Posted by Brad On January - 17 - 2012
| 1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford |
 The Colts have begun the re-organization of the old Indy regime. It started with the Polian’s, then Peyton, and probably a host of veterans that may include Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis. The blow is easier to deal with for this proud fan base with Andrew Luck waiting on the doorstep of Lucas Oil Stadium. |
| Other selections: None |
| 6. Washington Redskins: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa |
 This pick is assuming a lot of things have happened. I’m planning on at least one thing for sure. The Redskins know who their QB is before this draft. If they don’t they have to be the top contenders to secure Robert Griffin’s services. Whether it be Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Brian Hoyer they will have a clear cut QB by the end of April or they will trade up for RGIII and mortgage the draft. Trent Williams has to keep his nose clean and Jamaal Brown is aging quickly. That said, they draft some protection for their QB in Reiff. |
| Other Selections: Move up for Robert Griffin, Ryan Tannehill, Justin Blackmon |
| 3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU |
 Best case scenario for Minnesota is someone trading into No. 2 to allow Matt Kalil to fall to them. With the trade ban in effect, they go with Claiborne. Antoine Winfield is beginning to show signs of deterioration and Cedric Griffin can’t seem to stay healthy. With a lack of depth and quality at the CB position they pounce on the best CB in the draft with the 3rd pick in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. |
| Other Selections: Riley Reiff, Trade |
| 4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor |
 If the Browns are remotely interested in RGIII they will need to move up a couple of spots to grab the dynamic QB. I don’t see RGIII sliding to four and fully expect him to be the second selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Cleveland should be interested because they need a shot in the arm for this organization. The offense lacks creativity and doesn’t utilize what weapons (I use that term loosely) that it has. Brad Childress has a history with mobile QB’s and for Cleveland fans sake they need to turn this offense over to Chilly. |
| Other Selections: None w/RGIII on the board |
| 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama |
 Greg Schiano has become accustomed to leaning on workhorse running backs in his career. He will look early for a RB that he can rely on. With Claiborne off the board, this becomes a logical selection. Richardson is hands down the top ball carrier in the draft. He runs with power, agility, burst, blocks, catches, and anything else you need him to do. This selection takes a ton of pressure off Josh Freeman and makes too much sense to pass on. |
| Other Selections: Justin Blackmon |
| 2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC |
 St. Louis is likely to receive plenty of calls about this pick from teams below them. I fully expect 2 or 3 to be traded to Cleveland, Washington, or another suitor for the rights to RGIII. If St. Louis stands pat, expect Matt Kalil to be the second pick. St. Louis’ offensive line was horrific last season and this move allows them to move Roger Saffold to RT with Kalil manning the left side. Jeff Fisher was clear from day one that protecting Sam Bradford was a priority. |
| Other Selections: Trade |
| 7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina |
 Coples is a polarizing figure. Jacksonville needs pass rushers. Coples will put on a good show this week at the Combine and begin to repair the damage done during the 2011 season. The fact remains that he can offer the versatility as a pass rusher that makes him a hot commodity for a lot of teams. Coples doesn’t have elite speed but his combination of power and burst should keep him in the top 10. |
| Other Selections: Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright |
| 13. Arizona Cardinals: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St. |
 Mike Adams has all the makings of a top notch left tackle. Minus the fact that he needs some motivating at times. Adams gets the nod over Jon Martin because he can step in and play LT from day one. If Arizona can keep Adams hungry he could offer excellent value at 13 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. |
| Other Selections: David DeCastro, Jon Martin |
| 8. Miami Dolphins (coin flip): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St. |
 This pick may not make a ton of sense but Joe Philbin became accustomed to a bevy of receiving options to pick from. He will surround his quarterback (Matt Flynn) with top level receiving talent. Brandon Marshall, Justin Blackmon, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Clyde Gates could be as dynamic a group as what he had in GB. |
| Other Selections: Melvin Ingram |
| 10. Buffalo Bills: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina |
 The contract situation of Steve Johnson appears bleak at this point. Kendall Wright could be a nice option if things continue to go south with 13. If Johnson remains in Buffalo, they will look for pass rushers and offensive lineman. Ingram brings a ton of versatility that could intrigue Bills brass. He can play the edge on run downs and inside in passing situations. He’s an intriguing guy with a knack for making plays. Pairing Ingram with Dareus and Williams should be interesting. |
| Other Selections: Mike Adams, Kendall Wright |
| 12. Seattle Seahawks (coin flip): Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama |
 The Seahawks will look to upgrade a defense on the rise. Upshaw gives them some versatility which is key for Pete Carroll’s scheme. Upshaw will give Seattle a pass rush option outside of Chris Clemons. He will also serve as Clemons replacement in 2013. |
| Other Selections: Fletcher Cox |
| 11. Kansas City Chiefs (coin flip): Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M |
 Why not? Logic would say this pick is crazy but I’ve never been accused of being logical. Matt Cassel could be kept around for another season with Tannehill waiting in the wings. Tannehill brings a nice skill set that needs time to develop. They can offer that in KC. The Chiefs can also afford to be active participants in the free agency market as evidenced by this week's signing of Stanford Routt. |
| Other Selections: Mike Adams, David DeCastro |
| 9. Carolina Panthers (coin flip): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU |
 I’m not completely sold on the fact that the Panthers need to take a DT in the first. They drafted two guys early last year that need time to develop. That said, Brockers has an elite skill set and could offer too high a ceiling to pass on at this point. |
| Other Selections: David DeCastro |
| 14. Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, G, Stanford |
 Dallas needs help in the secondary badly but won’t find it easy to pass on a guard that offers the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins make a ton of sense here but I don’t see them passing on a sure thing (at least in my book). |
| Other Selections: Fletcher Cox, Dre Kirkpatrick, Janoris Jenkins |
| 15. Philadelphia Eagles: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St. |
 Don’t ask me why I do it to myself but I must be glutton for punishment. Worthy is a reach here but the upside is through the roof. He can be the most disruptive DT in this class when he’s fully oxygenated. The Eagles DT situation may be a mess when it’s all said and done and I am beginning to think Worthy goes higher than most (myself included) think. |
| Other Selections: Luke Kuechly, Michael Floyd |
| 16. New York Jets: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford |
 Watching Wayne Hunter operate last season made me feel bad for Kate Upton’s boyfriend. Alright, I’m over it because I realized he’s Kate Upton’s boyfriend. This Jets have some holes to fill and I think RT is at the top of the list. The Sanchize is on a short leash with Jets fans but Rex may be married to Sanchez as the leash tightens on both of them. |
| Other Selections: Kendall Wright, Michael Floyd |
| 17. Cincinnati Bengals (f/OAK): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor |
 Pairing Kendall Wright with A.J. Green has to scare the hell out of Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Green, Wright, and a healthy Shipley would be one of the best, young receiving corps in the NFL. Jerome Simpson has probably played his last day in the ‘Nati and they won’t need him with the addition of Wright. Wright offers a ton of speed and should open up opportunities for A.J. Green to be A.J. Green. |
| Other Selections: Dre Kirkpatrick, Janoris Jenkins |
| 18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia |
 The Chargers OL was a mess in 2012. They have to re-sign or franchise Jared Gaither. Even still, they need a capable RT and some depth inside. This line was bad enough that they should look at multiple options in free agency or the draft. Phillip Rivers will be a happy man if they ignore other need areas for a first round tackle. |
| Other Selections: Dont'a Hightower |
| 19. Chicago Bears: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame |
 What Jay Cutler wants, he gets. Cutler has said he wants a receiver over 6’2. Floyd would qualify at 6’3 and could finally be the answer as a No. 1 option in Chicago. The Notre Dame star will have to answer off-the-field questions but has the talent to easily go in the top 20. |
| Other Selections: Dre Kirkpatrick, Luke Kuechly |
| 20. Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama |
 Tennessee will have to make some choices in their secondary. They will have to franchise Michael Griffin or Cortland Finnegan. This pick is assuming Griffin is franchised and Finnegan walks. Kirkpatrick is a physically gifted corner that excels in press man and zone coverage. He instantly upgrades run support on the edge to whatever team he winds up with. |
| Other Selections: Whitney Mercilus, Peter Konz |
| 21. Cincinnati Bengals: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama |
 The Bengals hold off at 17 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft and find a corner gem at 21. Jenkins is a high risk, high reward pick that the Bengals can afford to make with an extra first. His off-the-field issues are well documented but he has the makings of a special player on it. Starting the draft with Wright and Jenkins has to be considered a coup for the Bengals. |
| Other Selections: None |
| 22. Cleveland Browns (f/ATL): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois |
 The Browns need a pass rusher opposite Jabaal Sheard. Jayme Mitchell is clearly not the answer and the Browns decide to take the pass rusher with the Falcons pick. Mercilus is a little raw from a technique standpoint but brings a ton of upside with him to Cleveland. The Akron, Ohio native comes home…let’s hope it’s a better homecoming than that other guy from Akron had in Cleveland. |
| Other Selections: Luke Kuechly |
| 23. Detroit Lions: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College |
 The Lions could lose Stephen Tulloch via free agency leaving a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. Kuechly is an absolute steal at 23 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft and too good to pass on. Kuechly is criticized for his lack of playmaking ability but he should remain clean with Suh and Fairley in front of him. It should open up the middle for 200 tackles a season for Kuechly. |
| Other Selections: Peter Konz, Stephon Gilmore |
| 24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina |
 The Steelers CB’s were exposed against Denver in the Playoffs. Gilmore is a guy that I fully expect to continue to rise as the draft nears. He’s a rare athlete with outstanding size and tackling abilities. He could be just what the Steelers need. |
| Other Selections: Dontari Poe, Dont'a Hightower |
| 25. Denver Broncos: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis |
 The Broncos could franchise Brodrick Bunkley but they still need a legit force next to him. Poe is an athletic marvel that needs some seasoning. At 6’5, 350 pounds he has impressive movement skills and could wind up going higher than 25 when it’s all said and done. |
| Other Selections: Devon Still |
| 26. Houston Texans: Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi St. |
 The Texans need a receiver but can’t resist pairing Cox and J.J. Watt for the next ten years. Both guys have incredible motors and could be the makings of a dominate DL. Antonio Smith was great in 2011 but he’s getting a little long in the tooth and they can afford to take a luxury pick at 26 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. |
| Other Selections: Rueben Randle, Alshon Jeffery |
27. New England Patriots (f/NO): Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
|
 ILB isn’t the Pats biggest need but Hightower could be a dynamic force with Jerod Mayo. Hightower’s experience at Alabama will pay dividends early for the Pats and Belichick knows he’s been well schooled. |
| Other Selections: Devon Still, Rueben Randle, Alshon Jeffery |
| 28. Green Bay Packers: Devon Still, DE, Penn St. |
 The Pack are in desperate need of an infusion of talent in their front seven. They catch a falling star in Devon Still and he fills a huge need for this defense. If Scott Wells isn’t back, it will be tough for the Pack to pass on to pass on Wisconsin center Peter Konz. |
| Other Selections: Peter Konz, Mark Barron |
| 32. New York Giants: Brandon Washington, OG/OT, Miami |
 Jerry Reese’s head explodes before this one happens. That said, the Giants are in a good position to take a flyer on a guy that fills a need. Washington is loaded with upside and I’m sensing a late rise up draft boards. This pick probably doesn’t happen but if it does, I want the credit. |
| Other Selections: Bobby Wagner, Lamar Miller |
| 29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin |
 The Ravens couldn’t have planned this any better. Konz is the hands down best center in the draft and he falls into their laps as Matt Birk is about ready to call it a career. The sun is always shining on Ozzie Newsome. |
| Other Selections: None |
| 30. San Francisco 49ers: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU |
 Randle is a raw talent that the 49ers can afford to look at late in round one. He’s a fast rising prospect that can stretch the defense vertically. He may leapfrog Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu with a solid showing at this week’s NFL Combine. |
| Other Selections: Jamell Fleming |
| 31. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama |
 The Pats double up on Nick Saban disciples. Barron fills a huge hole in the Pats secondary and could be a nice option next to Patrick Chung. Barron played much better during his senior season and has been the top safety prospect in a weak class. |
| Other Selections: Alshon Jeffery |
The Colts have begun the re-organization of the old Indy regime. It started with the Polian’s, then Peyton, and probably a host of veterans that may include Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis. The blow is easier to deal with for this proud fan base with Andrew Luck waiting on the doorstep of Lucas Oil Stadium.
This pick is assuming a lot of things have happened. I’m planning on at least one thing for sure. The Redskins know who their QB is before this draft. If they don’t they have to be the top contenders to secure Robert Griffin’s services. Whether it be Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Brian Hoyer they will have a clear cut QB by the end of April or they will trade up for RGIII and mortgage the draft. Trent Williams has to keep his nose clean and Jamaal Brown is aging quickly. That said, they draft some protection for their QB in Reiff.
Best case scenario for Minnesota is someone trading into No. 2 to allow Matt Kalil to fall to them. With the trade ban in effect, they go with Claiborne. Antoine Winfield is beginning to show signs of deterioration and Cedric Griffin can’t seem to stay healthy. With a lack of depth and quality at the CB position they pounce on the best CB in the draft with the 3rd pick in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
If the Browns are remotely interested in RGIII they will need to move up a couple of spots to grab the dynamic QB. I don’t see RGIII sliding to four and fully expect him to be the second selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. Cleveland should be interested because they need a shot in the arm for this organization. The offense lacks creativity and doesn’t utilize what weapons (I use that term loosely) that it has. Brad Childress has a history with mobile QB’s and for Cleveland fans sake they need to turn this offense over to Chilly.
Greg Schiano has become accustomed to leaning on workhorse running backs in his career. He will look early for a RB that he can rely on. With Claiborne off the board, this becomes a logical selection. Richardson is hands down the top ball carrier in the draft. He runs with power, agility, burst, blocks, catches, and anything else you need him to do. This selection takes a ton of pressure off Josh Freeman and makes too much sense to pass on.
St. Louis is likely to receive plenty of calls about this pick from teams below them. I fully expect 2 or 3 to be traded to Cleveland, Washington, or another suitor for the rights to RGIII. If St. Louis stands pat, expect Matt Kalil to be the second pick. St. Louis’ offensive line was horrific last season and this move allows them to move Roger Saffold to RT with Kalil manning the left side. Jeff Fisher was clear from day one that protecting Sam Bradford was a priority.
Coples is a polarizing figure. Jacksonville needs pass rushers. Coples will put on a good show this week at the Combine and begin to repair the damage done during the 2011 season. The fact remains that he can offer the versatility as a pass rusher that makes him a hot commodity for a lot of teams. Coples doesn’t have elite speed but his combination of power and burst should keep him in the top 10.
Mike Adams has all the makings of a top notch left tackle. Minus the fact that he needs some motivating at times. Adams gets the nod over Jon Martin because he can step in and play LT from day one. If Arizona can keep Adams hungry he could offer excellent value at 13 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
This pick may not make a ton of sense but Joe Philbin became accustomed to a bevy of receiving options to pick from. He will surround his quarterback (Matt Flynn) with top level receiving talent. Brandon Marshall, Justin Blackmon, Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, and Clyde Gates could be as dynamic a group as what he had in GB.
The contract situation of Steve Johnson appears bleak at this point. Kendall Wright could be a nice option if things continue to go south with 13. If Johnson remains in Buffalo, they will look for pass rushers and offensive lineman. Ingram brings a ton of versatility that could intrigue Bills brass. He can play the edge on run downs and inside in passing situations. He’s an intriguing guy with a knack for making plays. Pairing Ingram with Dareus and Williams should be interesting.
The Seahawks will look to upgrade a defense on the rise. Upshaw gives them some versatility which is key for Pete Carroll’s scheme. Upshaw will give Seattle a pass rush option outside of Chris Clemons. He will also serve as Clemons replacement in 2013.
Why not? Logic would say this pick is crazy but I’ve never been accused of being logical. Matt Cassel could be kept around for another season with Tannehill waiting in the wings. Tannehill brings a nice skill set that needs time to develop. They can offer that in KC. The Chiefs can also afford to be active participants in the free agency market as evidenced by this week's signing of Stanford Routt.
I’m not completely sold on the fact that the Panthers need to take a DT in the first. They drafted two guys early last year that need time to develop. That said, Brockers has an elite skill set and could offer too high a ceiling to pass on at this point. 
Dallas needs help in the secondary badly but won’t find it easy to pass on a guard that offers the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins make a ton of sense here but I don’t see them passing on a sure thing (at least in my book).
Don’t ask me why I do it to myself but I must be glutton for punishment. Worthy is a reach here but the upside is through the roof. He can be the most disruptive DT in this class when he’s fully oxygenated. The Eagles DT situation may be a mess when it’s all said and done and I am beginning to think Worthy goes higher than most (myself included) think. 
Watching Wayne Hunter operate last season made me feel bad for Kate Upton’s boyfriend. Alright, I’m over it because I realized he’s Kate Upton’s boyfriend. This Jets have some holes to fill and I think RT is at the top of the list. The Sanchize is on a short leash with Jets fans but Rex may be married to Sanchez as the leash tightens on both of them.
Pairing Kendall Wright with A.J. Green has to scare the hell out of Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Green, Wright, and a healthy Shipley would be one of the best, young receiving corps in the NFL. Jerome Simpson has probably played his last day in the ‘Nati and they won’t need him with the addition of Wright. Wright offers a ton of speed and should open up opportunities for A.J. Green to be A.J. Green.
The Chargers OL was a mess in 2012. They have to re-sign or franchise Jared Gaither. Even still, they need a capable RT and some depth inside. This line was bad enough that they should look at multiple options in free agency or the draft. Phillip Rivers will be a happy man if they ignore other need areas for a first round tackle.
What Jay Cutler wants, he gets. Cutler has said he wants a receiver over 6’2. Floyd would qualify at 6’3 and could finally be the answer as a No. 1 option in Chicago. The Notre Dame star will have to answer off-the-field questions but has the talent to easily go in the top 20.
Tennessee will have to make some choices in their secondary. They will have to franchise Michael Griffin or Cortland Finnegan. This pick is assuming Griffin is franchised and Finnegan walks. Kirkpatrick is a physically gifted corner that excels in press man and zone coverage. He instantly upgrades run support on the edge to whatever team he winds up with.
The Bengals hold off at 17 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft and find a corner gem at 21. Jenkins is a high risk, high reward pick that the Bengals can afford to make with an extra first. His off-the-field issues are well documented but he has the makings of a special player on it. Starting the draft with Wright and Jenkins has to be considered a coup for the Bengals.
The Browns need a pass rusher opposite Jabaal Sheard. Jayme Mitchell is clearly not the answer and the Browns decide to take the pass rusher with the Falcons pick. Mercilus is a little raw from a technique standpoint but brings a ton of upside with him to Cleveland. The Akron, Ohio native comes home…let’s hope it’s a better homecoming than that other guy from Akron had in Cleveland.
The Lions could lose Stephen Tulloch via free agency leaving a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. Kuechly is an absolute steal at 23 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft and too good to pass on. Kuechly is criticized for his lack of playmaking ability but he should remain clean with Suh and Fairley in front of him. It should open up the middle for 200 tackles a season for Kuechly.
The Steelers CB’s were exposed against Denver in the Playoffs. Gilmore is a guy that I fully expect to continue to rise as the draft nears. He’s a rare athlete with outstanding size and tackling abilities. He could be just what the Steelers need.
The Broncos could franchise Brodrick Bunkley but they still need a legit force next to him. Poe is an athletic marvel that needs some seasoning. At 6’5, 350 pounds he has impressive movement skills and could wind up going higher than 25 when it’s all said and done.
The Texans need a receiver but can’t resist pairing Cox and J.J. Watt for the next ten years. Both guys have incredible motors and could be the makings of a dominate DL. Antonio Smith was great in 2011 but he’s getting a little long in the tooth and they can afford to take a luxury pick at 26 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
ILB isn’t the Pats biggest need but Hightower could be a dynamic force with Jerod Mayo. Hightower’s experience at Alabama will pay dividends early for the Pats and Belichick knows he’s been well schooled. 
The Pack are in desperate need of an infusion of talent in their front seven. They catch a falling star in Devon Still and he fills a huge need for this defense. If Scott Wells isn’t back, it will be tough for the Pack to pass on to pass on Wisconsin center Peter Konz. 
Jerry Reese’s head explodes before this one happens. That said, the Giants are in a good position to take a flyer on a guy that fills a need. Washington is loaded with upside and I’m sensing a late rise up draft boards. This pick probably doesn’t happen but if it does, I want the credit.
The Ravens couldn’t have planned this any better. Konz is the hands down best center in the draft and he falls into their laps as Matt Birk is about ready to call it a career. The sun is always shining on Ozzie Newsome.
Randle is a raw talent that the 49ers can afford to look at late in round one. He’s a fast rising prospect that can stretch the defense vertically. He may leapfrog Alshon Jeffery and Mohamed Sanu with a solid showing at this week’s NFL Combine.
The Pats double up on Nick Saban disciples. Barron fills a huge hole in the Pats secondary and could be a nice option next to Patrick Chung. Barron played much better during his senior season and has been the top safety prospect in a weak class.
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