2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Players Can Turn a Franchise Around?

Any discussion surrounding the 2012 NFL Draft has to begin with Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck.

You constantly hear all the positives about the guy because as a college prospect playing the quarterback position, there aren't any negatives.

Whether it's the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts or another rebuilding team that lands the No. 1 overall pick, he is a true franchise cornerstone that can turn a team around from the moment he steps onto the field as a pro.

He isn't the only player in his class that can turn a laughing-stock into a contender in next year's draft class. No way. 

With Luck, we've seen a similar prospect in the past:

Peyton Manning.

Because of his athleticism and mobility, some are even comparing Luck to Aaron Rodgers.

Robert Griffin III represents the new-age, Michael Vick-Cam Newton signal-caller that defines the term "limitless potential".

At 6'2'', 220 pounds, he isn't the most physically intimidating quarterback that's come out of college, but he surely hasn't enough size to play at the next level.

He's a difference maker for many other reasons.

The Baylor Bear has wide receiver-like speed and Newton-esque elusiveness if things break down in the pocket.

His arm strength is comparable to Matthew Stafford's and probably, most importantly, has the accuracy to excel in the NFL..

This season with the Bears, Griffin III is completing nearly 80 percent of his passes and has actually been more accurate when taking shots down the field.

His yards-per-attempt stands at a whopping 10.71 right now.

He has 22 touchdown passes with only two interceptions and has 295 yards on the ground to go along with two rushing scores. 

What more could you want?

Lastly, in terms of franchise players, South Carolina wideout Alshon Jeffery looks to be the next Calvin Johnson.

The similarities are striking.

Both stand over 6'4'' and weight more than 230 pounds.

Johnson and Jeffery have NBA-star-type hops and rarely disappear in big games.

Get any of those three prospects, and your team has the start of something special.

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