Michigan Sports Chat's 2012 Mock Draft:

1. Indianapolis- QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

Once the Colts secured the 1^st pick of the draft, they released their franchise QB Peyton Manning this offseason knowing full-well that they would be selecting Luck with this pick. As draft guru Mel Kiper has put it, Luck is the best quarterback prospect he has graded since John Elway in 1983. So the Colts released a Pro Bowl quarterback to make way for an eventual Pro Bowl quarterback.

• Secondary Option: QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
• Third Option: None

2. Washington- QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

The Redskins traded their 1^st and 2^nd Round picks this year, 1^st Round pick in 2013, and 1^st Round pick in 2014 to move up 4 spots in the draft to select the quarterback that the Colts do not. With the Colts taking Luck, the Redskins will happily select Griffin. Griffin is very athletic with a great arm and nice touch.

• Secondary Option: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
• Third Option: None

3. Minnesota- OT Matt Kalil, USC

The Vikings no longer have OT Bryant McKinnie to protect the quarterback and open running holes for Pro Bowler Adrian Peterson. Kalil has been the best left tackle in the country the past two years and fills a big area of need for the Vikings

• Secondary Option: CB Morris Claiborne, LSU
• Third Option: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

4. Cleveland- RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

The Browns are a little unsure of QB Colt McCoy as their franchise quarterback. With the two premier quarterbacks already off the board however, look for the Browns to add a tremendous offensive weapon to their attack in the form of Richardson. Richardson is a prototypical workhorse running back with speed, good hands out of the backfield, and great ball security.

• Secondary Option: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.
• Third Option: QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

5. Tampa Bay- CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

The Bucs want either Richardson or Claiborne with this pick, and they will be more than happy to get Claiborne with Richardson off the board already. There is a lot of uncertainty at the corner position with Aqib Talib facing a felony gun charge and Ronde Barber returning for another season at age 37. The Bucs signed CB Eric Wright from the Detroit Lions to a 5-year deal, but knowing for sure that they have a player like Claiborne to man the other side is priceless.

• Secondary Option: RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
• Third Option: WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

6. St. Louis- WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma St.

The Rams traded away the 2^nd pick in the draft to the Redskins because they already have a franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford. While they do miss out on Kalil or Claiborne by moving down 4 spots, they will be very satisfied to still give Bradford a receiving target like Blackmon. Blackmon used his good body size, great hands, good speed, and tremendous work ethic to win the Biletnikoff Award for the top wide receiver the past two seasons, and he should have no problem transitioning to the NFL.

• Secondary Option: OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
• Third Option: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.

7. Jacksonville- DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina

The Jaguars could use a good receiving option like Blackmon, but they also need help at defensive end. The Jags have not gotten the production they were hoping for when they signed DE Aaron Kampman as a free agent two years ago. They need someone to tandem with DE Jeremy Mincey, who led the team with 8 sacks last year.

• Secondary Option: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
• Third Option: WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

8. Miami- QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

The Dolphins were unable to entice QB Peyton Manning, QB Matt Flynn, or QB Alex Smith to join the fold, and they have been unable to find a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino. Tannehill does not have a ton of experience at quarterback having started his college career at wide receiver, but he shows a strong arm and good decision-making skills.

• Secondary Option: WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
• Third Option: OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

9. Carolina- DT Michael Brockers, LSU

The Carolina offense was able to put points on the board and get leads last season, but the defense was often unable to hold onto the lead. The Panthers have a lot of options with this pick on the defensive side of the ball. One glaring need is at defensive tackle. Brockers does a good job against the run and can get to the quarterback. With some coaching, Brockers has the potential to be a Pro Bowler.

• Secondary Option: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.
• Third Option: DT Dontari Poe, Memphis

10. Buffalo- OT Riley Reiff, Iowa

The Bills addressed their need at defensive end during free agency and can now focus on protecting the quarterback with this pick. Reiff is easily the 2^nd-best offensive tackle in this draft class. He can play either tackle position as he is the best tackle in this draft when it comes to both the pass- and run-blocking.

• Secondary Option: WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
• Third Option: LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

11. Kansas City- DT Dontari Poe, Memphis

The Chiefs switched to a 3-4 defense last year and used Kelly Gregg at nose tackle. With Gregg now retired, the Chiefs shouldn’t pass on Poe, who is a space-eater with a lot of potential.

• Secondary Option: LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• Third Option: OG David DeCastro, Stanford

12. Seattle- LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

The linebacker position, which used to be a position of strength and depth for the Seahawks, is now their biggest need, and the Seahawks will not believe their luck that a player of Kuechly caliber fell to them at this spot. Kuechly was a tackling-machine in college and brings great instincts with him to the NFL.

• Secondary Option: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
• Third Option: OG David DeCastro, Stanford

13. Arizona- WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

The offensive tackle position is one of need, but the Cardinals will be happy to grab Floyd a compliment to Pro Bowl WR Larry Fitzgerald with no tackles on the board really warranting this pick. Floyd has good speed, great hands, great size, and runs good routes. He should give Kolb another option when Fitzgerald is double-covered.

• Secondary Option: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina
• Third Option: OG/OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia

14. Dallas- OG David DeCastro, Stanford

The Cowboys need to keep QB Tony Romo protected if they are going to succeed, and DeCastro fills an area of need at offensive guard. DeCastro is an excellent blocker in both the running- and passing-game and could easily be a future Pro Bowler.

• Secondary Option: S Mark Barron, Alabama
• Third Option: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.

15. Philadelphia- S Mark Barron, Alabama

There are no OLB for the 4-3 defense or offensive tackles worthy of this pick, so the Eagles will choose to improve their pass defense. Barron is good in pass-coverage but can also come up into the box and lay a big hit on an opponent.

• Secondary Option: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.
• Third Option: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford

16. NY Jets- DE/LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

The Jets need to get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and need to get more production from their outside linebackers. Upshaw has the size to be a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, but he has the talent and athleticism to play linebacker. With his power and pass-rush ability, Upshaw should help the Jets get to the quarterback more often as a pass-rushing OLB in their 3-4 defense.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.

17. Cincinnati- DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina

The Bengals have other areas of need, but I think Coples may be too good to turn down with this pick. Coples has the size, athleticism, and talent to become a good defensive end in the NFL.

• Secondary Option: OG/OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia
• Third Option: CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

18. San Diego- DT/DE Fletcher Cox, Mississippi St.

The Chargers have question marks on defense, and they should be ecstatic to have Cox fall to them at this pick. While little under-rated, Cox is a disruptor on the defensive line and should help the Chargers get pressure on the quarterback from the defensive end position.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

19. Chicago- CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

The Bears could use an upgrade at defensive end and at offensive tackle, but Gilmore is the top rated player of some need on the board. Gilmore, probably the most complete cornerback in the draft, has been moving up draft boards lately and will add much needed cover skills and excellent tackling from the position to the Bears defense.

• Secondary Option: OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
• Third Option: DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

20. Tennessee- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

The Titans will be happy to get either Gilmore or Kirkpatrick with this pick after losing CB Cortland Finnegan in free agency. Kirkpatrick has the skills to step in immediately as a starter and fills a glaring hole in the Titans defense.

• Secondary Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
• Third Option: DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

21. Cincinnati- OG/OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia

The Bengals took a chance at pick #17 by taking the talent DE and hoping Glenn would still be on the board at this spot. The gamble paid off, and the Bengals gain some much needed help on the offensive line. Glenn is a big man with athleticism and the versatility to play both guard positions and right tackle.

• Secondary Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
• Third Option: WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

22. Cleveland- WR Kendall Wright, Baylor

The Browns could reach a little by drafting a quarterback here, but they will most likely decide to gamble that the QB they want will still be there in the early stages of Round 2. Wright is an explosive vertical threat with good hands and should give the Browns a quality receiving option.

• Secondary Option: WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
• Third Option: QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma St.

23. Detroit- OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford

A bigger need for Detroit is at cornerback, but the Lions will not take a chance on the talented, but troubled CB Janoris Jenkins. Instead the Lions will be happy to select Martin to eventually take over for the aging LT Jeff Backus. Martin is an athletic tackle that protected the blind-side of Andrew Luck for the past three seasons. Martin is however a much better finesse pass blocker than a physical run blocker.

• Secondary Option: OT Mike Adams, Ohio St.
• Third Option: DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

24. Pittsburgh- LB Donta’ Hightower, Alabama

The Steelers could look to shore up their offensive line, but I don’t think they’ll be able to turn down drafting Hightower with this pick. There are not too many players that are the perfect fit for a team, but Hightower is the perfect 3-4 inside linebacker for the Steelers. He should be a good addition to this tremendous defense.

• Secondary Option: OT Mike Adams, Ohio St.
• Third Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

25. Denver- DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan St.

The Broncos attention is on the defensive side of the ball with defensive tackle being the most glaring need. With the top three defensive tackles already off the board, Denver may look to trade down. While Worthy may be a bit of a reach with this pick, he is very strong and quick in the gap and should occupy the center and guard to allow the linebackers to flow to the ball.

• Secondary Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
• Third Option: WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

26. Houston- WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech

The Texans have had Pro Bowl WR Andre Johnson has missed 12 games the past two seasons due to injury, and they need to find a wide receiver that can be the top option. Hill is a big receiver with good hands and good speed. He is still a little raw and needs some work on his route-running, but he could form a nice tandem with Johnson while he continues to learn.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: OT Mike Adams, Ohio St.

27. New England- OLB Shea McClellan, Boise St.

The Patriots have one of the better offenses in the NFL. Their defense, however, needs some work. Look for New England to address the defense early and often in this draft. McClellan showed tremendous intelligence on the field and is relentless in his efforts to get to the football. He shows the ability to rush the passer or drop into coverage. He should be a welcome addition to the Patriots defense.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: S Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

28. Green Bay- DE/LB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois

The Packers defense had trouble getting to the quarterback last season. Look for them to look for a linebacker opposite Pro Bowl LB Clay Matthews. Mercilus led the nation with 16 sacks and 9 forced fumbles last season. While Green Bay probably would have preferred to have McClellan drop one more spot as to not have to draft a defensive end and transition him to outside linebacker, Mercilus is definitely athletic enough to make the switch and still produce.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: S Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

29. Baltimore- S Harrison Smith, Notre Dame

The Ravens will not reach for an offensive guard with this pick, which is their most glaring need. Look for them to address the guard position in Round Two. Instead, the Ravens will look to draft for depth and youth for their defense. S Ed Reed is 33-years-old and has had a few durability issues, and S Bernard Pollard is in the last year of his contract. Smith has good size, range, and intelligence to provide the Ravens a good backup or even a potential starter in the event of an injury.

• Secondary Option: DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse
• Third Option: C Peter Konz, Wisconsin

30. San Francisco- DE/LB Chandler Jones, Syracuse

Like the Ravens, San Francisco has a hole at offensive guard that they will need to address later in the draft. And while the wide receiver position was addressed a couple times in free agency, the Niners probably wouldn’t have minded WR Stephen Hill to drop to them here or could look at WR Brian Quick. Jones, like the Niners 1^st Round pick last year- OLB Aldon Smith, is a college defensive end that knows how to get to the quarterback and has the ability to make the switch to a 3-4 outside linebacker. San Francisco will hope that they have as much success converting Jones as they did Smith.

• Secondary Option: WR Brian Quick, Appalachian St.
• Third Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

31. New England- DT/DE Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati

I could have seen the Patriots maybe taking a chance on CB Janoris Jenkins with this pick until it was reported that he continued to have drug issues at North Alabama. I still think the Patriots will draft on the defensive side of the ball with this pick, and Wolfe seems like a nice option for them here. Wolfe is a defensive tackle that has enough pass rush ability to slide over to defensive end in a 3-4 defense. Wolfe has great strength and brings a relentless and rugged approach to the game.

• Secondary Option: WR Brian Quick, Appalachian St.
• Third Option: CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama

32. NY Giants- TE Coby Fleener, Stanford

The Giants have lost both starting tight ends (and Beckum) to injury. Fleener is the top tight end in the draft. Fleener is big, sure-handed, and has the speed to stretch the field. While blocking is not a real strength of his, Fleener can hold his own in that department.

• Secondary Option: OT Bobby Massie, Mississippi
• Third Option: OT Mike Adams, Ohio St.