The 2012 NFL Draft: A Recap
The recent emphasis on passing was evident in the 2012 NFL Draft with the first two selections being QBs. Stanford’s Andrew Luck was the first pick, going to Indianapolis as the replacement for record-setting Peyton Manning, who signed with Denver. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III was selected next by Washington, who hope Griffin’s multi-threat capabilities will solve their long-time QB woes.
Other first-round draftees who are expected to have immediate impact for their teams include RB Trent Richardson from Alabama (Cleveland), OT Matt Kalil of USC (Minnesota), CB Morris Claiborne of LSU (Dallas), LB Luke Kuechly of Boston College (Carolina), DT Michael Brockers from LSU (St.I found some more information here. Louis), and WR Kendall Wright, Griffin’s teammate at Baylor (Tennessee).
BCS National champion Alabama had the most players selected with eight, including four first-rounders. Underclassmen were also predominant, with the first six selections entering the draft with college eligibility remaining.
There were some surprises among players who weren’t drafted, including record-setting QBs Case Keenum of Houston and Kellen Moore of Boise State. Other notable “non-draftees” were LB Vontaze Burfict (Arizona State), RB Chris Polk (Washington), CB Chase Minnifield (Virginia), and WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M).
The draft’s final selection, nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant,” was QB Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois, who was selected 253rd by Indianapolis.