1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
If it weren’t official before last week, it is now. Luck will be suiting up for the Colts from day one with some pretty hefty expectations to carry. The Colts top priority will be surrounding Luck with some weapons at key spots, most notably tight end.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins traded up with the assumption that they could land RGIII at No. 2. This pick is official as we will get to see the dynamic Baylor QB in the Nation’s Capital in 2012. Griffin has a host of weapons to play with including newly inked WR Pierre Garcon. Garcon isn’t a true No. 1 but is one of the top vertical threats in the game. It just so happens that Griffin throws the prettiest deep ball in this draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Rick Spielman has officially killed my 100% certainty that Kalil will be a Viking. He appears dead set on trading down and has even warped my mind with thoughts of Morris Claiborne to the Vikes. I have mocked Kalil to the Vikes since the draft order became official and it’s too late to look back now. I fully expect the Vikings to use all the allotted time to make this selection as we will all be sitting on the edge of our seats.
4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
I can officially say that I’m 100% certain that Trent Richardson is this pick unless the Browns get “wowed” by a trade offer. I don’t expect that to happen, so I’m feeling good about this one. TR is the exception to the rule when it comes to early picks on RB’s and has a very bright future. Colt McCoy should be jumping up and down in his living room with this selection…at least until the Browns are on the clock at 37.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
His former DB coach is in Tampa, Aqib Talib is on the trading block, and he’s the last of the sure things. Those factors make me feel pretty comfortable that Claiborne will be the name on TB’s card. This one shouldn’t take much time to turn in.
6. St. Louis Rams – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
Justin Blackmon makes a ton of sense here but I don’t see him being the pick here. Jeff Fisher has a history of taking DT’s high and it continues in his first season in St. Louis. Cox is a dynamic 3T that immediately upgrades the middle of the STL defensive line.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
Everyone assumes Gene Smith will be Gene Smith and Melvin Ingram will be the pick. My calls this week would suggest differently with one saying Jacksonville will take Blackmon if he makes it to them.
8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This could be the pick that screws up everything that almost everyone will have as a certainty. Tannehill makes a ton of sense here which makes me think he won’t be the pick. I’m sticking with it…for now. There’s just a sense of uncomfortability around this pick.
9. Carolina Panthers – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
I have received a lot of hate mail on this pick but I think I chalk up three points if Gilmore is on the board and Cox is gone. Gilmore is a physical corner that could make a great tandem with Chris Gamble. The Panthers have a bunch of nickel CB’s on the roster outside of Gamble which makes this pick feel so right.
10. Buffalo Bills – Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
Michael Floyd or Riley Reiff. Yeah, that would be logical but I think the Bills look to add to that defense. Barron teamed with Jarius Byrd would be a special tandem. George Wilson is solid but not special. The Bills have to compete with New England and NYJ which may dictate this pick. Barron’s ascent up draft boards is no fluke as I would put him in the Earl Thomas category, who was selected 14th overall in 2010.
11. Kansas City Chiefs – David DeCastro, G, Stanford
I’m 50/50 on this pick so it’s subject to change before my Huddle Report mock is submitted on Wednesday night. I think this pick comes down to Luke Kuechly and DeCastro with Dontari Poe as a long shot. I gave the edge to DeCastro because I think he’s a sure thing at a position of need. Kuechly is a sure thing at a position of lesser need.
12. Seattle Seahawks – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Ingram may be a man without a true position or just a versatile prospect. Either way, Pete Carroll finds a place for Ingram and he excels in a very good, young defense.
13. Arizona Cardinals – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Let’s face it…I’m not a Reiff fan but he makes too much sense here to pass. I will put my personal feelings aside for this pick as I think need drives this one to an extent.
14. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Brockers, DT/DE, LSU
I like Dontari Poe here but Brockers offers a lot of intrigue in Rob Ryan’s system. He has the skills to be an effective pass rusher at the 5T and immediately makes the Cowboys more stout against the run.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
I think this one is a steal if it plays out this way. The talk as of late has Poe sliding into the second round. I can’t see that one even being a remote possibility and he won’t make it out of the top 15. I get all the talk about the lack of production but guys like Poe don’t come around often making it worth the risk.
16. New York Jets – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
They need a pass rusher but Floyd is too good to pass on at this point in the draft. With the uncertainty of the WR position in New York and Floyd sliding, I think this one happens. As one emailer pointed out on Saturday (incorrectly) the Jets will shy away from another diva receiver. By all accounts, Floyd is anything but a diva.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Chalk this one up if he falls to 17. Kuechly offers the versatility to play inside or on the strong side, making him a slam dunk for the Bengals if he’s on the board.
18. San Diego Chargers – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
I’m not sure about this fit as I think Upshaw fits best as a base end. The Chargers need someone to pressure the QB and Upshaw has shown a knack for that. It will be tough for them to pass if he’s on the board at 18.
19. Chicago Bears – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Bears join two North Carolina DE’s. Coples slides because of concerns about his work ethic but I can’t see him sliding past 19. Idonije is aging and probably needs upgraded at the very least.
20. Tennessee Titans – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Does any pick make more sense than this one in the first round? So, it probably won’t happen. Kirkpatrick fills a major need and offers a very good value. Kirkpatrick gives them a physical corner to replace Cortland Finnegan.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Nick Perry, DE, USC
Cincinnati fans may not be fans of this one but I like the fit in this defense. The Bengals young duo at DE is a bit inconsistent and could use a consistent force at the position. Pressuring the AFC North QB’s is paramount in Cincy’s next step as division contender.
22. Cleveland Browns – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The Browns have to add a playmaker at the WR position. Wright body fat, lack of conditioning (alleged) will not factor in on draft day. Wright offers the vertical threat the Browns have needed and should open up the middle of the field for Greg Little.
23. Detroit Lions – Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
The Lions need to start thinking long-term at the DE position. Cliff Avril’s contract situation could get ugly and KVB isn’t an effective player at this point in his career. Mercilus is a pass rush specialist that may need a year to develop into a guy that can be a factor on three downs in the NFL.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
The Steelers sorely need a talent upgrade on the OL. If I were making this pick it would be Cordy Glenn but the Steelers put a lot of stock on their ‘backers. Hightower gives them an immediate starter next to Lawrence Timmons.
25. Denver Broncos – Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.
This one is nuts…I know. Jerel Worthy is still on the board and should/could be the pick. But the Broncos need some insurance for Willis McGahee and Martin is a great value at 25.
26. Houston Texans – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
The Texans are in great position to take the risk on Stephen Hill. Hill is a physical freak that could form a dangerous combination with Andre Johnson in a couple of years.
27. New England Patriots – Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse
Jones versatility should make him the selection if he’s still on the board at 27. I don’t value Jones this high but there seems to be a lot of buzz that he may not make it out of the top 20.
28. Green Bay Packers – Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise St.
This pick is a gimme if it plays out this way. McClellin reminds me of Clay with is ability to bend off the edge and turn speed to power in the blink of an eye. He will need some time to develop into a complete, three-down player in the NFL but he’s a good value at 28 just based on pass rush ability.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia
Glenn’s versatility to play guard or tackle will be major selling point for Ozzie Newsome. They are really thin on the offensive line with one starting quality guard on the current roster which should make this pick an easy one if Glenn is available.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin
Zeitler has the ability to slide right into the starting RG spot from day one of training camp. He’s one of the safer picks in the draft which makes me believe they may ultimately go with a guy like Coby Fleener. Aldon Smith wasn’t exactly safe in Harbaugh’s first draft.
31. New England Patriots – Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
Logan Mankins seemed nuts at the time but has turned out alright. The Pats interior line needs a youth infusion. Konz’s versatility to play guard or center is a major value added for Bill Belichick.
32. New York Giants – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Giants need to fill Kareem McKenzie’s hole on the right side. Coby Fleener would look nice in this offense but finding a guy that can start on the right side may take precedence. Martin may never be LT material but he should be able to step in immediately at RT for the Super Bowl Champs.
ROUND TWO
33. St. Louis Rams – Rueben Randle, WR, LSU
The Rams passed on Justin Blackmon in round one, so they opt for Sam Bradford’s top target with the first pick in round two.
34. Indianapolis Colts – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
This couldn’t have worked out any better for the organization that just drafted his collegiate QB.
35. Minnesota Vikings – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.
DT may not be the biggest need but passing on a value like Worthy with the 35th pick would be a mistake.
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
The Bucs need a transition back to LaGarrette Blount. Wilson’s ability to catch out of the backfield and danger to take it for 6 should make him a hot commodity on day two of the draft.
37. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma St.
I’m not overly comfortable with this one amidst the rumors that is a house divided on Weeden with the 37th pick in Berea. This pick could easily wind up being a protector for Colt McCoy.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
The Jags scored Justin Blackmon in round one and find their pass rusher early on day two.
39. St. Louis Rams – Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
DT may be the bigger need but I like David more than Devon Still, so he’s the pick.
40. Carolina Panthers – Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
The Panthers need an upgrade at OLB. Thomas Davis hasn’t been healthy for an extended period of time during his seven seasons as a pro.
41. Buffalo Bills – Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
The Bills were exposed last season for the lack of depth at the WR position. They have some young guys but they need someone that is capable of playing immediately. I think Sanu’s being underrated at this point and could be a starter earlier than expected.
42. Miami Dolphins – Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss
A DE, like Vinny Curry, makes a lot of sense here but they need to find a better alternative at RT than what is on their current roster. This pick allows John Jerry to move back inside to guard, strengthening their overall line play.
43. Seattle Seahawks – Mychal Kendricks, ILB, Cal
Kendricks is one of those individuals that was born to play the game of football. I have enjoyed watching Cal because of his ability to fly around the field. He’s a great fit for a defense looking to get more athletic. Also my sleeper pick for DROY.
44. Kansas City Chiefs – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jenkins has been clipped by all the off-the-field stuff leaving him for KC’s taking. He may not be the best fit for KC’s zone scheme but he’s a hell of a value.
45. Dallas Cowboys – Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame
The Cowboys hold off on Barron is round one only to score Harrison in the middle of the second. Adding Poe and Smith to this defense could pay early dividends for Rob Ryan.
46. Philadelphia Eagles – Devon Still, DT, Penn St.
Still falls to 46 and the Eagles are happy to snag him. The Eagles love running a ton of guys out on the defensive line and Still could crack the starting lineup early in his career.
47. New York Jets – Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
The Jets lack of pass rush was a major concern for a team that predicated it’s identity on that. Lewis is raw but offers the upside as a solid pass rusher.
48. New England Patriots – Kendall Reyes, DT/DE, Connecticut
Reyes is a first round pick on many boards but I don’t share those sentiments. This is too high in my book but I’ll meet in the middle. He’s best suited to play 5T.
49. San Diego Chargers – Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern St.
The Chargers need some starting caliber OL out of this draft. Silatolu is a guy that offers some major upside as a solid starter at the guard position for a lot of years.
50. Chicago Bears – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Bears add another underachieving value pick to their 2012 draft. Jeffery could thrive opposite Brandon Marshall.
51. Philadelphia Eagles – Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
Asante Samuel probably gets traded on or before draft day. DRC underachieved in his first season as an Eagle and Johnson is an athletic marvel.
52. Tennessee Titans – Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
Kamerion Wimbley was brought in to heal the wounds of an inept pass rush. Problem is that there really is no one to bookend him with. Derrick Morgan may be headed towards bust zone, so picking up Curry here makes sense.
53. Cincinnati Bengals – Josh Robinson, CB, UCF
The Bengals went all defense in round one and continue in round two with the addition of Robinson. Robinson fits in this system like a glove.
54. Detroit Lions – Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St.
Detroit has to be ecstatic if Adams falls all the way to 54.
55. Atlanta Falcons – Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
The TE position has been such a focal point in this offense that an early round pick has to be used on a backup plan to the soon to be retired Tony Gonzalez.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mitchell Schwartz, OT, Cal
I was reading something recently that compared Schwartz to Jon Runyan and it fits. Pittsburgh gets a steal with the 56th pick and significantly upgrades the right tackle position.
57. Denver Broncos – Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Mel Kiper’s guy goes 57 to Denver in a perfect situation for both parties.
58. Houston Texans – Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Houston fans have jumped all over me for consistently mocking Thompson to them. But I love the fit for both Thompson and the Texans.
59. Green Bay Packers – Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
If you’re GB, why not? Miller has gamebreaking ability which you sorely lack at the position. The argument can (and has) be made that the Pack don’t use the RB in a traditional role. I get that but Ted Thompson has a hard time passing on this talent this late in round two.
60. Baltimore Ravens – A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois
Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin, and Jenkins should give Joe Flacco the weapons he needs to take the next step. Jenkins is a significant upgrade over Lee Evans.
61. San Francisco 49ers – Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian St.
Someone is going to take a shot early on Quick, why not the Niners? It may not be a popular pick but Quick can sit and learn behind some veteran receivers.
62. New England Patriots – Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt
It’s my personal belief that Bill Belichick sprints to the podium to turn this selection in himself. I love Casey Hayward and I love the fit more.
63. New York Giants – Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
The Giants roll the dice on Pead. He’s a little slender but his ability to make big plays could push him up draft boards. Call it a gut on this one.
ROUND THREE
64. Indianapolis Colts – Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
65. St. Louis Rams – Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)
66. Minnesota Vikings – Dwight Bentley, CB, UL-Lafayette
67. Cleveland Browns – Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois
68. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bobby Wagner, OLB, Utah St.
69. Washington Redskins – James Brown, OT/OG, Troy
70. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
71. Buffalo Bills – Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona St.
72. Miami Dolphins – Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
73. Miami Dolphins – Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia
74. Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
75. Seattle Seahawks – LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
76. Houston Texans – Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St.
77. New York Jets – Kelechi Osemele, OT/OG, Iowa St.
78. San Diego Chargers – Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU
79. Chicago Bears – Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
80. Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
81. Dallas Cowboys – Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
82. Tennessee Titans – Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
83. Cincinnati Bengals – Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
84. Atlanta Falcons – Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma
85. Detroit Lions – Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa St.
86. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ryan Steed, CB, Furman
87. Denver Broncos – Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
88. Philadelphia Eagles – Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan St.
89. New Orleans Saints – Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
90. Green Bay Packers – Trevor Guyton, DE, Cal
91. Baltimore Ravens – James Michael-Johnson, ILB, Nevada
92. San Francisco 49ers – Marvin Jones, WR, Cal
93. New England Patriots – Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
94. New York Giants – Terrell Manning, OLB, NC St.
95. Oakland Raiders – Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington
ROUND FOUR
96. St. Louis Rams – Akiem Hicks, DT, Regina
97. Indianapolis Colts – Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
98. Minnesota Vikings – Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
99. Houston Texans – T.Y. Hilton, WR, FIU
100. Cleveland Browns – Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas St.
101. Jacksonville Jaguars – Philip Blake, OC, Baylor
102. Washington Redskins – Chris Polk, RB, Washington
103. Miami Dolphins – Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
104. Carolina Panthers – Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn
105. Buffalo Bills – Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
106. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
107. Kansas City Chiefs – Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego St.
108. Denver Broncos – Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
109. Washington Redskins – George Iloka, FS, Boise St.
110. San Diego Chargers – Ladarius Green, TE, UL-Lafayette
111. Chicago Bears – Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon
112. Arizona Cardinals – Kyle Wilber, OLB, Wake Forest
113. Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Washington, OG, Miami
114. Philadelphia Eagles – Devon Wylie, WR, Fresno St.
115. Tennessee Titans – Ben Jones, OC, Georgia
116. Cincinnati Bengals – Christian Thompson, FS, South Carolina St.
117. Detroit Lions – Robert Turbin, RB, Utah St.
118. Cleveland Browns – Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona St.
119. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Hardin, FS, Oregon St.
120. Denver Broncos – Billy Winn, DT, Boise St.
121. Houston Texans – Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
122. New Orleans Saints – Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise St.
123. Green Bay Packers – Ron Brooks, CB, LSU
124. Buffalo Bills – Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
125. San Francisco 49ers – Malik Jackson, DE, Tennessee
126. New England Patriots – Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech
127. New York Giants – DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio St.
128. Minnesota Vikings – Joe Looney, OG, Wake Forest
129. Oakland Raiders – Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas
130. Baltimore Ravens – Jonathan Massaquoi, OLB, Troy
131. New York Giants – James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma
132. Green Bay Packers – B.J. Coleman, UT-Chatanooga
133. Green Bay Packers – Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma St.
134. Minnesota Vikings – Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa
135. Dallas Cowboys – Jake Bequette, DE/OLB, Arkansas
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