2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
This is simply a no-brainer. The Colts released Peyton Manning (along with half their roster) to rebuild around Luck, whom they have already informed will be the first pick. The Colts do have lots of needs though - every position. The Colts did manage to re-sign WR Reggie Wayne so they will have at least one weapon for Luck to throw to.
Notes: This is the pick. The Colts announced this week they have informed Luck they will select him number one

2. Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Washington swapped the 6th pick along with this year's second round pick and a 2013 and 2013 first rounder to move up four spots to two to select the 2011 Heisman trophy winning QB. Griffin brings youth and stability to the position, something the team has not had in a very long time. The Redskins signed a handful of wide receivers, including Pierre Garcon.
Notes: While not "official" the Redskins gave up a LOT to move up from six to two and did so with intention of taking RGIII

3. Minnesota Vikings - Ryan Khalil, OT, USC

Vikings are reportedly down to Khalil, Morris Claiborne, and Justin Blackmon. the draft is deep on WRs so taking Blackmon third is not the best option and while Claiborne will have immediate impact for Vikings so will Khalil. Vikings are sure to be fielding calls to move down. With so much interest in Ryan Tannehill and now Trent Richardson, someone could move into the Vikings spot. Assuming Minny stays here, they take the best o-lineman in the draft to protect last year's first round QB Christian Ponder, who has a history of injuries.

4. Cleveland Browns - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Even if Ryan Khalil is here, I think this is the pick. The Browns are in desperate need for some offensive firepower. Some people say Tannehill is a good fit here but if Colt McCoy just has some weapons, he could improve. Adding a stud RB in Richardson is a good start in improving the overall offense.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bucs and Greg Schiano would love to get Richardson but will take the best corner on the board. Tampa Bay's defense was bad last year so Claiborne instantly becomes a big upgrade and addition.

6. St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Rams are desperate for wide receiver help. Former #1 overall pick, Sam Bradford, needs some play-makers around him. Ironically, the former Sooner could team up with his Bedlam rival from Oklahoma State. The Rams did well in trading down from pick two - they still get the number one WR in the draft and they have future first rounders and second round pick this year. Rumors persist that the Rams are looking at Martin Brockers or Fletcher Cox but we have had Blackmon to the Rams since December so we will stick with it.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Riley Reiff, LT, Iowa

We considered the possibility of Michael Floyd here but Reiff is perfect for a team in need of OL help. The Jags need Gabbert to improve and protecting him and keeping him on his feet is a good start.

 

8. Miami Dolphins - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Tannehill began his career as a QB but couldn't get on the field so the Aggies converted him to WR. This pick reunites him with his former college coach, Mike Sherman, who is now Miami's offensive coordinator. Tannehill has shot up draft boards recently due to his pro day. Tannehill joins a depth chart featuring David Garrard and Matt Moore. Tannehill had a spotty record in close games and never led a late comeback. He is arguably the most controversial QB in the draft as many people love him and many people not so much.

9. Carolina Panthers - Quentin Coples, DE, UNC

At first we had Carolina going WR, but after hearing how high the team is on Brandon LaFell (could that just be a smoke screen though?) and signing Steve Smith to a three year deal, it might make sense to go offense later in the draft. The Panthers get a chance to improve their defense and their lacking pass rush and add a local product in Coples.

10. Buffalo Bills - CB Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

We had Jonathan Martin all along as we feel their OL could use improving but Gilmore has been shooting up draft boards this week and following the additions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson to improve the Bills pass rush, Gilmore is a great addition to improve the secondary. The Bills can address offensive line later in the draft.

11. Kansas City Chiefs - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

We previously had Brock Osweiler from Arizona State here. I still feel like the Chiefs will take a QB at some point, maybe here, but with so many other needs, Poe seems to fit what head coach Romeo Crennel is looking for. Poe is a work out monster who will put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.

12. Seattle Seahawks - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Seattle needs help on their defense and Kuechly can step in right away as a leader in the middle of the defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals -David Decastro, OG, Stanford
Arizona ranked 31st in the NFL in sacks allowed. That is not good. Decastro helps improve a line that must protect oft-injured QB Kevin Kolb. Decastro instantly improves the offense by creating holes for Beanie Wells and biding time for Kolb to throw deep to Larry Fitzgerald.

14. Dallas Cowboys - Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The way this mock has worked out the Cowboys have their choice of their top two prospects - Barron and Martin Brockers. Barron is a born leader who ran Nick Saban's complex defense at Alabama. Barron is certainly capable of calling out plays and taking control on the field for Rob Ryan's defense. While the defensive line needs improving, the safety position is the Cowboys biggest need, and has been so for a couple years.

15. Philadelphia Eagles - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Cox immediately helps upgrade the Eagles pass rush. Andy Reid loves drafting guys in the trenches - either on the offensive line or defensive line.

16. New York Jets - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

This is the guy the Jets are rumored to love. Ingram can be used all over as a DE or OLB in Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense. Ryan can use Ingram the way he used Adalius Thomas in Baltimore.

17. Cincinnati Bengals -  Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia

The Bengals can use help on their offensive line to protect their investment in franchise QB Andy Dalton and with another first rounder in a few picks, they can select a franchise LT here and go defense next pick.

18. San Diego Chargers - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
San Diego lost WR Vincent Jackson in free agency and did not really replace him. While they do have young guys on a deep depth chart, and while the Chargers have never been known to make a big splash like this, Philip Rivers struggled last year so adding a big-time playmaker at WR like Floyd will be a big addition.

19. Chicago Bears - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Despite a lot of questions surrounding Upshaw, Lovie Smith knows how to run a defense. And with veterans like Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, they can ease Upshaw into the mix. People question Upshaw's ability to rush the passer but with several other pass rushers, like Julius Peppers, the Bears can utilize Upshaw's strengths in other ways.

 

20. Tennessee Titans - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Titans use this pick to help sure up offensive line. Head coach Mike Munchak was a first round draft pick by the old Oilers as an offensive guard. He understands the importance of O-line. Konz helps Matt Hasselbeck/Jake Locker and could help improve the run game with Chris Johnson coming off his worst year.

21. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
We said before we thought the Bengals would go defense. They improve their secondary possibly the  second best CB in the draft. Also a guy with championship experience from Alabama. Kirkpatrick does have some minor character issues - something that has never stopped the Bengals before. They evaluate talent over character.

22. Cleveland Browns - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

As mentioned before, the Browns seem commited to Colt McCoy so they added a RB for him and now a new WR. Hill is an immediate upgrade over...pretty much everyone. Adding Hill and Trent Richardson should really benefit Colt McCoy, which will benefit the defense. Browns should go defense rest of draft now.

23. Detroit Lions - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Martin falls a bit further than we had him initially but this would be great value for Detroit. Stafford has a history of injuries, as do the Lions running backs and to improve the health of some stars and improve their running game as well, the Lions would be wise to pick up a franchise tackle.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jenkins has character question marks but that has never stopped the Steelers before.Ike Taylor was burnt on a number of plays in last year's playoff game against the Broncos, including an 80 yard TD in OT. Jenkins did start his career at Florida but transferred to D-II North Alabama so he would be eligible to play immediately.

25. Denver Broncos - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

This would be a disappointing fall for Brockers but a steal for the Broncos. Denver could use a running back but they can get one later (Isiah Pead, Doug Martin) and can improve their defense in a big way here. The Broncos have failed before drafting defensive linemen high but with John Fox, a defensive-minded guy, running the team, he will put Brockers in a position to be successful. Brockers also has a championship pedigree at LSU.

26. Houston Texans - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Texans need another WR across from Andre Johnson. Not a lot of people are high of Jeffery but after watching him play (forget workouts and pro days and drills) Jeffery is one of the best WRs in the draft.

27. New England Patriots - Shea McClellin, DE/LB, Boise State
Bill Belichick loves these DE/LB hybrid type players. McClellin has been a hot name recently and we think he would be a good fit in NE.

28. Green Bay Packers - Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State 

The Packers could use more pass rushers on the line. Green Bay's defense really struggled last year and Worthy can come in and help right away.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Ravens love defense and love rushing the passer. Plenty of options for defensive linemen available here but we feel Jones is a good fit.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The 49ers signed Randy Moss out of retirement and added Mario Manningham as a free agent. In the NFC championship game, the 49ers WRs combined for one catch, three yards. Those two additions can help, but Moss is likely a one-year option and with Michael Crabtree's contract coming to an end also, the 49ers look to the future, but also a guy who can help in the present.

31. New England Patriots - Devon Still, DT, Penn State

The Patriots add more defense, get some help along the defensive line. Still can rotate along the line but also helps fill a hole at DT.

 

32. New York Giants - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
The defending champs released Brandon Jacobs and need another back to compliment Ahmad Bradshaw. They have yet to consider any FA running backs and Wilson is our second ranked RB behind Richardson. The Giants usually go defense in round one but will have plenty of picks later to add more depth.

SPECIAL PICK:

33. Indianapolis Colts - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
A border-line first round pick, Fleener joins his college teammate Luck in Indy. The Colts lost TEs Dallas Clark (released) and Jacob Tamme (FA to Denver) and need a TE. His familiarity with Luck will help the QB from day one as a safe option when in trouble.


Top Players Remaining:
D'onta Hightower, LB, Alabama
Mike Adams, OL, Ohio State
Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
Kendall Reyes, DT, Uconn

Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
Nick Perry, DE/LB, USC

Alonzo Denard, CB, Nebraska

Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Andre Branch, DE, Clemson