2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting the Entire 1st Round

Only the bowl games of the 2011 college football season remain, and you know what that means.

It's draft season.

The period between the end of the college football season and the NFL draft is perhaps the most exciting time in all of sports. The endless speculation, the incredible hype and the endless debate. No offseason in any sport gathers the same level of attention NFL's does.

Andrew Luck may be almost guaranteed as the No. 1 selection in April, but any other projection is speculation at this point. In just a few short months, however, we will be honing on potential selections.

In the meantime, we will just speculate away.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Well, the Colts have a bit of a predicament. Obviously Peyton Manning is one of the best in the history of the NFL, but he will be coming off a season in which he didn't play at all, and at 35 years old, he doesn't have much time remaining.

The 6'4", 235-pound Andrew Luck is the best quarterback prospect in more than a decade and a tempting option for the Colts. With incredible intelligence, great accuracy and excellent athleticism, Luck is almost flawless.

If this were any other draft class, the Colts would likely choose to address another position. However, Luck is simply too good to pass on, and Bill Polian will pull the trigger on someone who might be the next Peyton Manning.

Really, the Colts' only other option is to trade the pick. If the Colts believe Manning will make a full recovery, they could ransom off the pick and select Matt Kalil or Morris Claiborne a pick or so later.

2. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Bryant McKinnie never developed into an elite left tackle, and the former Viking is now a Baltimore Raven. With Charlie Johnson and Phil Loadholt manning the tackle positions, Minnesota is in dire need of an offensive lineman.

Matt Kalil is the best offensive-line prospect to come along since Jake Long in 2008, and the USC star is just a junior. At 6'7", 295 pounds, Kalil has great length and the frame to add weight.

Though he is not a great run blocker, Kalil is decent at the point of attack and does an excellent job in space. Kalil may not be Joe Thomas, but he will be an excellent player in the NFL.

Minnesota also has needs at wide receiver and cornerback, but the team's offensive line is the bigger issue, and Kalil is the best value.

3. St. Louis Rams: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Ideally, the Rams would add a wide receiver here, but Justin Blackmon is a reach, and cornerback is a huge need as well. St. Louis could use help at nearly every position, and Morris Claiborne is the best player available.

A 6'1", 185 pounder, Claiborne could stand to add some weight, but he is a physical player nonetheless. Though he is not as talented as his former teammate Patrick Peterson, Claiborne may be the better cornerback.

Because of his excellent athletic ability and ball skills, Claiborne has the potential to become one of the game's best defensive backs. Despite his high upside, Claiborne is a relatively safe pick and could start from day one.

St. Louis could choose to reach for Blackmon, and if he is available, Matt Kalil is certainly an option as well.

4. Carolina Panthers: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick is a reach here, but the Alabama star fits a need, and quite frankly, there aren't many great options. Though Chris Gamble isn't a bad player, the rest of the Carolina secondary is in shambles and needs to be addressed.

At 6'3", 192 pounds, Kirkpatrick possesses outstanding length and athletic ability. Kirkpatrick is excellent in zone coverage but occasionally struggles in man, which has led some to speculate about a future at safety.

Most, however, feel that Kirkpatrick can stay at cornerback, and he has incredible upside. Justin Blackmon is an option here as well, but wide receiver isn't quite as big of a need as cornerback.

5. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

It may seem odd to project Robert Griffin ahead of Matt Barkley, but Griffin's stock is on the rise. Colt McCoy has been awful in Cleveland, and it is obvious that the Browns need to address the quarterback position.

Griffin is an incredible athlete, but he is more of a pocket passer than one might expect him to be. The Heisman winner possesses excellent accuracy and intelligence, but he is still somewhat raw.

Listed at 6'2", 220 pounds, Griffin looks shorter and lighter. Griffin's footwork is often erratic, and he must use his lower body more to generate velocity on mid-range throws.

The Browns also have a huge need at wide receiver and running back, so both Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson are options here.

6. Washington Redskins: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

As was expected, both John Beck and Rex Grossman have failed miserably for the Redskins. The team is not without talent, but it desperately needs a new quarterback.

Matt Barkley is nothing special physically, but he possesses outstanding accuracy and intelligence. In fact, Barkley may be more accurate than top prospect Andrew Luck is.

However, Barkley is just 6'2" and does not have a rocket arm. The USC star isn't especially mobile either, but he makes up for this with outstanding pocket presence.

Honestly, Washington doesn't have many other huge needs, so it's quarterback or bust for Mike Shanahan and company.

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

Though Blaine Gabbert has been simply horrendous, Gene Smith and the Jaguars seem likely to stick with the rookie for at least another year. Gabbert does not have much help at wide receiver, and the team recently released its former No. 1 option, Jason Hill.

Because he lacks elite height and speed, Justin Blackmon does not have a high ceiling. However, the Oklahoma State star possesses great hands, route-running ability and is incredibly unlikely to be a bust.

Though Jacksonville would like to receive an elite wideout with a Top-10 pick, Blackmon seems likely to become a similar player to Baltimore's Anquan Boldin.

The Jaguars could opt for a defensive back here, but Blackmon is a better value and addresses a more immediate need.

8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Dolphins are certainly hoping for a quarterback here, but with the top three options already selected, they don't have many options there. After quarterback, Miami needs a playmaker on offense.

Because of his off-the-field and injury issues, Michael Floyd is a risky prospect. However, his size, athleticism, body control and catching ability give him a huge upside. It only takes one team to make Floyd a Top-10 pick, and the Dolphins might take the chance.

Floyd has been incredibly productive when on the field, and he is talented enough to be selected in this range. In fact, Floyd has more potential than Justin Blackmon.

It's possible that Miami would draft an offensive lineman such as Riley Reiff or even David DeCastro as well. Despite having Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas at running back, Trent Richardson is also an option. Don't be shocked if the Dolphins choose to reach for a quarterback like Ryan Tannehill or Landry Jones either.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

LeGarrette Blount has produced, but he has injury problems and the Buccaneers lack a second runner. Perhaps the best non-quarterback in the draft, Trent Richardson is simply too talented to pass on here.

A 5'11", 225-pound bowling ball, Richardson is incredibly powerful. The Alabama star is fast, shifty and can catch out of the backfield as well.

Richardson just might be the best running back to enter the draft since Adrian Peterson in 2007, and he is a can't-miss-prospect. Tampa Bay already has talent on offense, but Richardson just might be the piece to push them over the top.

The Buccaneers could really use a defensive back, but there isn't a good-enough one available here. Luke Kuechly would be a huge upgrade at linebacker and isn't much of a reach at nine.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

It has been blatantly obvious this year that the Eagles need to upgrade at linebacker. Philadelphia spent tons of money in free agency, yet the team's linebackers remained unaddressed.

Luke Kuechly isn't a fantastic athlete, but he has superb instincts and racks up tackles. Though he is just 6'3", 235 pounds, Kuechly does a nice job of disengaging from blocks and making plays in the backfield.

Kuechly will never be an elite linebacker, but he will be a well-above-average player. The winner of the Bronko Nagursky Trophy, Kuechly has been incredibly productive and has an extremely low ceiling.

The Eagles could opt for the riskier Vontaze Burfict, and an offensive lineman like Riley Reiff is certainly an option as well.

11. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

After getting off to a fantastic start, the Bills have really cooled down. Both Ryan Fitzpatrick and the team's defense have struggled, and the team could address a number of positions in the draft.

Regardless of whether it was Demetrius Bell, Chris Hairston or Andy Levitre, the Bills' left tackles have struggled. Riley Reiff isn't a fantastic prospect by any means, but he has the ability to become an above-average blindside protector.

A former tight end, Reiff is an excellent athlete and excels in pass protection. At 6'6", 305 pounds, Reiff could stand to add more weight in order to improve at the point of attack.

The Bills desperately need to address their awful pass rush and could reach for a defensive end like Nick Perry or Vinny Curry.

12. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Even before his season ended with an injury, Matt Cassel played horribly in 2011. The Chiefs have obvious talent on offense, but they are being held back by poor quarterback play.

On the field, Ryan Tannehill is not worthy of such a high pick. However, Tannehill is a fantastic athlete with excellent arm strength and huge potential. For a team with such a huge need at quarterback, Tannehill is a viable option in the first round.

At this point, Tannehill's biggest flaw is his poor decision making, but this is not unexpected from a former wide receiver. Tannehill is incredibly raw and needs to sit on the bench for a year, but he will test well at the combine and could develop into a great player.

Kansas City also has a huge hole at nose tackle and could select a player such as Dontari Poe. The team needs to upgrade at right tackle as well.

13. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

Seattle has a great run defense, but the team's pass rush has been brutal. Under head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have been running a hybrid defense, and as a result, they could select a number of different pass-rushers.

Nick Perry is an explosive threat off the edge who could be the first pass-rusher selected. At 6'3", 250 pounds, Perry is somewhat limited schematically but is an excellent fit for the Seattle defense.

Perry is still somewhat weak against the run, but the Seahawks massive defensive line will help him more easily avoid blockers. The USC star also has a bit of an injury issue, and, as a result, is a somewhat risky pick.

Tarvaris Jackson has been terrible, and Seattle could definitely select Landry Jones or another quarterback here.

14. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

It's no secret that the Cardinals' offensive line is brutal and needs to be addressed before the 2012 season begins. Levi Brown may be the NFL's worst left tackle, and Kevin Kolb has been killed by opposing pass-rushers.

Historically, Mike Adams has been an underachiever, but he was excellent in 2011 after returning from a suspension. The 6'8", 320-pounder is a fantastic athlete with superb size.

After Matt Kalil, Adams has the most upside of any offensive tackle in the draft. Adams could definitely continue to underachieve as a pro, so he is not without risk.

The Cardinals could also choose to select one of Stanford's star offensive linemen in either left tackle Jonathan Martin or guard David DeCastro.

15. San Diego Chargers: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

San Diego's defense has underachieved in 2011, and the team's pass rush is primarily to blame. Shaun Phillips isn't a bad player, but he is nothing special and needs help.

Vinny Curry isn't often projected in the Top-15 picks, but he is worthy of the selection here. A 6'3", 260-pound defensive end, Curry can play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.

Though he won't blow anyone away with his athletic ability, he is a smart and hard-working player. Curry needs to improve against the run, but he is already a good pass-rusher and has reasonably high upside.

The Chargers don't have too many glaring needs, so the team could go in a variety of directions early in the draft. A simple best-player-available approach is possible.

16. Dallas Cowboys: Devon Still, DE, Penn State

The Cowboys obviously have an elite pass-rusher in DeMarcus Ware, but the team has holes along every defensive unit. Though the Cowboys defensive line is decent, it is unspectacular and could use an impact player.

Devon Still is an excellent athlete and a perfect fit in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. The 6'5", 310-pounder has huge potential and excels in all aspects of the game.

Prior to this year, Still had always underachieved and is just now playing up to his talent level. With his incredible strength, burst and quickness, Still can hold stout against the run or penetrate as a pass-rusher.

Dallas could easily upgrade over Anthony Spencer, a free agent, at outside linebacker. Mike Jenkins has been a disappointment as well, and the team could add another cornerback.

17. Tennessee Titans: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

Though Chris Johnson has not played up to his usual level in 2011, his offensive line is partially to blame for his lack of production. Tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart are both solid players, but Tennessee's interior line needs some work.

A junior guard, David DeCastro is the best interior line prospect to come along in years and could even be a Top-10 selection. At 6'5", 310 pounds, DeCastro has perfect size and is a phenomenal athlete.

DeCastro is capable of power-blocking or pulling and picking up linebackers in space. Few offensive linemen are more versatile, and DeCastro is elite in literally every aspect of the game.

The Titans could use a weapon opposite of Kenny Britt, and someone like Alshon Jeffery or Kendall Wright is an option. Even another defensive tackle or linebacker is possible.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The Bengals defense has been excellent in 2011, but there isn't a great offensive value here. Cincinnati doesn't have many enormous needs, so they can afford to add a high-upside player at a position that could be upgraded.

Geno Atkins has been a playmaker along the interior defensive line, and Dontari Poe could make the unit elite. Though he weighs in at 6'5", 350 pounds, Poe is a fantastic athlete with a great first step.

Poe has the potential to become a top-five defensive lineman, and he fits the profile of a Bengals draft pick. Like many coaches, Marvin Lewis likes to draft high-upside players in the hopes that he can coach them up to their potential.

Lamar Miller may be a bit of a reach here, but he is an option along the offensive side of the ball who addresses a need.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

This pick almost seems like too much of a stereotype, but it makes sense on many levels. The Bengals obviously have a history of drafting "troubled" players, and Janoris Jenkins certainly fits that bill.

After losing Jonathan Joseph in free agency to the Houston Texans, Cincinnati has a glaring hole at cornerback. Leon Hall is an excellent player, but he recently tore his Achilles tendon and is just one of two cornerbacks.

Jenkins was a great player at Florida prior to being kicked off the team for multiple off-the-field problems. Now at North Alabama, Jenkins has continued to excel and is definitely a first-round value on the field.

The Bengals could select another talented defender in North Carolina's Quinton Coples, though they don't have a huge need at defensive end.

20. Chicago Bears: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Though the Bears have drafted multiple offensive linemen in the first round, their offensive line is still dreadful. Prior to his injury, Jay Cutler was being abused and he will be unable to produce at an elite level until he has time to throw.

Last year's first-round pick Gabe Carimi is capable of playing left tackle but would be a better option on the right side. Stanford's Jonathan Martin, on the other hand, is more than capable of protecting the blindside.

Martin's athletic ability is somewhat overrated, but he is quick enough to block the speedy weak-side rushers. With Martin and Carimi at tackle, Chicago might finally have a decent offensive line.

The Bears also need help at wide receiver and could select Alshon Jeffery or Kendall Wright. Even a defensive end such as Quinton Coples could be the pick.

21. New York Giants: Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Despite having an elite pass rush, New York's defense is awful. One of the team's biggest needs is at middle linebacker, and Vontaze Burfict is a fantastic value here.

Burfict is a legitimate top-ten talent, but he racks up even more personal fouls than Ndamukong Suh does. At 6'3", 255 pounds, Bufict is a thumper with outstanding athletic ability.

The Arizona State star is famous for his ferocious hits and playmaking ability. Few players in all of football are more feared, and Burfict could make an immediate impact on the Giants run defense.

Cornerbacks Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross are both free agents, so New York could address the defensive backfield. An offensive lineman is not out of the question either.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

After already selecting a quarterback, the Browns now need to add offensive playmakers. Greg Little may become a good receiver in the future, but he is unlikely to become a legitimate No. 1 wideout.

Though it is helpful that Kendall Wright has played with Cleveland's new quarterback Robert Griffin III, the Baylor connection is purely a coincidence. Wright is a speedy wide receiver with excellent yard-after-the-catch ability.

Wright can easily excel as an underneath weapon in Pat Shurmur's offense, but more importantly, he offers the Browns a deep threat. Because of his explosiveness, Wright has been compared to Carolina's Steve Smith and could become an elite player.

The Browns could opt for Alshon Jeffery instead of Wright, or they could choose to address their defense by selecting linebacker Zach Brown or defensive end Quinton Coples, both from North Carolina. A cornerback like Alfonzo Dennard is also an option.

23. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Because of their elite cornerback unit, the Jets pass defense has been excellent. However, Rex Ryan's pass rush is less-than-stellar and could use some help.

Melvin Ingram is an incredibly versatile player who fits in perfectly with Ryan's creativity. In fact, Ingram is similar to a former Ryan linebacker by the name of Adalius Thomas.

A 6'2", 275-pounder, Ingram isn't especially speedy and could struggle in coverage, but he can rush the passer and defend the run. Though Ingram will never be an elite rusher, he would dramatically improve New York's linebacker unit.

Obviously, the Jets have issues on offense and could add a playmaker such as Lamar Miller or Alshon Jeffery.

24. Denver Broncos: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)

John Elway might like to draft Tim Tebow's replacement here, but if the Broncos continue to win, he won't have that option. However, John Fox loves to run the football, and Denver desperately needs to upgrade at running back.

Knowshon Moreno has been a huge failure, and Willis McGahee is no longer a legitimate starter, so the Broncos turn to Lamar Miller. A 5'11", 212-pound speedster, Miller is simply dynamic.

Miller possesses excellent hands and is a great option out of the backfield as a receiver. The Miami star is not a great value here, but he fits a need and won't be available in the second round.

The Broncos have a huge hole along the interior defensive line and could also turn to Brandon Thompson or Alameda Ta'amu.

25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

In the past, the Steelers have chosen not address immediate needs, but instead aging positions. Pittsburgh has drafted only one immediate starter in the past three years, and two of those picks have been along the defensive line.

James Farrior was once an excellent player, but at 36 years old, he is over the hill. Ronnell Lewis is projected by most as an outside linebacker, but he could fit in next to Lawrence Timmons on the inside.

Pittsburgh likes inside linebackers with pass-rushing ability, and Lewis certainly fits that bill. Lewis plays defensive end for Oklahoma, but he is not a great threat off the edge, although he is fast and explosive, so he would be excellent roaming along the inside.

The Steelers could shore up the offensive line by drafting guard Kevin Zeitler. Alameda Ta'amu is an option at nose tackle, and Alfonzo Dennard is a possible cornerback.

26. Detroit Lions: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

For years, Detroit's offensive line has been a huge issue. Matthew Stafford is being brutalized, and the team's rushing attack has struggled as well.

Martin Mayhew has previously chosen to ignore need and instead select the best player available, but he may need to buck the trend here. A 6'6", 307-pounder, Sanders is an excellent athlete and has the potential to develop into a well-above-average left tackle.

However, Sanders is still raw and needs to bulk up and add strength. The Florida State lineman has played right tackle in the past, but recently moved over to the left side after Andrew Datko suffered an injury.

If the Lions do once again opt for the best player available, they could select defensive end Quinton Coples, cornerback Alfonzo Dennard or linebacker Zach Brown.

27. Houston Texans: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Andre Johnson is one of the game's elite wide receivers, but the Texans need a weapon opposite him. With Johnson often injured, Houston is often forced to rely on its secondary targets more than the team would like to.

At one point, Alshon Jeffery was widely considered a Top-five pick, but his stock has taken a tumble. Jeffery has often looked slow and overweight, and his production took a hit in 2011.

However, Jeffery still has significant upside and will likely be selected in the first round. At 6'3", 235 pounds, Jeffery is huge and has the best hands in the draft.

Houston could look to solidify the nose tackle position by selecting Alameda Ta'amu. Cornerback Alfonzo Dennard would fill a need as well.

28. New England Patriots (from New Orleans): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Bill Belichick's once-elite defense has struggled in recent years, and the team's pass rush has been the main culprit. Fortunately for the Patriots, one of the best players still on the board is a defensive end.

At 6'6", 285 pounds, Quinton Coples possesses the length that Belichick requires from all of his pass-rushers. Coples is also big enough to play defensive end in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, and Belichick should value this versatility as he constantly changes schemes.

Coples is a fantastic athlete and has the potential to excel against the pass and run. However, Coples's production dropped off in 2011 and he has never displayed an elite first step.

New England also needs help at defensive tackle, and Brandon Thompson would be a good fit for the team.

29. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Even before they cut Brandon Meriweather, the Patriots had a hole at safety. Bill Belichick relies on his defensive backs, so the team needs to address this issue.

Mark Barron is far from an elite player, but he is solid. The 6'2", 218-pounder is primarily a run defender, but he can play in coverage as well.

Though Barron might be a better value in the second round, Belichick has never been afraid to buck the trend, and in all likelihood, the head coach will trade at least one of his first-round selections.

New England also has a hole at cornerback, and Alfonzo Dennard is an excellent value at the end of the first round. Even a wide receiver wouldn't be a surprise.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

San Francisco has one of the NFL's best run defenses, and the team's front seven has been phenomenal. Outside of Carlos Rogers, however, the 49ers' defensive backs have struggled.

Prior to the 2011 season, Alfonzo Dennard was widely considered a Top-15 pick. After missing some games with injury, however, Dennard's stock took a tumble and is just now recovering.

The 5'10", 205-pounder has a bit of an unusual build, but he can play any type of coverage. Dennard is at his best in press and is excellent against the run.

Michael Crabree has been a disappointment, and Braylon Edwards is nonexistent, so the 49ers could look to add a wide receiver as well.

31. Baltimore Ravens: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Of every team in the NFL, the Ravens may actually have the least needs. That's not to say Baltimore is the best team, but general manager Ozzie Newome can afford to draft the best player available, as he has in the past.

In this case, Zach Brown is the best player on the board. At just 6'2", 230 pounds, Brown is an unusual fit in Baltimore's 3-4 scheme, but he could excel in it nonetheless. With Haloti Ngata and Terraence Cody in front of him, Brown would face less blockers than most linebackers do.

Brown is an exceptional athlete with incredible speed. Most of Baltimore's linebackers are thumpers, and Brown would be a terrific fit, roaming in coverage and giving chase.

With Ben Grubbs possibly leaving in free agency, the Ravens could look to add a guard in Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler. An offensive tackle, wide receiver or pass-rusher are among Baltimore's "weaknesses."

32. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Thompson, DE, Clemson

Though the Packers are undoubtedly the best team in the NFL, they do have needs along the defensive side of the ball. B.J. Raji is an excellent nose tackle, but the team could use help at defensive end.

A quick, penetrating defensive tackle, Brandon Thompson is the ideal 5-tech in Dom Capers's 3-4 defense. The 6'2", 310-pounder is surprisingly powerful and can hold his own against the run as well.

In Capers's scheme, defensive ends aren't asked to pass rush much, and this plays to Thompson's strengths—or weaknesses, rather. The Clemson defensive tackle struggles to get after the quarterback, so his flaws would be ignored.

Green Bay could definitely use a pass-rusher opposite Clay Matthews as well. And with Ted Thompson in charge of the draft, the Packers will always ignore need somewhat and instead opt for the most talented player.