2012 NFL Mock Draft: Underclassman Sliding Down Draft Boards

It's amazing that the NFL season is nearly halfway over, isn't it? Well, amazing or not, that's the case.

Some teams are already thinking Super Bowl, or at least playoffs. Others, like the three teams who have yet to win a game, are wondering how likely the No. 1 pick is.

Obviously, mock drafts are subject to change, especially this early. We don't know for sure who's coming out, and we also don't know what trades might happen.

Also, we don't know who is going to be picking where. All that we can do is assume. But, based on those assumptions, this is the most sensible first round that we're going to see in April of 2012.

1. Miami Dolphins: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)

Why Andrew Luck Goes Here

If Luck comes out this year, he's the No. 1 pick. It's not inconceivable that the Dolphins won't get this pick. If it's a team like the Rams, who have Sam Bradford, they will almost certainly trade the pick.

But the Dolphins are the worst team in the league. They are far and away the leaders for this pick. They still have four games left against the Jets, Patriots and Bills. Anything more than two wins for this team is optimistic.

They desperately need a quarterback. Miami has still not found a good replacement for Dan Marino since his retirement in 1999. Luck represents the best hope that Miami has had.

Is Luck a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. Miami needs a quarterback and, by all appearances, Luck is the real deal. He gives the Dolphins a great cornerstone to build around.

Football in the AFC East is tough. There is no way that Miami will survive in this division without a good quarterback. Luck is that guy.

2. St. Louis Rams: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

Why Morris Claiborne Goes Here

I suppose a case could be made that this is a reach, but I don't buy that argument. Claiborne is a very technically sound cornerback, and the Rams are absolutely desperate at that position.

They are 0-6 because they have been unable to defend the pass at all this year. That is a big reason that this preseason's playoff favorite is now staring an early first-round draft pick right in the face.

The NFL is becoming very pass-heavy. Without an ability to stop the pass, you simply have no chance at competing, even in the NFC West.

It's true that the Rams have multiple needs. There are other players available that can fill them

Is Claiborne a Good Fit?

Again, Claiborne is technically sound and can fill an immediate need for the Rams. They have a lot of talent in place in St. Louis and the ability to win soon, as long as they can find a way to defend the pass.

Claiborne is a great option to do exactly that.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

Why Trent Richardson Goes Here

Richardson is a strong player. He's a fantastic runner that basically made 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram an afterthought in 2010. 

The ability is there for Richardson to be a true feature back. Still, most teams would be able to ease him into action a little bit.

The Colts are one of those teams, as they have some running backs to keep Richardson from shouldering all of the load, but they still need a better running game. Richardson is the man to bring that to Indianapolis

Is Richardson a Good Fit?

Given what's happened this year, a very strong case could be made that they should go for a quarterback, I am just not buying it in the first round.

Whether Peyton Manning comes back or not, they will need to have a strong running game. Richardson is the best back in the draft and the man to bring some offensive balance to Indianapolis.

4. Minnesota Vikings: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)

Why Alshon Jeffery Goes Here

Jeffery is an absolute athletic freak. The group of receivers in this class is quite deep, but Jeffery is far and away the top option.

He's a certain Top 5 pick. Any team that lacks a significant down field passing game will be hard pressed to pass on him.

That applies here with Jeffery and the Vikings.

Is Jeffery a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. Remember that we're not too far removed from the Vikings being on the brink of winning the NFC Championship Game.

A lot of players from that team remain, but much of their down field passing game is gone. Sidney Rice is in Minnesota, and Percy Harvin's injuries mean that he is just not a stable enough option anymore.

With Christian Ponder as the quarterback of the future, he'll need some receivers to throw the ball to. That's where Jeffery enters the picture.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kailil, OT (USC)

Why Matt Kalil Goes Here?

The offensive line is a place where it's always nice to have depth. Kalil is well built for the tackle position.

With the exception of quarterback, offensive tackle is the most revered and sought after position in drafts. Kalil is the best NFL option at tackle.

He's an easy choice for a high draft pick. By the time the draft rolls around, the Top 5 will not be a reach.

Is Kalil a Good Fit?

The Cardinals have a real need to defend Kevin Kolb better. They are surprisingly one of the NFL's worst teams, and aren't going to get any better unless their front-line players get any better.

If Kolb doesn't get time to throw the ball and find his receivers (like Larry Fitzgerald), this team is going to go absolutely nowhere.

They traded for Kolb in hopes that he could the void left by Kurt Warner's retirement after the 1999 season. If they can't do a better job of protecting the quarterback, they will not enjoy anywhere near the success they had with Warner.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

Why Justin Blackmon Goes Here?

Blackmon is a tremendous receiver. There is really no doubt that he belongs in the Top 10, if not higher. He's the second best receiver in the draft, behind only Jeffery.

The Jaguars will need a good receiver for Blaine Gabbert to throw the ball to. With Gabbert and Blackmon, they have a tremendous start to building a strong QB-WR duo.

But, without a receiver, the Jaguars will have a have a hard time developing Gabbert as the franchise quarterback that they drafted him to be.

Is Blackmon a Good Fit?

Yes, he's an excellent fit. Blackmon is a fine receiver and the Jaguars aren't anywhere near as bad as their record suggests.

In a division like the AFC South, a strong first-round pick can turn the Jags from a Top 10 draft pick to a division champion.

7. Denver Broncos: Vontaze Burfict, ILB (Arizona State)

Why Vontaze Burfict Goes Here?

The Broncos need to find a way to defend the run better. Inside linebackers don't tend to go this early in drafts, but this is an exception to the rule.

Burfict is an absolute specimen that can step in and make an immediate impact in the league. 

He's got a rough side that is necessary from a linebacker in the NFL.

Is Burfict a Good Fit?

A quarterback would be a logical choice here, but I am not seeing it from them. I think Tim Tebow will do enough to earn another year as the Broncos' quarterback.

What they absolutely need is some help on the defense. That's where Berfict will make an impact. He's absolutely worthy of this pick.

8. Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones, QB (Oklahoma)

Why Landry Jones Goes Here?

With the exception of Luck, Jones is the best quarterback in the draft. It's not at all often that we get this deep into the draft without at least two quarterbacks being taken.

Jones has been a fantastic quarterback in his time at Oklahoma. The Seahakws' quarterback situation leaves a lot to be desired, and they won't compete until it's fixed.

That's where Jones steps in. The potential and talent are there for him to make the Seahawks relevant again in the NFC.

Is Jones a Good Fit?

Yes, he really is. The Seahawks aren't terribly far away from being a good team in the NFC West. Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst are just not the quarterbacks to take them to the promised land.

Jones is a great option in this position.

9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Why Quinton Coples Goes Here?

A case could be made that No. 9 is actually far too low for Coples. Given that he's probably the best defensive end in the draft, I couldn't really disagree. But, based on the teams that have gone first and their needs, Coples fits in.

The Panthers clearly have a strong foundation to build off of, anchored by Cam Newton. What they need is a solid defense to go along with it.

Coples would go a long way in filling that gap.

Is Coples a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. Like Julius Peppers, he goes to school in North Carolina. He's a great athlete and has a strong ability to find the quarterback.

If Coples is available in this position, the Panthers would be foolish to pass on him.

10. Cleveland Browns: Luke Kuechly, ILB (Boston College)

Why Luke Kuechly Goes Here?

This is a stretch. It's not likely that Kuechly would go into this spot. If the Browns are picking here, don't be surprised to see a trade of some sort.

But Kuechly does fill a need for the Browns, and that's important in the first round. They aren't far from being a playoff contender, but they still have some holes that need to be fixed. While they could probably trade down to get him, Kuechly would fill some gaps.

Is Kuechly a Good Fit?

While I do think that Kuechly is a stretch at this pick, I actually see him as being a fine player in the NFL. He is the kind of guy to step in and make an impact.

With the Ravens and Steelers aging, the AFC North is going to become more winnable. Kuechly is the kind of player that can help the Browns make that step.

11. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Why Dre Kirkpatrick Goes Here?

The Titans can certainly use some offensive help, but nothing really seems likely here without projecting a serious reach, or a significant drop.

Kirkpatrick is a great corner. The Titans do have good players on defense, but can certainly use some help in the pass defense.

The Titans have been vulnerable against the pass this year. Even in a win against the Browns, they were torched for more than 300 yards. Kirkpatrick will help eliminate those problems.

Is Kirkpatrick a Good Fit?

I like Kirkpatrick in this spot. But if Tennessee finds themselves here, making a trade would probably be a better idea.

But, if they don't do that and take Kirkpatrick, they certainly won't be sorry.

12. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

Why Jonathan Martin Goes Here?

Martin is a solid tackle and, in case you haven't noticed, the Eagles don't always do a great job of protecting Michael Vick. It's one of the few needs that they really have on the roster.

Andrew Luck hasn't been great at Stanford alone. Yes, he's a great player, but he's been given time to show off his talents.

Martin is a big reason for that. A trip to Philadelphia gives him the same chance to do that for Michael Vick.

Is Martin a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. The Eagles are not that far from being really good team. They have probably the most talented roster in the NFL, they just lack the pieces at the right positions to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.

Martin is a player to step in and make an immediate impact. He'll also help Michael Vick play a full season and play the way he's used to. When that happens, the Eagles are hard to stop.

13. Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)

Why Matt Barkley Goes Here?

Barkley is a project pick. But, as bad as the Chiefs have looked at times this year, they can afford a project pick.

The Chiefs will have three key players returning from season ending injuries. In Matt Cassel, they have a quarterback to groom Barkley.

He's too talented to fall much further than this in the draft. The Chiefs can draft Barkley and let him adjust to the NFL game under a pretty solid quarterback.

Is Barkley a Good Fit?

Here, he is. He's not a good option if he needs to step in and be an NFL quarterback as a rookie. Barkley will experience growing pains if that happens.

But, for a team that has veterans all over the place like Kansas City, Barkley is a great fit.

14. Washington Redskins: Dontari Poe, DT (Memphis)

Why Dontari Poe Goes Here?

This is another place where I would make a trade if I was in this position. But, since I am not going to forecast trades that haven't happened, I have to go with the player that makes the most sense.

I really like Poe as that player. The Redskins have great outside pass rushers, but can use a good man in the middle to anchor it all.

That's where Poe is a great fit. He'll stuff the middle of the field and allow those great pass rushers to roam free and attack the quarterback.

Is Poe a Good Fit?

Yeah, he's a good option here. Anyone with that size can make a serious impact. Washington's defense is on the brink of becoming one of the better ones in the game.

If they can't land a quarterback, then Poe is a great option. He would help turn an already good defense into a great one.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

Why Michael Floyd Goes Here?

This has potential to be one of the steals of the draft. Floyd is capable of taking over a game, and he is able to be effective in so many ways.

The Buccaneers have had a hard time getting their play-makers involved in games this year. They players are there, but they are a man short of being a truly elite offense.

With Floyd, defenses won't be able to key in on any players. Josh Freeman will be given plenty of options and weapons to throw the ball to.

Is Floyd a Good Fit?

Yeah, he's an absolute threat to score whenever he's on the field. Given the weapons that Tampa Bay already has on the team, Floyd has all the potential to step in and be a monster. Any team getting him in the middle part of the first round will be getting a steal.

16. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro: OG (Stanford)

Why David DeCastro Goes Here?

Do you remember what was said earlier about Martin? Well, similar logic applies here.

In addition to having the best quarterback in the country, Stanford also has one of the top power rushing attacks. You don't get any of those without having a good line. DeCastro is a big part of that line.

The Cowboys have had an awful time protecting Tony Romo this year. This is a good fit.

Is DeCastro a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. Again, the Cowboys' offensive line has been a MASH unit this year. If anyone can name everyone who's played for them, they deserve a pat on the back.

DeCastro won't cure all of those problems, but he will be a nice addition to a unit that really needs all the help that it can get. Dallas would do well to land DeCastro in this spot.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via Oakland Raiders): Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Alabama)

Why Janoris Jenkins Goes Here?

Jenkins' year at Northern Alabama is of course a little misleading. He's not going up against tremendous players this year, so he will be dominant.

But Jenkins goes here because of his talent, and he was absolutely dominant at Florida, before being kicked off of the team.

The Bengals have one of the sneakier rosters in the NFL. Jenkins would go a long way towards making them a contender.

Is Jenkins a Good Fit?

Yes, he is. The Bengals can absolutely use a player like this, but can also afford to be a little patient with him.

This is a strong match for Jenkins and the team. Don't be surprised if good things happen with this teaming.

18. Chicago Bears: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Why Riley Reiff Goes Here?

First-round picks are often taken on guys that can help defend the quarterback. Reiff is an absolute player that can do that.

When you're the Bears, you need to constantly remember that Jay Cutler needs to be protected better.

They have a lot of talent on the team, but still lack the ability to protect Cutler. That leads to sacks, bad field positions, and even turnovers. Reiff can go a long way in cutting all three.

Is Reiff a Good Fit?

Yes, this is a match made in Heaven. Unless one of the earlier guys falls, or the Bears make a trade, Reiff has to go here.

19. New York Jets: Lamar Miller, RB (Miami)

Why Lamar Miller Goes Here?

For a team that builds its offense around the run, the Jets don't do a good job running the ball. So, Miller is really a nice fit here.

There is no doubt that the Jets need strong defense and ball control to win. Miller won't help the defense, but they don't need it. He will help them keep the ball when they have it.

Is Miller a Good Fit?

Yeah, he is. Again, some may call this a reach, but this is a logical pick for me. The Jets aren't far from being a Super Bowl team, but they need a stronger run game before that happens.

So, how is Miller a bad option?

20. Cincinnati Bengals: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clemson)

Why Brandon Thompson Goes Here?

I have seen Thompson all over the mock draft boards, but I like him here.

He's a big, solid man in the middle that can allow the rest of the defensive players to be quite dangerous. On a team like the Bengals, a solid tackle will go a long way.

Again, this is not a team far from making a good run.

Is Thompson a Good Fit?

Yes, he absolutely is. The talent around him on that side of the ball is almost all young.

In a division that runs the ball a lot, a big tackle will make a big impact. This is a logical choice for the Bengals.

21. San Diego Chargers: Zach Brown, OLB (North Carolina)

Why Zach Brown Goes Here?

Quite simply, Brown is an elite pass rusher and just too good to fall below this spot.

The Chargers can absolutely use a strong pass rusher to put them over the edge. They have been one of the AFC's best teams for a while, but have had next to no playoff success.

Is Brown a Good Fit?

Yes. The only question around Brown is whether or not he falls this far. But, if he does, this is an excellent choice for the Chargers. Brown is an impact player, and the Chargers can be patient with him.

This is a great match.

22. Cleveland Browns (via Atlanta Falcons): Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)

Why Melvin Ingram Goes Here?

Again, great pass rushers are just too good to fall behind this spot. We're now at a point where we're talking about good teams.

What that means is that teams can afford to take a player that's a bit of a project. He doesn't need to be on the field all the time to make a big impact.

Ingram would be a great pick here, and be a great player for the Cleveland defense. Too much pass rushing is a good problem to have.

Is Ingram a Good Fit?

Why wouldn't be be a good fit? He's got great potential to take over and be an elite edge rusher. The Browns would be well on their way to having one of the top pass rushes in the game with this move.

23. Houston Texans: Nick Toon, WR (Wisconsin)

Why Nick Toon Goes Here?

Toon is a solid receiving weapon. As we've seen the last few weeks, the Texans don't have a great WR situation without Andre Johnson.

With Johnson in, Toon will get plenty of favorable matchups. The Texans have great weapons on offense, they just don't always put it together.

Toon would be a nice step for that.

Is Toon a Good Fit?

Honestly, I love this move. I am a big fan of Toon and I think that this match would create a nearly unstoppable offense.

24. Detroit Lions: Manti Te'o, ILB (Notre Dame)

Why Manti Te'o Goes Here?

Te'o is one of the best interior linebackers in the country. He's got a great ability to run from sideline to sideline and shut down the run.

What's the Lions' biggest problem right now? It's not that they can't get to the quarterback, and they certainly score a lot of points.

They just have a hard time defending the run. Te'o is the best option here.

Is Te'o a Good Fit?

Yeah, Te'o's speed an ability to cover the whole field makes him a genuine star in the making. Detroit can play their normal style with a guy like Te'o in the middle, roaming the field.

25. New York Giants: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)

Why Mark Barron Goes Here?

Barron has potential to be a strong, impact safety.

The Giants are a surprising 4-2 team, but have serious holes in the secondary. Part of the reason for that is that they have had so many injuries to deal with, right from the start.

The Giants need secondary help, Barron can supply that.

Is Barron a Good Fit?

Yes, he and Prince Amukamara will make for a great tandem in the secondary for years to come.

26. Buffalo Bills: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

Why Jerel Worthy Goes Here?

The modern NFL tends to neglect good tackles, but a great man in the middle goes a long way towards making the rest of the defense good.

Worthy fits that mold. If nothing else, he'll just take up bodies on the offensive line and allow the backers behind him to roam free.

He and Buffalo are a good mix.

Is Worthy a Good Fit?

Anyone who says that the Bills don't need help on defense is just not paying attention. They force a lot of turnovers, but also allow a lot of points and yards.

Worthy is an excellent fit. He would help fix a lot of the holes that have gotten the Bills into trouble this season.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)

Why Mike Adams Goes Here?

Anyone who's watched the Steelers knows that they don't do a great job of keeping defenders out of their backfield.

Adams is a big body that can keep Ben Roethlisberger from being constantly pressured. So, where is the downside here.

The biggest problems with the Steelers start up front. Adams will do a lot to take care of those.

Is Adams a Good Fit?

Unless the Steelers trade up for an earlier lineman, this is a no-brainer.

28. New England Patriots (via New Orleans Saints): Jared Crick, DT (Nebraska)

Why Jared Crick Goes Here?

The Patriots are also quite vulnerable when it comes to defending the run. Enter Crick as a man to go a long way to keep teams from running all over them.

With Vince Wilfork up the middle, Crick will be allowed to do some great things. I know that he's coming off of an injury, but the Patriots have the talent to be patient with him and take a gamble.

Is Crick a Good Fit?

Yes, he's a great fit. Again, the big man in the middle will go a long way in turning the Patriots' defense into one of the best units in the game again. We already know that they don't need much help on the other side of the ball.

29. San Francisco 49ers: Ryan Broyles, WR (Oklahoma)

Why Ryan Broyles Goes Here?

Well, he's simply one of the most dependable receivers in the game today. Landry Jones is a fine quarterback, but Broyles has done an awful lot to help him.

The 49ers still have some holes to fill at receiver. The addition of a player like Broyles would turn a question mark into a solid unit.

Is Broyles a Good Fit?

Yes, the 49ers are having a great year, but still struggle to get the receivers into the game. Broyles would go a long way in changing that problem.

He, Michael Crabtree, as well as possibly Braylon Edwards and/or Josh Morgan would be a dangerous receiving corps.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)

Why Alfonzo Dennard Goes Here?

He's a late first-round pick, but Dennard is a first-round pick. The Ravens have a fantastic defense, but help in the secondary is always vital.

Even if it's just to add depth, it's important.

The Ravens have the talent on defense to work with Dennard. He won't need to step right in and be a shutdown corner.

Is Dennard a Good Fit?

I would love for the Ravens to get some offensive line help. But, unless they make a trade, it's just not going to happen here.

So, barring that, Dennard is a great option to help the Ravens' aging defense.

31. New England Patriots: Jonathan Massaquoi, OLB (Troy)

Why Jonathan Massaquoi Goes Here?

At Troy, it's a little easy to fall under the radar. Still, as DeMarcus Ware will tell you, they can play some good football there.

The Patriots need a linebacker who can run around, chase the quarterback and go sideline to sideline.

Again, they are a good enough team to be patient with the player they take here. But Massaquoi's upside is tremendous and will help re-establish that defense.

Is Massaquoi a Good Fit?

Yes, he is a good fit. There's a gamble with any player from a small school, but any player in the draft is a gamble.

His skills really play well to New England's needs.

32. Green Bay Packers: Markelle Martin, S (Oklahoma State)

Why Markelle Martin Goes Here?

Obviously, the Packers have very few holes, but they are a little prone to giving up the big play. With their secondary, Martin can take time and learn, but he can also help them with that problem.

Even when your offense is as good as the Packers, you can't rely on too many shootouts. So, Martin is a nice addition to help them keep their opponents out of the end zone.

Is Martin a Good Fit?

I like this pick. The Packers have some holes on defense that Martin would go a long way to fill. He's not an instant impact player, but the Packers don't need that.