McShay has Cleveland Browns taking Andrew Luck in first 2012 mock draft

In releasing his first 2012 mock draft, Todd McShay of ESPN and Scouts Inc. called it ''one of my toughest and most uncertain assignments.'' He wrote on ESPN.com that it is more a list of players to watch this fall, especially with the draft order not set and some team's needs to be filled through free agency.

The order McShay used came from reversing the NFL power rankings that Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson came up with after the draft. That order gives the Browns the first overall pick.

That pick would be a no-brainer -- Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

"Luck is a once-in-a-decade kind of talent with all the tools to be an elite NFL quarterback,'' McShay wrote on ESPN.com. "He returned to Stanford for the 2011 season even though coach Jim Harbaugh moved to the NFL, and the team with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 should trade its existing quarterback to draft Luck. He's that good. If not, the pick will be up for public auction.''

McShay also listed right tackle, outside linebacker, cornerback, guard and receiver as Browns' needs.

Williamson's power ratings gave Cleveland the No. 26 pick, the choice acquired from the Atlanta Falcons in their first-round trade down deal. In that spot, McShay selected Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams, one of the Tattoo Five.

"Adams is 6-7 with a lean frame and needs to add bulk,'' McShay wrote on ESPN.com. "Although he's not as athletic as 2010 first-rounder Nate Solder, he has similar potential to make a big move as a senior.'' (That's after serving his five-game suspension to start the season.)

One other note. With the 32nd pick, McShay has the Green Bay Packers selecting Virginia cornerback Chase Minnifield, son of former Browns Pro Bowl conerback Frank Minnifield. Chase stands 6-foot and 185 pounds.

"Minnifield stepped up when 2010 draftee Ras-I Dowling missed significant time,'' McShay wrote on ESPN.com. "Although Minnifield needs to add bulk, he shows the instincts and overall tools to become an NFL starter.''

He also bears a striking resemblance to his dad. Check out his mug shot from the University of Virginia web site.