Last year’s 40 points in the Huddle Report mock draft scoring was solid in year one but my competitive streak won’t allow me to be satisfied with anything less than No. 1. With Rick Gosselin pulling out (unfortunate, one of the best) the rest of us stand a fighting chance. If you’re not familiar with The Huddle Reports scoring system, it’s a one round mock draft that assigns points for correct picks/teams and picks/round one. With last year’s learning curve out of the way, I look to score big this season. That said, here’s my tune up:
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Chalk up three points because this one has become official.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Six points in the book, the only problem is that everyone else was spotted six as well.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The draft starts here and something (or someone) tells me that I have nine points locked up and a perfect start. The flirtation with Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne should be over around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday as the Vikings get their franchise LT to protect their franchise QB.
Twelve points. Chalk it up. Come on, I’m a Cleveland guy and you know I have an inside track on this one. Mark up Trent Richardson on your mock drafts and you won’t go wrong.
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. All that makes me feel comfortable that I will have 15 points and perfect through the first five picks.
6. St. Louis Rams – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
This is where I begin to separate from the competition. Everyone (or just about) with have the same five I had to begin the draft. 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.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
I would expect negotiations to begin any minute between the Colts and Andrew Luck. At some point reality sets in that they aren’t gaming anyone and that Luck has been the pick since the day they secured the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins traded the farm for Griffin and rightfully so. He’s a special talent that is capable of beating teams in an assortment of ways. Griffin’s game transitions to today’s NFL very well and due to that he has people buzzing about higher upside than Luck. It really is splitting hairs…all I know is that both are going to be very good NFL QB’s.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings
I just can’t wrap my head around the Vikings passing on a franchise LT given their need. Sure, Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne are needed but not at the expense of securing a blindside protector for Christian Ponder.
I really think this organization goes with an offensive playmaker with this pick and he won’t be named Justin Blackmon. The only deal breaker will be if Heckert/Shurmur/Chilly fall in love with Ryan Tannehill. This city doesn’t have the patience to wait on Tannehill’s development and the Heckert/Holmgren tandem know they won’t be around to see him develop. Hence, the Richardson pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
This pick gets interesting if Richardson and Claiborne are on the board. With TR going one spot ahead of them the decision becomes very easy. The Bucs signed Eric Wright to a deal but he’s not the answer especially if Aqib Talib is suspended. Ronde Barber is minutes away from retirement and this may be his last rodeo. Claiborne gives the Bucs a legit No. 1 corner to pair with Wright/Talib for the long haul.
6. St. Louis Rams – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.
Remembering this is a mock draft which is a projection of what the team will do, not what I would do, I give you Fletcher Cox. I have Cox rated ahead of Blackmon on my big board but I can’t see how the Rams pass on a pass catcher for Sam Bradford. There is a lot of smoke with this fire and it seems Cox is the frontrunner if the Rams stay put at No. 6. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : Inching Closer to April 26th»
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. The safest top pick in a long time, Luck is an instant starter with the pedigree, athleticism, and intelligence to become a coveted franchise quarterback in little time. No question Luck is the #1 pick.
2. Washington Redskins (from STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. They didn’t give up all those picks for just anyone. RG3 is the man and they are already active in building around him. Griffin had more touchdowns than incompletions in Baylor’s first four games last year.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, T, USC. The Vikings need help in a lot of areas, and offensive tackle is paramount amongst those needs. Contrary to popular opinion I do not believe that Kalil is a given here; the Vikings desperately need CB and WR help as well and could take Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackmon. They could also trade back and still wind up with one of those guys, and GM Rick Speilman has indicated he will listen to offers.
4. Cleveland Browns: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. This pick holds the key for so much of the rest of the top 10. Cleveland has myriad needs and ample talent from which to select to fill those needs here. While Trent Richardson, Claiborne, Ryan Tannehill, Melvin Ingram, or even David Decastro all make sense here, the Browns opt to upgrade their anemic cast at wide receiver…just not with the player that most suspect. After Floyd’s outstanding pro day and given his superior size and speed over Justin Blackmon, the Browns throw the curveball here and take Floyd.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. I know the Bucs have strong interest in Richardson, but there are two reasons why I would now carve this pick in granite if the dynamic Bama back is still on the board. First is that they signed Eric Wright and brought back Ronde Barber at corner, which makes that a less pressing need which can be addressed later in this very deep corner class. Second was how incumbent RB LeGarrette Blount reacted to the concept of Richardson threatening his gig, whining to the media about being disrespected. That immature crap might have flown with Raheem Morris, but new Head Coach Greg Schiano will not tolerate me-first knuckleheads. Richardson is an easy choice with Kalil gone. Read the rest of this entry » «Risdon’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft : Two Week Out Edition»
Any hype of the Colts entertaining the notion of taking Robert Griffin III ahead of Andrew Luck will be squashed in a matter of weeks. The Colts will open up negotiations with Luck very soon and this pick is probably done before the 26th. As much as I love RGIII, Luck has been and will be the draft’s top selection. He’s as pro-ready as any QB in recent memory and I would argue ever.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins traded the farm for Griffin and rightfully so. He’s a special talent that is capable of beating teams in an assortment of ways. Griffin’s game transitions to today’s NFL very well and due to that he has people buzzing about higher upside than Luck. It really is splitting hairs…all I know is that both are going to be very good NFL QB’s.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings
I just can’t wrap my head around the Vikings passing on a franchise LT. As good as Morris Claiborne is (and he’s real good) there’s not a chance Rick Spielman doesn’t come out of this draft with Kalil. I say that with 90% confidence.
My head says Morris Claiborne but my heart says TR. Come on, I’m a Browns fan; you know I’m going with my heart. I really think this organization goes with an offensive playmaker with this pick and he won’t be named Justin Blackmon. The only deal breaker will be if Heckert/Shurmur/Chilly fall in love with Ryan Tannehill. This city doesn’t have the patience to wait on Tannehill’s development and the Heckert/Holmgren tandem know they won’t be around to see him develop. Hence, the Richardson pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
This pick gets interesting if Richardson and Claiborne are on the board. With TR going one spot ahead of them the decision becomes very easy. The Bucs signed Eric Wright to a deal but he’s not the answer especially if Aqib Talib is suspended. Ronde Barber is minutes away from retirement and this may be his last rodeo. Claiborne gives the Bucs a legit No. 1 corner to pair with Wright/Talib for the long haul. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : Three Rounds of NFL Draft Bliss»
Any hype of the Colts entertaining the notion of taking Robert Griffin III ahead of Andrew Luck will be squashed in a matter of weeks. The Colts will open up negotiations with Luck very soon and this pick is probably done before the 26th. As much as I love RGIII, Luck has been and will be the draft’s top selection. He’s as pro-ready as any QB in recent memory and I would argue ever.
2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Redskins traded the farm for Griffin and rightfully so. He’s a special talent that is capable of beating teams in an assortment of ways. Griffin’s game transitions to today’s NFL very well and due to that he has people buzzing about higher upside than Luck. It really is splitting hairs…all I know is that both are going to be very good NFL QB’s.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, Minnesota Vikings
I just can’t wrap my head around the Vikings passing on a franchise LT. As good as Morris Claiborne is (and he’s real good) there’s not a chance Rick Spielman doesn’t come out of this draft with Kalil. I say that with 90% confidence.
My head says Morris Claiborne but my heart says TR. Come on, I’m a Browns fan; you know I’m going with my heart. I really think this organization goes with an offensive playmaker with this pick and he won’t be named Justin Blackmon. The only deal breaker will be if Heckert/Shurmur/Chilly fall in love with Ryan Tannehill. This city doesn’t have the patience to wait on Tannehill’s development and the Heckert/Holmgren tandem know they won’t be around to see him develop. Hence, the Richardson pick.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
This pick gets interesting if Richardson and Claiborne are on the board. With TR going one spot ahead of them the decision becomes very easy. The Bucs signed Eric Wright to a deal but he’s not the answer especially if Aqib Talib is suspended. Ronde Barber is minutes away from retirement and this may be his last rodeo. Claiborne gives the Bucs a legit No. 1 corner to pair with Wright/Talib for the long haul.
6. St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
A lot of buzz about the Rams going DT here but I can’t see them passing on a weapon for Bradford. They desperately need to surround Bradford with legit weapons before he is completely ruined. Bradford took major steps backward in 2011, mostly due to the lack of protection and playmakers. Blackmon’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism make him dangerous in the vertical game and with the ball in his hands.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Ingram fills a need area and fits the style of player that Gene Smith covets. Ingram blew up the entire pre-draft process after a monster 2011 season. He’s as versatile as any defender in the draft, being able to play RDE, 3T, and rush linebacker. What Ingram lacks in size/arm length he more than makes up for with a non-stop motor. The Jags need a receiver but I’m not sold on Smith pulling the trigger on Michael Floyd.
8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins need some positive after a shaky offseason which included trading Brandon Marshall, whiffing on Peyton and Flynn, and Jeff Ireland protests. While I’m not the President of the Ryan Tannehill fan club, I am a member. I’m probably in the minority on this one; but I don’t think he’s as far off from being a starting QB as some believe. Let’s face it the Dolphins are likely cellar dwellers in 2012 and Tannehill could start by the middle of October.
9. Carolina Panthers – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
DT or DE seem to be the modus operandi when it comes to the Panthers. The Panthers welcome back Ron Edwards and spent (two) third-round picks on Sione Fua and Terrell McClain. I see CB as this team’s biggest need. Captain Munnerlyn has the look of a nickel back, leaving them without a running mate for Chris Gamble. Gilmore is gaining traction after displaying elite athleticism at his size. Mike Mayock appears dead set on driving the Gilmore bus into the top ten and I’m on board. In all seriousness, guys with this combination of size/athleticism don’t come around often. The great thing with Gilmore is that he actually has the tape to back it up.
10. Buffalo Bills – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
I had Buffalo pegged for the Gilmore selection but Carolina screwed that up. It’s a win-win for the Bills as they get a highly productive Z receiver to pair with Stevie Johnson. I don’t see a top 10 tackle after Kalil, so I don’t expect the Bills to reach for Reiff, Martin, or Adams. Floyd can take the top off the defense with his ability to demand safety help. Ryan Fitzpatrick should love this selection.
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
I’m not sold on Poe’s best position as a “30” front NT. Poe offers the “wow” factor despite limited collegiate production. His blend of size, speed, and overall athleticism is a thing of freakish beauty. The Chiefs have been active in free agency but completely ignored their need at NT. I don’t see the Chiefs passing on Poe unless they absolutely fall in love with David DeCastro.
12. Seattle Seahawks – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Big time value pick here for Pete Carroll. Coples’ versatility would be a huge plus for this defense with the flexibility to interchange parts. Gus Bradley’s fast flowing defense needs speed at all positions and Coples would add just that.
13. Arizona Cardinals – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
DeCastro can play multiple spots on the offensive line and the Cardinals need quality up front. I see Reiff, Martin, and/or Adams as a reaches at this point. DeCastro is a top ten talent that fits in any blocking scheme. His time at Stanford will prove valuable as he will step in from day one as a starter on the Cards OL….it could be at RT.
14. Dallas Cowboys – Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi St.
Dallas did a nice job filling holes in free agency (minus the two guards). Cox gives them a force at the five-technique which they have lacked. He has elite movement skills and Dallas fans will love his motor. His pad level and get off are inconsistent but he makes up for it with the tenacity he plays with.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Asante Samuel may be dealt before the draft and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie underperformed in 2011. Kirkpatrick could be a great complement to Asomugha and DRC. It’s almost sad to think the Eagles would have a first round need at this position after their 2011 free agent haul.
16. New York Jets – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
I don’t have many Jets fans that read my site at this point, so I’m fully comfortable in selecting Stephen Hill at 16. The Jets need an edge rusher but it may be too high for the likes of Courtney Upshaw, Andre Branch, Nick Perry, etc. Whitney Mercilus could be interesting as this appears to be good value but I don’t see him as a good transition to standing up. For that reason, they roll the dice on Hill. Hill’s lack of touches is merely a product of the system and shouldn’t be held against him. Someone is going to fall in love with this guy’s skill set and take him in the top 20…why not the team with Santonio Holmes…and…
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
The Bengals get an absolute steal at this point. ILB may not be the biggest of needs but adding this type of talent to the middle of the defense is never a bad thing. Especially when you steal this pick from the Oakland Raiders.
The Colts are ready to turn the page on the Peyton Manning era in Indy. As tough as it is/was it is made easier with Andrew Luck sitting atop the 2012 NFL Draft to comfort the fall.
The talk of Washington mortgaging their future drafts is old already in my mind. For me, this was an outstanding deal that netted the future of this organization. It’s tough putting a price on that.
Robert Griffin III is a special talent that should re-invigorate the Redskin fan base, Mike Shanahan, and sell a whole bunch of merchandise. This trade and pick was a win for the Redskins no matter the cost. My prediction is that there will be teams regretting their decision to not go all-in on the No. 2 pick.
Talk of Minnesota trading out of this pick is absurd…they are not passing on taking the best player available at their position of greatest need. 0% chance this pick is in anyone’s hands outside of Minnesota.
Kalil is a perennial Pro Bowler at LT with an elite skill set for the position. The Vikings and Christian Ponder run this pick to Roger Goodell.
I have felt really strongly that the Browns brass would jump in on Morris Claiborne because of positional value. With the loss of Peyton Hillis to the Chiefs, the Browns may not be able to pass on TR. Richardson is a special talent that I would contend is a better overall player than Adrian Peterson. He’s as complete as they come at the position with the ability to play in any system. I love his possibilities in the West Coast as will Browns fans.
Alternative pick: Morris Claiborne, Ryan Tannehill
The Bucs spent a ton of money on Eric Wright’s services. That said, no way they pass on Claiborne if he’s sitting there at five for the taking. With Aqib Talib’s future hanging in the balance, the Bucs will look early to the cornerback position. If Claiborne’s available, he’s the guy.
Stephon Gilmore is slowly gaining traction on Kirkpatrick and Jenkins for the rights to No. 2 corner on most boards. I will stick with Kirkpatrick for the time being although I think Gilmore has a chance to be a better pro. Either way, the Bengals have to go hard after a corner given their current rotation.
Cordy Glenn going ahead of Riley Reiff, Jon Martin and Mike Adams. What a travesty. Glenn’s versatility to play RT or inside could be an intriguing fit for the Chargers. The Chargers were able to retain the services of Jared Gaither but lost Marcus McNeill. Glenn could fill in immediately at RT and has some questioning whether he is capable of playing the left side in the NFL. I have spent a day on Glenn, outside of the Boise game, you would be hard pressed to find a game that he didn’t look like a natural fit on the left side against SEC pass rushers.
Alternative pick: Courtney Upshaw, Dont’a Hightower
19. Chicago Bears: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The trade for Brandon Marshall came as a bit of a surprise to many, including myself. It most likely frees the Bears up to take BPA. Gilmore is a man on the rise and fills a major need area for the Bears. If the board falls this way, they should have plenty of options including taking a tackle.
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
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.
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.
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.
We have officially lifted the trade ban on our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. For now, we will stick to just one trade involving the 2nd pick because it appears to be a foregone conclusion.
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
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.
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.
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