The 2012 NFL Draft marked the 77th edition of the league’s annual selection meeting. The draft will forever be remembered for the quarterback Andrew Luck taking the torch from Peyton Manning in Indianapolis. After going 2-14, the Colts selected Stanford’s Luck with the top overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Luck was far from the only notable quarterback taken in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Washington Redskins made a deal with the St. Louis Rams to select Baylor’s Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick. Both Luck and Griffin III were named to the Pro Bowl in their rookie season.
2012 NFL Draft Top Ten
With the third overall pick, the Cleveland Browns selected Alabama running back Trent Richardson. His stint in Cleveland wouldn’t last long, as the Browns later traded Richardson to the Colts during 2013 season. The Minnesota Vikings selected offensive tackle Matt Kalil at number four. The Jacksonville Jaguars completed the top five with the selection of Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon.
Here’s how the top 10 unfolded:
- Dallas Cowboys – Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mark Barron (S, Alabama)
- Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill (QB, Texas A&M)
- Carolina Panthers – Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
- Buffalo Bills – Stephon Gilmore (CB, South Carolina)
Notes from the 2012 NFL Draft
A pair of notable quarterbacks taken in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft have gone on to have early success. Russell Wilson, who was taken by the Seahawks with the 75th overall pick, has already led Seattle to a Super Bowl title. With the 88th overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles took Nick Foles, who guided the team to the NFC East title during the 2013 season.
Of the 253 players taken in the 2012 NFL Draft, 33 linebackers and 33 wide receivers were selected. A total of 31 cornerbacks and 23 defensive tackles were also chosen. Twelve players from the 2012 NFL Draft have already been named to at least one Pro Bowl, including Luck, Griffin III, Wilson, Foles, Doug Martin, Alshon Jeffery, and Alfred Morris.
“Mr. Irrelevant” was taken by the Colts, who made quarterback Chandler Harnish the 253rd pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Download: 2012 NFL Draft