2012 NFL Mock Draft: 5 Prospects Who Will Be Instant Pro Starters

Each year in the NFL draft there are more than a few rookies who not only make a significant impact, but end up starting from the get-go.

That said, here are five rookies who will be starting when Week 1 of the 2012 season kicks off.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Rams

St. Louis needs a stud WR to help their poor passing game. Currently St. Louis ranks No. 28 in pass offense and gains just 185 yards per game. On the ground it's not much better in being ranked No. 27 and gaining 98 yards per game.

Drafting Blackmon would open up their entire playbook and as evidence by when he coached in Denver, Josh McDaniels would love another WR to improve the offense.

Both last and this season, Blackmon is arguably the nation's best WR. If St. Louis can become more explosive on offense, not only will it revive RB Steven Jackson but against some weak pass defenses in the NFC West, he would dominate.

Michael Floyd: WR, Jaguars

If we're wondering why the Jaguars lack a passing game, having a rookie like Blaine Gabbert with no targets to actually target won't help. Mike Thomas is their best WR and he has just 389 yards on 39 catches.

Had it not been for RB Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jags may not have three wins this season, despite their respectable defense. Adding Notre Dame's Michael Floyd would give Gabbert a great target to take pressure off everyone else.

And for as great as MJD has played this season despite defenses only having to game-plan for him, imagine how productive he'll become when Floyd is snagging the rock all over the field. Jacksonville's offense and team just got a whole lot better.

Trent Richardson: RB, Browns

By far the best RB in the nation and the focal point of the Crimson Tide offense. The Browns need a back who can start right away and have Peyton Hillis be the No. 2 in their one-two punch rushing combo.

If Cleveland wants to have any hope of improving their passing game, it might help if the ground game is even somewhat effective. As for Richardson, right now he's basically as big and strong as Hillis, but also faster and is better at breaking tackles.

The Browns need a punishing RB that brings an attitude to the game and Trent Richardson provides them with depth, versatility and young talent needed to rebuild a once-great franchise.

Quinton Coples: DE, Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have arguably the NFL's best pass-rusher in DeMarcus Ware, but after him only Anthony Spencer is a legit threat at LB coming off the edge.

They need someone on the D-line coming at the QB every play, but also opposite of Ware. That man is Quinton Coples.

His numbers in 2011 aren't close to the ones from 2010, however he's derived a lot of attention away from stud LB Zach Brown for the Tar Heels. Now, can you imagine how much better Ware becomes with another pass-rusher opposite him? Scary.

As for getting blocked, any defensive player will tell you that getting double- or triple-teams on a consistent basis is a good thing, because that means a few other of your teammates are free to make plays.

Cam Johnson: DE, Patriots

Other than their horrific pass defense, one major area of concern on the Patriots is their pass rush. They have just 27 sacks on the year (ranked No. 16) and when your average at getting QB pressure, the already-weak coverage becomes even more vulnerable.

Which is where Virginia's Cam Johnson comes in. Much like Coples, his numbers were better in 2010, but he's also played in fewer games this season.

However, with the Cavaliers getting into bowl season, Johnson will have a solid opportunity to make an even bigger splash as a prospect. And if New England wants any shot at improving defensively, they must draft a solid pass-rusher.

In addition, Johnson also gives them youth on the D-line, something else of need.

2012 First Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stan.)	17. New York Jets: Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)
2. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR (Okla. St.)	18. Tennessee Titans: Jeff Fuller, WR (Tex. A&M)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB (LSU)	19. Detroit Lions: Zach Brown, LB (UNC)
4. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB (USC)	20. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, G (Stan.)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devon Still, DT (Penn St.)	21. Cleveland (From ATL): Vontaze Burfict, LB (ASU)
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (ND)	22. Cincinnati (From Oak): Jonathan Martin, OT (Stan.)
7. Arizona Cardinals: Alshon Jeffery, WR (S. Car.)	23. Chicago Bears: Nick Toon, WR (Wisc.)
8. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	24. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Neb.)
9. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB (Ala.)	25. Dallas Cowboys: Quinton Coples, DE (UNC)
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, QB (Baylor)	26. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
11 .Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, LB (N.D.)	27. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Mich. St.)
12. Carolina Panthers: Brandon Thompson, DT (Clem)	28. N.E. (From N.O.): Cam Johnson, DE (Virginia)
13. San Diego Chargers: Courtney Upshaw, LB (Ala.)	29. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Ala.)
14. Kansas City Chiefs: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Ala.)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Chase Minnifield, CB (UVA)
15. Buffalo Bills: Janoris Jenkins, CB (N. Ala.)	31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB (B.C.)
16. New York Giants: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio St.)	32. Green Bay Packers: Melvin Ingram, DE (S. Car.)

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