 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.
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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 |
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. |
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 |
Click here for picks 17-32