2012 NFL Mock Draft: Indianapolis Colts and Top Andrew Luck Suitors

It is almost impossible to imagine, but the NFL regular season is rapidly coming to a close.

It is already Week 14 and as the 2011 playoff picture comes into clearer focus so does the 2012 NFL Draft.

The college football regular season is over. We now have to sit back and wait almost a month to see some of the nation's top teams.

In the meantime, we'll have plenty of other bowl games to watch as well as plenty of tape to review from the regular season.

One player who needs no more reviewing is Stanford's Andrew Luck. People continue to want to poke holes in his game and say this quarterback and that quarterback are closing on him, but in reality he's the true No. 1 prospect.

He's been atop the board for nearly two years now and won't change on draft day in April.

As to who will claim him, that is almost settled. 

The Indianapolis Colts are 0-12 and have a two-game lead on the No. 1 slot with four games to go. Barring anything wild, like the Colts winning a game, they'll have the first crack at him.

There are other teams that will want to move up for his services as well though, and if the winless Colts find the right offer it might be too much to pass up.

Here is a complete updated look at the first-round of the 2012 NFL Draft and the top suitors chasing Luck.

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

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-12): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Indianapolis is about to undergo major changes this offseason.

The team has serious question marks defensively across the board, are likely going to move forward without Peyton Manning if they score the No. 1 pick and will almost certainly be bringing in a new head coach.

As to whom that may be is anyone's guess at this point, but let's just say that Andrew Luck is quite the selling point.

There is little reason to get bogged down in Luck's attributes at this stage of the process since we already know all about him. He's 6'4", 235 pounds; a superb athlete for his size, incredibly smart, poised in and out of the pocket and, although some question it, has the arm strength to make each and every throw necessary.

Many consider him the most pro-ready quarterback since Peyton Manning himself.

The Colts have a lot of holes to fill defensively and could use the plethora of picks they'd receive in exchange for the No. 1 pick, but are they really going to pass on the next, more athletic Manning?

2. St. Louis Rams (2-10): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

We know two things about the St. Louis Rams: they don't need Andrew Luck but they need a wide receiver.

Last year they missed out on the opportunity to add a dynamic playmaker in the first round but snapped up a pair of mid-round receivers in Austin Pettis and Greg Salas. Then they went out and traded for Brandon Lloyd from Denver.

You don't have to be a genius to know that Lloyd is one of the sketchiest receivers in the league and cannot be trusted. On top of that, he'll be 31 years old before next season.

The Rams need a top young playmaker to grow with Sam Bradford and that is Justin Blackmon.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys receiver lacks elite size (6'1", 211 pounds) and speed, but he knows how to get open, has great football speed and makes difficult catches look easy.

He's more than equipped to be a top-flight NFL receiver and he'll be extremely productive with someone like Bradford.

3. Minnesota Vikings (2-10): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Minnesota Vikings have to love what they're seeing from rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.

Unfortunately, it is not translating to a lot of wins right now.

The Vikes have a lot of needs defensively, but need to protect their investments in the backfield first. With Adrian Peterson playing in the first year of his new contract and Ponder now starting, the future of this franchise is in place.

Protecting it with someone like Matt Kalil, an NFL-ready starter from USC, is one of the easiest picks they'll ever have to make.

Kalil, brother of Panthers center Ryan Kalil, is 6'7", 295 pounds and does everything well. He's so talented that he kept last year's No. 9 overall pick of the Cowboys, Tyron Smith, at right tackle when they played together.

The Vikes have nothing to worry about using a top-five pick on a lineman of Kalil's caliber.

4. Miami Dolphins (4-8): Matt Barkley, QB, USC

The Miami Dolphins were front and center in the "Suck for Luck" campaign at the beginning of the season. Then they rattled off three straight wins and pushed themselves out of the race.

That is okay though because USC's Matt Barkley just finished a superb junior season and has made a strong case for himself as a top-five prospect.

The Trojans QB has submitted a request for an evaluation from the NFL's personnel committee and will sit down today with USC head coach Lane Kiffin and athletic director Pat Haden to discuss his future.

This is only news because the Trojans' season is over due to their postseason ban.

As for Barkley's NFL prospects, he's a gifted passer and leader with good size, athleticism and stellar decision-making. He's 6'2", 220 pounds, and has become a better player each and every year since taking over as the starter his freshman season.

Barkley chose not to leave USC after the sanctions were leveled against them and rallied his teammates to play some great football; this year especially.

The Dolphins have been looking for a franchise signal caller for far too long and many expect Barkley to be better than the previous USC quarterbacks who have gone in the top 10 in recent years.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

This is the first true reach of the draft but it more than fits the scenario.

For starters, and I know the Jaguars will have a new owner and coach in place before the draft, Jacksonville has never shied away from reaching for a player and GM Gene Smith will still be calling the shots.

As for their biggest need, that happens to be wide receiver and there are two who warrant consideration: Notre Dame's Michael Floyd and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery.

With rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert already in place (assuming the new coach takes to him) they desperately need a No. 1 target.

Floyd versus Jeffery is an interesting debate, but the Golden Domer has a higher floor than Jeffery. He was consistently the top Irish weapon during his time in South Bend and holds records for most catches in a season and career touchdowns.

He's 6'3", 232 pounds and can dominate opponents.

Where Jeffery consistently lacked consistency in the past two seasons, Floyd has continued to be the picture of production. He lacks deep speed, but tracks the ball extremely well.

He's a safer option at wide receiver than Jeffery although they're both reaches.

6. Arizona Cardinals (5-7): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Cardinals pulled a surprising upset of the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday (it really wasn't all that surprising seeing as it is December and it is Tony Romo) but continue be disappointing overall.

The Kevin Kolb era's potential is a mystery, but one way to help things would be to sure up the offensive line.

Stanford's Jonathan Martin, who's made his name protecting the No. 1 pick in this draft, is one of the top prospects in the country.

At 6'6", 304 pounds, he has the size to excel at the next level. He's not on the level of Kalil as a prospect, but he's smart, very aggressive in the run game and stout in the pass game.

The Cardinals, if they honestly believe Kolb is the answer at QB, need to do all they can to protect him.

7. Carolina Panthers (4-8): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Carolina Panthers have a lot to look forward to with Cam Newton under center.

That said, they still have some glaring needs defensively.

The best player on the board happens to be one of the biggest team needs.

LSU's Morris Claiborne won't have the opportunity to battle with Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon in the BCS Championship Game like we hoped, but he's shown more than enough ability this year to warrant a top-10 selection.

Claiborne mustn't be confused with former teammate and last year's No. 5 pick Patrick Peterson (PP is much bigger), but the current Tiger is more fluid in his hips and still has good height (6') even though he weighs under 180 pounds.

Most people focus on Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. The Honey Badger, when they think of LSU defensive backs, but Claiborne is the real deal.

Ask Alabama QB A.J. McCarron if he wants to challenge him again.

8. Cleveland Browns (4-8): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Are you as sick of talking about the Cleveland Browns situation at running back as I am?

Peyton Hillis, Montario Hardesty, Chris Ogbonnaya... Trent Richardson ends all that debate.

The Alabama running back is everything to the Tide offense. When we talk about the Crimson Tide everything is focused on their absolutely dominant defense, but they also win games because Trent Richardson can be unstoppable.

He's a major threat out of the backfield and always runs hard. Richardson might not bag the Heisman Trophy like former teammate Mark Ingram, but he'll be drafted higher than last year's No. 28 pick was.

Cleveland looks like they'll continue on with Colt McCoy under center (and that is the right choice) leaving them open to grab a new running back to likely replace Hillis rather than giving him a new deal.

Richardson is a can't miss prospect and will fit in great in the AFC North.

9. Washington Redskins (4-8): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Arguably the fan favorite for the Heisman Trophy right now, Robert Griffin III is the quarterback the Redskins have passed on for a number of years.

This year the Redskins, and Mike Shanahan if he's still the coach, have no choice but to address their need at quarterback.

There is nothing else to talk about with this team but quarterback.

RGIII, meanwhile, has simply compiled a brilliant resume in Waco, Texas for the Baylor Bears. He's a superior athlete that can beat teams with his feet as well as his arm. 

He's accurate, but more importantly, smart with the football. RGIII rarely throws interceptions and handles pressure in the pocket very well.

He obviously has things to improve upon, but his upside is tremendous and his physical tools are undeniable.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8): Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

Believe it or not, a year after drafting two defensive ends the Buccaneers still have a need at pass rusher.

They've recorded only 19 sacks so far this season (31st in the league) and have regressed as a team across the board. They're ranked 27th against the pass and 29th against the run.

Cornerback is also a major need, but the way the board falls they have a shot at one of the draft's top pass rushers in Quinton Coples.

The UNC product hasn't lived up to the hype this season, but his size, athleticism and upside are too much for teams to ignore.

Coples stands 6'6 1/2", 272 pounds and is one of those prospects that teams believe they can make into an elite prospect.

The problem is that he doesn't always exhibit a high motor and when he faced double teams he was ineffective.

His overall potential and upside will be too much for a team to pass on and the Bucs have a major need. 

Picks 11-15: Fringe Top 10 Prospects

11. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The underachieving WR has unique physical skills and great size. At 6'4", 232 pounds, he can dominate when he wants and would be the big target the Eagles lack.

12. San Diego Chargers (4-7): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick has great size for his position (6' 3", 190 pounds) and a ton of athleticism. He's not an elite cover corner, but will help a Chargers team that is about to realize Quentin Jammer is getting older quick.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (5-7): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The best offensive tackle left on the board is ideal for Kansas City as they can shuffle their line around to find a better combination of players. As expected of Hawkeyes, he's very technically sound with ideal size.

14. Seattle Seahawks (5-7): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Some would say this is a reach for Dennard, but he's a solid all around corner with great experience and leadership. He was hampered by injury early in the year and can be better.

15. Buffalo Bills (5-7): Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

This is a bit of a fall for Jones, but since the loss of Ryan Broyles he hasn't been the same. He also lacks consistency and doesn't always dominate. He's got the experience, arm and overall size to be a starting QB in the NFL though. Buffalo is finding out rather quickly that Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't going to be their long-term answer.

Picks 16-20: Potential and Value

16. Tennessee Titans (7-5): Vontaze Burfict, LB, ASU

The picture of Burfict says it all. He's a mean, nasty, physical freak of nature who just wants to hurt people. Unfortunately, that gets him into trouble at times too. He has top-10 tools and would give the Titans a linebacker they lost in Stephen Tulloch.

17. Denver Broncos (7-5): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

The Hurricanes running back has been an extremely interesting prospect this season who faded a bit down the stretch. That said, the Broncos, with the new Tim Tebow offense, will always need running backs as Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee consistently battle injuries.

18. Chicago Bears (7-5): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

The offensive line didn't get Jay Cutler killed this year, bu they could still be better if they move things around. Konz, former college teammate of last year's first-round pick Gabe Carimi, will help this team immediately.

19. Detroit Lions (7-5): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

The Lions only signed the aforementioned Tulloch for one year. Kuechly lacks elite physical tools, but makes up for it with his instincts and toughness. He's a tackling machine.

20. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

If any organization other than the Oakland Raiders is noted for taking on risky prospects it is the Bengals. Jenkins played against elite competition in Florida before being dismissed. Teams won't forget him.

Picks 21-25: Low-End Playoff Teams with Major Needs

21. New York Giants (6-6): Zach Brown, LB, UNC

The Giants addressing their need at linebacker in the first round? Crazy, I know. They do have some talent they like at the position, but Brown is a freak athlete and too good to pass up. He also has great pass rush skills.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5 via OAK): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

NFL-ready starter at offensive guard. DeCastro is 6'4", 314 pounds and arguably the best interior lineman in the country. He provides immediate help at a position of need for the Bengals.

23. New York Jets (7-5): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Bulldog has great size at 6'5", 340 pounds. He's a mountain in the middle of the offensive line and has surprisingly good athleticism for his size. He'll help a Jets team that has struggled to run the football the way they have in years past.

24. Cleveland Browns (7-5 via ATL): Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

Jones really came on as an elite pass rusher for one of the best defenses in the country this year. He's an ideal 4-3 pass rushing linebacker at 6'3", 241 pounds.

25. Houston Texans (9-3): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Texans defense continues to improve, but upgrading at safety is still what they want to do. Barron is one of the top safeties in the country and has been for a few years. He's great against the run and can play the pass well too offering one of the most complete skill sets in the draft.

Picks 26-30: Contenders Chasing Valuable Prospects

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

The Steelers continue to get older at the linebacker position and Dont'a Hightower can help that. The Alabama linebacker is big, fast and nasty. At 6'4", 260 pounds he's one of the more intriguing physical specimens in the draft.

27. Dallas Cowboys (7-5): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Cowboys continue to look for help along their defensive front after passing on J.J. Watt in the first round last year. Still continues to rise up draft boards and could very easily be gone by this point. He's been one of the most active and disruptive defensive players in the country this year.

28. New England Patriots (via NO 9-3): Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

New England's secondary continues to be a problem. A year ago they added Ras-I Dowling to the mix but he was a non-factor before landing on the IR. His former college teammate, Minnifield, made a name for himself last year when Dowling was injured and he can help out New England immediately. He's solid all the way around.

29. Baltimore Ravens (9-3): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

Another Bama defender, Upshaw is arguably the most well known of the group. He's a bit undersized, but uses his speed, strength and leverage to his advantage off the edge. Like the Steelers, Baltimore can always use more youth at the position.

30. San Francisco 49ers (10-2): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

With the ascension of RGIII comes the the rise of Kendall Wright. The Baylor receiver has good size and speed and consistently makes plays when the ball is in his hands. He was extremely productive this season and can fill one of the missing pieces in the 49ers offense.

Picks 31-32: League's Best Still Have Needs

31. New England Patriots (9-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Bill Belichick does like his Rutgers kids. Sanu, who went to Piscataway expecting to play safety, was moved to offense his freshman year and played nearly every possible position. He's quickly developed into a dynamic receiver though and will be hard to pass on with his combination of size, speed and playmaking ability.

32. Green Bay Packers (12-0): Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

Best available player for the best available team. Thompson isn't overly productive, but at 6'2", 310 pounds he's one of the more disruptive players in the country.

Complete Mock

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

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-12)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-10)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Minnesota Vikings (2-10)	Matt Kalil, OT
4.	Miami Dolphins (4-8)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)	Michael Floyd, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (5-7)	Jonathan Martin, OT
7.	Carolina Panthers (4-8)	Morris Claiborne, CB
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-8)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (4-8)	Robert Griffin III, QB
10.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-8)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-7)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (5-7)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Seattle Seahawks (5-7)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Buffalo Bills (5-7)	Landry Jones, QB
16.	Tennessee Titans (7-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
17.	Denver Broncos (7-5)	Lamar Miller, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-5)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Detroit Lions (7-5)	Luke Kuechly, LB
20.	Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
21.	New York Giants (6-6)	Zach Brown, LB
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (7-5)	David DeCastro, OG
23.	New York Jets (7-5)	Cordy Glenn, OG
24.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (7-5)	Jarvis Jones, LB
25.	Houston Texans (9-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	Dallas Cowboys (7-5)	Devon Still, DT
28.	New England (via NO 9-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (9-3)	Courtney Upshaw, DE
30.	San Francisco 49ers (10-2)	Kendall Wright, WR
31.	New England Patriots (9-3)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (12-0)	Brandon Thompson, DT