2012 NFL Mock Draft: Impact Players Who Will Turn Around Struggling Teams

In this NFL Mock Draft, Andrew Luck and Heisman winner Robert Griffin highlight a draft class that will soon make an impact at the professional level.

College football players emerge as stars in the NFL year after year, and part of what makes the NFL Draft so compelling is the fact that many of the names that fans hear on draft day turn out to be immediate impact players for their teams.

Last year, Cam Newton emerged as a stellar pick for the Panthers. The year before that, Tim Tebow proved that he was an eligible quarterback in the NFL. Now that the college football regular season is over, it's a good time to preview which of the players that you will watch in Bowl Games may emerge as impact players in the NFL next season.

From Andrew Luck to Vontaze Burfict, this year's draft class is a strong group of athletes looking to make their mark on the league for years to come. 

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

About Luck:

There hasn’t been a player this ready for the NFL Draft in years. While Luck was the touted No. 1 projection in last year’s draft, the young quarterback elected to play for his final year and get his degree from Stanford.

Luck has made the most of his time at Stanford, throwing for 35 touchdowns and 3,170 yards this season. He has also led the team to two consecutive BCS Bowls, and offers a leadership quality that is unmatched in college football.

He is accurate (70 percent, nine interceptions) and strong, well sized, very smart and is a proven winner.

Impact on the Colts:

For a team with virtually no stars or assets outside of an aging QB, the best way to fix that problem would be to draft a new one. No prospect offers the pure talent that he does.

Luck comes into this draft with nothing but upside, and could help turn things around in Indianapolis with a new franchise QB.

For a franchise suddenly looking to rebuild, they could not have had a better time to have such an unfortunately lousy season once their QB went out for the season.

Instead of a solid season with Peyton Manning, they can now reap the benefits of Andrew Luck for years to come.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kallil, OL, USC

About Kalil:

Kalil is one of the most consistent threats to a defense in the league. At 6’7” and 295 pounds, he is a large part of the reason that the USC offense has suddenly turned on with such success.

He is a proven pass-blocker, has quick feet, draws comparisons to Jake Long and should start in the NFL by next season.

At 22 years old, he still has more eligibility left in college and there’s no official word that he will declare this season. Kalil, however, has made it relatively clear that if Barkley declares than he will as well.

Kalil, whose brother plays center for the Panthers, is the reason why Dallas Cowboys offensive linemen and former USC teammate Tyron Smith played on the right side in college. 

Impact on the Rams:

Sam Bradford is the established franchise quarterback, and in a QB-heavy draft there would be no need to seek a replacement.

The best way to improve Bradford’s numbers would be to offer him the most protection that he could possibly receive.

This is how the Rams can help Bradford become an elite quarterback, while still letting Stephen Jackson act as a highly serviceable running back.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, DB, LSU

About Claiborne

Claiborne is far and away one of the best talents in college football. While often overlooked in the LSU defense (he plays alongside Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu), many regard Claiborne to be a better professional prospect than the Heisman candidate.

Somewhat undersized, his speed, coverage ability and constant athletic threat to pick the ball make him a valuable asset to any team.

This season, he has five picks and 43 tackles, and is said to have the best instincts in college football.

Impact on the Vikings:

The Vikings currently have allowed more passing touchdowns than anyone else in the league, at 26 total.

The Vikings are also last in the league in total interceptions (six) and are second to last in yards per catch (8.1).

Minnesota clearly has a lot of holes, but the offense can remain competent with Adrian Peterson.

Meanwhile, it should be regarded as imperative to fix their atrocious pass defense. In a league where Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and even a young generation of stars can tear your team up in the air, it is important to learn how to cover appropriately.

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

About Blackmon

Justin Blackmon is a star. He is stronger than most, can beat you in coverage, and can rack up yards.

For the last two seasons, Blackmon has been among the best receivers in college football. He has great hands, is highly explosive, works hard, can break tackles and is regarded as a better pro talent than former Oklahoma State player Dez Bryant.

Blackmon also offers size, and at 6’1” and 208 pounds, he has used his talents to rack up 15 touchdowns, 1,241 yards, and 100-plus receptions to date.

Impact on the Jaguars

Immediately, the Jaguars go from far and away the worst passing team in the league (1,830 yards, 5.4 YPC, 10 TDs) to a constant deep threat with Blackmon.

He is a difference-maker, and offers Blaine Gabbert a weapon that he did not even kind of have before a Blackmon selection.

This also allows them to open up their run game. Now, opposing defenses expect a run-always offense. With Blackmon, they have versatility rather than just the league’s top rusher in MJD.

If the Jags move to Los Angeles, MJD and Blackmon are certainly marketable stars that any Los Angeles sports fan would salivate over.

5. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

About Coples

Coples is strong enough, fast enough, large enough and talented enough to be picked this high in the draft.

His production has been solid, with 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks on the season.

What truly separates him, however, is his pure size. On draft day, that isn’t something you’re able to fabricate or estimate. You know you’re getting a monster with Coples: he’s 6’6”, 285 lbs, and requires massive blocking attention for the opposing offensive line.

His upside is unquestionable, and he could provide a skill set to any team in the league.

Impact on Panthers

Coming off of drafting Cam Newton (and based on his production this season, apparently striking gold), expect the Panthers to be more aggressive to find defensive talent.

The Panthers team can only win if Cam Newton outscores you, and with the Panthers defense, that has become increasingly difficult.

Carolina is 22^nd in the league in sacks, and with Coples, the defense can apply pressure in ways that it wasn’t able to this season.

6. Miami Dolphins: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

About Barkley

Barkley would join an elite class of USC QBs in the NFL if he opted to declare for the draft this season, or he could harness his talents for one season longer and become a legend at USC.

I saw Barkley play in person at the Oregon vs. USC game and was incredibly impressed with his production. While his recent success hasn’t quite leapfrogged him over Andrew Luck as the top quarterback in the draft, it seems like Barkley has done everything but.

At 6’2”, 220 lbs, many say that he plays a pro-style game. A transition to the NFL would not be difficult for Barkley to make.

This season, he threw 39 touchdowns for 3,528 yards. His completion percentage was at  69.1, and he looked better in big games.

Impact on Dolphins

The Dolphins could use a franchise QB, not Matt Moore.

Barkley would immediately play well in the Miami system, knowing his role and potentially running wildcats and option routes.

Joining him in the backfield would be fellow USC legend Reggie Bush, a friendly face for him to be drawn to the big market and fair weather of Miami, Florida.

Miami, which is the most likely team to get Barkley, is a fantastic option if the young QB decides to declare for the draft. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

7. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

About Richardson

Almost definitely a better professional prospect than former teammate Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson is quick, can juke, has great vision and is a proven winner as well.

He’s powerful, dominated against Auburn, can break tackles and has had great success this season.

Richardson is built like a rock, and at 5’11”, 224 lbs, his numbers have been incredible: 1,583 yards, 6.0 YPC and 20 TDs.

Richardson is regarded as the best running back talent in the draft since Darren McFadden, and is considerably the most elite in this year’s draft class.

Impact on Browns

It seems like every single mock draft has Trent Richardson falling to Cleveland. Well, what do you know when you say that I whole-heartedly agree?

Give Colt McCoy another brilliant offensive weapon in Trent Richardson. His production would be solid off of the bat, and with McCoy, the two can blossom into a great tandem for years to come.

Peyton Hillis is virtually nothing to the Browns right now, so enter Richardson. His impact would be felt right away.

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

About Griffin

Some may question his trophy, but Griffin had the best college season this year and was the most dominant player in the game.

He’s quick, dangerous in the pocket and is an elite athlete coming off of winning the Heisman Trophy.

Griffin is a very likable quarterback, which will surely help with his draft stock after team interviews. This season, he threw for a 72.6 percent completion rating, complied over 3,600 yards, racked up 34 touchdowns and was only picked five times.

At 6’1” and 218 pounds, he is well-sized.

Impact on Washington

This is a relatively controversial pick, but surely the Redskins would rather have a QB than the Beck-Grossman duo that they’ve got going on now.

Dan Snyder, Redskins owner, is certainly not one to shy from controversy. This type of a pick, if it falls to him, is the exact type of a play that has helped him garner this reputation around the league.

For critics of the pick, I would say that if it pays off, Griffin is a lovable franchise QB for a franchise utterly decimated by injuries and inadequacies. It also means that you won’t be trading for a washed up Peyton Manning…or even Donovan McNabb. Again.

9. Tampa Bay Bucanneers: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

About Te’o

Manti Te’o, linebacker out of Notre Dame, is heavily regarded as the best tackler in this year’s draft class.

He can stop the run very effectively, is well sized at 6’2” and 255 pounds and has recorded over 100 tackles this season.

Manti is perhaps best known for killer instincts and incredible leadership ability, which helps push him into a separate class of hard-nosed football players.

Te’o can also fight off blocks, and make his way past an offensive line.

Impact on Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is a young defense, and with Ronde Barber close to retirement, rebuilding seems to be the instinctual call for the Buccaneers.

Fresh age with a wonderful talent at linebacker is a strong way to make the Buccaneers contenders once again.

The Bucs are currently ranked 27^th in opponent pass yards, and 28^th in opponent rushing yards.

Te’o can provide the stability needed to help such a lowly defensive unit.

10. Arizona Cardinals: Dre Kirkpatrick, DB, Alabama

About Kirkpatrick

Perhaps the most important player on the Alabama defense, Kirkpatrick offers a skill-set that would provide any first-round prospect with tons of talent.

At 6’3” and 190 pounds, Kirkpatrick is among the best defensive backs available in this year’s draft. The Alabama Crimson football program breeds NFL talent, and Kirkpatrick is among the best in the country at what he does.

Breaking up eight passes this year, Kirkpatrick uses his size to an extreme competitive advantage on the field.

His future projects as a shutdown cornerback, and could be among the best in the league by the time he’s done.

Impact on Arizona

This season, the Cardinals have given up 3,156 yards of passing offense and their defense could use a shutdown guy that can break up big plays.

At 242.8 YPG, they’re 23^rd overall in passing yards given up per game.

With Kirkpatrick, the big games take a lot of pressure off the young team and offer some help against deep threats.

With SEC teammate rookie sensation Patrick Peterson proving himself for the Cardinals at corner, Kirkpatrick could offer a complimentary replacement to Marshall on the left side for one of the best young backfields in the game.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OL, Iowa

About Reiff

Along with Stanford’s Jonathan Martin and USC’s Matt Kalil, Riley Reiff is regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the draft.

Out of Iowa, Reiff is known for his incredible film tapes. At 6’6” and 300 pounds, he offers a complete and durable package.

He’s consisted, talented and is a great tool for pass protection.

In terms of offensive linemen, it’d be difficult to find a more effective player than Reiff.

Impact on Kansas City

For a young team that has been hampered by injuries in the past year, an elite offensive lineman would offer a protection too valuable to pass up.

The Chiefs are weak at right tackle, and Riley could step right in to a starting role on this squad.

Riley, who played three positions as a freshman, is a versatile young player and can be an asset to this Chiefs organization.

12. Seattle Seahawks, Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

About Jones

There’s a thing that NFL Scouts use called the “Eye Test,” based on whether or not someone looks the part for his position.

Someone that passes the eye test with flying colors is Landry Jones, a 6’4” quarterback out of Oklahoma.

Jones threw 28 touchdowns this season, is very strong and has racked up over 4,000 yards.

While he has been streaky, he is very strong and could be a franchise NFL quarterback for years to come.

Impact on Seattle

Qwest Stadium deserves a quarterback at this point, right? This franchise desperately needs an effective quarterback, and with Sidney Rice and Marshawn Lynch, Jones could make big plays down the stretch.

Even if Jones isn’t “the answer,” Seattle needs to make a move at a quarterback and test out the waters. Otherwise, this franchise goes nowhere.

13. Buffalo Bills: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

About Upshaw

Upshaw is among the best pass-rushing linebackers in the draft, and fits a 3-4 defensive scheme very well.

With 8.5 sacks on the year, Upshaw is an athletic freak of nature that offers pure talent on all sides of the ball.

As a pass rusher, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option in this class than Upshaw.

Impact on Buffalo

The Bills have been plagued by injuries this season, and Upshaw offers a great improvement at linebacker.

Buffalo would very much benefit from having Upshaw on their roster.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Martin, OL, Stanford

About Martin

Jonathan Martin is a stellar offensive lineman, and has offered elite talent at the college level.

Martin, very athletic and quick on his feet, is also a very valuable run blocker and can use that truth to help him maintain his strength as an elite right tackle in the NFL.

Impact on Philadelphia

By protecting Luck, he has proven that he can play in front of a scrambling quarterback like Michael Vick.

Philly was an injury-prone team this year, and Martin offers a very important protection to that vulnerability.

15. San Diego Chargers: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

About Brown

Brown would be a risky pick, but if he works, he could help make the Chargers an elite defensive team.

This season he has 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and 91 tackles. He is versatile, and can play like a defensive back or a lineman.

At 6’2” 230 lbs, he is a tad undersized, but because he is so quick he can rush the passer on a big level.

Impact on San Diego

The Chargers need an upgrade at linebacker, and if Upshaw doesn’t fall to them, look for the team to try to nab Brown. At 23.0 PPG, the Chargers are among the worst in the league and Brown’s west coast style could benefit their organization.

Not a bad pick by San Diego, which could help them in the long run.

16. Cincinnati Bengals: David DeCastro, OL, Stanford

About DeCastro

The impact that the elite offensive line Andrew Luck had at Stanford shouldn’t be understated. As well as Martin, DeCastro was a young sensation at Stanford in a pro-style offense.

Already used to protecting a young quarterback in an NFL system, DeCastro is a valuable asset for any organization to pick up.

A ginormous offensive guard at 6'5" 315 pounds, DeCastro is ready to start at interior line for any NFL team.

Impact on Cincinnati

How does Cincinnati top a draft in which they selected two of the top three candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year?

Andy Dalton and A.J. Green have proven themselves as everyday starters in the organization, and look to be the future of a promising young franchise.

One way to respond: trade your backup quarterback for an extra first-round pick from the Raiders.

With an extra first-round pick, the Bengals can snag an elite offensive lineman here in DeCastro to protect Dalton for years to come.

17. Tennessee Titans: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia

About Glenn

At 6’5” and 348 pounds, Glenn has played both offensive guard and offensive tackle in his time at Georgia.

He’s projected as an inside blocker in the pros and is known around the league for his massive size and strength.

At Georgia, he started all four years and even switched positions in his senior year to make room for a younger player and test his own talents.

Impact on Tennessee

For the Titans, their biggest asset is Chris Johnson. By offering him a fantastic offensive linemen, Johnson suddenly finds new holes and can spark through opposing defenses with  new ease.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Devon Still, DT, Penn State

About Still

With their extra pick, the Bengals should seek pure talent and add defensive lineman Devon Still.

Still has 4.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss this season, and could provide fantastic stability on the interior line.

A player quick to the quarterback, opposing offenses would have to plan for Still and be forced to run their plays quicker than usual.

Scouts call Still disruptive, and is a constant threat when he’s on the field.

Impact on Cincinnati

Just like that, the Bengals rejuvenate their defense to match a high-powered offense. The Bengals, who are only getting younger, could use much of the support that Still provides.

19. Dallas Cowboys: Alfonzo Denard, DB, Nebraska

About Dennard

Alfonzo Dennard is perhaps best known for his jumping ability, which helps him cover taller receivers despite his 5’10” frame.

Dennard is not considered elite by anyone, but is certainly among the best defensive backs in the draft and is only improving.

Impact on Dallas

Surely the Cowboys realize that they can’t miss out on a fantastic defensive back from Nebraska projected to land to them for a second straight year, right? Dennard is integral to the Cowboys, who desperately need another cornerback with the recent atrocities of their own defensive backs. 

Dallas is a blitz-heavy team and could use another physical playmaker like Dennard.

20. Chicago Bears: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

About Ingram

Ingram, out of South Carolina, is a big-time playmaker.

While he's listed and will declare as a defensive end, his size makes him a great candidate to switch to linebacker. He stands at 6'2" and weighs 272 pounds, and his versatility has helped him raise his draft stock tremendously.

Ingram is a tremendous talent, and is seen as the No. 2 overall prospect at defensive end in this year's draft class.

Impact on Chicago

Ingram could play end, tackle, outside linebacker or inside linebacker. This is far from an exaggeration as the young standout can be a great asset to add to any team.

Chicago, defensive minded and explosive, would happily reap the benefits that a player like Ingram would provide.

21. Detroit Lions: Vontaze Burifct, LB, Arizona State

About Burfict

I’ve never seen someone on so many different places in draft boards than Vontaze Burfict. I’ve seen him everywhere from a top-five overall pick to outside of the first round.

One thing is certain, and that’s Burfict garners attention from whoever is playing him. One of the hardest hitters in the league, Burfict has what it takes to succeed at the next level.

At 6’3” and 250 pounds, Mel Kiper Jr. feels like there just might be too much tape on him at this point. He’s a playmaker, and could do well no matter where he plays.

He’s a wonderful run defender, a heavy hitter and has good defensive awareness.

The biggest worry for Burfict is his maturity and overall mental awareness.

Impact on Detroit

If no one else takes a flier on Burfict, there’s no way he’s slipping by the Lions. With Suh and Fairley already on their roster, Burfict fits a defensive team that is already regarded as elite.

With this, they only solidify any misconceptions. From a defensive perspective, this team means business.

22. New York Giants: Ronell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

About Lewis

Lewis, who played defensive end in college, should slide into a 3-4 defensive scheme for a professional team.

At 6’2” and 244 pounds, he’s very quick and proved himself as an athletic defender at Oklahoma with 5.5 sacks and a pick this season.

Lewis is best at applying pressure and quick bursts of speed, which makes him a steal this late in the draft.

Impact on New York

The Giants, plagued by injury, very much need a linebacker to fill the needs on their roster next season. Lewis would be a great fit.

The Giants currently rank 29th overall in opposing pass offense, and while Kiwanuka is serviceable, they could use an upgrade over Michael Boley on the weakside. 

23. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

About Floyd

At 6'3" and 229 pounds, Floyd caught eight touchdowns and 1,106 yards through 96 receptions for Notre Dame this season.

Regarded as the second best receiver in the draft, he is quick off his feet and has big hands (excellent for more difficult catches). He is considered an elite deep threat.

Some question his off-field habits following an arrest due to a DUI, but the speculation is that his character issues are largely behind him.

Instead, Floyd shows comparisons to Larry Fitzgerald (which can only be seen as a good thing) and in some mock drafts is a top 10 talent.

Impact on Cleveland

Cleveland receives this pick in a trade, and can capitalize by drafting a major talent with Floyd. Known for being a physical end-zone threat, Floyd can help Colt McCoy by adding a constant threat in the air.

The Browns have miscalculated with highly-drafted WRs in the past few years (Robiskie, Massaquoi, Little) and hope to prove critics wrong with a successful gamble on Michael Floyd.

24. New England Patriots: Brandon Thompson, DL, Clemson

About Thompson

Thompson is a big boy. What he doesn't offer in sacks, he offers as a big-time presence on the defensive line. Quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike worry about Thompson, a constant threat to get to the ball. 

At over 310 pounds, he is a consistent playmaker and hard worker for his size. He's versatile, and can help any team that has been weak in the pass rush.

His overall talent makes him suitable for multiple packages and positions, which inevitably makes him a favorable option for anyone seeking to draft him.

Impact on New England

An elite team without a solid pass rush would likely lose to another elite team with a passing offense (like if the Patriots were to play the Packers in the Super Bowl).

Enter: Brandon Thompson out of Clemson. 

Thompson can enter a 3-4 scheme, as well as a 4-3. While the Patriots had taken fliers on veteran linemen like Albert Haynesworth, it's speculated that they may sneak in with youth and select Thompson in this draft. Smart pick all around.

25. New York Jets: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

About Barron

In case you somehow missed it, the Alabama defense is going to do well in the 2012 NFL Draft.

With Mark Barron, you're getting another valuable player to add to any defense. Another Alabama defensive player, Barron is intimidating (look at that picture!), effective, established and finally, healthy. He is a threat against the run as well as against the pass.

Barron, regarded as the top safety in the position, is a product of Nick Saban and is ready to play in any NFL system.

Impact on the Jets

While the Jets have a star-studded defensive back system with Revis and Cromartie, they lack a standout safety. 

Barron would be a huge upgrade over Eric Smith, and his small size and quick speed would help solidify Rex Ryan's defense once more as among the best in the league. 

Maybe the Jets have turned into the Alabama of the pros (or maybe I've been writing this mock draft for too long), but I think this is a fantastic fit. 

26. Denver Broncos: Whitney Merciles, DT, Illinois

About Mercilus

As a junior, Mercilus is one of the finer young defensive tackles in the game. His pass rush is remarkable, and at 14.5 sacks, he leads the nation.

He is 6'4", 265 pounds, and has a killer mentality. He forces fumbles, is quick to the ball and offers a magnificent presence on any defensive line. 

Impact on Denver

Denver clearly has the offense figured out suddenly, as they maintain the top rushing attack in the league and have a proven franchise QB in Tim Tebow.

On the other side of the ball, their pass rush has also been a very impressive team led by Elvis Dumervil. If the Broncos were able to land the more trendy Whitney Mercilus, they can capitalize on an area that they are good at. 

By drafting Mercilus, they become great at attacking the QB and offer yet another weapon to win a football game.

27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Zeitler, OL, Wisconsin

About Zeitler

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Wisconsin football team — and what may have helped them get to to the Rose Bowl — is that their offensive line was NFL ready.

By that, I really mean they were NFL ready. On average, the Wisconsin offensive linemen were bigger than the offensive line of the Green Bay Packers. 

Zeitler is 6'3" and 322 pounds, is considered among the best in his class at his position and is a hard enough worker to win the "Badger Power Award for his dedication to the weight room in 2010."

He would undoubtedly fit well in any pro-style scheme, and could be reached for a little early by a team eager to grab talent on the offensive line.

Impact on Pittsburgh

Zeitler, who is accustomed to protecting a scrambling QB in Russell Wilson, would be a great help to Big Ben.

One of the ways to improve an already impressive franchise is by bolstering their offensive line and protecting the QB and the RB. Zeitler is an immediate impact kind of player who would improve both the running and passing game.

28. San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

About Jeffery

Jeffery, in terms of NFL Draft Stock, is largely an enigma. He reminds many of Michael Crabtree, both in good ways and in bad ways.

He offers highlight reels that should frequent SportsCenter as long as he maintains the ball, and is a constant threat in coverage. He is absolutely phenomenal with the ball, and is a very dedicated and hard worker on the South Carolina team.

Jeffery is also known for playing his best in big games, which is always good for NFL Draft stock (especially among teams picking later in the draft, who will look to be a playoff threat for years).

He has fantastic durability, and has played in 21 consecutive games in college. This should translate well into the pros.

Impact on San Francisco

San Francisco has a lot going for them these days, including one of the best defensive players in football (Patrick Willis), one of the best running backs in the game (Frank Gore), a smart quarterback (Alex Smith) and an effective head coach in Jim Harbaugh.

Jeffery is a fantastic athlete, and gives Alex Smith a new sense of big-play potential. It opens up the running game for Frank Gore, and may even wake up a certain Michael Crabtree. 

29. Houston Texans: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

About Wright

This season, Wright was the favorite receiver of the Heisman Trophy Winner. That's always a good perk, but for Wright, it could land him a first-round draft selection.

Undersized (5'10" and 194 pounds), he is seen as a top-five talent at his position, has big play ability and is especially durable for his position and frame.

What is most impressive about Wright is his overall productivity. He is very fast, has great vertical route potential and would take the pressure off any team.

Impact on Houston

Finally, someone to take some pressure off of Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. At this point, opposing defenses realize that if Schaub is throwing, he's throwing to Johnson.

With Wright on the field, Schaub has two deep options and an elite running game at his disposal. Already an effective QB, this helps open the running game as well as the passing game. Nothing wrong with this pick. 

Houston, which was plagued by injuries this season, look fantastic under their coach and have continued to fight on without many of their stars. 

30. New England Patriots: Janoris Jenkins, DB, Northern Alabama

About Jenkins

Jenkins is a little guy — 5'9" and 177 lbs—and plays Division II this season at Northern Alabama. 

After two arrests for marijuana possession, a misdemeanor in Florida, he was kicked off of the team following a third and final incident.

Like Patrick Peterson, he offers an incredible option as a punt returner (eclipsing over 100 yards for punt returns in multiple games this season) and can be a spark to any defense. His quickness is at a level beyond any player in the draft, and he is the ultimate definition of a playmaker.

Impact in New England

If the Patriots can sit down and talk to Jenkins, they may realize that his transfer issues are behind him and that he could be a great player to any team.

I find it hard to imagine Jenkins, who is considered a top talent, falling past the New England Patriots in a draft. 

31. Baltimore Ravens: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

About Kuechly

Some regard Kuechly as one of the few locks for success in the NFL Draft.

At Boston College, Kuechly has recorded an incredible 191 tackles to match three key interceptions. His ability to read the big play, see the field and tackle the carrier is among the most elite in the draft class.

He gets to the ball quickly, is very effective on the tackle and at 6'2" and  235 pounds is highly productive. 

Impact on Baltimore

The Ravens certainly would not find themselves worrying about finding a replacement for the aging Ray Lewis with Kuechly on their roster.

His instincts promise that he could be a defensive beast and fit like a glove in the Ravens' system.

Scouts say that Kuechly projects as a future leader for whatever defense he is on, and training under Ray Lewis, he can break onto the scene in a few years as one of the best in the league. 

32. Green Bay Packers: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

About Hightower

Dont'a Hightower is the defensive captain for the Alabama Crimson, which is the No. 1 rated defense in all five major categories.

With another BCS National Championship coming up next month, he has big-game experience for Alabama. 

Hightower is 6'3" 250 pounds, and is simply bigger and better than many of the athletes that he has faced in college. While that advantage may not hold up against professional offenses, his size is still intact and it may help him maintain effectiveness.

Impact on Green Bay

Hightower takes some pressure off of Clay Matthews, can record some important sacks and tackles of his own and is used to the big game at this point.

Green Bay, now at 13-0, certainly has a bright future of big games in front of them. Their offense looks unstoppable, quite literally, and their defense can only improve with a pick like Hightower.

This would be a solid move for a Green Bay team that truly has very few holes.

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