2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which First-Round Stars Will Provide the Best Value?

To be taken within the first 32 picks of the NFL draft, a player needs to have a lot of talent. But sometimes teams reach for players a little too soon, which makes their bust potential go through the roof since fans are expecting the player to be an immediate superstar.

Since teams will undoubtedly continue to take those risks, certain players are allowed to slip through the cracks. It's those players who end up providing the best value to their respective teams in the long run and leave opposing teams to wonder why they passed on them.

Here's a full first-round mock draft, including three players who will provide their new teams with the most value in the coming seasons.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-13): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Colts still control own destiny to get Luck even with Thursday night's win over the Houston Texans.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-12): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Sam Bradford needs more weapons and Blackmon is the best one available.

3. Minnesota Vikings (2-12): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Kalil would provide a major boost to an offensive line that has allowed more than three sacks per game.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Jacksonville's secondary continues to be an issue, especially playing in the AFC South. Claiborne would be a step in the right direction.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The story is similar for the Buccaneers, who have to deal with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton. Kirkpatrick will be able to contribute immediately.

6. Cleveland Browns (4-10): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

With Peyton Hillis' status up in the air, Richardson can be Cleveland's new workhorse.

7. Buffalo Bills (5-9): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Buffalo seems committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick for now, so upgrading his offensive line is a priority. Reiff is an elite talent.

8. Miami Dolphins (5-9): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin is the type of superstar a team in Miami needs to have to keep the fan base interested.

9. Washington Redskins (5-9): Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Jones could turn out to be the biggest winner of Matt Barkley's decision to stay at USC.

10. Carolina Panthers (5-9): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples was widely viewed as a top-five pick when the initial mock drafts starting coming out, but he's slipped a little bit recently as teams' needs have changed and certain players, like Robert Griffin, have watched their stock skyrocket.

He's still a highly-regarded defensive talent who will bring pass rushing ability to whichever team selects him. That could very well be the local Panthers, who could use a few more marquee defensive players to solidify the unit.

11. Philadelphia Eagles (6-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd could help replace DeSean Jackson should the disgruntled wide receiver take his talents elsewhere.

12. Kansas City Chiefs (6-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Kansas City would benefit from improving the offensive line with Martin before Jamaal Charles returns from injury to lead the offense.

13. Seattle Seahawks (7-7): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Seahawks would love to get a top-notch quarterback prospect here, but Barkley's decision probably sends them in a different direction, like Still, in Round 1.

14. San Diego Chargers (7-7): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

Dennard could develop into the playmaker San Diego's secondary sorely lacked this season.

15. Arizona Cardinals (7-7): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Arizona needs to improve its pass rush and Ingram would be the best fit at this draft slot.

16. Tennessee Titans (7-7): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict hasn't received much national attention playing for the Sun Devils, but he's a rock-solid linebacker.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 7-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Cedric Benson isn't the long-term answer in Cincinnati, which makes Miller an intriguing option.

18. Chicago Bears (7-7): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz could become the offensive line's new anchor after Olin Kreutz was let go.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (8-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Former Florida star would be a nice fit in Cincinnati, as long as off-field issues don't become a problem.

20. Dallas Cowboys (8-6): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly would add some much-needed depth to Dallas' linebacking group.

21. Detroit Lions (9-5): David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

At first, this may seem like an unnecessary pick for the Lions. Why select another running back, right? Well, it's not that simple. Jahvid Best continues to struggle with concussion issues, Kevin Smith can't stay healthy for any extended period of time and Mikel Leshoure is coming off of major surgery.

Detroit's offense doesn't operate at the same efficiency without a dynamic RB in the backfield. Wilson gained over 1,700 yards in his junior season and could be ready to make the jump. It would be a risk for the Lions, but could end up paying off big time.

22. New York Jets (8-6): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Jets are at their best when they stick strictly to a ground-and-pound attack, which would suit DeCastro well.

23. Denver Broncos (8-6): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

It appears Denver's plan is to build an elite defense as it's foundation. Cox would be another piece to the puzzle.

24. New York Giants (7-7): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

New York's defense was ravaged by injuries in 2011. Brown could lead a resurgence in 2012.

25. Houston Texans (10-5): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Barron would be another secondary star for Wade Phillips' stout defense.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

The Steelers offensive line is the main reason Ben Roethlisberger is hurt so often.

27. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 9-5): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Jeffery has watched his stock rise and fall like he's on Wall Street. It seems like nobody can get a clear read on his potential at the NFL level. He's an athletic wideout who scored seven touchdowns despite quarterback issues at South Carolina throughout the season.

He's got great size at 6'4'', 229 pounds, which should give him a distinct advantage in the red zone. Jeffery would be a nice fit for the Browns, who should be looking to stock up on offensive talent in the draft. They are in desperate need of big-play guys on that side of the ball.

28. New England Patriots (via NO 11-3): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

New England's defense needs upgrades in basically every area. Upshaw is the best defender left on the board at this spot.

29. Baltimore Ravens (10-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Hightower would benefit from Ray Lewis, who is finally starting to show some wear and tear.

30. San Francisco 49ers (11-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

Everybody knows San Francisco's defense is terrific, now it's time to add more game changers on offense.

31. New England Patriots (11-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Don't be surprised if Bill Belichick trades out of this slot to accumulate more picks later in the draft. If they don't find any takers, Sanu would give Tom Brady another weapon.

32. Green Bay Packers (13-1): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Packers will focus on defense early and often on draft day, starting with Perry.