Indianapolis Colts : Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: After a 2-14 season, the Colts have needs all over the field. The first pick is a virtual lock, so I won’t bother addressing the QB position. Their top needs look to be in the defensive backfield at CB and the SS position. With Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea the only core players amongst the DB’s it will be imperative that the Colts find some help in this area. With Jeff Saturday exploring retirement the center position could become a major need area especially if they have a rookie QB under center (even if it is Andrew Luck). The Colts will have to 
monitor free agency very carefully as they have a ton of expiring contracts. With both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon as potential free agents, they could be looking for WR help somewhere along the way. Look for the Colts to address the guard spot at some point and it may be early if someone falls to them.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Whatever Jim Irsay decides to do with Peyton Manning will matter zilch for this selection. Andrew Luck will be the pick and they won’t hear any trade offers. Rob Lowe may have the inside info but it won’t matter come April because Andrew Luck will be the new face of this franchise as hard as that is to deal with.
Washington Redskins (trade w/STL) : Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: John Beck and Rex Grossman didn’t exactly pan out. The Shanahan’s have to find a franchise QB. Either through free agency, trade, or the draft or it’s their jobs. Dan Snyder is going to lose his patience with his ultra-expensive coach if he keeps running bums out at QB position because of his ego. Shanny will have to set ego aside and go get a QB. They are prime to trade up for RGIII. Aside from QB they need a WR, LG, and RT on offense.
On defense they were much improved. That said, they have holes at ILB, CB, and need depth on the defensive line. Folks in Washington have to feel pretty good about the core of this defense.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Robert Griffin III is a special talent and I don’t see him making it to Cleveland. For that purpose I decided to include trades in this mock. While he may not appear to be a fit in Shanny’s offense there is no way they could look past his talent. In the end, RGIII does enough to impress that Washington will have a hard time not moving up. He’s good enough that he will remain at No. 2 in all future versions of our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Minnesota Vikings : Matt Kalil, T, USC
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Vikings were beat up in 2011 and lacked any semblance of an offense. Christian Ponder looks to be the future for the Vikings but even he was outplayed by Joe Webb at times. They are set at QB, either way, but they need to find someone to protect the QB. The Charlie Johnson experiment is over at LT and he will be moved inside to guard. They have to find a way to draft the best LT available in round 1 or 2. They could also use a guard and a true No. 1 receiver. After losing Sidney Rice they were left with nothing at position. Percy Harvin is a nice piece but
not a No. 1. On defense they should look for a lockdown CB in round 1 or 2 and then fill the ILB and S spots in the mid-rounds.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Vikings have Kalil fall into their lap with STL trading out of the second spot. The Vikings have major issues along their offensive line with LT being the biggest. This pick kills two birds with one stone.
By selecting their franchise LT, they can move Charlie Johnson inside to guard and shore up two spots with one pick. Kalil has everything you look for in a franchise LT with some upside to get better. That’s a scary proposition for opposing teams. Christian Ponder will be very happy with this pick in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Hire an offensive coordinator. Ok that doesn’t have anything to do with the draft but Pat Shurmur was clearly in over his head in year one playing HC and OC. The biggest decision in the offseason will be to decide on what to do at QB. Colt McCoy looked very average despite not having much to work with. They will have to find a receiver that can stretch the field with his speed. The trio of Greg Little, Jordan Norwood, and Josh Cribbs in a nice 2-3-4 combo but none present the option of being a No. 1. Mohamed Massaquoi should be cut despite wasting a second round pick on him. The Browns should look to address this offense early and often. They need a RT, RB, and OG to go along with WR and maybe QB. On defense, Sheldon Brown is old and can’t keep up at corner. They should look to find Joe Haden a partner in crime. Haden is one of the up and coming corners in the league but needs someone opposite him. They also need to get more athletic at the OLB spot and could use a DE to takeover for Jayme Mitchell. Mitchell is decent but is clearly the weak link of an emerging defensive line. Yeah, they have a lot of needs.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Browns need too much to make the trade up for RGIII. They would likely have to give up both firsts to get up 
No. 2 and I just don’t see that happening.
The Browns have zero offensive weapons and will look early and often to solve their offensive woes. This pick comes down to Richardson and Justin Blackmon. I have had Trent Richardson here almost exclusively but the more I think about it the more I begin to consider the possibility of Blackmon. Pat Shurmur’s offense is predicated on yards after the catch and few are better at that than Blackmon. Richardson is the better player but I don’t see the RB position in Shurmur’s offense having value at the fourth pick. They may look into round 2 or 3 for a versatile RB that can catch out of the backfield. For that reason, Blackmon gets the nod over Richardson in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Bucs looked terrible towards the end of the season and may have been fighting the Rams for the worst team heading in the offseason. Raheem Morris is gone and they have to look to add talented playmakers to both sides of the ball. Their biggest needs are on defense. Ronde Barber has seen his better days and Aqib Talib is Aqib Talib. Who knows what is going to shake out at corner but they need to find one quick. They also have to find an OLB or two and some depth at safety. On offense, they should make it a priority to find some speed at the skill 
positions and address their offensive line. They have solid pieces at WR and RB but lack playmakers at either position which really holds back their offense. On top of that they need a RT and G on the OL.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: This is an incredibly stupid pick with Morris Claiborne still on the board. That said, I think the Bucs will look to upgrade their stable of offensive weapons. LeGarrette Blount isn’t a special back and lacks the ability to change the game. Richardson is everything that Blount is not with his otherworldly combo of power and speed. This is crazy but I’m going with Richardson over Claiborne with the 5th pick in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
St. Louis Rams (trade w/WAS): Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Rams were a flat out mess this season. They couldn’t do much of anything right and towards the end of the season looked like the worst team in the NFL. Their offensive line was a major disappointment this season and in particular former first round pick Jason Smith at LT. The Rams could be investing the No. 2 pick in another LT just three seasons removed from Smith’s selection. He was that bad. If Brandon Lloyd leaves town via free agency, the cupboard is bare again at WR. They invested some mid-round picks into average receivers in 2011 
but need a true No. 1. Aside from that they will look to improve a horrific defense. Jeff Fisher will inherit a team that can’t stop the run and needs help at DT, OLB, FS, and CB…to name a few.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: St. Louis trades down and picks up Washington’s #6, #39, 2012 2nd rounder, and probably a later round pick in this year’s draft for good measure. Jeff Fisher was clear in his media tours that he is sticking with Sam Bradford and the Rams have to do more to protect their future investment at QB. Morris Claiborne makes a ton of sense here but I think Fisher will address the tackle spot and move Jason Smith inside or to the bench. Reiff is an athletically gifted tackle that needs to get stronger but will be immediate upgrade in pass protection.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Year one for Blaine Gabbert didn’t go as planned. While I’m not ready to throw the towel on him yet, I did see some concerning aspects of his game and how it will translate to the NFL. The Jags have to surround him with NFL caliber talent at the WR position. Mike Thomas is 5’8” and is their top receiver. That would be fine if he was Steve Smith but he’s not. Thomas would be a slot receiver on a good team therefore it’s imperative to find a nice No. 1 option before passing judgment on Gabbert. Outside of WR and maybe a tackle for depth the offense isn’t bad. 
The defense is another story. They played well given the talent they have as a group. They need one if not two corners, a free safety, and a defensive end and we’ll call it good.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: My Jags fans that hated my Kendall Wright pick should be happy with this one. The only reason Wright isn’t here is because Claiborne falls to No. 7 in this version of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft. Claiborne is a shut down corner that has a ton of value with the 7th pick. I think a team could look to move up if Claiborne falls this far in April’s draft.
Miami Dolphins (coin flip): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Dolphins endless search for a franchise QB begins again this season. Just like everyone since Dan Marino left the South Beach. Matt Moore played well enough towards the end of the season to knock them out of the RGIII running. With Joe Philbin’s hiring they should be the leaders in the clubhouse of Matt Flynn’s services. Their offensive line left a bit to be desired as well and need upgrades at RT and RG. On the defensive side of the ball they have to find a pass rusher at OLB to take the protection away from Cam Wake. They should look for 
upgrades at CB, FS, and DT as well. Sean Smith didn’t look good this season and may need moved to safety or to nickel.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: I wanted badly to pull the trigger on Brock Osweiler to Miami but the Joe Philbin hiring threw a wrench in those plans.
Kirkpatrick gives the Dolphins a legit option opposite Vontae Davis. Sean Smith can’t cover at the level necessary opposite a good young corner and was relentlessly picked on this season. Kirkpatrick is a perfect fit opposite Davis as he will be able to handle the load in coverage and is an excellent open field tackler.
Carolina Panthers (coin flip): Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Panthers scored with their selection of Cam Newton last season and will look to capitalize on the momentum they have going. The offense was pretty good this season and doesn’t need much. RT may be the biggest of needs on that side of the ball with Jeff Otah injuries and Jordan Gross aging. A revitalized Steve Smith and solid play from Brandon LaFell will ease the minds of Carolina fans. They may want to draft a high upside 
WR later in the draft. The defensive side of the ball is another story. They couldn’t stop the run and need a big time DT to plug the middle and apply pressure from the inside. They were a mess at CB and OLB as well. I wouldn’t be surprised to see their first three picks come from the defensive side of the ball.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Panthers have to stop the run and get some pressure from the interior of their defensive line. The battle of DT’s between Brockers and Devon Still is likely to go into April. Michael Brockers pushes Still and reigns at the end of the day in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Buffalo Bills: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Bills switch to the 4-3 brings a whole need bag of needs. They applied no pressure to opposing QB’s last season and should look for a rush DE early in this draft. They could also look early for a CB. On the offensive side of the ball a lot will depend on the status of Stevie Johnson’s free agency. The Bills may decide that his on-field dramatics aren’t worth the headaches and allow him to walk. The WR free agent class is loaded as well as the 
WR position in the 2012 NFL Draft. Demetrius Bell looked good before losing the season to an ACL, so the Bills may have to find a LT early. Bell is a free agent as well.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: I don’t see Stevie Johnson back in Buffalo as his antics may have worn out his welcome. The Bills look for a guy at the WR position without all the headaches and find my favorite in this draft. Wright is steadily moving up draft boards and should be a top 15 pick when it’s all said and done. The Bills would love to address the defense but first must find a replacement for Johnson.
Arizona Cardinals (trade w/SEA): Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Cardinals woes start with the offensive line. They really need a LT to move Levi Brown to RT and find Brandon Keith a spot on the bench. They may look to move up to secure the future of their offensive line. They also need help at RG and WR on the offensive side of the ball. On the defense they really need depth at the linebacker positions and along the defensive line. They could also look for a CB fairly early in the 2012 NFL Draft.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Cards can’t come out of this draft without a starting RT at the least. This move may cost them their third round pick (already lost second to PHI in Kevin Kolb trade) but it’s a necessity. The Cards need drives this pick as Martin could be taken at 12 byKansas City. They can’t afford to risk it so they decide to pull the trigger on the trade up for the Stanford tackle. Martin is an immediate starter at RT that may move to the left side with Levi Brown taking to his more natural RT spot. Either way it gives them some flexibility and avoids Brandon Keith being in the starting lineup.
Kansas City Chiefs (coin flip): Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Chiefs will have a decision to make on Matt Cassell. He doesn’t look to be a franchise QB and they need one. While I don’t see them as a viable candidate to trade up to RGIII territory they could look to the second round for a guy that can sit a year or two behind Cassell. The offensive line needs some attention as Barry Richardson is absolutely abysmal. They have to find a RT to take his spot and could still use a guard. On defense they
need a plugger for Romeo’s defense. Kelly Gregg was a nice stopgap but they need a young big man for the middle of the defense. If they can’t re-sign Brandon Carr, they will need a starting CB. They may look early for an ILB as well.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Chiefs could have used one of the tackles to fall their way but withArizonatrading in front of them, they decide to address the defense. ILB isn’t a huge need but Kuechly has Scott Pioli written all over him. The BC tackling machine doesn’t quite make it to Philly in this version of 2012 NFL Mock Draft as the Chiefs snag him at No. 12.
Seattle Seahawks (coin flip) (trade w/ARZ): Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona St.
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Seahawks rolled to a 7-9 record with Tarvaris Jackson at the helm. No telling how good they could be with a good QB pulling the trigger. The defense is young and promising, particularly in the defensive backfield. They could use a RDE and a LEO as Chris Clemons isn’t getting any younger. On offense, the QB position will
need addressed along with some depth at guard and running back.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: All it took was one Todd McShay tweet to get the Brock Osweiler bus started. To all my emailers that ripped him in the second round of my January 4th edition, you will love this one. Very rarely do I agree with Todd McShay (mostly because I’m jealous of his job) but I do on this one. Osweiler may not be ready to start on day but his upside is through the roof. A big arm, accurate and can move for a guy his size. Should work out well in Darrell Bevell’s system. He may be a bit of a reach with the 13th pick in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft but I like the pick and love what the player brings long-term.
Dallas Cowboys: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Dallas needs an overhaul of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Not finding a corner in the 2011 draft or in free agency really wreaked havoc on this team. They will or should find a solution at the CB spot early in this draft. In addition to CB, they need some help at safety and defensive end. On the offensive side of the ball they were beaten badly in the trenches and mostly on the interior. They could look for a top notch guard or center in 
the first round and make it two years in a row for the OL.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: DeCastro has the makings of a perennial Pro Bowler and will be a favorite of Tony Romo and Co. As Profetta aptly pointed out in his last mock update, I can’t find much to pick apart with DeCastro. If I needed a guard badly, I wouldn’t hesitate to take him in the top 10. He’s that good and Dallas needs one this bad.
Philadelphia Eagles: Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: It’s easy to just point out the failures of the Dream Team. One could easily pin it on the linebackers or the safeties, etc. But it comes down to a leader in the middle of the defense. They need a tackling machine that is capable of calling a defense in the middle. The Eagles will scour free agency and the draft for an ILB that can tackle and more importantly lead the defense. They have some young talent at safety but they underperformed and I don’t know that they can afford to sit and wait for them to develop. They may look for a veteran presence in free agency for the safety position. DT and a 3rd CB will be needed…Asante Samuel is long gone. 
The WR spot is one of contention. DeSean Jackson may choose to look for greener pastures and they may turn the page and look for a WR early in the draft. Look for the Eagles to find a weapon for Mike Vick in round 2-ish at the WR or TE spot.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Kuechly goes to KC in this version of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft. I think DeSean Jackson has worn out his welcome in Philly with that coaching staff. That said, Floyd gives the Eagles a big target that has some run after the catch ability. Many have Floyd slipping into the latter stages of round one because of character concerns but we still see him as worthy of a top 15 selection in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Rex Ryan is still steaming at the play of his defense. The lack of pressure applied to the QB was disturbing for a Rex Ryan defense. They will look for a pass rushing OLB early in this draft. Both safety spots need addressed either in free agency or the draft. On offense the offensive line was bad at times. RT Wayne Hunter isn’t cutting it, so they may look for a RT in the early rounds of the draft. The WR spot is in a state of flux. With players 
taking to the media to air team grievances it has become apparent that Santonio Holmes is not long for this squad. They couldn’t afford to cut him but they need to be thinking long-term at the position. Jeremy Kerley had a solid season but he looks like a slot receiver in the NFL. They could use their first pick on a big target for Sanchez.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Upshaw is coming off a spectacular National Championship performance that garnered him defensive MVP honors. He can flat get after the quarterback with his blend of size and speed. He has the versatility to move all over the defense. Upshaw is nasty which should fit well in Rex Ryan’s scheme.
I love this pick and fit for the team and player. His build and game are reminiscent of LaMarr Woodley which should be good news for Jets fans. Mark Barron got some consideration with this pick.
Cincinnati Bengals (f/OAK): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Bengals came out of nowhere this season to rock the NFL world. Most expected them to be AFC North bottom dwellers until Andy Dalton and A.J. Green could gel. Well it didn’t take too long and they appear to be a team on the rise in an aging division. The Bengals need to find a guard early in this draft. Cedric Benson isn’t likely to be back, forcing them to take a RB early or look to free agency. On defense the lack of depth at corner was 
exposed when Leon Hall went down. They should be thinking a cornerback in round 1 or 2. Aside from that they will be filling in depth on a young, budding roster.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Bengals need a guard in the worst of ways but I think they look for a veteran guard rather than using a first round pick on the position.
The need at corner was fully exposed when Leon Hall went down with an injury. Jenkins has some issues that he will need to work through with teams during interviews but has the talent to be top level corner in the league. For that reason the Bengals pull the trigger on Jenkins at No. 17 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
San Diego Chargers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio St.
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Chargers lack any semblance of a pass rush in 2011. The Larry English experiment is officially over and they may be looking at taking a rush linebacker in round one again. Corey Liuget didn’t do much of anything in year one but they are positive about his future. They will need to find another five-tech that can pressure the QB. On offense, the offensive line was abysmal at times. Marcus McNeill can’t be counted on in the long or short 
term. Injuries have stripped him of far too many games and they have no reliable depth to speak of. They could look for a tackle or guard early in April’s draft.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Chargers offensive line was in shambles for most of the 2011 season and led to some of Phillip Rivers’ indiscretions this season. As I stated in the strategy section, Marcus McNeill can’t be counted on and the Chargers don’t have viable options outside of Jared Gaither. Gaither has struggled in his young career with injuries and is a free agent. Adams is a mammoth prospect at 6’7” 328 pounds and moves well for his size. He could be the long-term answer to the LT position.
Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Scouting Reports
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: After Jay Cutler went down, it wasn’t the same. Their first priority should be to lock up Matt Forte and let the rest fall in place. With a new GM in place, they have to focus on getting younger on defense and giving Cutler a legit go-to guy at receiver. On defense, the linebacking corps is getting old and they may need an end if 
Idonije leaves town (or even if he doesn’t leave). They could also spend a top pick on the cornerback position. On offense, finding a WR should be priority two after re-signing Forte. Depth on the offensive line is also needed especially at guard.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: This may be a little high for Gilmore who was shaky at times in 2011. But given the need and fit in the scheme, the Bears look towards the future with this selection. Gilmore is still relatively raw and with good coaching could be a solid option for the future. He has the size and ability to supplant Charles Tillman from the No. 1 CB spot but for now would look good opposite Tillman.
Tennessee Titans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Tennessee almost made the playoffs with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm and a shell of Chris Johnson. The best thing for them was being able to sit Jake Locker all season (at least most of it) and allowing him to learn for a vet. Locker should emerge as the starter next season. They need to find interior offensive linemen early in 
this draft. The guard and center spots are a mess and should be a priority. On defense, they will have to find a speed rusher at end and a corner if Cortland Finnegan leaves town.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Tennessee has to strengthen the interior of the offensive line. Konz is hands down the top center in this draft and should be an immediate starter. He is an instant upgrade that will pay dividends in run and pass protection.
Cincinnati Bengals: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Bengals came out of nowhere this season to rock the NFL world. Most expected them to be AFC North bottom dwellers until Andy Dalton and A.J. Green could gel. Well it didn’t take too long and they appear to be a team on the rise in an aging division. The Bengals need to find a guard early in this draft. Cedric Benson isn’t likely to be back, forcing them to take a RB early or look to free agency. On 
defense the lack of depth at corner was exposed when Leon Hall went down. They should be thinking a cornerback in round 1 or 2. Aside from that they will be filling in depth on a young, budding roster.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Chris Crocker is an average player on a defense that is looking to take the next step. Barron would give the Bengals an immediate upgrade at SS and is a good value at 21 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. Barron rebounded from a mediocre 2010 season to show why he is the top safety (by far) in this weak class.
Cleveland Browns (f/ATL): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Hire an offensive coordinator. Ok that doesn’t have anything to do with the draft but Pat Shurmur was clearly in over his head in year one playing HC and OC. The biggest decision in the offseason will be to decide on what to do at QB. Colt McCoy looked very average despite not having much to work with. They will have to find a receiver that can stretch the field with his speed. The trio of Greg Little, Jordan Norwood, and Josh Cribbs in a nice 2-3-4 combo but none present the option of being a No. 1. Mohamed Massaquoi should be cut despite wasting a second round pick on him. The Browns should look to address this offense early and often. They need a RT, RB, and 
OG to go along with WR and maybe QB. On defense, Sheldon Brown is old and can’t keep up at corner. They should look to find Joe Haden a partner in crime. Haden is one of the up and coming corners in the league but needs someone opposite him. They also need to get more athletic at the OLB spot and could use a DE to takeover for Jayme Mitchell. Mitchell is decent but is clearly the weak link of an emerging defensive line. Yeah, they have a lot of needs.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Coples is the BPA and represents a giant steal for the Browns if he pans out. Sure, they have bigger needs than at DE but a tandem of Sheard and Coples is intriguing. At 6’5 281 pounds Coples has some diversity with the ability to move inside on passing downs. This is a steal at 22 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Detroit Lions: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Lions need to find guys to take them to the New Orleans, San Francisco, Green Bay, and Giants level. On defense, a playmaker in the secondary is needed along with help at defensive end. KVB is on his last legs and Cliff Avril is going to cost a ton of money to keep. Monitor this situation as DE could wind up being their 
biggest need area. On offense it’s all about the offensive line. Jeff Backus is about done and Dominic Raiola isn’t far behind. They could look early for a LT and C.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: With the uncertainty of Cliff Avril and the decline of KVB the pick becomes a no-brainer. Mercilus is a raw pass rusher that is only going to get better as time wears on. The Lions have some depth at DE but no one that is more than a spot starter. 23 is good value for Mercilus in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft and he adds another youngster to the defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Steelers were an early exit from the Playoffs which won’t go over big in the Steel City. Their QB was beaten and bruised and could barely stand after a season of play behind a ragtag OL. A healthy Willie Colon may make a big difference but they have to find youth. The guard spot is a mess and should be addressed early 
in the 2012 NFL Draft. On the defense they need to find an ILB to groom and take over for James Farrior. Casey Hampton isn’t getting any younger and may have a season or two (at the most) left in the tank. Finding a NT that can fill those shoes is going to be tough.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Glenn is a massive human being that has a gigantic wingspan. He’s probably a better fit at guard but could get a look at RT with Marcus Gilbert moving to the left side. It’s imperative for the Steelers to address the offensive line early in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Denver Broncos: Devon Still, DT, Penn St.
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: Mel Kiper says the Broncos will draft a QB in round 1. I’m saying that’s a no on that one. Tim Tebow earned at least another season as the Broncos starter considering he has started 14 games in his NFL career…not even a full season. The Broncos have bigger fish to fry in the first round than QB. They may look to address the 
defense at the DT or CB position. Andre Goodman was relentlessly beaten by the Pats in the Playoff game and Champ Bailey isn’t going to play forever. On offense, finding an electric back could be top priority. Willis McGahee was great in 2011 but is passing the age of productivity for RB’s. On top of that, John Fox loves to have two backs that he can rely on and they need some speed at the position to run the offense. The OL needs work (LG/RT) and they could use another WR.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: This pick could go a variety of directions but with Still still on the board in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft, they opt for a DT. Still had a very solid season and could easily go in the top 15. That said, there will be some questions about position as he looks to be a more natural fit at five-technique. At 25, he represents a very good value.
Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Texans may be the most promising AFC team given their exit from the playoffs. They started a rookie 5th round pick and were able to make it to the second round of the playoffs and barely were beaten by the Ravens. On offense, they need a second receiving option to pair with Andre Johnson. Jacoby Jones and Kevin 
Walter aren’t cutting it and they should look early for a replacement. They also could use depth on the offensive line particularly at the guard position. The defense was very solid this season. Wade Phillips but together solid schemes and they made defense a priority the last two seasons in the draft and in free agency. Shaun Cody was solid but unspectacular at NT and they really could use a one-gap penetrator at the position. Depth in the secondary should be addressed in the mid to late rounds.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter aren’t cutting it as No. 2 options to Andre Johnson. Sanu brings a ton of versatility to the position and may be a good fit alongside Johnson. He certainly is an ugrade over Jones or Walter.
New England Patriots (f/NO): Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Pats defense was pretty miserable for most of the 2011 season. Much of the offseason will be spent on addressing defensive holes. They could really use help at the safety position and a couple hybrid 
DE/OLB and DT/DE types for their multiple fronts. On offense they should look for a WR that can stretch the defense vertically. Wes Welker is a magician in the middle of the field but they rely on Gronkowski and Hernandez to stretch the defense. A big downfield playmaker should open up more for Tom Brady and his stable of weapons.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Pats love versatile players like Ingram. He brings the ability to make plays from a multitude of positions which will intrigue BB come draft day. There are some concerns with Ingram’s ability to get off blocks in the NFL but he has Patriot written all over him.
Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: It was an earlier exit from the Playoffs than most expected. The defense was underwhelming all season and could never catch up with the offense. It doesn’t help that the offense scores so fast the defense doesn’t 
have time to rest. Good problem to have in the grand scheme of things. Most of the Packers offseason focus should be spent on upgrading the defense. A pass rusher opposite Clay Matthews should be found early. A five-technique that can apply pressure along with a safety in case Nick Collins doesn’t make it back is needed. They may also address the corner position as they didn’t get the productivity out of it that they are accustomed to.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Packers have to find a pass rusher early in this draft, whether it be on the defensive line or at OLB. In this case, they look at a rush linebacker transition in Andre Branch. Branch had a great senior season and could be long gone before this pick. If he’s there, he should be the pick.
Baltimore Ravens: Kelechi Osemele, T/G, Iowa St.
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Ravens age is beginning to show at key positions. Easy to say about a team that made it to the AFC Championship game. On defense they will look for an eventual replacement for Ray Lewis early. Ray Ray is 
showing his age despite still being a factor from the middle. They could also look to find a safety in this draft to take over for Ed Reed or Bernard Pollard. On offense the offensive line is aging to say the least. Matt Birk may retire and Bryant McKinnie isn’t getting any younger. Finding a center and tackle has to be a top priority for Ozzie Newsome. If the Ravens lose Ben Grubbs to free agency they could be looking hard at the guard position.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Osemele played LT at Iowa St but doesn’t possess the athleticism to stay at that position in the NFL. He may be able play RT but looks more like a guard. Either way he should be able to fill an opening along the OL beginning day one. Osemele is an impressive athlete at over 330 pounds with vines for arms and could be a steal at 29 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The 49ers were the shock of the NFL this season. Many had written off John Harbaugh’s first season and had them picking atop this draft. Alex Smith looked rejuvenated in this offense and the defense is lights 
out. On the offensive side of the ball they could look early for a WR to give Smith another big play option opposite Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. The guard spot is another that could be looked at early in the 2012 NFL Draft. On defense, it’s hard to find a hole. They could use some depth on the defensive line and an rush linebacker. Aside from that, some depth in the secondary and they can call it good.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: With Alshon Jeffery still available it makes too much sense not to fill a vacancy with the talented receiver. His down year in 2011 has raised some major red flags about his work ethic and ability to separate. All real concerns which is why he falls to 30 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
New York Giants: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Giants turned it on at the right time. The defense played well during the Playoffs as they were able to pressure QB’s with regularity. They still need a long-term solution at ILB and may need some help on the corner despite drafting Prince Amukamara with their first pick in 2011. On offense, they boast an aging offensive line 
that needs attention. The tackle and guard positions could use an infusion of youth. Jake Ballard played out of his mind in 2011 but they could look early for a legit receiving threat at the position given the state of TE’s in today’s NFL. As we know, Jerry Reese will stick to his board come April and all this will get thrown out the window.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: Jerry Reese will stick with his board…we know that much. Something tells me that a 6’5, 350 pound athlete will be pretty high on many boards. Poe is a guy that could go in the top 20 with ease. If he lasts until the Giants pick, he could be BPA on Reese’s board.
New England Patriots: Fletcher Cox, DT/DE, Mississippi St.
Scouting Report
2012 NFL Draft Strategy: The Pats defense was pretty miserable for most of the 2011 season. Much of the offseason will be spent on addressing defensive holes. They could really use help at the safety position and a couple hybrid DE/OLB and DT/DE types for their multiple fronts. On offense they should look for a WR that can stretch the defense
vertically. Wes Welker is a magician in the middle of the field but they rely on Gronkowski and Hernandez to stretch the defense. A big downfield playmaker should open up more for Tom Brady and his stable of weapons.
2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection: The Pats need to get younger on the defensive line and Cox is a guy that brings some added versatility. The Pats use their defensive lineman in a ton of different sets (see Baltimore game w/Vince Wilfork). Cox could be used all across the line with his athleticism.
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