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

The actual order in which NFL franchises will make their 2012 draft selections won't be known for several months, but patience is not a virtue here at Bleacher Report.

It's never to early to mock the draft.

Countless factors influence each move—especially during Round 1—including perceived pro potential, collegiate experience, character traits, and the list goes on.

Let's bring the football world to a temporary stand-still and project where the nation's top draft-eligible players will land given the following sequence of teams.

Now imagine: Roger Goodell (above), league commissioner and the event's MC, steps to the microphone and begins, "With the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select . . . "

1. Indianapolis Colts: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

There won't be much suspense surrounding Roger Goodell's first sentence—quarterback Andrew Luck is going No. 1 overall on April 26, 2012 whether or not Indianapolis is the drafter.

Stanford's redshirt junior is arguably the most complete prospect at his position since the Colts' own future-hall-of-famer, Peyton Manning, arrived in 1998.

Luck has "prototypical NFL QB size," says his Scouts Inc. player evaluation on espn.com. That same analysis from the 2011 preseason praises his "upper-echelon arm strength" and his "smooth, compact and relatively quick release."

His outstanding play this fall has silenced any skeptics.

Talent aside, Luck is intelligent, motivated and by all accounts, very down-to-earth.

He is a third-year starter for the Cardinal after spending a season idle on the sidelines. Expect a similar progression for him in the NFL, where Peyton Manning will lead the team in 2012 if healthy.

2. Miami Dolphins: QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins need a permanent passer immediately. They will be glad to settle for Oklahoma's Landry Jones, another promising prospect.

During the 2011 college football season, Jones hasn't look quite as polished as Andrew Luck.

However, he has faced a more challenging set of opponents, especially in conference play.

The experts at Scouts Inc. say "he can make all the NFL throws and has the ability to drive down the field."

Landry Jones has the size and durability to last in the pros. He'll have the opportunity in Miami to start from the get-go.

3. St. Louis Rams: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Defensive end Quinton Coples would be a perfect compliment to 2008 first-rounder Chris Long on the struggling St. Louis Rams.

He's a well-proportioned athlete who will be valuable in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. He has extraordinary agility and initial burst for a 6'6" player.

Coples also has the versatility to play defensive tackle.

The Rams have weaknesses in several areas, but bolstering the defensive line ought to be their highest priority.

Currently, St. Louis ranks 25th in the NFL in points allowed and dead-last in rushing yards against.

Defensive end James Hall will turn 35 this winter. Coples is a qualified heir apparent.

4. Carolina Panthers: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Back to the underclassmen.

Redshirt junior Justin Blackmon is far and away the best wide receiver prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft class.

His Scouts Inc. player evaluation highlighted his "excellent body control" and "strong and natural mitts that swallow the ball."

The 2010 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner has been dominant again this season on the nation's second-ranked team.

He's taller and stronger than Carolina Panthers' longtime No. 1 target Steve Smith. And I've already mentioned his great hands (or "mitts").

Blackmon would be an ideal alternative to Smith considering the organization's lack of depth at the position.

5. Minnesota Vikings: OT Matt Kalil, USC

If the Minnesota Vikings actually draft in the top five, it will be because of the brutal NFC North division in which they play. A 2-7 record entering Week 11 is not an accurate reflection of this franchise. Don't expect Minnesota's final position in the final standings to be, either.

Still, there are perks to losing.

Prized offensive tackle Matt Kalil, for example, will go early because of his excellence in all scenarios.

The passing attack has been ineffective for the Vikings in the post-Brett Favre Era. Adequate protection hasn't been there for young and mobile quarterback Christian Ponder.

Kalil could help himself by adding a few more pounds of bulk, but his sound fundamentals make him desirable, even at under 300 pounds.

6. Washington Redskins: QB Matt Barkley, USC

Matt Barkley should be the second USC Trojan to come off the board early in the first round.

He isn't quite as coveted as Andrew Luck or Landry Jones, but the separation between he and them has lessened over the course of the 2011 season.

Barkley compensates for less-than-ideal size with a tremendous football IQ. He processes information quickly and makes appropriate decisions.

Scouts rave about his mechanics but doubt that he has star potential.

Nonetheless, the Washington Redskins will snatch him up. Neither of their starting candidates—John Beck nor Rex Grossman—deserves another year.

7. Arizona Cardinals: CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

The Arizona Cardinals would be wise to reunite cornerback Morris Claiborne with his former LSU teammate, Patrick Peterson.

Scouts Inc. gives Claiborne a mixed review.

For one, it admits that "he is advanced for his game experience and surprisingly instinctive for a young corner." Also, his hands are dependable as a result of playing wide receiver previously in his football career.

On the other hand, he's too lean.

"Needs to improve his bulk and strength," his evaluation reads. "Gets pushed around at times by bigger blockers and it takes him a bit too long at times to get off of blocks."

But Claiborne has gotten noticeably thicker since the summer, and the results are evident in his improved tackling. He's tall enough to contest well-thrown passes and fast enough to close gaps and force unsuspected turnovers.

He's one of five finalists for the 2011 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to college football's best defensive player.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert is surely lobbying for the team to take Michael Floyd.

Jacksonville's current receiving corps is comprised of small targets like wideout Mike Thomas (5'8") and running back Maurice Jones-Drew (5'7"). They don't mesh with Gabbert's inaccuracy.

Then there's Floyd, who has height, strength, athleticism, speed . . . anything and everything you would want in a pass-catcher.

He can be a vertical threat when Gabbert is looking to throw downfield. He is likewise capable of running shorter routes and breaking tackles for yards after the catch.

Durability is perhaps the greatest concern with Floyd. He has missed nine collegiate games due to three unrelated injuries.

9. Cleveland Browns: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

Trent Richardson will be the first running back drafted. The question is if he could really fall to No. 9.

He has that Arian Foster/Adrian Peterson build that allows him to power over smaller tacklers, yet pick up huge chunks of yardage in open space. Richardson is a lethal combination of strength and burst.

In addition to his physical gifts, he is an intelligent runner. He stays put behind his offensive line until an opportunity presents itself. Moreover, he commits to his actions rather than waffling during a play.

I don't believe there is another player in this draft who's more assured to succeed in the league.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

The Philadelphia Eagles just need a linebacker who can make tackles. Boston College's Luke Kuechly is the best fit for that simple criterion.

Despite rather pedestrian size and speed, he's constantly making plays. This can be mainly attributed to his supernatural instincts, awareness of the offense's developments and consistent tackling technique.

With Philadelphia, he would join a defense that regularly stops opponents on third down, but allows too many big gains.

11. Seattle Seahawks: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford

Frankly, they have no choice: the Seattle Seahawks must use their first-round pick to strengthen their offense.

Every responsibility of the scoring unit has been poorly executed. Above all, Seattle quarterbacks have been unprotected.

The offensive line has allowed 30 sacks in only nine games!

Offensive tackle Matt Kalil is a past recruit of Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and a perfect fit in the Pacific Northwest. But if Kalil is already off the board, Stanford's Jonathan Martin is the next best thing.

His agility makes him valuable in run-blocking and he has prototypical tackle size.

As for pass protection, let's just say that Martin is one big reason that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck doesn't spend much time on his back.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson

Brandon Thompson can be the nose tackle of the future for the Kansas City Chiefs with veteran Kelly Gregg nearing retirement.

He lacks the athleticism to be a great pass rusher, but he will be a nightmare for opposing running backs.

Thompson would clog holes with his large frame and even chase down ball-carriers from behind.

He is a logical selection for a defense with answers at most other positions, yet one that has had trouble stopping the run all season.

13. San Diego Chargers: CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Although Dre Kirkpatrick is the first Alabama defender to come up in this mock first-round, be assured that he isn't the only one.

A second-year starter on college football's best defense, Kirkpatrick is unusually large for a player in the secondary.

He uses his physicality to redirect receivers.

His fit in San Diego is largely dependent on how much the franchise values 2011 rookie cornerback Marcus Gilchrist.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery is molded in much the same cast as potential top-10 pick Michael Floyd.

He is similarly praised for his elite size, long arms and hand-eye coordination.

According to Scouts Inc., though, "he's a much bigger vertical threat than he is a run-after-catch option."

Tampa Bay has an incredibly young crew of receiving, which appears to be adversely affecting developing starting quarterback Josh Freeman. But Jeffery suits the strong-armed passer well.

I imagine that Freeman could vastly improve on his mediocre 6.4 yards per attempt with a player of his caliber running streaks.

15. New York Jets: QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

The New York Jets' Thursday night loss to the Denver Broncos makes them an underdog to return to the playoffs. On the bright side, it propelled them to the heart of this mock first round.

The franchise isn't in dire need of an upgrade at any particular spot; whoever they draft would probably make a gradual transition into the starting lineup. There's no reason to rule out a change under center.

Baylor's Robert Griffin III is an electric dual-threat quarterback who throws a beautiful deep ball and breaks off long runs every week. His accuracy is impressive, too.

Meanwhile, third-year starter Mark Sanchez has seemingly hit his ceiling. New York has made the postseason with him in consecutive years, but he hasn't fared well in 2011 with an increase in pass attempts.

Under contract through 2013, Sanchez will almost certainly stay with the Jets for the duration of his original five-year deal.

However, Griffin could ignite the offense if utilized in certain situations, and take the reins for himself once Sanchez hits free agency.

16. Denver Broncos: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

Few NCAA Division II players in recent years have been considered surefire first-rounders, but that's because its rare to find guys with Janoris Jenkins' cover skills at that level.

His awareness and acrobatics once made him so valuable to the Florida Gators of the Southeastern Conference. His off-the-field issues—two arrests for misdemeanor marijuana possession—led to his dismissal from the program this spring.

Regardless, Denver should be happy to accept Jenkins and his baggage. The Broncos aging secondary needs an infusion of youth.

17. Tennesse Titans: OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

The Tennessee Titans have been relatively healthy along the offensive line throughout 2011, yet star running back Chris Johnson has been unable to get in a groove.

The issue is complicated and perhaps Johnson deserves equal or greater blame than his protectors do, but Riley Reiff should be snatched up if he falls to them—or anyone—at No. 17.

Reiff has been praised for his excellent top-end speed. There is optimism that he can add bulk to prevent pass rushers from getting around him.

Either way, Chris Johnson might be inspired to re-dedicate himself if the Titans put some talent like Reiff in front of him.

18. Buffalo Bills: ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Inside linebacker Vontaze Burfict is exactly who the Buffalo Bills are dying to plug in next to Nick Barnett.

Despite maturity issues, Burfict is destined to succeed in the NFL because of his above-average strength and heavy hits.

Buffalo covets his ability to cover tight ends in obvious passing situations considering that the Bills play the New England Patriots and New York Jets two times apiece every year. Both opponents pass often over the middle of the field.

Burfict is practically interchangeable with Boston College's Luke Kuechly (similar instincts and tackling prowess).

19. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): DT Kendall Reyes, Connecticut

The Cleveland Browns are destined to seek offensive help with their earliest first-round pick, so this gift from the Atlanta Falcons will probably be spent on the other side of the ball.

Connecticut's Kendall Reyes has less size than Cleveland's starting tackles, but the Browns are desperate for his kind of athleticism among their interior defensive linemen.

They have surrendered the third-most rushing yards in the league, and that statistic is skewed by favorable matchups against the ground-challenged Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks.

Expect Reyes to go higher than projected to fill a void on Cleveland's roster.

20. Cincinnati Bengals: RB Lamar Miller, Miami

Watching Lamar Miller wreak havoc on Saturdays is the greatest joy for fans of the downtrodden fans of Miami Hurricanes football (it's the only thing that keeps me interested, anyway).

However, he is eligible to move on to the next level as a redshirt sophomore and it should be hard to deter him for leaving school early.

Miller has a rare combination of power and acceleration dwarfed only in this draft class by Trent Richardson.

Despite a lack of targets from downfield passer Jacory Harris at Miami, he will be utilized in the passing game for his pro team. Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, for example, could exploit Miller's talent in that area.

Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson has been serviceable in Cincy, but as he ages, Miller could be eased into an every-down role.

21. Detroit Lions: CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska

The Detroit Lions cannot lose with their 2012 first-round pick because of the depth of this cornerback class.

Even if Detroit drops in the draft following a playoff appearance, the front office can rest easy knowing that there are good alternatives to Morris Claiborne to be had.

Alfonzo Dennard is stronger than other corner prospects I've mentioned so far. He has been touted for his speed and his ability to recover when out of position.

Unfortunately, recurring injuries are a concern with him.

22. Houston Texans: TE Dwayne Allen, Clemson

The Houston Texans have looked outstanding in 2011, surprisingly so on defense.

Once a hindrance to their success, the unit is now laced with talented players, and many are signed to long-term contracts.

That gives them an opportunity to reinforce their offense.

Houston will have a low pick as a playoff appearance appears inevitable. While most difference-making skill position players will already be off the board, the nation's top tight end should still be available.

Clemson's Dwayne Allen has exceptional receiving skills and a great reputation as a blocker.

He will begin his career as an understudy to Owen Daniels, but even as a rookie, he should be a key contributor.

23. Dallas Cowboys: ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o is another player on the path to NFL super-stardom.

His player evaluation via Scouts Inc. is encouraging.

"Reads keys quickly and shows very good playmaking instincts," the report says. "Recognizes and reacts quicker than most LBs to screens and draws . . . facet of his game where he separates himself from other top-tier LBs," it continues.

Their are no obvious weaknesses in Te'o's game. He would strengthen the Cowboys' depth at inside linebacker and likely start immediately.

24. Chicago Bears: WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M

As a third year progresses with Jay Cutler leading the Chicago Bears, the organization has yet to pursue adequate wide receivers to bring out his full potential.

Offseason acquisition Roy Williams is apparently a non-factor, so why not replace him through the draft?

Jeff Fuller has near-identical measurements to Williams.

He can occasionally serve as a Devin Hester-like vertical threat, but Scouts Inc. has observed that he "displays great strength attacking the ball and does a nice job of using his frame to shield defenders."

25. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders): OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

After addressing the offense, expect Cincinnati to look towards the Alabama defensive pipeline with its second first-round pick.

At 270 pounds, Courtney Upshaw is a candidate to switch positions from linebacker to defensive end.

Whatever the case, Upshaw will thrive with the Bengals who play a sort of "defense by committee" that gets production from every player on the field.

26. New York Giants: S Mark Barron, Alabama

Injuries have threatened to derail the New York Giants' campaign.

Surprisingly, they have fared well in the NFC East and will have even more to work with in 2012.

One position they should contemplate upgrading is strong safety, where Kenny Phillips hasn't exactly flourished.

For that, Tuscaloosa has an alternative in Mark Barron. He's an intelligent player with prototypical strong safety size.

The Giants' secondary is very solid at the other three positions.

27. Baltimore Ravens: OG David DeCastro, Stanford

With Ray Rice in the backfield, the Baltimore Ravens simply have no excuse for ranking so poorly in rushing categories. Part of the explanation is a limited number of attempts, but inadequacy from Marshal Yanda at right guard is also an issue.

If unclaimed earlier in the first round, Stanford's David DeCastro should be their selection.

He blocks particularly well in space and comes coached in all the fundamentals.

Scouts like his blue-collar mentality, too.

28. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints): CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

The New England Patriots will probably choose two players as the first round winds down, that is if they and the New Orleans Saints are as great as we think they are.

The offense is exceptional, but the defense needs help. 

New England's secondary is quite frankly terrible, but luckily 2012 has the cornerback class that keeps on giving.

Brandon Boykin has the leaping ability to contest passes against any receiver. It allows him to compensate for his below-average height.

Furthermore, Boykin has both experience and success as a returner, which is another role that the Patriots haven't filled well in 2011.

29. San Francisco 49ers: QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill is raw when compared to passers who went earlier in this mock first round.

Still, the San Francisco 49ers need an insurance policy for Alex Smith.

Although in the midst of a career year, Smith has been commended more for not making mistakes than for actual achievements. He has no evident leadership traits and a history of injuries.

Tannehill is inaccurate and still learning the position, but if something goes awry with Smith, I don't think anybody wants to see Colin Kaepernick.

The 49ers are having a strong season and have few if any glaring weaknesses.

30. New England Patriots: OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia

Jarvis Jones is having a beastly season for the Georgia Bulldogs and the New England Patriots need more than just his collegiate teammate Brandon Boykin to bolster their defense.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Pats allowed linebacker Rob Ninkovich to walk via free agency in order to insert Jones alongside Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo.

They may be hesitant to draft him, however, because of his limited game experience.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

A fifth member of the 2011 Crimson Tide may sneak into the first round with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the clock.

Inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower is imperfect, says Scouts Inc.

The evaluation on him states that he "has trouble is space . . . and needs to do better job of breaking down and staying under control before contact."

All in all, though, he would be an asset on a defense which lacks depth up the middle.

32. Green Bay Packers: OLB Keenan Robinson, Texas

Let's presume that the Green Bay Packers repeat as NFL champions, or at least make a deep playoff run and choose late in this round.

They won't be shopping for starters, simply more depth (like the Pittsburgh Steelers).

Texas' Keenan Robinson could see playing time when opponents have run-first scenarios. He has amazing range and smooth lateral movements.

You won't see him challenging Clay Matthews in any respect, but Robinson will make the Packers better. Franchises as stacked as Green Bay will be satisfied with getting that in the first round.