2012 NFL Mock Draft: Top Underclassman Vaulting Up Draft Boards

We may not be halfway through the season, but that hasn't stopped many fans from already looking ahead to the offseason and potential candidates in the NFL Draft who could be joining their favorite teams.

While some teams, like the Green Bay Packers, are anxiously looking towards a postseason berth, there are just as many that are already preparing for the offseason.

Amazingly enough, even the bottom dwellers have a reason to be excited this year.

The 2012 NFL Draft may be one of the most talented classes that we have seen in the last decade.

Although the seniors often get much of the attention during the year, the majority of the talent this year will come from underclassmen entering the draft.

Here is a full first-round mock draft with projections on where those top tier underclassmen could land.

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

Why Andrew Luck Goes Here

I think this one is pretty much self explanatory.

The race to be the worst team in the NFL this season has taken upon the name "Suck for Luck" for a reason.

No matter who finishes with the first overall pick in the draft, they are going to either have to take Andrew Luck or trade the pick away.

I don't see any shocking Mario Williams type picks coming this year, although that one seems to have worked out.

Franchise quarterbacks don't come around too often. When they do, teams need to jump on the chance to take them.

Is Luck a Good Fit?

The real question is whether or not Luck can actually be a bad fit anywhere?

This kid has unbelievable talent. He has the physical ability, smarts and attitude to succeed on any team in the league.

2. Indianapolis Colts: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)

Why Quinton Coples Goes Here

This is one of the more difficult decisions to make in this years draft.

It's obvious that the Colts have some major problems without Peyton Manning at quarterback.

That said, with Andrew Luck off the board there is no way that the Colts can go for Manning's replacement when there are so many other voids to fill.

The Colts defense has been horrendous this year, and with defensive end Robert Mathis likely done following the season, it's only going to get worse.

The team needs to start rebuilding this defense one piece at a time.

Is Coples a Good Fit?

Defensive end is a difficult position to judge, but Coples has the talent to possibly become an elite defensive end in a 4-3 scheme.

Much like Freeney and Mathis, Coples is more of a pass rusher off the edge.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)

Why Matt Kalil Goes Here

Last season, the question in Arizona was who the quarterback was going to be. They ultimately decided to trade for Kevin Kolb.

It really doesn't matter who that guy is if they can't protect him.

Kolb has been running for his life this season. He's having trouble making reads and delivering accurate passes.

He is getting much of the blame, but it's really the pressure he is facing every time the ball is snapped.

Kalil is the best offensive lineman in the nation. Having him protecting Kolb's blindside will do wonders.

Is Kalil a Good Fit?

Is it possible for an offensive tackle to be a bad fit?

Kalil has the athleticism and strength to be a star in the NFL. He will fit perfectly in an Arizona offense that is pass-first.

4. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)

Why Justin Blackmon Goes Here

Last year, the St. Louis Rams passed on the wide receiver position with Julio Jones and A.J. Green already off the board.

As a result, their offense has been nothing short of a joke so far this year.

The team just traded for Brandon Lloyd, but that won't be enough for Bradford to succeed. It's time to bring in a playmaker that will be the stud Bradford needs to take the team to the next level.

Blackmon has had an unbelievable college career, putting up 100-yard games on a weekly basis.

Is Blackmon a Good Fit?

The real question here is whether the Rams will look towards Blackmon or Alshon Jeffery to be the first wide receiver off the board.

You can't really go wrong either way.

5. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

Why Jonathan Martin Goes Here

After letting go of Bryant McKinnie last offseason, the Vikings were left with a huge void at left tackle that hasn't been filled.

With Christian Ponder taking over as the franchise quarterback, they need to get a stud left tackle that will keep him upright and healthy.

Minnesota could look towards defense here, but keeping their quarterback healthy is most important.

Is Martin a Good Fit?

Martin spent his collegiate career protecting Andrew Luck's blindside. Luck was a pretty successful quarterback in college. 

If Martin can keep Ponder protected the same, this will be a brilliant selection.

6. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clemson)

Why Brandon Thompson Goes Here

The Panthers could look at wide receiver right here with Steve Smith starting to get up their in age.

However, with all of the flaws on the defensive side of the ball, they need to go with the best defensive player available this high in the draft.

That guy is defensive tackle Brandon Thompson.

Thompson possess the rare ability at defensive tackle to be a great pass rusher and run stopper.

Is Thompson a Good Fit?

What Carolina will really want from Thompson is his ability to stop the run. The Panthers have struggled stopping opposing running backs this year.

Thompson has that ability to fill the gap and will also get up field after the quarterback.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)

Why Alshon Jeffery Goes Here

Why does Alshon Jeffery go here?

Easy. Please name the Jacksonville Jaguars leading receiver so far this season?

It's Mike Thomas. Jason Hill trails him by a few yards.

The Jaguars need to get an elite receiver if they are going to get any production from Blaine Gabbert.

Jeffery is just about on an even level with Justin Blackmon. The two are interchangeable as the top to receivers in the draft.

Is Jeffery a Good Fit?

Right about now, anybody would be a good fit for the Jaguars. Well, maybe not a good fit, but better than what they have.

Jeffery has all the physical talent to be a star in the league. Good things could come from him and Gabbert.

8. Denver Broncos: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)

Why Matt Barkley Goes Here

The Denver Broncos are starting Tim Tebow so they can move on in a new direction at the end of the season.

I'm sure John Elway would love to bring in Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, but he will still have a great choice between Matt Barkley and Landry Jones with Luck off the board.

On the football field, I see Barkley as a player that resembles Elway more than Jones, and for that reason alone, I see the Broncos going in that direction.

Is Barkley a Good Fit?

Barkley is a much better fit than anything the Broncos currently have. Elway and Fox are looking for a franchise quarterback. Barkley has all the potential in the world to be just that.

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

Why Landry Jones Goes Here

Pete Carroll will be cursing under his breathe when the Broncos choose Matt Barkley over Landry Jones, but the Seahawks are still getting a quality quarterback in Jones.

Actually, Jones may be better than Barkley. They are almost on even grounds when comparing the ability of the two.

Either way, Seattle has a quarterback with the potential to do great things.

Is Jones a Good Fit?

Pete Carroll may have preferred to get Barkley, but Jones has very similar qualities. This entire offense really lacks an identity right now. The Seahawks can start building it around Jones.

10. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)

Why Trent Richardson Goes Here

Peyton Hillis isn't the beast that everybody thought he was. He played a few great games on fresh legs at the end of the 2010 season and everybody jumped on the bandwagon.

It hasn't been going well this season, so don't be surprised if the team and Hillis fail to agree to a contract extension.

The Cleveland defense is much improved this year. They need to add some offense in the offseason to help out.

Is Richardson a Good Fit

Richardson is considered by many to be a better running back than Mark Ingram was for Alabama.

He is more of a between the tackles runner but has enough speed to pull away from defenders. He fits the Cleveland run style to a tee.

11. Washington Redskins: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

Why Dre Kirkpatrick Goes Here

The top three quarterbacks are off the board. I don't see Robert Griffin III fitting the scheme in Washington.

Trent Richardson just went off the board. The two elite receivers are gone as well.

As much as the Redskins need offense, they are going to go defense with this pick.

Dre Kirkpatrick is one of the top two cornerbacks in the draft. The Redskins are in a division with elite receivers like DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Hakeem Nicks.

They need to get a shutdown corner on these guys.

Is Kirkpatrick a Good Fit?

The Redskins really need help on offense, but this is the best choice out of what's left. You can never have enough ways to stop the pass with so much talent in the division. 

Guys like Russell Wilson and Ryan Tannehill will still be available at quarterback in the second round.

12. Dallas Cowboys: Vontaze Burfict, LB (Arizona State)

Why Vontaze Burfict Goes Here

Some people see Burfict as an absolute beast. Others see him as an out of control problem.

Jerry Jones will see him as a destructive playmaker.

Burfict is aggressive, that's for sure. He is so aggressive that he often gets in trouble for late hits and dirty play.

It's an attitude that Jones will fall in love with. The Cowboys defense really lacks the intensity away from DeMarcus Ware and coordinator Rob Ryan.

Burfict can bring that energy.

Is Burfict a Good Fit?

Burfict is a terrible fit. That's the point.

This is a defense that lacks intensity and energy. A player like Burfict will change that attitude on the Dallas defense.

13. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)

Why Luke Kuechly Goes Here

It's no secret that Andy Reid does not value the linebacker position. Name the best linebacker he every drafted?

Seriously. I can't do it, and I'm an Eagles fan.

However, after the terrible play of the linebackers behind the nine-wide this season, I think Reid is starting to see it's the flaw in his defense.

Kuechly is right next to Burfict as the top inside linebacker in the draft. The Eagles take the best available.

Is Kuechly a Good Fit?

Kuechly isn't the most athletic player in the world, but he has incredible instincts. He finds his way to the ball and doesn't miss tackles. He is a perfect fit for an inside linebacker in a nine-wide scheme.

14. Kansas City Chiefs: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)

Why Morris Claiborne Goes Here

Claiborne isn't quite the physical freak that Patrick Peterson is, but he is still a dominant cornerback.

Claiborne and Kirkpatrick are the top two corners in this year's draft. Many would argue that Claiborne is the better of the two.

If that is the case there won't be any complaints in Kansas City.

Is Claiborne a Good Fit?

The Kansas City secondary improved as the season went on, but there is still a need for an elite cornerback on the roster.

15. Tennessee Titans: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)

Why Dont'a Hightower Goes Here

There really is a bunch of talent at the linebacker position in this year's draft.

Hightower is the anchor for one of the best defenses in the country in Alabama. He doesn't have the physical attributes as some of the others, but he is a force in the middle.

He is one of those players that can really do everything at linebacker. He is one of the more complete players in the draft.

Is Hightower a Good Fit?

The Titans signed inside linebacker Barrett Ruud to a one-year deal this season. Hightower could be the perfect choice to replace him.

16. Chicago Bears: David DeCastro, OG (Stanford)

Why David DeCastro Goes Here

The offensive line in Chicago is still in shambles. There is no way that Jay Cutler is every going to be able to succeed with the pressure that is on him.

The top offensive tackles are already off the board, but it really doesn't matter. The Bears need help on the entire line.

David DeCastro is the best interior lineman in the draft. He is a part of the line that made Andrew Luck's life easier in Stanford.

Is DeCastro a Good Fit?

Right now anybody would be a good fit on the Chicago Bears offensive line. Things can't get too much worse.

DeCastro is a phenomenal mix of talent in both the running and passing game. It's a good start to fixing the line in Chicago.

17. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)

Why Courtney Upshaw Goes Here

The New York Jets have had one of the most feared defenses for the last few seasons under Rex Ryan.

That hasn't been the case so far in 2011. The team is getting older in the front seven and doesn't have the same power they once did.

They are actually struggling to stop the run.

The Jets need to improve their front seven in the draft. Courtney Upshaw is going to stick out to Rex Ryan.

Is Upshaw a Good Fit?

I don't think there is a better fit out there for the New York Jets defense. Upshaw is an outside linebacker whose primary interest is coming off the edge after the quarterback.

Upshaw is one of those guys who won't fit in a 4-3 scheme, but he is perfect for Ryan's defense.

18. Cleveland Browns (from Falcons): Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

Why Michael Floyd Goes Here

The Cleveland Browns are looking pretty good right now. They traded their first round pick last year to the Falcons who took Julio Jones.

The Browns greatly improved their defense with the picks they gained.

This year they will improve the offense.

They already selected Richardson, and now get Colt McCoy his weapon in Michael Floyd. This offense is getting some weapons now.

Is Floyd a Good Fit?

The combination of Michael Floyd, Greg Little and Josh Cribbs is actually a triple threat that teams will have to respect for years to come.

This addition could actually make Cleveland competitive next season.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (from Raiders): Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)

Why Alfonzo Dennard Goes Here

Thank you Carson Palmer.

The already talented Cincinnati Bengals defense gets a little more talent in the secondary with Alfonzo Dennard.

Dennard may be just as good as Prince Amukamara, who came out of Nebraska last year.

With most of the big offensive names gone early, Cincinnati will stack onto their defense with the first of their two picks in the first round.

Is Dennard a Good Fit?

The team has done a good job filling the hole that was left when Jonathan Joseph left for Houston. Now they have a player that can fill the position for years to come.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)

Why Zach Brown Goes Here

Talent wise, Zach Brown is probably one of the top ten players in this season's draft.

However, there isn't a huge need for help at the outside linebacker position across the board.

There is in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers defense has struggled with their consistency all season, many of the problems coming at outside linebacker.

They will get a steal if Brown falls to them.

Is Brown a Good Fit?

The fit couldn't be any better than this one. The North Carolina defense runs a defense that is very similar to the Tampa Two that the Buccaneers run. The transition shouldn't be too rough.

21. New England Patriots (from Saints): Jared Crick, DE (Nebraska)

Why Jared Crick Goes Here

The New England Patriots really need help on defense. Their main problems are in the secondary, but with Dennard off the board there isn't anybody worth this high of a selection.

There is a dominant defensive lineman available in Jared Crick.

Crick is not an elite pass rusher, but he is a tremendous talent in stopping the run.

Is Crick a Good Fit?

This pick has everything to do with Crick being a great fit for the New England defense. Crick can play in both the 4-3 and the 3-4, and the Patriots run both.

He is a strong, disciplined player. He is a Belichick type of guy.

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

Why Nick Toon Goes Here

Besides the fact that Nick Toon may have the coolest name in this year's class, he is also a great talent at wide receiver.

Toon is having a breakout year with Russell Wilson leading the Badgers at quarterback.

We saw early in the year how much this Texans team struggled to move the ball through the air when Andre Johnson went down with an injury.

It's time that the Texans got a No. 2 receiver to help the offense out.

Is Toon a Good Fit?

I'm not convinced that Toon can be an elite No. 1 receiver in the NFL, but it's always a possibility.

Luckily, the Texans don't need him to be. They just need somebody opposite of Andre Johnson that will actually possess a threat.

23. San Diego Chargers: Ronnell Lewis, LB (Oklahoma)

Why Ronnell Lewis Goes Here

The Chargers are a solid team that has struggled with consistency at many different positions.

One of the biggest problems for the Chargers has been at the linebacker position.

Ronnell Lewis is a guy that has played both defensive end and outside linebacker. He is more of a pass rusher by nature.

Is Lewis a Good Fit?

The Chargers need someone who is a force off the edge at linebacker. Lewis can bring that to the team.

He is an intense vocal leader on one of the toughest defenses in college football. This Chargers defense needs that sort of leadership.

24. New York Giants: Manti Te'o, LB (Notre Dame)

Why Manti Te'o Goes Here

Manti Te'o isn't one of those flashy linebackers who hits hard and plays really fast.

He is, however, one of the most efficient defensive players in college football.

Te'o is a very talented player who finds a way to get to the football. He is extremely intelligent and it shows on the field.

Is Te'o a Good Fit?

The New York Giants aren't in desperate need of any position. The one that does stand out above the rest is at linebacker.

25. New England Patriots: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)

Why Riley Reiff Goes Here

The New England Patriots really need some help in the secondary, but there just isn't anyone available worth taking at this spot.

The next most important position in need for the Patriots is the offensive line.

New England is getting old on the line and they need to start getting some depth before some of these guys start leaving.

Is Reiff a Good Fit?

Reiff is a very athletic left tackle. There are very few players in college football with the footwork to get around him to the quarterback.

In a pass happy offense, he is a perfect fit.

26. Buffalo Bills: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)

Why Devon Still Goes Here

Devon Still is one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles in college football. He has been a key part in the shut down Penn State defense this season.

He is just as talented when it comes to blowing up the run. He typically knocks offensive lineman into the backfield completely blowing up plays.

The Bills need that sort of impact on their defensive line. Any sort of pass rush will go a long way in helping their pass defense.

Is Still a Good Fit?

Still has the ability to stop the run, but more importantly, he can get after the quarterback. The Bills need more pass rushers on the roster.

27: Baltimore Ravens: Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)

Why Robert Griffin III Goes Here

The grumblings in Baltimore are just becoming too loud to ignore.

They aren't just coming from the fans anymore. This locker room is starting to split with the terrible play of Joe Flacco and the Raven offense.

Flacco just doesn't seem to have whatever it is that is needed to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

It's time for Baltimore to make a move on the offensive side of the ball.

Is Griffin a Good Fit?

Griffin is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the nation. He has a super strong arm. He can run with the ball as well.

He brings excitement and the big play threat to this offense. He could be one of the bigger steals this year.

28. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB (Miami)

Why Lamar Miller Goes Here

Lamar Miller is quietly shooting up the draft boards this season. He is one of the few top tier players on the Hurricanes roster this year.

With this pick, Miller would become the second running back off the board. He would also be the first sophomore drafted.

The Bengals already have a big power back with Cedric Benson.

Now they can add a little speed and agility to that running game with Lamar Miller.

Is Miller a Good Fit?

Lamar Miller is a perfect complement back to Cedric Benson. Once Benson ends his reign in Cincinnati, Miller should be more than capable of taking over the full work load.

29. Detroit Lions: Peter Konz, C (Wisconsin)

Why Peter Konz Goes Here

Wisconsin is becoming known for producing some quality lineman. Peter Konz is just another to be added to that list.

Konz is by far the best center in this year's draft.

The Detroit Lions need help on the entire offensive line. They have struggled giving Stafford time to throw and can't open up any holes in the run game.

Konz can help things out in the middle of the line with the run game.

Is Konz a Good Fit?

The biggest problem in Detroit is the team's inability to get a running game going. Konz should be able to start a change in offensive line play that should help the run game.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Markelle Martin, S (Oklahoma State)

Why Markelle Martin Goes Here

This year, much like last year, there is question on whether or not a safety will be drafted in the first round.

The San Francisco 49ers need help in the secondary. That help can come at safety or at cornerback.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are known for their offense, but the best player on the defensive side of the ball is Markelle Martin at safety.

He is a complete safety, but excels in zone coverage and run support.

Is Martin a Good Fit?

The 49ers weakness is in the secondary. The team is good in run defense, and needs players in the secondary who can step up and make plays on the ball.

Martin would be an immediate starter over what the team has now.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)

Why Cordy Glenn Goes Here

We have been saying this one for the last couple offseasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers need help on the offensive line.

They need help at multiple positions, which is why Cordy Glenn is such a great choice here.

During his time at Georgia, Glenn has started at left tackle, left guard and right guard.

His versatility makes him an instant contributor in Pittsburgh.

Is Glenn a Good Fit?

Glenn's versatility makes him a perfect pick for Pittsburgh. He is best suited as a guard, and is best known for his run blocking abilities. This should make him a perfect fit for the Steelers.

32. Green Bay Packers: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)

Why Jerel Worthy Goes Here

It's tough to pick out positions in need for the best team in the NFL.

Defensive tackle isn't one of those positions. However, Jerel Worthy is a guy that fits in as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

Worthy is the anchor of the line at Michigan State. He gets constant pressure on the quarterback, but his main contribution comes in stopping the run.

At this point he may be the best player available, which is why Green Bay needs to take him.

Is Worthy a Good Fit?

Worthy may be a better fit as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, but he will be able to get the job done on the end in a 3-4 defense. As the best player available, the Packers can't pass.