We are sticking with our trade ban clause through at least the heart of free agency. So, once again, this mock will feature no trades but plenty of surprises which should make for some good debate. This is our last 2012 NFL Mock Draft before the Combine so expect some major changes to come next Wednesday. Enjoy and as always leave some feedback.
 Dan Kadar |
| 1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford |
 This has been the obvious choice since at least December. The only unknown now is how the Colts will surround Luck with talent. The offense needs pieces on the line, the receiver group has been depleted and the run game is only ordinary. It's a full-blown rebuild in Indianapolis, so they're fortunate to have a franchise quarterback to build around. |
 Brad Clark |
| 6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St. |
 St. Louis is set for picks, so I expect them to be aggressive in the draft. They could move back down or up from here and I wouldn’t be shocked. Taking Blackmon here makes a ton of sense and too much for me to ignore. While, I’m not sold on Blackmon this high, the Rams need to find a legitimate weapon for Sam Bradford with Brandon Lloyd looking to leave town. |
Jeff Risdon |
| 3. Minnesota Vikings: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU |
 With Antoine Winfield
nearing the end and Chris Cook's status uncertain, the Vikings opt to
fill the huge need at corner. Their division has three excellent QBs and
legit #1 WRs and they must shore up the back end if they ever want to
compete in the NFC North. |
 Rob Staton |
| 4. Cleveland Browns: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU |
The Browns appear to be on the outside looking in with the Redskins trading ahead of them, Peyton looking to go to Denver or Arizona. That will leave a big pay day for Matt Flynn in Miami and Colt McCoy…Jason Campbell…or Kevin Kolb starting for the Browns in September. Not exactly what this team needed or wanted, I’m sure.
The Browns need weapons but I don’t see them pulling the trigger on Justin Blackmon at No. 4. This pick will be for sale to the highest bidder. If they can’t trade out of it, look for Morris Claiborne to be the pick. Trent Richardson will be a tempting selection as well.
|
| 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama |
 With Claiborne off the board, the Bucs go with a Josh Freeman stress reliever in Trent Richardson. Freeman is the guy in Tampa but they need to surround him with guys that can take some of the load off him. Richardson can do just that. |
| Other Selections: Justin Blackmon |
Brad Clark |
| 2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor |
 Griffin was destined to be a Brown or Redskin. The 'Skins pulled off the
blockbuster and secured their quarterback of the future with RGIII. |
| 7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame |
 Pass rush makes a ton of sense here but I don’t see the Jags waiting on a receiver. Floyd is a good fit in this offense and gives Blaine Gabbert a big target to rely on in times of need, which in his case are frequent. |
| Other Selections: Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram |
| 8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M |
 This pick is fluid as free agency looms large at 4:00 EST today. The Dolphins may make an early offer to Matt Flynn if they lose out on PM. If Flynn accepts that offer expect a pass rusher to come off the board. |
| Other Selections: Quinton Coples |
| 9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis |
 I went on the record saying Poe is a better fit in the 43 than as a 34 nose. Carolina needs a disruptive force in the middle of their defense and Poe can bring that. Many point to his lack of production as a deterrent but there is too much upside to ignore with this guy. |
| Other Selections: Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram |
| 10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina |
 The Bills are in need of an edge rusher for their switch to the 4-3. Coples doesn’t have the elite edge speed to dominate but his blend of size, strength, and athleticism is a rare find. |
| Other Selections: Melvin Ingram |
| 11. Kansas City Chiefs: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa |
 Barry Richardson can take his seat on the bench. While I’m not sold on Reiff as a top 15 pick, KC’s need will drive this selection. I think Reiff has to play LT because I don’t see him holding up from a strength standpoint on the right side. If Reiff can’t hack it on the left side, he may be pulling a Robert Gallery and moving inside. |
| Other Selections: Luke Kuechly |
| 12. Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina |
 The Seahawks have to find a consistent pass rusher outside of Chris Clemons. If the board falls this way, this pick should come down to Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. I can find issue with either player but I think Ingram’s versatility wins the day. |
| Other Selections: Courtney Upshaw - Luke Kuechly |
| 13. Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford |
 An upgrade to this offensive line is needed. Tackle is the most glaring need but passing on DeCastro will be tough. He the surest of sure things at this point. I’m a Mike Adams fan but I’m in the minority on that one. Since this is a mock draft, I throw my rankings out the window and go based on the general consensus. |
| Other Selections: Jonathan Martin - Mike Adams |
| 14. Dallas Cowboys: Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi St. |
 The Cowboys have to find a CB in free agency. There are rumored to covet Brandon Carr or Cortland Finnegan. They were in on Jon Joseph last season, expect a similar offer to Carr and/or Finnegan. Cox is a top 15 pick as a five-technique in my book and a great fit in Rob Ryan’s defense. |
| Other Selections: Dre Kirkpatrick - Michael Brockers |
| 15. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College |
 It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to mock Kuechly to Philadelphia. He slides to 15 and the Eagles don’t look back on this one. He is the leader that they need in the middle of this defense. If Kuechly is on the board, it’s going to be tough for them to pass. |
| Other Selections: Michael Brockers |
| 16. New York Jets: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford |
 The Jets will have to make a decision on Courtney Upshaw’s ability to stand up in their defense. My thoughts are he’s a better fit with his hand in the dirt, so the Jets move on by addressing their abysmal situation at right tackle. Wayne Hunter was border line inept last season, so the Jets look to give Sanchez a fighting chance this season. While I’m not personally high on Martin, I see enough value to warrant his pick. |
| Other Selections: Courtney Upshaw |
| 17. Cincinnati Bengals (f/OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama |
 Kirkpatrick would fill a pretty large hole in Cincinnati’s defense. Leon Hall and Kirkpatrick would make for a very nice tandem in the AFC North. Kirkpatrick comes with the added bonus of being one of the better tacklers at the position. |
| Other Selections: Cordy Glenn |
| 18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia |
 The Chargers need to address their offensive line early and often in free agency and the draft. They should be reaching out to Jared Gaither as we speak as he’s the best they have. Glenn’s versatility to play right tackle and either guard spot should make him a hot commodity come April. |
| Other Selections: Courtney Upshaw - Mike Adams |
| 19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina |
 With Floyd off the board, could the Bears turn to another big target in Stephen Hill? He may be a bit of a reach at 19, so the Bears are left with addressing an aging defense. Gilmore is a man on the rise after a solid showing at the Combine. He fits their scheme perfectly and gets the nod over any of the receivers. Jay Cutler will have to wait until the 2nd round to get his 6’2” target. |
| Other Selections: Stephen Hill - Whitney Mercilus |
| 20. Tennessee Titans: Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama |
 The Titans need some speed off the edge. Upshaw has the look of a base end to me which fills Tennessee’s need perfectly. He has the edge speed to make immediate waves in this defense. |
| Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins |
| 21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU |
 Defensive tackle isn’t a huge need for the Bengals but they can’t resist taking the talented but raw LSU DT. Brockers added weight and disappointed at the Combine, showing average athleticism at the position. The tape doesn’t lie on this one and something tells me he’s going to show much better at his pro day. |
| Other Selections: Kendall Wright - Stephen Hill |
| 22. Cleveland Browns (f/ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor |
 Kendall Wright at 22 may be the steal of the draft in my book. It’s clear that his 4.61 40 at the Combine was a fluke but it may be what Cleveland needed for him to fall into their laps. Now they just need someone to throw to him. |
| Other Selections: None |
| 23. Detroit Lions: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State |
 Detroit needs a replacement for Jeff Backus. Enter Mike Adams. Adams is a tough one to crack as he has some motivation issues combined with a subpar Combine performance. He’s my second rated tackle as I have been overly impressed with his ’10 and ’11 tape. |
| Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins - Peter Konz |
| 24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama |
 With Mike Adams off the board, the Steelers turn their attention to the ILB spot. Janoris Jenkins could intrigue them here but Hightower has the look of a Steeler linebacker. His familiarity with the system shouldn’t hurt with this pick. He can step in immediately at ILB and give the Steelers a nice young duo on the inside. |
| Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins |
| 25. Denver Broncos: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford |
 As of the writing of this mock draft, PM hasn’t been signed. Either way, I think it’s going to be intriguing to bring in a legitimate receiving threat at the TE spot. Fleener is emerging as the top TE (by default). He gives Tebow or PM a nice option to work with. |
| Other Selections: Jerel Worthy - Janoris Jenkins |
| 26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech |
 The Texans can afford to take a risk on Hill. He doesn’t have much to go off of in terms of film but there are no doubts that he’s a special athlete. I think 26 to 31 could be his sweet spot in April’s draft. |
| Other Selections: Alshon Jeffery |
27. New England Patriots (f/NO): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
|
 NE does well if Barron makes it to 27. He fills a major need area for the Pats as they look to rebound from their terrible secondary play of 2011. Barron won’t work out as he’s still recovering from injury but I think his play speaks for itself. |
| Other Selections: None |
| 28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson |
 This was the toughest pick of my mock draft. It was between Lewis and Andre Branch. Both pass rushers and both really good fits and need fillers. I went with Branch based on my own rankings of the players…hopefully the Packers see it my way. |
| Other Selections: Ronnell Lewis - Devon Still |
| 29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin |
 This pick is assuming Matt Birk is not back with the Ravens…and maybe even if he is. The Ravens could be looking at some major holes in their offensive line if Birk and Ben Grubbs can’t be re-signed. Not to mention Andre Gurode is also a free agent. |
| Other Selections: None |
| 30. San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina |
 I welcome Alshon Jeffery back into my first round. He’s an enigma at this point for me. I love his hands, body control, and ability to high point the ball. I hate his work ethic, route running, and separation. If you’re the 49ers why not take a shot on this guy? Harbaugh should bring out the best in Jeffery which could turn into a major steal at 30. |
| Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins - Rueben Randle |
| 31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois |
 The Pats deployment of multiple fronts should exploit Mercilus’ skill set. He is best suited in a four man front but has the athleticism to play on his feet. I like Mercilus more than most and think he’s an outstanding value at 31 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. |
| Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins - Rueben Randle |
| 32. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama |
 The Giants get a CB that falls into their laps two years in a row. Jenkins talent level far exceeds the 32nd pick in the draft but his questionable decision-making may drop him completely off some boards. The Giants could cash in despite it not being a giant need. |
| Other Selections: Orson Charles - Bobby Massie |
Round 2 of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft will be out tomorrow, so check back in the morning for the remainder of the mock draft.
This has been the obvious choice since at least December. The only unknown now is how the Colts will surround Luck with talent. The offense needs pieces on the line, the receiver group has been depleted and the run game is only ordinary. It's a full-blown rebuild in Indianapolis, so they're fortunate to have a franchise quarterback to build around.
St. Louis is set for picks, so I expect them to be aggressive in the draft. They could move back down or up from here and I wouldn’t be shocked. Taking Blackmon here makes a ton of sense and too much for me to ignore. While, I’m not sold on Blackmon this high, the Rams need to find a legitimate weapon for Sam Bradford with Brandon Lloyd looking to leave town.
With Antoine Winfield 
With Claiborne off the board, the Bucs go with a Josh Freeman stress reliever in Trent Richardson. Freeman is the guy in Tampa but they need to surround him with guys that can take some of the load off him. Richardson can do just that.
Griffin was destined to be a Brown or Redskin. The 'Skins pulled off the
Pass rush makes a ton of sense here but I don’t see the Jags waiting on a receiver. Floyd is a good fit in this offense and gives Blaine Gabbert a big target to rely on in times of need, which in his case are frequent.
This pick is fluid as free agency looms large at 4:00 EST today. The Dolphins may make an early offer to Matt Flynn if they lose out on PM. If Flynn accepts that offer expect a pass rusher to come off the board. 
I went on the record saying Poe is a better fit in the 43 than as a 34 nose. Carolina needs a disruptive force in the middle of their defense and Poe can bring that. Many point to his lack of production as a deterrent but there is too much upside to ignore with this guy.
The Bills are in need of an edge rusher for their switch to the 4-3. Coples doesn’t have the elite edge speed to dominate but his blend of size, strength, and athleticism is a rare find.
Barry Richardson can take his seat on the bench. While I’m not sold on Reiff as a top 15 pick, KC’s need will drive this selection. I think Reiff has to play LT because I don’t see him holding up from a strength standpoint on the right side. If Reiff can’t hack it on the left side, he may be pulling a Robert Gallery and moving inside.
The Seahawks have to find a consistent pass rusher outside of Chris Clemons. If the board falls this way, this pick should come down to Ingram and Courtney Upshaw. I can find issue with either player but I think Ingram’s versatility wins the day.
An upgrade to this offensive line is needed. Tackle is the most glaring need but passing on DeCastro will be tough. He the surest of sure things at this point. I’m a Mike Adams fan but I’m in the minority on that one. Since this is a mock draft, I throw my rankings out the window and go based on the general consensus.
The Cowboys have to find a CB in free agency. There are rumored to covet Brandon Carr or Cortland Finnegan. They were in on Jon Joseph last season, expect a similar offer to Carr and/or Finnegan. Cox is a top 15 pick as a five-technique in my book and a great fit in Rob Ryan’s defense.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to mock Kuechly to Philadelphia. He slides to 15 and the Eagles don’t look back on this one. He is the leader that they need in the middle of this defense. If Kuechly is on the board, it’s going to be tough for them to pass. 
The Jets will have to make a decision on Courtney Upshaw’s ability to stand up in their defense. My thoughts are he’s a better fit with his hand in the dirt, so the Jets move on by addressing their abysmal situation at right tackle. Wayne Hunter was border line inept last season, so the Jets look to give Sanchez a fighting chance this season. While I’m not personally high on Martin, I see enough value to warrant his pick.
Kirkpatrick would fill a pretty large hole in Cincinnati’s defense. Leon Hall and Kirkpatrick would make for a very nice tandem in the AFC North. Kirkpatrick comes with the added bonus of being one of the better tacklers at the position.
The Chargers need to address their offensive line early and often in free agency and the draft. They should be reaching out to Jared Gaither as we speak as he’s the best they have. Glenn’s versatility to play right tackle and either guard spot should make him a hot commodity come April. 
With Floyd off the board, could the Bears turn to another big target in Stephen Hill? He may be a bit of a reach at 19, so the Bears are left with addressing an aging defense. Gilmore is a man on the rise after a solid showing at the Combine. He fits their scheme perfectly and gets the nod over any of the receivers. Jay Cutler will have to wait until the 2nd round to get his 6’2” target. 
The Titans need some speed off the edge. Upshaw has the look of a base end to me which fills Tennessee’s need perfectly. He has the edge speed to make immediate waves in this defense. 
Defensive tackle isn’t a huge need for the Bengals but they can’t resist taking the talented but raw LSU DT. Brockers added weight and disappointed at the Combine, showing average athleticism at the position. The tape doesn’t lie on this one and something tells me he’s going to show much better at his pro day. 
Kendall Wright at 22 may be the steal of the draft in my book. It’s clear that his 4.61 40 at the Combine was a fluke but it may be what Cleveland needed for him to fall into their laps. Now they just need someone to throw to him. 
Detroit needs a replacement for Jeff Backus. Enter Mike Adams. Adams is a tough one to crack as he has some motivation issues combined with a subpar Combine performance. He’s my second rated tackle as I have been overly impressed with his ’10 and ’11 tape. 
With Mike Adams off the board, the Steelers turn their attention to the ILB spot. Janoris Jenkins could intrigue them here but Hightower has the look of a Steeler linebacker. His familiarity with the system shouldn’t hurt with this pick. He can step in immediately at ILB and give the Steelers a nice young duo on the inside. 
As of the writing of this mock draft, PM hasn’t been signed. Either way, I think it’s going to be intriguing to bring in a legitimate receiving threat at the TE spot. Fleener is emerging as the top TE (by default). He gives Tebow or PM a nice option to work with.
The Texans can afford to take a risk on Hill. He doesn’t have much to go off of in terms of film but there are no doubts that he’s a special athlete. I think 26 to 31 could be his sweet spot in April’s draft.
NE does well if Barron makes it to 27. He fills a major need area for the Pats as they look to rebound from their terrible secondary play of 2011. Barron won’t work out as he’s still recovering from injury but I think his play speaks for itself. 
This was the toughest pick of my mock draft. It was between Lewis and Andre Branch. Both pass rushers and both really good fits and need fillers. I went with Branch based on my own rankings of the players…hopefully the Packers see it my way. 
This pick is assuming Matt Birk is not back with the Ravens…and maybe even if he is. The Ravens could be looking at some major holes in their offensive line if Birk and Ben Grubbs can’t be re-signed. Not to mention Andre Gurode is also a free agent. 
I welcome Alshon Jeffery back into my first round. He’s an enigma at this point for me. I love his hands, body control, and ability to high point the ball. I hate his work ethic, route running, and separation. If you’re the 49ers why not take a shot on this guy? Harbaugh should bring out the best in Jeffery which could turn into a major steal at 30.
The Pats deployment of multiple fronts should exploit Mercilus’ skill set. He is best suited in a four man front but has the athleticism to play on his feet. I like Mercilus more than most and think he’s an outstanding value at 31 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
The Giants get a CB that falls into their laps two years in a row. Jenkins talent level far exceeds the 32nd pick in the draft but his questionable decision-making may drop him completely off some boards. The Giants could cash in despite it not being a giant need.
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