This ranker ranks the 5 smartest picks of the 2012 NFL draft. 

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no.5: Lavonte David, LB – 

  • Pick number 58 (round 2)
  • Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

David could very well be the most underrated player in the entire league. He is an elite linebacker and the best defender on the Bucs team other than fellow pro-bowler Gerald McCoy. 

no.4: Andrew Luck, QB – Stanford 

  • Pick number 1 (round 1)
  • Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts

Luck turned into the franchise QB the Colts needed to replace Manning after he left. He did have a rough 2015-16 season that ended in injury, but don’t let that convince you he isn’t elite. 

no.3: Luke Kuechly, MLB – Boston College

  • Pick number 9 (round 1)
  • Drafted by the Carolina Panthers

Kuechly might be the best middle linebacker in the NFL. The only reason he isn’t higher on this list is because he was drafted so high. The Panthers did a great job in this draft. 

no.2: Josh Norman, CB – 

  • Pick number 143 (round 5)
  • Drafted by the Carolina Panthers

Norman became the best cover corner in the league last year. He is no longer with Carolina due to a contract dispute, but that doesn’t mean this wasn’t a great pick late in the draft. 

no.1: Russell Wilson, QB – NC State/ Wisconsin

  • Pick number 75 (round 3)
  • Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 

He is a super bowl champ, and great on and off the field. He isn’t the biggest , fastest, or strongest QB, but who cares?  He is Russell Wilson, the franchise quarterback who is as popular as any NFL player currently is.