2012 NFL Mock Draft : Huddle Report Warm-Up

Posted by Brad On April – 21 – 2012
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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.

4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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.

Everyone assumes Gene Smith will be Gene Smith and Melvin Ingram will be the pick.  My calls this week would suggest differently with one saying Jacksonville will take Blackmon if he makes it to them.

8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

This could be the pick that screws up everything that almost everyone will have as a certainty.  Tannehill makes a ton of sense here which makes me think he won’t be the pick.  I’m sticking with it…for now.

9. Carolina Panthers – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

I have received a lot of hate mail on this pick but I think I chalk up three points if Gilmore is on the board and Cox is gone.

10. Buffalo Bills – Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Michael Floyd or Riley Reiff.  Yeah, that would be logical but I think the Bills look to add to that defense.  Barron teamed with Jarius Byrd would be a special tandem. George Wilson is solid but not special.  The Bills have to compete with New England and NYJ which may dictate this pick.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – David DeCastro, G, Stanford

I’m 50/50 on this pick so it’s subject to change before my mock is submitted on Wednesday night.  I think this pick comes down to Luke Kuechly and DeCastro with Dontari Poe as a long shot.

12. Seattle Seahawks – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Ingram may be a man without a true position or just a versatile prospect.  Either way, Pete Carroll finds a place for Ingram and he excels in a very good, young defense.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Let’s face it…I’m not a Reiff fan but he makes too much sense here to pass. I will put my personal feelings aside for this pick as I think need drives this one to an extent.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Brockers, DT/DE, LSU

I like Dontari Poe here but Brockers offers a lot of intrigue in Rob Ryan’s system.  He has the skills to be an effective pass rusher at the 5T.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

I think this one is a steal if it plays out this way. The late talk has been of Poe sliding into the second round.  I can’t see that one even being a remote possibility and he won’t make it out of the top 15.

16. New York Jets – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

They need a pass rusher but Floyd is too good to pass on at this point in the draft.  With the uncertainty of the WR position in New York and Floyd sliding, I think I can chalk up three points on this one.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Chalk this one up if he falls to 17.  Kuechly offers the versatility to play inside or on the strongside, making him a slam dunk for the Bengals if he’s on the board.


  • Anyone

    no cordy glenn?

    • bradc11

      Yes, my last minute changes weren’t saved last night, he’s up now to Baltimore

  • Bex_R1986

    Great mock as always.

    Does the rumours of the Raven’s not being to keen on Konz sway you a little, or do you chalk that down as smoke screen? I’ve let it affect me and mocked Adams there instead, but I may go back to Konz again for the final version.

    Also, I read those 49ers rumours too, but went for Glenn instead of Zeitler. If Davis continues to struggle at RT, Glenn has the versatility to switch with him - Glenn at RT and Davis moving to RG.

    Does this Huddle Report allow trades? If so do you plan to put some in to your final submission?

    • bradc11

      My apologies, I made last minute changes that I didn’t save and publish. It’s updated now with Glenn to BAL and Konz to SF. I think BAL takes Konz if Glenn isn’t on the board…or they go defense and take a Harrison Smith type.

      • Bex_R1986

        Interestingly, the Ravens haven’t had Glenn in for a visit, at least that’s known, whereas they did with other interior linemen Konz, Gradkowski (who’s definitely on the rise to a early day 3 pick), Brandon Brooks and Brad Jones,

  • Ilbeedgreen1030

    poe doesnt fit the wide9 in philly hes a fourth rd talent that boosted his stock enough to warrant a mid/late second rd pick.the guy did nothing impressive in the 3years he started at memphis vs weak conf usa opponents he does a few things that can be coached away like not track the ball but u dont take a project at 15 the second round is for project with upside.if he goes in the first hell be a bust

  • CSNinerFan

    I think the Niners are higher on Zeitler than Konz. Kevin’s been practicing C quite a bit this off-season, which would fit right into the Niner’s situation. He could upgrade RG now, then take over as C when Goodwin declines. I also believe the Ravens will take Konz with their 1st pick…they want a replacement for Matt Birk.

    • bradc11

      It really was a tough call for the Niners. I originally had Zeitler there but went with Konz after I gave Glenn to the Ravens. I don’t think the Niners can go wrong with either one as both would fit their man, power blocking scheme.

  • ATG84

    I can definitely see Poe sliding. He had a great combine and has tons of potential, but if one looks at the game film on him, you will see that he was “casper the friendly ghost” during his time at Memphis.

  • Jsteppling

    Ive been pondering his first round…reading you, Brad, and others. SO…a couple thoughts. First….not totally certain Vikes take Kalil…but probably. St Louis might go Cox….but i dont see it. I see too much need for Blackmon. But the Jags pick is pivotal….and i see maybe Floyd. They have NO wide recievers. If so, carolina takes cox…but even if they dont, I just cant see Carolina not taking a big D lineman. If Claiborne were there…maybe….but not for Gilmore. I could be wrong of course….and i love personally, Nick Perry to seattle. Its my favorite pick of mine. Carroll knows him through USC football circles. I heard he likes him. And I think your instincts on Rieff are correct and he wont go until the end of the round. And Niners for sure take Zeitler, not Konz…..just a hunch….Zeitler more a harbaugh kind of player.

  • Jsteppling

    some other great calls though. I think Martin falls to the NYG…I like Zeitler to SF and Glenn to baltimore…..and Rieff to new england. Offensive line at the end of the first. I think Poe falls to maybe 28….green bay….doubt further…but he will fall. And I think Kuechly drops a bit….(to browns at 22?)….but i think he falls too. Who would rise if they do fall? One thought is Branch, and Perry, and Mercillus going higher than some think. Edge rushers are so tempting. Coples wil fall, for sure I think. I think Ingram might fall a bit too….with Chandler jones rising ( i dont see it either, but). The big question is tannehill….but i guess you have to give him to Miami. Good work….this is the best mock Ive read. You know…one guy who might be the surprise fall is Upshaw. For a lot of reasons. WEll, only day more to wait.

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