2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Franchises Will Land Cornerstone Players?

With the 2011 college football regular season in the books, we have a pretty good idea which college stars are NFL material and which are not.

For the stars who are pro material, the 2012 NFL draft looms. In just a few short months, the league will open its doors and shower piles of cash upon all those who proved themselves worthy of cash showers.

There's only one question worth asking: Where are the best of the best going to end up?

This question will be answered in the first round of the draft. The good news is that there is more than enough first-round talent to go around in this year's draft class, and quarterback-needy teams will get to take their pick of some of the most talented prospects in recent memory.

For example, you've probably heard about this Andrew Luck guy by now. He's a good one.

But Luck isn't the only name we have to discuss. Scroll ahead for a breakdown of all 32 first-round picks. If you have any questions or comments, by all means leave them below.

Note: Draft order is a modified version of my Week 14 Power Rankings, adjusted to account for playoff projections.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

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You name it, Luck's got it.

He's the perfect size for an NFL quarterback, as he's both tall and solidly built.

Despite that, he has above-average mobility, and he doesn't shy away from using it. Add in a strong, accurate arm and a mind made for football, and you can't ask for much more.

Luck has everything he needs to be an elite quarterback at the next level.

Why He Goes Here

It's looking more and more like the Colts are going to go 0-16 this season. Even if they don't, they have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft pretty well in hand.

Assuming they end up with it and don't trade it, they'll simply have too many excuses to draft Luck.

Why He Fits with Indianapolis

Ideally, Peyton Manning won't decide that he's better off retiring when the Colts draft Luck. If he does not, Luck will get to hold a clipboard for Manning for a couple seasons before taking over when Manning calls it a career.

If Luck adds tutelage from Manning to his already-impressive bag of tricks, he'll develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

2. St. Louis Rams: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

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At 6'4" and 230-plus pounds, Alshon Jeffery is a big receiver in the mold of Calvin Johnson.

That comparison is valid in more ways than one, as Jeffery has the ability to catch any ball thrown in his direction.

It helps that he's faster than he looks, and he just has a very good nose for the football. 

Why He Goes Here

The Rams are 2-10 now, and they're probably not going to get much better down the stretch. There's no sugarcoating the fact that they are a bad football team and that they need help in a lot of areas.

Finding Sam Bradford a top-flight wide receiver should be priority No. 1.

Why He Fits with St. Louis

Like I mentioned above, the Rams' franchise quarterback needs a franchise wide receiver.

Bradford has taken a big step back in 2011, but you really can't blame him for that seeing as how he's basically forced to throw the ball to Curly, Larry and Moe.

The Rams will have to patch up their O-line at some point, but until then Bradford should be just fine chucking it up for grabs in Jeffery's direction.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

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Matt Kalil is 6'7" and just about 300 pounds.

Monsters like him exist to play tackle in the NFL.

It helps that this particular monster is also a very good athlete who has spent his career at USC making sure Matt Barkley's uniform stays clean. He also clears running lanes when he has to. He excels at both.

Why He Goes Here

The Vikings are also 2-10, and they don't seem like a good candidate to finish the season hot. They shouldn't want to finish hot, mind you, as they are knee-deep in a rebuilding process that could use more than a couple high draft picks.

As it is, they'll take the No. 3 pick without complaining.

Why He Fits with Minnesota

The Vikings cut longtime left tackle Bryant McKinnie in August, and they would be wise to pick up a new one to go with Christian Ponder.

Because Ponder had some injury issues in college, the Vikings have even more incentive to make sure he stays safe. If they bring in Kalil, the job will be done.

Adrian Peterson will be glad to have him around, too.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

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Justin Blackmon is not as big as Alshon Jeffery, and he's not necessarily a burner, but the dude can just flat-out play football.

He has a variety of tricks that he uses to get open, and he oftentimes makes it too easy for Brandon Weeden to find him.

He's a classic possession receiver, and one that projects to be a reliable target for years to come.

Why He Goes Here

The Jaguars are 3-9 on the season, and it seems like they get worse every week. They're another team facing a big rebuilding project, and wide receiver is their key area of need.

No matter where they end up, Blackmon is going to be on their radar.

Why He Fits with Jacksonville

Right now, the Jags should be asking themselves whether or not Blaine Gabbert is a long-term solution at the quarterback position, as he just hasn't developed in his time under center in 2011.

But if they want to help Gabbert develop, they need to get him a stud wide receiver. If Blackmon can make it too easy for Weeden to find him, perhaps he can do the same for Gabbert.

5. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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Trent Richardson is not a man.

I am convinced that he is actually a mutant, and his power is taking the rock and pounding the living daylights out of opposing defenses.

He's as strong as a bull, so it's actually a little unfair that he has good vision, good speed and good instincts. You really can't ask for more in a running back.

Why He Goes Here

The Browns are 4-8 right now, but I'm putting them here because of the teams remaining on their schedule.

They have to face the Steelers twice and the Ravens once, and three of their final four games are on the road. They're going to end up with a high draft pick, and Richardson will be an attractive option.

Why He Fits with Cleveland

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that Peyton Hillis won't be back in 2012. He's done everything in his power to prove that he's not worth the money he's demanding, so the Browns are better off placing their trust in Richardson.

If he produces at the next level, a lot of pressure is going to come off Colt McCoy's shoulders.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

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In 2011, LSU gave us Patrick Peterson.

In 2012, it will give us Morris Claiborne.

He's a true lockdown corner who has the speed to run with fast receivers and the size (6'1" and 185 pounds) to go toe-to-toe with big receivers.

It probably helps that he has some experience as a wide receiver. He knows how they think.

Why He Goes Here

The Buccaneers are a sinking ship. They've lost six games in a row after starting the season 4-2, and they are ticketed for a top draft pick with three road games in their final four games.

They have an array of needs they need to fill, and cornerback is one of them.

Why He Fits with Tampa Bay

Ronde Barber is getting up there in years, and he's also a free agent after this season. The Buccaneers need to find a youngster to take over for Barber, and they're not going to find a better one than Claiborne.

Besides, in a division that includes Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton, you need as much pass defense as you can get.

7. San Diego Chargers: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

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At 6'6" and 300 pounds, Riley Reiff has plenty of size to play tackle at the NFL level.

He's come a long way as a pass-blocker, as he's quick and powerful enough to deter edge-rushers.

He's not quite as dominant as Matt Kalil, but that shouldn't be taken as an insult.

Reiff is solid, and he has everything he needs to hold his own in the pros.

Why He Goes Here

The Chargers are 5-7 after ending their losing streak in Jacksonville on Monday night, but they're still a bad team. I expect them to continue losing immediately.

After they fire Norv Turner, they can get to work preparing for the draft. Patching up their offensive line will be a priority.

Why He Fits with San Diego

Marcus McNeill is as solid as they come at left tackle, but the Chargers need to find somebody to take Jeromey Clary's place at right tackle.

He's just not very good, and he's making life way too difficult for Philip Rivers. If the Chargers put Reiff in front of him, he has every excuse to rebound in 2012.

8. Kansas City Chiefs: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)

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Jonathan Martin is the same size as Riley Reiff, and he's proven during his time at Stanford that he is capable of doing pretty much everything.

Stanford runs a run-heavy, pro-style offense that has taught Martin how to excel in run-blocking, and he can also be credited with keeping Andrew Luck safe when he drops back to pass.

That's a good thing to have on one's resume.

Why He Goes Here

The Chiefs have been killed by injuries this year, but they've at least managed to stay competitive. That's more than you can say about the Chargers. I have a feeling the Chiefs are going to end up behind them in the draft.

Why He Fits with Kansas City

The Chiefs needed offensive line help in last year's draft, but they targeted other needs instead. In 2011, they've had to watch Barry Richardson fail all over the place at right tackle, so they should know that the time is now to look for offensive line help.

The Chiefs could draft Reiff if they get a chance, but they won't pass on Martin if he's there. 

9. Philadelphia Eagles: Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame

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Manti Te'o is big, fast and strong, and he's got great natural instincts.

He can diagnose what's going on in a split second and react accordingly.

He's got plenty of range, and he has no trouble whatsoever when it comes to making the tackle.

It's hard to ask for more from a linebacker.

Why He Goes Here

It's no accident that the Eagles suck as bad as they do, and they're not going to get any better in their final four games. They're going to end up picking in the top 10 on draft day, and finding a franchise linebacker should be their first priority. They can't let their linebacking corps be a weakness again.

Why He Fits with Philadelphia

The Eagles can plug Te'o in at middle linebacker and charge him with stopping all the running backs that gave them fits in 2011.

Te'o is more up to the task than anybody the Eagles currently have on their roster, so inserting him into their starting lineup should lead to some improvement. 

10. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

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Everyone knew coming into the 2011 season that Robert Griffin III was a good athlete.

What he showed is that he's a good quarterback, too.

He displayed a strong arm, pinpoint accuracy and impressive awareness in the pocket.

He's been compared to Cam Newton, and he could very well end up with a Heisman Trophy of his own.

Why He Goes Here

I'm willing to admit that the Redskins could end up drafting higher than this, but I don't think it will matter. There really aren't any QB-needy teams at the top, so the Redskins won't be missing out on filling their biggest need if they do move down to No. 10 in the order.

Why He Fits with Washington

The Redskins need a quarterback. Plain and simple.

In fact, I'd wager that they are a quarterback away from contending. If they add RG3, they won't regret it. In a perfect world, RG3 will be the star that the Redskins thought they were getting when they drafted Jason Campbell. 

11. Carolina Panthers: Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

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Zach Brown has been accused of being slightly undersized, but one thing he does have is lots of speed.

Brown is a very fast linebacker who can easily roam from sideline to sideline.

Because of that, he can track down any running back that would dare go anywhere in his general vicinity.

Why He Goes Here

The Panthers are going to be an interesting team to watch in the draft, as they have a bunch of needs they need to address.

They're another team that could very well end up with a higher draft pick, but for now I like them at the No. 11 spot.

Why He Fits with Carolina

If there's one area the Panthers could stand to improve, it's their front seven. It's been far too leaky this season, particularly against the run.

The Panthers need a run-stuffing specialist, and I think that's where Brown comes into play. He could step in at outside linebacker and immediately solve some of the problems the Panthers have had this season.

12. Arizona Cardinals: Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

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Vontaze Burfict is a mean dude. As in, literally mean. No joke.

He's got some screws loose, and he has a well-deserved reputation as the nastiest player in college football.

This has at times been a problem, as Burfict has been downright reckless.

But on his best days, nothing gets past Burfict. He's as fast as they come, and he hits guys hard. If he can tone down his meanness, he might be the next Ray Lewis. That also is not a joke.

Why He Goes Here

The Cardinals are a team that truly needs a high draft pick, but they've played their way down the draft with four wins in their last five games. That's actually a bit of a shame, as they're going to be missing out on some much-needed offensive line help.

Why He Fits with Arizona

With no offensive line help in sight, the Cardinals' best move will be to bolster their defense. Burfict will be the best player available, and the Cardinals need to look at him as a guy they can build around.

With Burfict and Patrick Peterson in the mix, the Cardinals' defense could become a scary unit in no time.

13. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

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Matt Barkley came a long way in 2011.

He was already going to be a first-round pick, but what he showed is that he is capable of making NFL throws.

His accuracy improved greatly, which I guess was inevitable given the amount of time he's spent under center at USC.

You also have to give him props for remaining strong in what was a very tough time for the USC football program. 

Why He Goes Here

Since starting the season 0-7, the Dolphins have played some pretty good football in the last couple of weeks. They suddenly look capable of beating anyone, and I think that's going to lead to a strong finish in their final four games.

The only problem with that is that it means missing out on RG3. 

Why He Fits with Miami

Matt Moore has done a fine job since taking over as Miami's starting quarterback, but the Dolphins need a long-term solution. Barkley is just that.

I'm not sure he's going to develop into a star along the lines of Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees, but I do think Barkley has the ability to be as steady and productive as a Matt Ryan.

If you're the Dolphins, that's good enough. They haven't had a star quarterback since Dan Marino, which is saying something.

14. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

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Is Melvin Ingram a defensive end or a linebacker?

In truth, he's a little bit of both.

He's powerful and agile enough to rush the passer off the edge, and he's speedy enough to play behind the line. Call him a tweener if you like, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in his case.

Why He Goes Here

The Bills were in contention not too long ago, but a five-game losing streak has knocked them into this territory. They might actually end up with a higher draft pick, but this seems like a good spot for them.

Wherever they end up, look to them to continue adding to their defense a year after drafting Marcell Dareus with the No. 3 overall pick.

Why He Fits with Buffalo

The Bills use a 3-4 hybrid defense that uses both three- and four-man fronts. Ingram is a player who would be useful in a scheme like this, because Chan Gailey can pretty much use him wherever he needs him.

Assuming Ingram grasps the concept(s), he could emerge as the key player in Buffalo's defense.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

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Landry Jones hasn't helped himself this year.

He was going to be the second quarterback taken after Andrew Luck, but Jones' draft stock has been crippled by poor play late in the season.

His accuracy has gone missing, and he's made too many mistakes.

Much of this can be tied to the loss of Ryan Broyles, but that just makes Jones look worse. Broyles is not going to be there to help him out at the pro level.

Nevertheless, Jones has too much upside to fall out of the first round.

Why He Goes Here

Just like they did last year, the Seahawks are finding ways to win football games in 2011. They've won three out of four and are looking to finish strong with a relatively weak schedule in their final four games. Just imagine how good they might be if they get a capable NFL quarterback.

Why He Fits with Seattle

Jones is going to need some polishing at the next level, but his ceiling is high. In the short-term, he projects as the kind of guy who could at least complete passes at a solid rate, thus taking a little pressure off Marshawn Lynch.

In the long-term, Jones could be the kind of prolific passer Matt Hasselbeck was in his heyday. That's something the Seahawks should want.

16. New York Giants: David DeCastro, G, Stanford

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Remember how I said keeping Andrew Luck safe is a good thing to have on one's resume?

Well, that was David DeCastro's job, too, as he held down the inside of Stanford's offensive line while Jonathan Martin anchored the outside.

In addition to keep Luck safe, DeCastro made life easier for Stepfan Taylor. 

Why He Goes Here

The Giants are falling fast, and I don't see them rescuing their season with the schedule they have to play in their final four games. They're ticketed for the middle of the first round, and when they get there, finding offensive line help will be a top priority.

Why He Fits with New York

The Giants have a lot of interchangeable parts along their offensive line, but they could use some help on the inside.

Ideally, DeCastro will slide in at left guard in between David Diehl and David Baas. Suddenly, the Giants would have an impressive offensive line, which I'm sure would be just fine with Eli Manning. 

17. Tennessee Titans: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

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I'm not entirely sure Luke Kuechly is going to be a star in the NFL, but I do think he projects as the kind of player who will be a rock for many years.

He's not flashy, but he does a lot of things right.

He always ends up around the football, and he always ends up with plenty of tackles.

For a guy with somewhat limited athleticism, he just knows how to be productive.

Why He Goes Here

The Titans have flown under the radar this season, and they have a shot to grab a Wild Card berth, but I foresee them being humbled in their final four games. They'll finish just outside the playoffs, and will look to improve a team that is already improving.

Why He Fits with Tennessee

The Titans don't need much help on offense, as they have a star running back in Chris Johnson, an up-and-coming quarterback in Jake Locker and a wide receiver in Kenny Britt who is very good when he's healthy.

I think their linebacking corps could use another body, and Kuechly will fight right in at middle linebacker.

18. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia

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Cordy Glenn's biggest strength is his versatility.

He's played both guard and tackle at Georgia, and he has the assets to fill in at both positions in the NFL, too.

His body is wide enough to handle work on the interior, yet he's tall and quick enough to go outside if need be. Think of him as a giant Swiss army knife.

Why He Goes Here

The Bears had a nice run, but they've suffered too many injuries to keep afloat in the NFC playoff race. I think they have a rough finish ahead of them, and that will lead to a pick in the top 20.

If they get it, they need to continue rebuilding their offensive line.

Why He Fits with Chicago

The Bears made a good pick when they drafted Gabe Carimi in 2011, but they need more help on their offensive line.

The beauty of drafting a guy like Glenn is that the Bears can put him anywhere they need him. It really doesn't matter, so long as Jay Cutler is safe when he drops back to pass.

19. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

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There's a reason Alabama's defense is so good, and it's because Nick Saban finds the best players.

Courtney Upshaw is arguably the best guy Saban has on defense, and 2011 was a huge year for him.

He dominated from start to finish, and he showed off plenty of skills that make him a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense at the next level.

Why He Goes Here

The Jets aren't making the playoffs this year. There are too many teams in contention for Wild Card spots in the AFC, and all of them are better than the Jets.

They'll have to settle for a top 20 draft pick, and shoring up their linebacking corps will be a top priority.

Why He Fits with New York

The Jets need a linebacker, and they need a pass-rusher. Upshaw is a guy who can fill both those needs.

Ideally, he will anchor the front seven while Darrelle Revis anchors the secondary. The Jets offense will still suck, but at least their defense will get stronger.

20. Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

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Lamar Miller's production in 2011 doesn't jump off the stat sheet compared to some of the other numbers put up by running backs across the nation, but you have to consider the circumstances.

Miami's offense was not good this season, and Miller was tasked with doing a lot.

He took on a lot of carries, and he was charged with catching the ball out of the backfield as well.

That he was productive at all is a testament to his skill set.

Why He Goes Here

I have the Bengals just barely missing out on the postseason.

They're in line to make the cut now, but games against Houston and Baltimore will seal their fate.

The Bengals aren't good enough to beat the best quite yet. They need a few more pieces, and they're about to need a running back.

Why He Fits with Cincinnati

Cedric Benson is a free agent at the end of the season, and I don't think he's coming back. The Bengals should let him go and look to draft a running back to place alongside Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.

At No. 20, Miller would be a steal. The Bengals won't pass on him.

21. Detroit Lions: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

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Dre Kirkpatrick's draft stock has gone up and down this season, but it's up now.

He has demonstrated that he has the ability to be a lockdown corner at the next level.

It helps that he is a couple inches taller than your average corner, which will be of use when he goes up against taller wide receivers.

The only real question is whether or not he can handle smaller, quicker wide receivers.

Why He Goes Here

With the Bears quickly falling out of the playoff race, I have the Lions sneaking into the playoffs as a Wild Card team. They won't last long, though, as they just aren't as good as the best the NFC has to offer.

They'll get bounced and immediately start looking for ways to improve. Adding a cornerback is one of them.

Why He Fits with Detroit

Credit where credit is due—the Lions have actually been pretty decent against the pass this year. But if they want to compete with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, they need to make their secondary as strong as it can possibly be.

Adding Kirkpatrick will help.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

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Alfonzo Dennard is short in stature and slightly thinner than you would like in a cornerback, but he has found a way to excel in press coverage.

You obviously have to admire him for that, and you wonder if he's a guy who could catch quarterbacks and wide receivers by surprise early in his pro career.

Even if that's not the case, there's a place for him in the NFL.

Why He Goes Here

I have the Raiders barely sneaking into the playoffs, but they won't go very far. They'll be knocked out early and will then surrender their first-round pick to Cincinnati.

They'd better hope Carson Palmer is worth it, as Dennard is a guy the Raiders could have picked here.

Why He Fits with Cincinnati

Leon Hall is solid when he's healthy, but the Bengals could use a corner to play opposite him. Johnathan Joseph's exit left a hole, and Dennard is a guy who could fill it.

23. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

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Michael Floyd has the skill set of a guy who should go much higher in the draft.

He's tall, he's strong and he has surprising speed for a guy his size.

He also doesn't mind using his size to overwhelm opposing corners, and he has plenty of experience playing in a pro-style offense.

The knock on Floyd is that he's a problem off the field, which is a reputation that isn't likely to go anywhere.

Why He Goes Here

The Falcons are a good team, but the NFC is too strong for them this year. They'll make a quick exit from the playoffs and then give their first-round pick to the Browns, as was the arrangement in their trade for Julio Jones.

Why He Fits with Cleveland

The Browns are going to get a brand new running back, and drafting Floyd here is almost too good to be true.

He'll be Colt McCoy's primary weapon in the passing game, and his presence will allow Greg Little to take on more of a supporting role. Suddenly, the Browns will have a dangerous offense.

24. Dallas Cowboys: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

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Stephon Gilmore has been largely overlooked, but he's one of the best and most versatile corners in the 2012 draft class.

He's useful in coverage, he can help in run support and he can return punts and kicks.

Put simply, he can do just about everything, and it won't be long before scouts start to catch on. 

Why He Goes Here

I have the Cowboys hanging on to win the NFC East, but they're not good enough to go far in the postseason. They need a few more pieces, one of which is a stud, do-it-all cornerback.

Why He Fits with Dallas

The Cowboys defense is strong, and their secondary has come a long way, but it could stand to add another piece.

Gilmore is a player with star potential, and I think his talents will translate well in the NFC East. If he pans out, Dallas' weak hold on the division will become stronger.

25. Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

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At 6'5" and about 310 pounds, Devon Still is a big, big dude.

The best thing about him, though, is that he is versatile.

He could play in both a 3-4 and a 4-3, and will therefore be eyed by teams who use either scheme.

He's had some injuries in the past, and there are some character concerns, but Still's skill alone is enough to put him in the first round.

Why He Goes Here

Yup, I have the Broncos going to the playoffs. Tim Tebow will get all the credit, but the defense deserves most of it.

Denver's defense has improved greatly throughout the course of the season, but it can still get better. Finding a stud defensive tackle would be ideal.

Why He Fits with Denver

Put Still in the middle of Denver's defensive line, and things are going to get scary. He'll be wreaking havoc up front, and somewhere behind him will be Von Miller.

Denver's defense will be even better, and that's not a happy prospect for the rest of the AFC West.

26. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

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Just like his quarterback, Kendall Wright came out of nowhere to emerge as a star in 2011.

He was RG3's primary deep threat, and the two of them proved to be quite the combo.

Nothing Wright does is fancy, as he basically just uses his speed to blow past defenders. If he gets a step, he's gone.

Why He Goes Here

The Texans are a very good team, but they're only going to be able to advance so far because of their injuries. They'll be back strong in 2012, though, and they will use the draft to get even stronger.

Why He Fits with Houston

This is a bit of an odd pick, I know. But the way I see it, the Texans really don't need much.

One luxury I think they could use is a speed demon to help open things up for Andre Johnson, and I think Wright is the perfect guy for the job. Look for Houston's offense to be elite in 2012.

27. New England Patriots: Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

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It's a shame Jared Crick suffered a torn pectoral muscle this year, as he could have gone much higher in the draft.

When healthy, Crick is a classic high-motor defensive lineman who projects as a dominant force as a 3-4 defensive end.

He'll be a great find toward the end of the draft.

Why He Goes Here

The Patriots are in line to be the No. 1 seed in the AFC, but it's hard to like their chances.

Their offense has not been as dominant as it was last year, and their defense is very weak. When they get bounced from the playoffs, that will be the area they'll need to improve.

Why He Fits with New England

The Patriots desperately need defensive line help, and Crick is almost too perfect for their needs. He can play any position in either scheme, but would ideally be placed next to Vince Wilford in New England's 3-4 package. This is a pick I think the Pats have to make.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

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If you're confused why Janoris Jenkins is wearing a Florida uniform in this photo, it's because he began his collegiate career with the Gators.

Sadly, he was booted off the team after getting arrested twice, which is a pretty big red flag.

Talent-wise, though, Jenkins is a very good press corner with a very high ceiling. It just depends which team is willing to roll the dice on him.

Why He Goes Here

The Steelers are going to fall just short of the Super Bowl this year, but that's okay. Cornerback is one of their biggest needs, and the Steelers will be ready to compete again in 2012 if they add one.

Why He Fits with Pittsburgh

This is not a pick you would expect the Steelers to make. But frankly, they need a cornerback this badly, and it's worth it for them to take a gamble on Jenkins' talent.

Rest assured, Mike Tomlin will keep him in line.

29. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints): Markelle Martin, FS, OSU

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Oklahoma State's defense isn't very good, but Markelle Martin is a standout.

He's a playmaking free safety who does a very good job of reading quarterbacks and diagnosing plays.

If need be, he will deliver a big hit.

Martin still has plenty to learn, but his ceiling is high.

Why He Goes Here

The Saints will also fall short of the Super Bowl this year, and when they do, they'll hand this pick over to the Patriots as part of the Mark Ingram trade.

Why He Fits with New England

The Patriots surprised a lot of people when they cut Brandon Meriweather shortly before the start of the season, and cutting him did leave a hole in their roster. Safety is an area of need, and Martin is a good candidate to fill it.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

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Nick Toon is not tall, and he's not particularly fast, but he's a hard worker who will be very productive in the right system.

I don't think Toon will ever be a No. 1, but he'll be a good secondary option who will draw defenses away from top targets.

Why He Goes Here

The 49ers defense is good enough to take them far in the playoffs. Sadly, Alex Smith is not good enough to take them all the way.

They will fall short but will continue to get better. Jim Harbaugh knows what he's doing.

Why He Fits with San Francisco:

Vernon Davis is a legit threat, and Michael Crabtree has his moments, but the 49ers need more. Running the football will only take them so far, and they're going to need more weapons for when Colin Kaepernick is ready to take over.  

Toon is a guy who would fit in perfectly.

31. Baltimore Ravens: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

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Dwayne Allen is a prototypical pass-catching tight end.

At 6'4" and 255 pounds, he's got the right kind of size to cut it at the next level, and he's shown in 2011 that he can be a dangerous receiving option.

For a team looking to upgrade its offense, Allen is a good pick.

Why He Goes Here

This is the year the Ravens go back to the Super Bowl. They've shown that they can beat just about anybody, and I think they're good enough to make it out of the AFC.

Truth be told, the conference isn't that strong this year.

Why He Fits with Baltimore

The Ravens are a tough one. They're pretty well set across the board, but they're at a point where they need to think about finding replacements for some of their veterans, namely Ray Lewis.

The trouble is that pickings will be slim at this point, so I think the Ravens will be best suited looking for an upgrade. They've gotten good production out of Ed Dickson, but I think Allen has a higher ceiling.

32. Green Bay Packers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Tools

Quinton Coples is big and he's strong, and he's a great athlete.

In all honesty, he's a top-10 talent.

The reason he's down here is because he regressed mightily in 2011, and it doesn't help that there just aren't many fits for him along the way.

Somebody is going to get a steal later in the draft.

Why He Goes Here

I see no reason why the Packers can't repeat. They're the best team in the NFL, and they're going to get even better through the draft.

Nobody drafts and develops players like the Packers.

Why He Fits with Green Bay

Coples isn't a natural fit for Green Bay's defense, but he has enough athleticism to fill a variety of roles. He could play off the line or get down on it. That will be up to Dom Capers, who should have no trouble figuring out how best to use Coples.