2012 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All 32 1st-Round Picks

With only two weeks remaining in the NFL season, teams are starting to take stock of their needs for 2012.

The NFL draft works as the great equalizer, as the worst teams get a chance to draft great players. As squads fall out of contention, front offices and fans alike start looking toward the future and prospects that can turn their fate around.

This year's draft class looks promising, as it is not only filled with impact players at the top, but it is also deep enough that there are quality athletes at the end of the first round.

In this mock draft, you can see the approximate value of college football's best players and where they might end up at the next level.

The draft order is based on reverse order of the current standings.

1. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

There is some debate on what the Indianapolis Colts should do with the first pick in the draft.

Andrew Luck will be the first pick regardless, but with Peyton Manning planning on returning to the field next season, many argue that the Colts should trade the selection.

While the trade value would be good, the best move for the Colts is to select the Stanford quarterback. 

Even if Peyton Manning does come back at full strength, he is currently 35 years old. It would be hard to imagine the veteran having too many quality years left in him.

A prospect of Andrew Luck's caliber does not come around too often, so the team needs to grab him when it has the chance. 

2. Minnesota Vikings

Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

As the best offensive lineman available, Matt Kalil did not need to wait long to enter himself in the NFL draft. 

This season, the Trojans tackle did not allow a single sack. The entire USC line allowed the least amount of sacks in the country.

The Minnesota Vikings would love this addition, as the team has allowed the fourth-most sacks in the NFL.

After investing a first-round pick in Christian Ponder a year ago, the Vikings now need to protect him. Kalil will do just that.

3. St. Louis Rams

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU

Tyrann Mathieu gained all the headlines this season, but it is very likely that Morris Claiborne will be a better pro.

While Mathieu is only 5'9", Claiborne is 6'1" and very strong. As the NFL moves toward bigger and stronger wide receivers, defenses will need cornerbacks with size like Claiborne's.

St. Louis is starting to build up its offense, but it has few elite players on defense. 

The Rams are also toward the bottom of the league with only 17 takeaways this season.

Claiborne has six interceptions this season and is a key reason for the success that LSU has had on defense this season.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Last year's first-round pick, Blaine Gabbert, has struggled at quarterback this season, completing only half of his passes with a 65.6 quarterback rating.

However, part of the problem is that he has little talent to throw to.

Only Mike Thomas has had limited success as a receiver before this season.

Blackmon would be a huge addition and an immediate impact for a struggling offense. The receiver has caught over 110 passes and 15 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.

His ability to find the end zone will significantly help Gabbert as he attempts to become a quality NFL quarterback. 

5. Cleveland Browns

Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama

The Cleveland Browns are No. 30 in the NFL in rushing yards this season, and none of their current running backs can be trusted as a long-term solution.

Peyton Hillis had a great year last season, but he could not recreate that success in his final year of his contract.

Montario Hardesty is injured too often, and Chris Ogbonnaya could only produce a couple good flashes before heading back to the bench. 

Trent Richardson would instantly become one of the best running backs in football. The Heisman finalist showed this season that he is the total package of speed, size and agility.

The Browns seem to feel good enough about Colt McCoy to leave him in at quarterback, but the addition of Richardson will help as an offensive weapon.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

After totaling 17.5 sacks in the past two seasons at South Carolina, Melvin Ingram is ready to take on the NFL. 

He would instantly help out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the defense has only forced 22 sacks this season, one ahead of the Buffalo Bills for last in the league.

Ingram has tremendous size and is surprisingly agile as well. This year he progressed as a run-stopper, which will certainly help him succeed at the next level. 

7. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

This group of quarterbacks has the ability to be one of the best classes of quarterbacks in recent memory.

Andrew Luck is the top dog, but Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has the opportunity to be a real star in the league.

Many like to talk about his running ability (and he is very good at that) but do not credit Griffin as a passer. However, Griffin completed 72.4 percent of his passes and was the most efficient quarterback in FBS.

The Washington Redskins desperately need a quarterback on offense to replace the turnover-prone Rex Grossman. Griffin proved at Baylor that he could win regardless of who else is around him.

That type of attitude will be important for a team that has not had a winning season since 2007. 

8. Carolina Panthers

Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

While all eyes were on Cam Newton this season, it was easy to miss the fact that the defense for the Carolina Panthers was one of the worst in the league.

The Panthers have given up the seventh-most points per game this season, and it cost the team many wins despite great quarterback play.

Dre Kirkpatrick will provide a boost, as he was a vital member of the best defense statistically in college football.

The cornerback does not have elite stats, but that was mostly because teams avoided his side of the field.

He will be able to use his 6'3" frame to deny bigger receivers that are used to simply bullying smaller defenders.

9. Miami Dolphins

Landry Jones, Quarterback, Oklahoma

No NFL team will be more affected by Matt Barkley's decision to remain in school than the Miami Dolphins.

Landry Jones still has plenty of potential to be a quality quarterback, but Barkley is a class above him due to his superior accuracy and decision-making.

Still, the Dolphins need a quarterback and Jones will be the best available.

10. Buffalo Bills

Vontaze Burfict, Middle Linebacker, Arizona State

The Buffalo Bills have been soft, allowing the fourth-most rushing yards in the NFL. Vontaze Burfict is anything but soft.

Burfict is a great athlete who can hit, and hit hard.

This has caused a few personal foul calls against him, but a middle linebacker is supposed to be tenacious.

If he can learn to control himself a little bit more at the next level, the Sun Devils MLB can become one of the best players at his position.

11. Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford

Despite last week's win over the Green Bay Packers, the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled this season. 

However, there are still not too many immediate holes to fill as the team has been devastated by injuries. 

Jonathan Martin would help avoid some of the injuries by providing protection for the skill players. Martin has been an all-conference performer for the past two seasons, and he has protected Andrew Luck for the last three.

Matt Cassel would love to have a player of Martin's skill protecting his blind side. 

12. Philadelphia Eagles

Luke Kuechly, Middle Linebacker, Boston College

After spending millions of dollars in the offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles still struggled at one of the most basic aspects of football: tackling.

Luke Kuechly can change that problem immediately as he is one of the best tacklers in the country.

He finished the season with 191 tackles en route to winning the Dick Butkus Award as the best linebacker, and the Bronko Nagurski Award for the best defensive player in the NCAA.

With the Eagles, he would not be needed as much in blitzing or in coverage, just stopping the man with the ball.

13. Tennessee Titans

David DeCastro, Offensive Guard, Stanford

Chris Johnson is receiving the blame for a poor rushing attack, but the offensive line for the Tennessee Titans is not providing any holes for the All-Pro running back.

David DeCastro is the best run-blocking guard in this class, and could be one of the best in a few years. 

The 13th pick is often too high to select an interior lineman, but DeCastro could be in the NFL for the next 10-12 years. That alone is worth the selection.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders)

Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery has had a down year statistically, but he is still one of the best receivers in college football.

Not only did the junior receive plenty of extra attention from opposing defenses after his 1,500-yard sophomore season, but regular starting quarterback Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team in early October. 

Physically, Jeffery is everything you could want from a receiver. He has elite hands, size, speed and elusiveness that will help him succeed at the next level.

The Cincinnati Bengals already have a solid defense, so they should use at least one of their two first-round draft picks on offense.

A combination of him and A.J. Green could be one of the best tandems in the league for years to come.

15. San Diego Chargers

Devon Still, Defensive Tackle, Penn State

The San Diego Chargers selected defensive tackle Corey Liuget in the first round of last year's draft, but they still need some more help.

Devon Still can boost the strength of a defense that allows 126.1 rushing yards per game.

Liuget was also moved to defensive end, so Still can use his large size to anchor the 3-4 defense.

Still takes up a lot of room in the middle of the defense that can take up blockers and allow his teammates to make the plays necessary to win.

16. Arizona Cardinals

Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama

The Arizona Cardinals invested a lot of money on offense last offseason by signing both Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb to contract extensions.

This year the team should look toward defense.

The Cardinals got a great player in last year's draft in Patrick Peterson, but the secondary still has a long way to go to be respectable. 

Mark Barron can either play alongside or replace the aging Adrian Wilson at safety.

17. Seattle Seahawks

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A

Last year, Christian Ponder rose up draft boards due to good workouts and team needs. 

Ryan Tannehill could follow his lead this year.

The Seattle Seahawks are trying to build a core group of players to allow future success, but Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer at quarterback. He has as many interceptions as touchdowns, and that has been a theme throughout his career.

Tannehill will be the best quarterback available at this point, and pre-draft workouts will show that he will be worthy of this selection.

The quarterback is being hurt by lack of hype, but that will change soon.

18. New York Giants

Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

The strength of the New York Giants used to be the offensive line. Now it is falling apart.

It is apparent there needs to be some change for a team that is last in the NFL in rushing yards.

Tackles David Diehl and Kareem McKenzie are over 30, and Riley Reiff could inject some much-needed youth.

Even if he does not immediately start, Reiff can be the left tackle of the future and protect Eli Manning through the rest of his prime.

19. Chicago Bears

Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

The Chicago Bears have gone from an elite defense to the middle of the pack.

They need to get younger.

One person that can help is North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. The All-ACC performer can learn from Julius Peppers and refine his raw talent to become an elite pass-rusher.

He already has enough talent to get 17.5 sacks in the past two seasons.

If Jay Cutler and Matt Forte can return to form next season, the Bears will go back to being among the NFL's elite.

20. Denver Broncos

Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

With the level of success that Tim Tebow has had this season, there is very little chance that the Denver Broncos draft another quarterback.

The next step is to give your quarterback plenty of weapons.

Michael Floyd has been very productive throughout his college career, totaling 95 receptions for 1,106 yards this season. The 6'3" receiver has 3,645 receiving yards in his time at Notre Dame.

Drafting receivers will also be important for the Broncos, as it might be hard to lure free agents to come to a team that relies so heavily on the run.

21. Dallas Cowboys

Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska

There are not too many holes to fill on the Dallas Cowboys, but they still need to patch a leaky pass defense.

They should select Alfonzo Dennard, who has the ability to be a shutdown cornerback.

He was able to get four interceptions last season, as quarterbacks were trying to avoid teammate Prince Amukamara. This year opponents did not even want to look in his direction.

While Dennard does not have the size of players like Dre Kirkpatrick, he makes up for it with great speed and agility. 

22. Cincinnati Bengals

Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami (FL)

Cedric Benson should no longer be a starting running back in the NFL.

He receives over 18 carries per game but averages only 3.9 yards per carry, which is good for 36th in the league.

As the Cincinnati Bengals attempt to build a new, young offense around Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the next step is to bring in a young running back.

Lamar Miller had a breakout season for the University of Miami with over 1,200 rushing yards and 5.6 yards per carry.

He still needs to improve as a receiver, but he is no worse than Benson in that phase of the game either.

23. New York Jets

Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor

Rex Ryan loves veteran players, but it is about time the team started to get younger.

The addition of Kendall Wright would not only inject youth to a position filled by 34-year-old Plaxico Burress, but he would also provide plenty of speed to a relatively slow offense.

Wright was a favorite target of Robert Griffin III and finished the regular season with 101 catches for 1,572 yards. Most notably, he caught an 87-yard touchdown pass in an upset over Oklahoma.

His ability to make game-changing plays will help an already quality team.

24. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)

Dont'a Hightower, Middle Linebacker, Alabama

If the Cleveland Browns use their first pick on offense, they will be free to use the second pick of the first round on defense.

Dont'a Hightower is a very well-rounded linebacker, but had the opportunity to play with plenty of talent around him in college that he will not necessarily have in the NFL.

Regardless, the Browns allow the second-most rushing yards in football this season and need someone who can make tackles.

D'Qwell Jackson is a talented linebacker, but he needs help. Hightower can help provide a formidable duo on the defense. 

25. Detroit Lions

David Wilson, Running Back, Virginia Tech

After being the second option behind Darren Evans last year, David Wilson broke out this season with 1,627 rushing yards, good enough for fifth in the nation.

The Detroit Lions used a first-round pick on Jahvid Best two years ago, but injuries have limited his career so far.

David Wilson is more of a between-the-tackles runner that could replace Jahvid Best if needed.

If everything goes well, though, it would create a scary inside-outside running attack to complement one of the best passing offenses in the league.

26. Houston Texans

Cordy Glenn, Offensive Lineman, Georgia

The front office for the Houston Texans will not be used to this position, but they will have the ability to draft for the best player available.

With no immediate needs (assuming Matt Schaub returns healthy), Cordy Glenn will be a great option.

The Georgia Bulldog has been starting since his freshman year of college, and more importantly, can play at either guard or tackle on the offensive line.

His versatility can help the Texans solidify the line as the team progresses toward being a perennial contender.

27. Baltimore Ravens

Dwayne Allen, Tight End, Clemson

The Baltimore Ravens could try to get younger on defense, but it would be more beneficial to improve the offense.

Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith have made a solid receiving duo on the outside, but Dwayne Allen will give the team a red-zone dimension they are missing.

The tight end caught eight touchdowns for Clemson this season, and he could be another option when teams stack the box against Ray Rice.

28. San Francisco 49ers

Nick Toon, Wide Receiver, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin receiver was stuck in a run-heavy offense, but Nick Toon was still able to showcase his talent on multiple occasions.

During the course of the season, the 6'3" senior had three multi-touchdown games.

His skill set would be useful for the San Francisco 49ers, who are still looking for playmakers to spread the field.

Braylon Edwards has been a disappointment with only 14 receptions, and the receiving corps as a whole only has six total touchdowns.

Toon could boost the offense to help match the dominant defense.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

Ben Roethlisberger has shown time after time that he is one of the toughest football players in the NFL.

Still, the quarterback needs to be protected so his career is not cut short due to a serious injury.

Mike Adams should help do that. The second-team All-Big Ten lineman showed he is an excellent pass-blocker after serving his five-game suspension to start the year due to improper benefits.

He should also be able to improve the inconsistent run game of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

30. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints)

Andre Branch, Defensive End, Clemson

The New England Patriots need defensive help, and two first-round picks will get the team on the right track.

Clemson defensive end Andre Branch will provide a steady pass rush to help take some of the pressure off the secondary.

He also showed his versatility by getting 10.5 sacks as well as finishing second on his team with 73 tackles

We all know that coach Bill Belichick loves players with versatility.

New England Patriots

Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama

With the New England Patriots being last in the NFL in total defense, it would not surprise anyone if they used both first-round picks on defensive players.

The second of the two picks could be used to select the controversial cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

Jenkins was dismissed from the University of Florida program after multiple drug-related arrests.

Despite possible character issues, the Florida native has tons of talent.

Bill Belichick has made a living by selecting great athletes that other teams pass on, and they succeed mainly because the players know that they will be off the team if they do not behave.

In New England, Jenkins might learn some discipline to pair with his athletic abilities. With the right guidance, he can be elite.

32. Green Bay Packers

Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

The offense for the Green Bay Packers is poetry in motion, and there is no reason to change anything about it.

On the other hand, the defense needs some work, especially in the passing game.

Stephon Gilmore will be the best defender available at this point in the draft, and he is not a bad consolation prize.

The cornerback has good size and should be able to stick with the best receivers in the game.

Gilmore will also be able to learn from one of the best in the game, Charles Woodson.