2012 NFL Mock Draft: How Matt Barkley's Decision Shakes Up the First Round

USC junior quarterback Matt Barkley made his decision publicly on Thursday afternoon to return to Southern California for his senior season, and who can really blame him.

Barkley led the Trojans to an impressive 10-2 record in 2011, and his absence at the 2012 NFL Draft next April is sure to shake things up.

The loss of such a highly-touted quarterback with pro potential will have a significant effect on how the first round unfolds.

2012 Draft order determined by current record. 

No. 1. Indianapolis Colts (2-13): Andrew Luck, Stanford, QB

The Colts may be reluctant to part ways with future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, but they aren't stupid.

A 6'4" pocket passer with Luck's touch and ability to read a defense doesn't come around often, and regardless of what Indy does with the pick (potentially trade it), Andrew Luck will be the first name called by the commissioner. 

No. 2. St. Louis Rams (2-12): Matt Kalil, USC, OT

The Rams are 27th and 26th in the league this season respectively in pass and rush offense. 

A presence like USC's Matt Kalil on the offensive line, who has the height (6'7"), and athleticism to protect Sam Bradford while helping to lead the way for Steven Jackson is too good to pass up.

No. 3. Minnesota Vikings (2-12): Morris Claiborne, LSU, CB

The Vikings have been dreadful defending the pass in 2011, ranking 30th in the league in yards allowed. 

An offensive weapon like Justin Blackmon might be a nice move at No. 3, but the secondary needs attention. Claiborne is a game-changer.

No. 4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10): Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State, WR

The Jaguars have needs everywhere, but boosting their passing attack is one of the most pressing ones.

If Blackmon is on the board when Jacksonville gets on the clock, then they should snag him. He'll provide a weapon for Blaine Gabbert in his second year.  

No. 5. Cleveland Browns (4-10): Trent Richardson, Alabama, RB

The Peyton Hillis experiment went from success to failure in one season, and Cleveland has posed zero threat running the football in 2011. 

Richardson brings toughness and intimidation to any back field. 

No. 6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10): Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, CB

Richardson will be joined by fellow Tide teammate Dre Kirkpatrick in the top 10 of the first round next April, without a doubt.

The Bucs' D was wretched in 2011, and they showed plenty room for improvement. Kirkpatrick isn't a Morris Claiborne, but he will blanket good wide receivers in the NFL. 

No. 7. Buffalo Bills (5-9): Jonathan Martin, Stanford, OT

The 6'6" senior offensive tackle is exactly what the Bills need to help out up front.

No. 8. Washington Redskins (5-9): Robert Griffin III, Baylor, QB

Given that Matt Barkley is coming back for his senior year and what we saw happen with Cam Newton gaining momentum and eventually going No. 1 overall last spring, Griffin III could go as high as No. 1, but for now he goes No. 8 to the 'Skins.

This is a no-brainer for Washington: they've had a quarterback carousel since training camp. 

No. 9. Carolina Panthers (5-9): Quinton Coples, North Carolina, DE

Coples can be a force stopping the run, and that's just what the Panthers need considering they give up more than 130 rushing yards per game this season.

No. 10. Miami Dolphins (5-9): Landry Jones, Oklahoma, QB

Here's where the Matt Barkley decision really impacts the draft. Barkley was easily the third-best QB on the board, and Miami is in desperate need of one unless Matt Moore is the long-term answer for management.

Jones had a less than stellar year with the Sooners, but his big arm won't go unnoticed. 

No. 11. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8): Riley Reiff, Iowa, OT

Reiff would be close to home, and at 6'6", he is a comfortable piece to play in front of injury-prone Matt Cassel.  

No. 12. Philadelphia Eagles (6-8): Luke Kuechly, Boston College, LB

At 6'3", 235 pounds, Kuechly has great size for an NFL linebacker, and Philly's rush defense must improve. It ranks 17th in the league in 2011.

No. 13. Tennessee Titans (7-7): Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, WR

The Titans need a boost in the passing game. Chris Johnson can only carry the offense for so long. 

No. 14. Arizona Cardinals (7-7): Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, LB

The sturdy senior LB was a force for the Crimson Tide over his career in Tuscaloosa, and his toughness is needed in the desert. 

No. 15. San Diego Chargers (7-7): Mark Barron, Alabama, S

Another Alabama senior that is projected to go in the first round is Crimson Tide safety Mark Barron.

Barron is an extremely well-rounded safety prospect and would play consistently for the inconsistent Chargers.

No. 16. Chicago Bears (7-7): David DeCastro, Stanford, G

Andrew Luck's blocking buddy has ideal size at 6'5", 310 pounds, and would be a great help in protecting Jay Cutler from a beating in 2012.  

No. 17. New York Giants (7-7): Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State, LB

Big Blue's defense has been down, and we all know how dominant their front four can be every now and then. 

Burfict is an underclassman, but a very mature and high character talent for the Giants to bring in. 

No. 18. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders 7-7): Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska, CB

Dennard would add depth and skill to a defense that has the potential to gain notice in the black and blue AFC North. 

No. 19. Seattle Seahawks (7-7): Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR

Another team greatly impacted by the Matt Barkley decision is the Seattle Seahawks.

With no real exciting QB prospects on the board in the mid-to-late first round, the Hawks may be inclined to take a wideout like Floyd in order to jump start the league's 23rd-ranked passing attack.

No. 20. New York Jets (8-6): Lamar Miller, Miami, RB

Shonn Greene has been underwhelming to say the least in 2011 with the Jets, who rank 21st in the NFL in rushing. A player like Miller could come in and challenge for a bulk of the carries. 

No. 21. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6): David Wilson, Virginia Tech, RB

The Bengals would love to get Lamar Miller if they could, but if he's not available they could reach for Virginia Tech's David Wilson. Wilson would instantly become Cincy's game-breaking threat in the back field.

No. 22. Dallas Cowboys (8-6): Zach Brown, North Carolina, LB

Brown would help out Rob Ryan's inconsistent defense in Dallas, providing another presence on the outside edge for the 'Boys.

No. 23. Denver Broncos (8-6): Devon Still, Penn State, DT

Still could help shut down opposing offenses for the Broncos and give Tim Tebow a larger margin for error.

No. 24. Detroit Lions (9-5): Cordy Glenn, Georgia, G

If the Lions' running backs can stay healthy, 6'4", 330-pound Cordy Glenn could help block for them as well as keep quarterback Matthew Stafford upright.

No. 25. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons 9-5): Kevin Reddick, North Carolina, LB

The Browns rank 31st against the run this season and Reddick would certainly help to turn things around starting in 2012.

No. 26. Houston Texans (10-5): Brandon Thompson, Clemson, DT

A senior defensive tackle that showed great potential with the ACC champion Tigers, he could help bolster Houston's fast-improving, young defense.

No. 27. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4): Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, DT

Cox could be a unique prospect for Pittsburgh's 3-4 defensive scheme, wreaking havoc in a variety of ways.

No. 28. Baltimore Ravens (10-4): Mike Adams, Ohio State, OT

The Ravens could use an addition to an aging defense, but while they're focused on a Super Bowl run, they would be wise to build on a strong offensive line that could make life easier for Ray Rice and Joe Flacco.

Adams is quick enough and long enough to become a presence early.

No. 29. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints (11-3): Kendall Wright, Baylor, WR

Baylor's Kendall Wright has great potential in the NFL and is a big reason why Robert Griffin III took home Heisman honors this season.

No. 30. San Francisco 49ers (11-3): Zebrie Sanders, Florida State, OT

The 6'6", 305-pound senior could make Frank Gore even scarier next season, or at least provide some depth if a starting OL goes down. 

No. 31. New England Patriots (11-3): Janoris Jenkins, N. Alabama, CB

The wild-card pick of the draft will come late, when the Pats take a shot at a player who has had several character issues.

Still, Jenkins is one of the best secondary guys out there.

No. 32. Green Bay Packers (13-1): Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma, LB

An outside edge rusher like Ronnell Lewis would be great for the Pack on D and opposite a superstar like Clay Matthews.