2012 NFL Mock Draft : Top Two Picks Slotted Edition

Posted by Brad On March – 13 – 2012
  • Sharebar

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
"Robert Griffin III" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prosect, Morris Claiborne" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prosect, Morris Claiborne" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Trent Richardson" 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

6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Justin Blackmon" 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.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Michael Floyd" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Ryan Tannehill" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Dontari Poe" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Quinton Coples" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Riley Reiff" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Melvin Ingram" 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
"David DeCastro" 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.
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Fletcher Cox" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Luke Kuechly" 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
2012 NFL Draft prospect, Jonathan Martin" 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

 

Click here for picks 17-32

  • steppxxxxz

    great mock. Top half makes sense to me except for Rieff…who I honestly think is falling. One reason is he may end up as a guard. But i can see cordy glenn going there. I dont think I see the Jets NOT taking defense. Andre Branch maybe? Or Perry? Or Barron even. I also like Kuechly to KC. Crennell wants an identity to that defense and LK is perfect. Reid might go for Brockers…or an offensive lineman, and Ravens could wait for Ben Jones in the second, and take an LB. The only other question is Jeffrey to SF….and not CB to detroit. If SF passes on Jenkins, if he’s there, id be surprised. Or rolling the dice on jamell flemming or Brandon Boykin. Niners need a corner. Even if they sign Rogers. Detroit has to jump on Jenkins though is my feeling. Also…your thoughts on wide outs. If you go for another wide out there, (meaning san fran) who would it be? Sanu? has Childs crawled back after his forty time? Might they take Fleener? Or Orson Charles?

  • steppxxxxz

    I notice devon Still not in your first round mock. Surprising..? Nor Jerel Worthy…..a bit less surprising. let me add, I think the browns take an LB….(Zach Brown? Lewis?)……

    • bradc11

      I’m not a huge Still fan. Worthy is a guy that I like but inconsistencies could push him down the draft. He’s a guy that may slide out of round one based on defensive talent late in the round. The Browns will take a LB at some point in this draft but I don’t see them going there in round one. Not a fan of Brown or Lewis, unless you were talking of Ronnell.

      • steppxxxxz

        yeah ronnell. Im not a brown fan…but i can cleveland going for his speed. They have two picks….depends i guess. Interesting on Still…..im not a fan either. Worthy i like. When we do get a round two mock > :)

  • Bex_R1986

    It seems to be coming more and more possible that Claiborne no longer falls to my Buccaneers at 5, which for me would have to be the pick if he’s there.

    I’m not sold on us taking Blackmon there (slightly to high and not the biggest need: Williams and Benn can still be given another shot as starters), and not convinced by Richardson at 5 either (RB value, knee concerns, potential to pick up a Wilson/Miller/Martin in R2).

    So do you think that their first instinct would be to trade down with the intention of targeting Keuchly first, or possibly Kirkpatrick second? The biggest problem here of course is who would be keen enough on someone at 5 to make this move up. I can’t see it really.

    If Claiborne is gone, and Tampa can’t trade down, does Keuchly get any consideration at pick 5? I say no, far too high, but when I’m not sold on the alternatives, I wouldn’t be shouting at the TV if it did happen. I think right now, Richardson is the right choice though, but only if R2 and 3 are defensive picks (barring someone unexpected being available after dropping).

    • bradc11

      Unfortunately for Tampa, if CLE stays at 4 they are likely taking Claiborne.

      A trade down for them would be ideal and there is still teams that would love to get their hands on TR and Blackmon. Sitting in front of St. Louis could be really beneficial in a trade scenario.

  • Sean s.

    I like kuechly to philly even though its generic to pick him.even if they pick up london fletcher in fa they still need a will backer kuechly can fill that role and be under fletchers wing for a year.

    • bradc11

      Kuechly makes a ton of sense to PHI. As generic as it may be he could fill a couple of roles in case they sign someone, i.e. Connor, Fletcher

  • Follow nflfuture on Twitter
  • Archives