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

The NFL Draft is crucial to the overwhelming success of the National Football League.

How else do you keep fans of the Dolphins or Colts interested in the happenings this season?

Teams are constantly positioning themselves for the order in which they shall select franchise-changing players off the draft boards.

A case in point is the Cincinnati Bengals receiving a 2012 first-round pick and a conditional 2013 pick from the Oakland Raiders for Carson Palmer.

The draft landscape is always changing.

So, sit back, relax, and click through to your favorite team to see who they will select in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.  

No. 1 Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, Stanford

Smile Andrew.

Not only are you the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

You are now Peyton Manning's successor. No pressure, though. Its not like Manning is that great, right?

Right?

Well, his impact is large enough that Manning absence has transferred the Colts from contenders to laughingstocks.

Luck will be on the Aaron Rodgers plan, minus the drama of Brett Favre. He will learn from one of the greatest in Manning and come into the starting role after a few years.

Hopefully, Colts management will have added some better talent around Luck by that time.

If so, the passing of the torch could be seamless.  

No. 2 St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, USC

The sexy pick here is a No. 1 wide receiver. 

The smart pick? Left tackle Matt Kalil.

The St. Louis Rams need a long-term option at left tackle. Neither Rodger Saffold nor Jason Smith is that option.

Saffold is injured often and Smith lacks the consistency and trustworthiness of the staff to be the left tackle.

Kalil instantly enters as one of the most athletic left tackles in professional football. At 6' 7" and with outstanding footwork. Kalil can protect the invaluable Sam Bradford while opening up running lanes for Steven Jackson.

 

No. 3 Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, USC

If there is one fan base that wants a team to "suck for Luck," it is the supporters of the Miami Dolphins.

As of now, however, the Miami faithful will have to settle for the second best quarterback.

Matt Barkley is a signal caller I see getting increased hype as the calendar turns toward April. While it is my view that Barkley, Landry Jones and Robert Griffin III are all neck and neck, the USC product is likely to get the most acclaim come draft time.

Barkley is 6' 2" and has displayed NFL-level accuracy, awareness and arm strength. His mechanics draw raves from scouts.

The problem is that he occasionally gets rattled under pressure and has yet to peak at his full potential.

Maybe that is a good sign? The Dolphins will let us know. 

No. 4 Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, Stanford

The Minnesota Vikings would love to get some protection for flavor of the week quarterback Christian Ponder.

It doesn't get much better than Jonathan Martin, a left tackle from Stanford.

Martin is known for protecting the blind side of Andrew Luck. Martin anchors one of the best offensive lines in the nation, both running and passing the football.

Oh, by the way, the Cardinal ran for over 400 yards last week against Washington. Neither here nor there, but is a testament to how good this line is.

Martin is a versatile player that can give young Ponder some confidence and further cement Adrian Peterson's future Hall of Fame credentials. 

No. 5 Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, Iowa

Finally, a player not from the Pac-12. 

The Arizona Cardinals need some protection for their new toy, Kevin Kolb. Kolb is getting constant duress because of spotty play from Levi Brown and Brandon Keith.

By drafting Riley Reiff, the Cardinals have themselves a long-term mainstay on the offensive line that has the versatility to play left or right tackle.

That being said, Arizona desperately needs to protect Kolb's blind side. Therefore, expect the Cardinals to draft Reiff and play him right where he starts for the Hawkeyes, at left tackle. 

No. 6 Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Toss up here. Alshon Jeffery or Justin Blackmon?

Ultimately, Jeffery will be the better choice for the Jaguars.

While Blackmon has more speed and elusiveness, Jeffery possesses better leaping ability and rarely loses out on jump balls.

For young Blaine Gabbert, that ability to make tough catches on less accurate passes is a huge confidence booster.

Plus, Jacksonville already has receivers that can catch passes underneath and run quick routes.  

For those reasons, Jeffery edges out Blackmon at this slot. 

No. 7 Carolina Panthers: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Cam Newton is one of the most exciting players in football.

Give him a weapon like Justin Blackmon, and Newton automatically becomes a Top 10 quarterback.

Blackmon, like current Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith, is adept at stretching the defense and making big plays downfield.

If you haven't noticed, Smith and Newton have quite the rapport.

Throw Blackmon in the mix, and you have a fantasy extravaganza brewing in Charlotte. 

No. 8 Denver Broncos: Quinton Coples, North Carolina

John Fox is very familiar with defensive ends from the University of North Carolina.

Remember Julius Peppers?

Well, Quinton Coples will likely not have the impact that Peppers has had in the National Football League. However, Coples provides an integral piece in a defensive scheme that lacks a 4-3 true pass rusher on the line.

While Elvis Dumervil is an effective player, he does not fill that role. He will be moved to a more suitable role if this pick comes to fruition. 

The combination of Coples and Von Miller will be a dangerous one. Look out AFC West quarterbacks. 

No. 9 Philadelphia Eagles: Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

The Philadelphia Eagles have two pressing needs.

First, fill the need at right tackle.

Since Riley Reiff is already off the board, the priority shifts to the second need.

Linebacker.

Vontaze Burfict is the newest version of a Troy Polamalu prototype player. Burfict excels at timing snap counts and is lightning fast on blitzes.

Burfict possesses all of the intangibles for an NFL linebacker. His only downside is the well-publicized penalties and extracurricular activities on the field.

However, Burfict's talents are too numerous to overlook for the Eagles. Especially for such a pressing need. 

No. 10 Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones, Oklahoma

The Seattle Seahawks have to take a quarterback here.

It will be whoever is left between Landry Jones and Matt Barkley.

With the USC passer gone, Pete Carroll will have to go with the signal caller from Oklahoma.

Really, there is nothing wrong with that for Seattle. Jones is somewhat underrated compared to Luck, but possesses all of the physical tools for an NFL quarterback.

Jones also has a strong arm, and has completed nearly 70 percent of his passes this season.

Look for Jones to be a solid, long-term solution behind center for Seattle. 

No. 11 Cleveland Browns: Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

The Cleveland Browns have a plethora of needs.

For one, the Browns need some playmakers on offense. Even with Peyton Hillis healthy, the Browns lack explosiveness on the offensive side of the ball.

However, a more pressing need is outside linebacker.

The selection of Manti Te'o would fill the void at outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme and give the Browns a a better threat defensively. Te'o is the type of player that can be a contributor early and often in his career, combining athletic ability with great football smarts.

Excellent value pick here for Cleveland. 

No. 12 Kansas City Chiefs: Morris Claiborne, LSU

The Kansas City Chiefs love drafting defensive players out of the SEC.

See Eric Berry, Glenn Dorsey, Javier Arenas and so forth.

Add this stud cornerback to the list.

Morris Claiborne would be an ideal complement to No. 1 corner Brandon Flowers. With Claiborne, the Chiefs would have a formidable secondary in a passing league.

Furthermore, Claiborne gives the Chiefs yet another weapon on special teams.

Come 2012, with the addition of Claiborne and a healthy Berry, look out for this young defense to breakout. 

No. 13 Tennessee Titans: Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Alright, Tennessee. You reached for Jake Locker in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Now, its time to give him a weapon alongside Kenny Britt.

Michael Floyd is that weapon. Floyd provides a game-changing combination of speed and size that can simultaneously stretch a defense while providing more opportunities for Chris Johnson and Britt.

While Floyd will struggle to get open being an immediate No. 1 receiver, being placed alongside Britt gives Floyd the best chance to succeed.

And, the right fit for the Titans.

 

No. 14 Washington Redskins: Trent Richardson, Alabama

Trent Richardson just looks the part of a great NFL running back.

And Mike Shanahan loves a good running back. He has turned mediocre ball carriers into stars. Just imagine what wonders the coach of the Redskins could do with a young, budding star entering the mix.

No, Richardson does not have the game-breaking speed of Chris Johnson or Adrian Peterson. However, he has the amazing ability to bounce off tacklers effortlessly, punishing defenses along the way.

In a passing league, it's hard to justify taking Richardson in the Top 10. With his skill and the value offered in the middle of the first round, however, this is just too good of a deal to pass up for the Redskins.  

No. 15 Dallas Cowboys:Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

The Dallas Cowboys have long needed a young, shutdown corner to solidify a rollercoaster defense.

For Jerry Jones and company, Dre Kirkpatrick is the guy for the job.

In a league where receivers are getting bigger and faster, Kirkpatrick has the size and quickness to keep up with the best of them.

Kirkpatrick possesses 6' 3" height to go with great ball instincts. He has the ability to physically control receivers, akin to Darrelle Revis.

If the Cowboys can land this gem, look for the pass defense of the Cowboys to improve exponentially.  

No. 16 New York Jets: Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Yes Robert Griffin, that is Rex Ryan on the phone.

He wants you to be the next quarterback for the New York Jets.

Raise your hand if you think Mark Sanchez can lead the Jets to a Super Bowl? Raise your hand again if you think Sanchez is in the upper half of NFL quarterbacks?

He has not shown any proof as to why he should be the long-term option for a very talented Jets team.

It is time to draft another option, and at the very least, give Sanchez a challenge.

Griffin III is an athletic, dual-threat quarterback who has shown improving passing skills in 2011. After seeing Cam Newton succeed, general managers may be apt to see if Griffin can have the same effect on their squads.

For the Jets, Griffin just may be a better option than Sanchez. At least until the USC incumbent proves otherwise. 

No. 17 Cleveland Browns: Cordy Glenn, Georgia

The Cleveland Browns have a second pick in the first round from the Atlanta Falcons.

With the first pick, they addressed the linebacker situation.

With the second pick, the Browns will fix the problems with the running game.

The interior of the offensive line leaves something to be desired as it is currently constructed. The Browns want to have a solid running game to help Colt McCoy, but presently lack the personnel.

Adding a big offensive guard in Cordy Glenn will help to remedy the situation. Glenn has the size to open up holes in the run game while also having the rare athletic ability at guard. 

No. 18 Houston Texans: Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

The Houston Texans attempted to fix the secondary issues last offseason with the addition of cornerback Jonathan Joseph.

While the secondary is indeed much improved, the Texans would like another cog to complement Joseph and make the secondary better than average.

What cornerback prospect Janoris Jenkins lacks in size, he makes up for with recovery speed and playmaking ability.

Jenkins was dismissed from Florida for off-field issues. He has since transferred to North Alabama. Those same issues cause concern for NFL teams.

If you overlook the off field problems, you can't go wrong with this SEC prospect.

No. 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

What has the evolving of NFL offenses toward passing done for the NFL Draft?

Well, as you can tell, there will be many corners taken in the first round.

The Bucs have a good one in Aqib Talib, but he has troubles with off-the-field issues. Throw in Ronde Barber who is on the brink of retirement, and the Bucs have a decent need at defensive back.

Many think Alfonzo Dennard is the second-best corner in the draft class. He plays tough at the line of scrimmage, and like Kirkpatrick, is a physical corner.

Just what the doctor ordered for the young Tampa Bay Bucs. 

No. 20 Cincinnati Bengals: Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

It may behoove South Carolina corner Stephon Gilmore to stay in school for another year and hone his cover skills.

If he decides to enter the draft, however, Gilmore will be a first-round pick for a team hoping to develop a shutdown corner.

Gilmore is that man for the Cincinnati Bengals. With outstanding corner Leon Hall on one side, and a developing Gilmore on the other, the Bengals have a legitimate fleet of cover guys.

Nate Clements has a couple decent years left, which gives Gilmore some more time to develop. The Bengals are the ideal situation for Gilmore. 

No. 21 Chicago Bears: Michael Brewster, Ohio State

Jay Cutler continues to get sacked and pressured at an alarming rate.

The Bears would love to get one of the three tackles on the board. However, if positioned this late in the draft, the Bears will be glad to take this talented center off the board.

Michael Brewster has the ability to have a Nick Mangold-like impact on an offensive line. He is adept at making line calls and can push the pile on short runs. He also possesses good size for the position.

Chicago needs all the help it can get on the offensive line. This is just the start. 

No. 22 Baltimore Ravens: Courtney Upshaw

What a situation to be drafted into as a linebacker.

To be able to learn the position from one of the greatest in Ray Lewis? Priceless.

Courtney Upshaw has tremendous size for his position at 265 pounds. He has the versatility to play linebacker and line up on the defensive line.

Akin to Terrelle Suggs.

The added bulk raises questions about his coverage skills. However, who will question his potential studying under Lewis? 

No. 23 New York Giants: Luke Kuechly, Boston College

The Giants need a good, talented linebacker to play behind the excellent defensive line.

Luke Kuechly will be a steal at the linebacker position late in the first round. He possesses an excellent football IQ and will be a great replacement for the retired Antonio Pierce.

Greg Jones is also a possibility. If Kuechly is selected, the duo will make for a good, young linebacking group. 

No. 24 San Diego Chargers: Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

Brandon Jenkins fits that new outside prototype that can rush the passer from linebacker or get down in a stance and rush from a 4-3 scheme.

Jenkins has explosive sleeper potential coming out of Florida State. At 259 pounds, he has the size to line up on the edge and pass rush, while also being able to stuff the run.

The Chargers like these types of players. Jenkins will be sure to help out the defense if selected here. 

No. 24 Buffalo Bills: Dwayne Allen, Clemson

The Bills have vastly improved the defense over recent years. 

Now, it is time to get one more weapon around Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The tight end position is one that is sorely lacking in Buffalo. While serviceable, Scott Chandler is not the elite athletic force that permeates NFL rosters today.

Dwayne Allen fits that billing with the ability to line up at receiver or stay in and block. He would be a great fit around Fred Jackson and Steve Johnson. 

No. 26 Pittsburgh Steelers: David DeCastro, Stanford

If you are a team that prides itself on running the football and being physical at the point of attack, David DeCastro is your guy.

Perfect for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

DeCastro headlines an outstanding interior offensive line at Stanford and opens up gaping holes for one of the best run games in college football.

While he may miss being next to Jonathan Martin, DeCastro will make his own impact with his new team come 2012. 

No. 27 Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, Miami

The Bengals simply need to move on from Cedric Benson at running back. Bernard Scott doesn't do much to scare defenses either.

Cincinnati desperately needs a young running back to come in and take pressure off of Andy Dalton.

Miller is a running back that has shot up draft boards with an impressive year at Miami. Miller has the speed to break plays and the power to get yardage after contact.

Miller headlines an underrated Miami ground game and hopes to do the same in his new city. 

No. 28 New England Patriots: Brandon Thompson

What a steal for the Patriots if defensive tackle Brandon Thompson falls this far.

Thompson is an ideal nose tackle who instantly wreaks havoc on offensive lines by absorbing double teams.

Thompson, like Albert Haynesworth, can also rush the passer from inside. Thus, Thompson has the versatility to be more than just a first and second-down run stuffer.

The Patriots are pros at getting value picks. This would be highway robbery should Thompson fall this far. 

No. 29 Detroit Lions: Bruce Irvin, West Virginia

The Detroit Lions already have an exciting pass rush due to excellent defensive line selections in recent NFL Drafts.

Why not add one more at the linebacker spot?

Bruce Irvin is one of the premiere pass rushers in all of college football. Irvin has out-of-this-world athletic ability and contains elite speed at linebacker.

On the turf in Detroit, Irvin would roam sideline to sideline making play after play. He is a bit raw, and would need some seasoning for a year or two, but he has the ability to be a special playmaker. 

No. 30 San Francisco 49ers: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

Michael Crabtree has been a bust thus far for San Francisco.

The Niners lack any kind of pass-catcher that stretches the field outside of tight end Vernon Davis.

Jeff Fuller seems like the ideal choice here. Fuller is more of a possession receiver, and can make difficult catches in traffic.

He would be the ideal complement to Davis and provide a much-needed asset to quarterback Alex Smith. 

No. 31 New England Patriots: Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma

The Patriots' biggest need presents itself in the form of outside linebacker.

Ronnell Lewis has the potential to be a great pick late in the first round.

Lewis is a ruthless tackler, and will not lack in highlight-reel hits. His main issue is that he sometimes comes and goes in terms of impact.

When he is on, however, he is on and can make big plays. He would be a perfect fit for Belichick's scheme and gives the Pats an outstanding first round. 

No. 32 Green Bay Packers: Alameda Taamu, Washington

When you talk about clogging up the middle, Alameda Taamu comes to mind.

Weighing in at a hefty 337 pounds, Ta'amu is an elite run stopper with the athletic ability to rush the passer. 

Ta'amu is the rare breed at defensive tackle that is mobile and powerful enough to break into the backfield and make the tackle against agile runners.

He will be yet another great asset on the Packers' defensive line.