2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Heisman Hopefuls' Draft Stock Is Rising?

The 2012 NFL Draft is still months away, but the race for Andrew Luck is damn well underway.

In fact, since the beginning of the season, we've talked a lot about the "Suck for Luck" race.

That race is almost over, though.

The Indianapolis Colts are 0-10 on the season and need to win at least two games to even make it interesting.

Judging by their body of work so far this season, that seems highly unlikely.

The real story is whether or not the Colts plan on replacing future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning with the incoming rookie.

Manning's health is more than a question mark, and Luck's potential is anything but.

At this juncture of the season, the league's worst teams are starting to put an eye towards the future.

We've done the same as well.

Here is an early look at the 2012 NFL Draft.

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-10)

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This is the most likely scenario at this point.

We've talked about Andrew Luck for two years now. If he isn't the No. 1 overall pick, it would be an absolute shock and a bad decision by the Colts.

There is nothing more difficult than replacing a legend at the quarterback position, but Luck is the closest thing we've seen to that very legend as a prospect since 1998.

We could all be wrong on Luck, but the Colts would be wrong not to draft him.

Whether they opt to keep Manning for at least one more year (health permitting) is another debate entirely.

Add the future quarterback first and deal with the repercussions later.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-7)

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

People will finally realize just how good Justin Blackmon is if/when the Pokes make it to the BCS National Championship game.

He's been uber-productive in Stillwater and has the potential to be an elite receiver at the next level.

Blackmon isn't a ridiculously fast or tall receiver, but he's supremely athletic, knows how to get open and does a phenomenal job of making the difficult catch.

Everything I just described is exactly what the St. Louis Rams need.

They must not trust 30-year-old Brandon Lloyd to be the top weapon for Sam Bradford. They need a younger playmaker at the position.

3. Carolina Panthers (2-7)

Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Say what you want about Coples' production this season; the thing NFL scouts see is size, athleticism, speed, potential and versatility.

Naturally, we want to see him handle double teams and added attention better than he has, but defensive line coaches look at him and drool.

He's listed at 6'6" and in the 275-pound range with potential sub-4.8 40-yard-dash speed.

Coples plays with a quick first step and quick hands. He's still refining his pass rush skills, but that makes NFL coaches even more excited.

He's dropped a bit on boards, but he'll stick in the top 10 with his ridiculous potential.

The Panthers, who are still in the bottom half of the league in sacks, can pair him up opposite Charles Johnson and move him around on passing downs as they see fit.

4. Miami Dolphins (2-7)

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Miami fans were extremely active in the "Suck for Luck" campaign, but the team then decided to win two straight football games.

Now they'll turn their sights on hiring a new coach and drafting a new quarterback not named Luck.

The top prospects behind the Stanford signal caller are Matt Barkley of USC and Landry Jones of Oklahoma.

With Barkley, they'll get a kid they know is going to dedicate himself to making the organization better immediately.

He's improved every year at USC, is a proven leader and has started since his freshman season.

Barkley boasts an extremely high football IQ and still has untapped potential.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)

Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

This is a reach. Alshon Jeffery is a rare talent with the ability to absolutely dominate football games.

Unfortunately, he hasn't done so very often this year.

A lot of this has to do with the instability at quarterback position for the Gamecocks. We saw Jeffery play great at times last year with Stephen Garcia under center, but the QB has been dismissed from the team for being an absolute jackass.

Jeffery's production has dipped because of it, and he also seems unfocused at times.

He's still 6'4", 233-pounds, though, with the ability to make plays after the catch and dominate smaller opponents.

If the Jaguars want to give Blaine Gabbert (and whoever the next coach is) a chance to succeed, they need another big weapon on the outside. Jason Hill simply doesn't cut it opposite Mike Thomas.

6. Arizona Cardinals (3-6)

Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Surprise, surprise, the Cardinals have issues on the offensive line.

This pick, by the way, could easily be a quarterback. Depending on how the rest of this season plays out, there is a chance they pull the plug on the Kevin Kolb era (Is it really that surprising that he isn't good?).

But if they decide to stick with him or go after another veteran, they simply cannot pass up a chance a franchise tackle.

Kalil was so good he kept last year's No. 9 overall pick, Tyron Smith, on the right side of the line at USC.

He's the brother of Panthers center Ryan Kalil, and at nearly 6'7" and just under 300 pounds, he is too good to pass up.

7. Cleveland Browns (3-6)

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The current Heisman Trophy favorite is an absolute beast.

Richardson takes no prisoners on every single run and has ridiculous burst, balance, body control, leg drive and versatility.

He can make plays out of the backfield and he can pick up the blitz.

If you've watched the Browns at all this year you know they have issues at the running back position.

Easy pick on best available player and a position of need.

8. Minnesota Vikings (2-7)

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Protecting Andrew Luck's blindside is no easy task.

Martin makes it look easy, though.

The No. 1 pick in this draft has been sacked only seven times all season; Martin has had a big hand in that.

At 6'6", and just over 300 pounds, Martin is prototypical size for the position in the NFL.

The Vikings, who are now into the Christian Ponder era, need themselves a franchise tackle to grow with Ponder.

9. Washington Redskins (3-6)

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

This is one of the more interesting picks in the draft.

Jones is a stat machine a sure-fire first round pick at this point. Some have put him ahead of Barkley, and others have him behind Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M.

He stands 6'4" and 230 pounds, prototype size for the position.

He's got a very good arm, has a ton of experience and can still get better.

Like most quarterbacks out of the Oklahoma offense, the question is how he'll adjust to the NFL game.

The Redskins, whose quarterback situation is almost worse than it was last year (and that is saying something), will cost Mike Shanahan his job if he doesn't find a solution before next season.

10. Seattle Seahawks (3-6)

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The best cornerback in the draft isn't the next Patrick Peterson, but he is his former teammate.

Claiborne isn't nearly as big or strong as last year's No. 5 overall pick, but he's smart, fast, supremely talented and is a complete playmaker.

His interception of A.J. McCarron in the LSU-Alabama game helped change the complexion of that game entirely.

Those are the types of plays Pete Carroll could use in Seattle.

Claiborne is also the best available player on the board in this scenario.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)

Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

We've just about hit the point where we can stop talking about "Eagles" and "playoffs" in the same sentence.

A loss this week against the Giants will end them entirely.

The Eagles have gotten better against the run this season, but are far from good.

Thompson excels against the run and flashes the ability to be a pass rusher. This may be a bit high, but this defensive tackle class is weak altogether.

The Eagles love to take linemen with their first-round picks on either side of the ball.

12. Denver Broncos (4-5)

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Broncos sent away their most consistent weapon in Brandon Lloyd at the trading deadline. To be honest, I'm not bothered by the move at all. Lloyd is a career up-and-downer who is already 30 years old.

If Tim Tebow continues to make plays and win games, then he'll end all debate of whether or not he's going to be this team's quarterback.

Running back would certainly be an option considering how things are playing out in their backfield, but Trent Richardson is off the board.

Michael Floyd, on the other hand, would give them another big, strong weapon on the outside. There is no telling what this team is going to get from Demaryius Thomas. They have a nice slot option in Eddie Royal, but could use another trustworthy target opposite Eric Decker.

Floyd's name is talked about as much as it should be, but he is the No. 2 receiver in this draft (although I had Jeffery coming off the board first).

13. Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)

Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Kansas City Chiefs have nine sacks on the season. That's it.

Jared Allen, DeMarcus Ware and Jason Pierre-Paul have more than that by themselves.

Courtney Upshaw isn't a true defensive end, but he's a nightmare off the edge in Nick Saban's defense.

He comes from a pro-oriented coach with a track record of putting out disciplined, hard working players.

Upshaw can help the Chiefs get after the quarterback even if he is a bit of reach here.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

No team seems more set in what they're going to do with their first round pick this year than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

They certainly still need help getting after the quarterback as well, but they have a major need in the secondary.

Alfonzo Dennard popped off the tape last year when people were studying former teammate and first-round pick of the Giants, Prince Amukamara.

He battled injury early this year and isn't an elite specimen in any category, but he's simply solid in every phase of the game. 

He's a leader and a guy you want on your football team. Tampa Bay could use someone like that. 

15. Tennessee Titans (5-4)

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

The picture of Burfict says all you need to know.

He's downright mean, nasty and can even get himself in trouble for being too amped at times.

Tennessee has missed a linebacking presence all season in the absence of Stephen Tulloch, and Burfict is a great option to go with.

He's a bit raw, but he's a physical freak that will impress even more during the workout process.

16. Buffalo Bills (5-4)

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Buffalo Bills have failed to address their offensive line in recent years.

They got better as a whole this year, but still need more.

Enter Riley Reiff from a the offensive lineman machine at Iowa.

He's technically sound, has the size and frame to play the position at the next level and simply won't disappoint. 

17. Oakland Raiders (5-4)

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

We haven't seen the best of Dre Kirkpatrick yet. The Alabama cornerback (yes, another Crimson Tide player, and he's nowhere near the last) has so much raw potential that it is almost scary.

No team likes to take chances on potential anymore than the Raiders.

They virtually have no draft picks and cannot miss on this opportunity to add a player at a position of need.

Kirkpatrick is not nearly as consistent as we'd like, but at nearly 6'3", he possesses rare size and physicality for the position.

Anything "rare" is perfect for the Raiders.

18. Dallas Cowboys (5-4)

Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

The Cowboys' history shows they aren't afraid to gamble on a player with character concerns.

Jenkins has plenty of those and is working to make up for his inexcusable dismissal from the University of Florida, but he also has unique talent.

He's a bit of gambling player himself, but he thrived against elite competition in the SEC and would be an ideal replacement for Terrence Newman as a starting cornerback in Big D.

He's a playmaker with a chip on his shoulder.

19. Detroit Lions (6-3)

Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

The Irish middle linebacker was one of the top recruits to commit to the Irish in recent years.

He hasn't disappointed.

Te'o's overall speed has been questioned before, which would explain why he's seen chasing in tackle position often, but he has elite instincts, toughness and has been a leader in South Bend since his freshman season.

The Lions, who only signed the aforementioned Stephen Tulloch to a one-year deal this offseason, need to have a replacement ready.

20. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)

David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Bengals are improving with every game.

The best way to continue that improvement is by protecting their future with an offensive line and running game.

Offensive guards aren't always a guarantee in the first round, but another part of the line that protects Andrew Luck is a safe bet.

David DeCastro is exactly that.

He's an NFL-ready player that will start in Cincinnati from day one.

21. Cleveland Browns (via Falcons 5-4)

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Boston College linebacker is a tackling machine.

Since the first day, he stepped on the field as freshman has been using his instincts, toughness and smarts to overcome a lack of elite physical skills.

He's not overly imposing and won't impress in workouts, but he's a straight-up football player.

The Browns, as they continue working on a 4-3 defense, would foolish to pass on this type of grab this late in the draft.

22. San Diego Chargers (4-5)

Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

Nobody has been more positively affected by Russell Wilson's presence than Nick Toon.

The son of former NFL star Al Toon, Nick is developing into a fine prospect himself.

He possesses great size at 6'3", 220 pounds and does a great job of high pointing the football and making plays downfield.

The Chargers, who rely too heavily on just one receiver, need to find another weapon the outside.

Malcom Floyd is not a long term answer and is going to be 31 years old next year.

There is no telling what will happen with Antonio Gates' long-term healthy, and they've yet to figure out a weapon to use that isn't a running back.

Vincent Brown will get his chance in the coming weeks for the Chargers, but for the time being, Nick Toon deserves some push up the board.

23. Chicago Bears (6-3)

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Bears are winning football games because they are protecting Jay Cutler and helping Matt Forte make plays.

Their defense is certainly part of that too, but it is no coincidence that their win total has gone up as the sacks go down.

Glenn is one of the best interior linemen in the nation and would be a welcome piece at guard for the Bears.

If they're going to give Matt Forte a new contract (or franchise him), then they should also try and help him the best the can. Glenn will help.

24. New York Jets (5-4)

Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

The Jets' biggest weakness defensively is up the middle against the run. 

Losing Kris Jenkins and not effectively replacing him in the middle will do that.

Ta'amu is an extremely intriguing prospect at 6'3", 337 pounds.

He is the type of player the Jets could use to stuff the run.

25. Houston Texans (7-3)

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

There is a lot to love about Mark Barron.

He's a senior, he's an All-American, he loves to hit, he's played at most elite level of competition, he's an effective blitzer and his coach is Nick Saban.

He lacks deep range as a cover man, but can still make plays on the back end when in position.

The Texans, whose defense is vastly improved, still need a safety.

He's the best on the board. 

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)

Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Another Alabama star, Hightower, along with the previously picked Upshaw and Barron, are the leaders of an absolutely dominant defense.

The inside linebacker is a freak athlete at 6'4", 260 pounds.

He loves to play downhill, is an effective blitzer and has the ability to drop in coverage.

His potential outweighs his production due to injury issues, but he's the type of player who could excel once at the next level.

The Steelers, who are getting older with every passing snap at linebacker, could use a playmaker like Hightower.

27. New York Giants (6-3)

Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

The New York Giants draft a linebacker in the first round? You're kidding me?

Zach Brown isn't just a linebacker, and there is a good chance he moves up the board come workouts, but he's a superior athlete with pass rushing skills.

The Giants love their pass rushers, but also need some youth at linebacker.

They continue to ignore the position and "technically" start sixth-round rookie Greg Jones at middle linebacker this year.

They use a lot of three safety looks with Michael Boley and Mathias Kiwanuka in the game as linebackers. Brown has that type of ability despite being vastly undersized at 6'2", 230 pounds.

28. New England Patriots (via Saints 7-3)

Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

The best available cornerback is a no-brainer for the Patriots at this point.

They're secondary has been much maligned all season, and there is never a bad time to add a young, talented prospect this late in the draft.

Minnifield burst onto the scene in place of former teammate and current Patriot Ras-I Dowling when he went down with injury.

He possesses good size at 6'0", 185 pounds and is simply a solid all-around cornerback prospect.

The Patriots need all the help they can get back there.

29. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)

Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State

Nobody drafts like Ozzie Newsome of the Baltimore Ravens; he is simply the best.

Brewster, a hard-nosed center with skills any team would die for, is a great for the Ravens up front.

The senior has great size at 6'5", 305 pounds.

They have a need at the position, and he's a great value at this stage in the draft.

30. San Francisco 49ers (8-1)

Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M

The surprising 49ers don't have a ton of glaring needs at the moment.

Their offensive line is young and talented. Their quarterback seems to have figured it out. They have a dominant running back and two backups they're in love with.

They have two tight ends that can both take over at any given time. And...ah, wide receiver.

Ted Ginn Jr. is now starting after Josh Morgan went down with injury, and Braylon Edwards only signed a one-year deal.

Fuller, who possesses great size and the ability to dominate opponents, is a great fit for them.

They can use Crabtree as their dependable guy, Ginn as the big play speedster and Fuller as the big man.

31. New England Patriots (6-3)

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

The Rutgers junior receiver is simply too talented an all-around weapon for Bill Belichick to pass up.

He came to Scarlet Knights expecting to play safety and wound up playing wildcat QB, running back and wide receiver.

This year, he went to a more traditional wide receiver role and has been brilliant.

He possesses very good size at 6'2", and he's a threat to make things happen on every play.

32. Green Bay Packers (9-0)

Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

Pass rush.

This what Jarvis Jones is all about.

The redshirt sophomore already has 10 sacks this season and is scary off the edge.

At 6'3", 241 pounds, he is a bit undersized, but he has the tenacity and speed to be a force.

Using him in packages with Clay Matthews, Jr. would be something to see.