2012 NFL Mock Draft: Prospects Who Will Plummet Based on Teams' Needs

It's still early in the NFL season, so the 2012 draft order could change, but as of now it's looking like several high -profile prospects will drop based on teams' needs alone.

This means that a few lucky teams will see top prospects fall in their laps and reap the benefits down the road.

Here are three prospects who will plummet in the 2012 NFL Draft based on draft order, including a full mock draft.

3. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Many people have North Carolina's Zach Brown as a top-20 prospect, with the speed and strength to be a force rushing the passer and the agility to be an asset in pass coverage.

Right now, I have him falling to the Detroit Lions at No. 23 overall.

You'll remember that the Lions got a steal with defensive tackle Nick Fairley in this year's draft. While they've been floundering as of late, the Lions appear positioned to once again make a splash in the draft.

2. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

Lamar Miller is considered by many as a top-15 prospect, a powerful runner who has good vision and patience and projects as a legitimate three-down back in the NFL.

But the way I see it, the teams that need him will likely go for a better prospect at their high draft position.

That means the New York Jets will see him fall into their lap at No. 26 overall and gladly grab him.

Jets running back Shonn Greene has been better lately, but I don't think the Jets are convinced he's their franchise back.

Then again, they think Mark Sanchez is their franchise quarterback.

1. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Brandon Thompson is a top-25 prospect in most people's eyes, but he'll actually get ousted from the late first round because teams will be drafting for linebackers and defensive ends at that point.

He should find himself in the early second round by my estimation, which should make a needy team very happy.

Thompson is solid pass-rushing prospect with good burst and he could make a name for himself in the NFL.

2012 NFL Mock Draft:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB	17. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE
2. Miami Dolphins: Landry Jones, QB	18. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G/T
3. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery, WR	19. Chicago Bears: David DeCastro, G
4. Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT	20. San Diego Chargers: Jared Crick, DE/DT
5. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB	21. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd , WR
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR	22. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB
7. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE	23. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB
8. Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT	24. Houston Texans: Stephon Gilmore, CB
9. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB	25. San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB	26. New York Jets: Lamar Miller, RB
11. Denver Broncos: Vontaze Burfict, LB	27. New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw, LB
12. Tennessee Titans: Manti Te'o, LB	28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB
13. Philadelphia Eagles: Riley Reiff , OT	29. New York Giants: Luke Kuechly , LB
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Ronnell Lewis, LB	30. Baltimore Ravens: D.J. Fluker , OT
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB	31. New England Patriots: Brandon Jenkins, DE/LB
16. Dallas Cowboys: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB	32. Green Bay Packers: Billy Winn , DE/DT