick, instinctive, athletic cornerback who should continue creating turnovers past his college days.

His draft position is all over the board, but most would agree he's a legitimate first-round prospect who could develop into a difference-maker.

27. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Why Does He Fit?

The Chargers' 2009 first-round pick Larry English hasn't played up to his potential and it may be time to be looking a different direction at outside linebacker.

Courtney Upshaw may be Alabama's best defender this season and he's the type of pass-rusher that could greatly help the Chargers get to the quarterback and stop the run.

The Chargers had just eight sacks as a team headed into Week 7.

Pro Potential

Upshaw is the type of player that makes NFL scouts turn their heads.

He's versatile, big, fast and explodes to the ball. He's already shown his ability to stuff the run. He also has the potential to be a pass-rushing threat. He simply flies to the ball.

28. San Francisco 49ers: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

Why Does He Fit?

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh may not be able to draft his favorite quarterback in the whole wide world in 2012, but that doesn't mean he still can't draft one of his former players at Stanford.

The 49ers have been better off with Adam Snyder at right guard than Chilo Rachal, but Snyder still struggles in pass protection.

David DeCastro would be a nice addition to the rising 49ers offensive line.

Pro Potential

Stanford coach David Shaw has said DeCastro reminds him of former Oakland Raiders star Steve Wisniewski. Given Wisniewski went to eight Pro Bowls in his career, that's pretty high praise.

DeCastro is not only athletic, he's strong and tenacious and he's solid against the run and the pass.

He'll need a bit of coaching, but who better than his former coach Jim Harbaugh to lead the way?

DeCastro has the ability to be a dependable NFL starter and he could compete right out of the gate for the 49ers' starting job.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Jenkins, DE/LB, Florida State

Why Does He Fit?

It's no secret that the Baltimore Ravens defense likes to get up in opponents' faces and fly up to the line of scrimmage.

Outside linebacker Sergio Kindle has been a disappointment thus far for the Ravens, mainly because he can't stay healthy, and that could see them looking another way.

With Florida State's Brandon Jenkins on the board, it's hard to pass up a player like that, especially for a team that loves it some defense.

Pro Potential

I honestly think Jenkins isn't getting enough credit, but I can understand why people are growing skeptical of him.

After 13.5 sacks last season, he has just 3.5 sacks this season.

He hasn't dominated the way he did in 2010, but the talent is still there for him to be a force in the NFL and it's hard for me to give up on him. He still exhibits explosiveness off the line and he's always churning. Perhaps what could make him rebound is the fact that he's always working hard.

30. New England Patriots: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

Why Does He Fit?

The New England Patriots like to use both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.

Jerel Worthy would be a good successor to Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth in the 4-3 scheme once they move on.

Worthy has good size and can be a rock in the center.

Pro Potential

Worthy needs to work on his consistency and is still somewhat raw, but his athleticism and quickness project well at the next level.

I think waiting in the wings behind Wilfork and Haynesworth would be perfect for Worthy because he needs time to develop, but he has the tools to be a force in the NFL.

If he stays committed, I don't see why he can't be one.

31. New England Patriots: Donte Paige-Moss, DE/LB, North Carolina

Why Does He Fit?

Donte Paige-Moss has the ability to play either defensive end or outside linebacker, which complements the Patriots' ever-revolving defensive schemes.

The Patriots have gotten better rushing the passer, but they still had only 10 sacks headed into Week 7. There is still plenty of room for improvement in that department.

Pro Potential

Paige-Moss has probably been the most disappointing player of 2011 given many experts had him as a top-10 prospect in the preseason.

After appearing to emerge in 2010 with seven sacks, Paige-Moss has one sole sack all season so far.

Right now, it's hard to project Paige-Moss as a star, but if he ever snaps out of it he has the physical tools as a pass rusher to be a disruptive force in the NFL.

I think the Patriots take a chance on him near the end of the first round.

32. Green Bay Packers: Jared Crick, DE/DT, Nebraska

Why Does He Fit?

Defensive ends Ryan Pickett and Jarius Wynn are average players and the Packers are going to want to find more of an impact there.

Jared Crick could be the steal of the draft. He's only plummeted down draft boards because of a torn pectoral muscle that may even keep him out of the scouting combine before the draft. But in terms of talent, he's a special player.

Pro Potential

Jared Crick's most noticeable attribute is his agility. For his size, at 6'6" and 285 pounds, he's alarmingly agile and quick.

Whenever you have a blend like that, it explains why you had collected a combined 18.5 sacks in the previous two seasons.

Crick is well worth the gamble and it's hard to imagine what the Packers defense would look like if he came back with the same electricity.

He has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player, but a lot of uncertainty surrounds him now.