Archive for the ‘2012 Draft’ Category

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Rounds 2 & 3

Posted by Brad On February – 15 – 2012

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson.

St. Louis can’t stop the run but Brandon Thompson can.

34.  Indianapolis Colts:  Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The CB depth in Indy is atrocious.  Dennard struggled at the Senior Bowl but the fact remains that he’s pretty solid and a good fit in Pagano’s defense.

35.  Minnesota Vikings:  Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

With no tackles worth taking at this point they go with a weapon for Ponder.

36.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

TB failed to get corner help in round one so they wait for Fleming in round 2.  Fleming was impressive at the Senior Bowl and should test fairly well at the Combine.  He’s a name to watch for a late rise.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Immediate upgrade over Jayme Mitchell and beginnings of a dominant defensive line in Cleveland.

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

Jacksonville is going to have to find a receiver in free agency.  Branch is a solid pass rusher that could fill in immediately if they lose their starting DE’s in free agency.

39.  Washington Redskins:  Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

RB is not a major need area for the Redskins after drafting two last season but the opportunity to pair Blackmon and Miller with whoever their QB winds up is too good to pass on. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Rounds 2 & 3»

2012 NFL Draft: 7 Round Draft Order

Posted by Brad On February - 9 - 2012

The requests have poured in so here’s your complete 7 round 2012 NFL Draft order:

Round 1

  1. Indianapolis Colts
  2. St. Louis Rams
  3. Minnesota Vikings
  4. Cleveland Browns
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  6. Washington Redskins
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars
  8. Miami Dolphins**
  9. Carolina Panthers**
  10. Buffalo Bills
  11. Kansas City Chiefs**
  12. Seattle Seahawks**
  13. Arizona Cardinals
  14. Dallas Cowboys
  15. Philadelphia Eagles
  16. New York Jets
  17. Cincinnati Bengals – from Oakland
  18. San Diego Chargers
  19. Chicago Bears
  20. Tennessee Titans
  21. Cincinnati Bengals
  22. Cleveland Browns – from Atlanta
  23. Detroit Lions
  24. Pittsburgh Steelers
  25. Denver Broncos
  26. Houston Texans
  27. New England Patriots – from New Orleans
  28. Green Bay Packers
  29. Baltimore Ravens
  30. San Francisco 49ers
  31. New England Patriots
  32. New York Giants
**Position determined by coin flip

Atlanta -> Cleveland: Julio Jones

New Orleans -> New England: Mark Ingram

Oakland -> Cincinnati: Carson Palmer  Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Draft: 7 Round Draft Order»

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition

Posted by Brad On February - 8 - 2012

**This version will not include any trades.  The trades took the focus off the actual picks and at this point it’s tough to accurately predict anything without free agency.  I have enacted a no trade clause until after the free agency period.  I will still make my picks based on my actual thoughts of where players end up in April.  Enjoy and offer solid feedback on your team’s pick.

Indianapolis Colts : Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  After a 2-14 season, the Colts have needs all over the field.  The first pick is a virtual lock, so I won’t bother addressing the QB position.  Their top needs look to be in the defensive backfield at CB and the SS position.  With Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea the only core players amongst the DB’s it will be imperative that the Colts find some help in this area.  With Jeff Saturday exploring retirement the center position could become a major need area especially if they have a rookie QB under center (even if it is Andrew Luck).  The Colts will have to "2012 NFL Draft prospect, Andrew Luck"monitor free agency very carefully as they have a ton of expiring contracts.  With both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon as potential free agents, they could be looking for WR help somewhere along the way.  Look for the Colts to address the guard spot at some point and it may be early if someone falls to them.  The Indy coaching staff is taking shape with former Baltimore DC Chuck Pagano assuming HC duties and Bruce Arians taking over as OC.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  Peyton is done in Indy and looks to be heading elsewhere.  It’s tough to type.  The pill will be much easier to swallow for Colts fans knowing that they will be blessed with another once in a generation QB.

St. Louis Rams:  Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  The Rams were a flat out mess this season.  They couldn’t do much of anything right and towards the end of the season looked like the worst team in the NFL.  Their offensive line was  a major disappointment this season and in particular former first round pick Jason Smith at LT.  The Rams could be investing the No. 2 pick in "2012 NFL Draft prospect, Matt Kalil"another LT just three seasons removed from Smith’s selection.  He was that bad.  If Brandon Lloyd leaves town via free agency, the cupboard is bare again at WR.  They invested some mid-round picks into average receivers in 2011 but need a true No. 1.  Aside from that they will look to improve a horrific defense.  Jeff Fisher will inherit a team that can’t stop the run and needs help at DT, OLB, FS, and CB…to name a few.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  St. Louis’ offensive line was atrocious in 2011 and Jeff Fisher made it clear that they will protect their franchise QB this season.  With the addition of Kalil, the Rams can move Roger Saffold to RT and Jason Smith inside or to the bench.  The Rams No. 2 spot will be a hotbed for trade action.

Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition»

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition Round 2

Posted by Brad On February - 8 - 2012
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Doug Martin"

First prediction of the year: Doug Martin steal of the draft

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson.

St. Louis can’t stop the run but Brandon Thompson can.

34.  Indianapolis Colts:  Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

The CB depth in Indy is atrocious.  Fleming will fit in Chuck Pagano’s defense.

35.  Minnesota Vikings:  Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona St.

Not the biggest need but he makes this defense better if he’s motivated.

36.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

Doug Martin is the steal of the draft.  Martin is the second best back in the draft and represents a steal at 36 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

Immediate upgrade over Jayme Mitchell and beginnings of a dominant defensive line in Cleveland.

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

After age and free agency hit the Jags DE’s they could be in trouble.  Jones is one of the more talented pass rushers in the draft and may wind up a steal.

39.  Washington Redskins:  Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Sanu is my peace offering for ‘Skins fans after giving them Tannehill at No. 6. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition Round 2»

Profetta’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Not Your Everyday Mock

Posted by Brad On February - 5 - 2012

Micheal Profetta

The way I see things, the Indianapolis Colts/Andrew Luck marriage is a done deal, so for all intents and purposes, St. Louis has the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. For my money, QB Robert Griffin III is as promising a prospect as recent #1 overall picks Cam Newton, Sam Bradford and Matthew Stafford…if not more so. The Rams will likely be inundated with trade offers from teams desperate to secure the Heisman-winner (Cleveland, Washington, Miami, and Seattle are the obvious candidates). While staying put at #2 and selecting OT Matt Kalil to neatly address the need to upgrade Sam Bradford’s protection makes sense, the bidding war for RGIII may escalate to the point where the Rams (who have a ton of needs) are made an offer they can’t refuse.

In my previous 2012 NFL Mock Draft, I had the Browns moving up to #2 (in exchange for the #4 and #22 picks). It seemed the ideal trade, as the numbers jived with the trade value chart, and the Rams could still be in position to land Kalil or, at worst, a sorely-needed #1 WR (Justin Blackmon) at #4. I still say that this trade makes the most sense for St. Louis, and I’m really not buying Holmgren and Heckert’s feigned indifference toward RGIII. (If ham ‘n’ eggers like Brad and myself can see the obvious similarities between Griffin and Steve Young, than I’m certain that Holmgren, who was Young’s QB coach at BYU and the offensive coordinator for the 49ers while Young was their QB, can see them too). I’ve heard the argument that the Browns have “too many needs” to make a move for RGIII. Whatever. The Patriots are in the Super Bowl with a swiss cheese defense, old farts like Deion Branch and Ochocinco at WR, and a collection of journeymen at RB. Why? Because they have a franchise QB. The Giants are starting Chase freakin’ Blackburn at MLB and feature a makeshift O-line…but they’re in the Super Bowl. Why? Because they have a franchise QB.

Nevertheless, I’ve decided to go in a different direction with this mock. Free agency and the Combine are still a ways off, so as of right now, I’m more concerned about using my mock to get a feel for different scenarios and possibilities than any sort of attempt at pinpoint accuracy, so why not give another one of the above-mentioned teams RGIII this time? My mock will grow increasingly safer and tighter as the draft approaches, but it’s only early February…time for throwing some ideas against the wall and seeing what sticks.

As usual, I’ve included some first-round trades…but that’s where the trade action ends. I actually gave second day trades a shot, but quickly realized that opening up that can of worms in the second and third rounds of my 2012 NFL mock draft would only result in a one-way ticket to the nearest rubber room.

* - my own trade scenario

"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Andrew Luck"

Exit Peyton, Enter Luck

1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck QB Stanford (Jr.)

There’s a new regime in Indianapolis. Peyton Manning is approaching 36 years old and is dealing with neck/back injuries so severe that he has resorted to European stem-cell therapy. He’s not in the Colts’ plans. Luck offers prototypical size, Lee Harvey Oswaldesque accuracy (alledgedly), very good athleticism, NFL pedigree, experience in a pro-style system, and impeccable character.

The phone lines are now closed at Colts’ headquarters.

Also considered: None

2. TRADE!! Washington Redskins (from St. Louis)- Robert Griffin III QB Baylor (Jr.) *

While I still think that the Rams/Browns trade is the most logical scenario, who’s to say that the Redskins won’t simply outbid all comers in order to secure RGIII? Desperate QB situations (Grossman/Beck) call for desperate measures…and the options are limited. The Peyton Manning to the Redskins (or Jets) rumors make for great forum fodder, but I’m guessing that Manning hangs ‘em up and gets a head-start on his career as the best NFL analyst in the history of the universe. As for Matt Flynn (the next Kevin Kolb), there’s no shortage of desperate teams that will be willing to overpay for his services in free agency or in a trade, so we obviously can’t assume that the ‘Skins will land him. (Flynn may simply follow Joe Philbin to Miami.) If you think that Ryan Tannehill is ready to step into the lineup and lead the ‘Skins to the playoffs, I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I’d like to sell you. By April, Washington could have no choice but to move up for Griffin.

Whatever price Snyder, Allen, and Shanahan may ultimately pay for the Heisman-winner should be well worth it. (I have the ‘Skins giving up their ’12 and ’13 first-rounders in this scenario.) Folks who think that RGIII will slip to the Browns at #4 or even the ‘Skins at #6 are kidding themselves. If not for the presence of a once-in-a-generation prospect like Luck, Griffin would be the #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. If you think that RGIII is a hot prospect now, just wait until April. He’s an Olympic-level athlete, not to mention incredibly charasmatic and intelligent (see his eloquent Heisman acceptance speech if you need proof), so I’m guessing that predraft workouts and interviews will be a walk in the park for him. I honestly wouldn’t be shocked if, at some point during the predraft process, the “unthinkable” happens…the Colts seriously consider choosing RGIII with the #1 pick.

Also considered: Rams stay put and draft OT Matt Kalil, trade down with CLE/MIA Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Not Your Everyday Mock»

Profetta’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Day Two

Posted by Brad On February - 5 - 2012

Micheal Profetta

SECOND ROUND

"2012 NFL Draft"1. (33) Cleveland Browns (from St. Louis)- Lavonte David OLB Nebraska *

The “trade down” method pays off handsomely as the Browns net an athletic WLB perfectly suited for Dick Jauron’s defense at the top of the second round. The ultraproductive David would be a top 20 pick if he was a bit bigger, so this could be a huge steal.

2. (34) Indianapolis Colts- Kelechi Osemele OG/OT Iowa State

The Colts could resemble the Arizona Cardinals next season…a team hoping to recreate the Pittsburgh blueprint for success. That means installing the 3-4 defense, and drafting big, mauling run-blockers along the O-line. The Colts could use help at almost every position, but protecting Luck and improving the rushing attack should be the foundation for rebuilding the offense. Osemele would help in both capacities. He offers the prerequisite size (6-5/333) and the versatility to start at either guard spot or RT…all glaring needs in Indy.

3. (35) Minnesota Vikings- Chase Minnifield CB Virginia

Due to age (Antoine Winfield), legal woes (Chris Cook) and injury (Cedric Griffin, Winfield/Cook again), Asher Allen is the only corner on the Minnesota roster who can be counted on at this point…and he should probably be a nickel back. Minnifield’s zone-coverage ability makes him a natural fit in the Vikings’ Cover-2. He addresses a huge need, and represents very good value in the second round.

With the Vikings’ recent signing of CFL refugee Solmon Elimimian, I’ll no longer consider Dont’a Hightower or Vontaze Burfict here. Don’t laugh. After doing some homework on Elimimian, I’ve come away impressed. An undersized, hard-hitting ball-magnet, Elimimian could start at WLB, with Erin Henderson moving to the strong side, and Chad Greenway to the middle. I think that Elimimian has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Cameron Wake and Brandon Browner as the latest CFL-to-NFL success story.

4. (36) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Lamar Miller RB Miami, Fla. (rSo.)

At worst, Miller would be an excellent complement to LeGarrette Blount, who regressed after his surprisingingly successful rookie season. Blount has a serious case of fumbilitis, is useless on third downs and in the hurry-up offense, and continues to show questionable judgement off the field. Miller offers the long speed to open up the Bucs’ vanilla attack, and the upside to supplant Blount as the starter in the near future.

5. (37) Cleveland Browns- Chandler Jones DE Syracuse (Jr.)

It’s obvious at this point that we will all grow old waiting for Jayme Mitchell to “blossom”, so expect Cleveland to come out of the second day of the 2012 NFL Draft with a pass-rushing complement to Jabaal Sheard. In my 2012 NFL Mock Draft scenario, it’s Chandler Jones over Andre Branch in a photo-finish at #37. Jones is an unpolished gem with prototypical size (6-5/265, great length), plenty of speed, and NFL bloodlines. Upside pick. Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Day Two»

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Edition

Posted by Brad On January - 31 - 2012

**This version will not include any trades.  The trades took the focus off the actual picks and at this point it’s tough to accurately predict anything without free agency.  I have enacted a no trade clause until after the free agency period.  I will still make my picks based on my actual thoughts of where players end up in April.  Enjoy and offer solid feedback on your team’s pick.

Indianapolis Colts : Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  After a 2-14 season, the Colts have needs all over the field.  The first pick is a virtual lock, so I won’t bother addressing the QB position.  Their top needs look to be in the defensive backfield at CB and the SS position.  With Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea the only core players amongst the DB’s it will be imperative that the Colts find some help in this area.  With Jeff Saturday exploring retirement the center position could become a major need area especially if they have a rookie QB under center (even if it is Andrew Luck).  The Colts will have to "2012 NFL Draft prospect, Andrew Luck"monitor free agency very carefully as they have a ton of expiring contracts.  With both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon as potential free agents, they could be looking for WR help somewhere along the way.  Look for the Colts to address the guard spot at some point and it may be early if someone falls to them.  The Indy coaching staff is taking shape with former Baltimore DC Chuck Pagano assuming HC duties and Bruce Arians taking over as OC.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  Whatever Jim Irsay decides to do with Peyton Manning will matter zilch for this selection.  Andrew Luck will be the pick and they won’t hear any trade offers.  There is some hype building that Luck may be the clear cut top dog in Indy and Peyton may graciously be shown the door.  Either way, we could see a mass exodus of former Colt greats.

 

St. Louis Rams:  Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  The Rams were a flat out mess this season.  They couldn’t do much of anything right and towards the end of the season looked like the worst team in the NFL.  Their offensive line was  a major disappointment this season and in particular former first round pick Jason Smith at LT.  The Rams could be investing the No. 2 pick in "2012 NFL Draft prospect, Matt Kalil"another LT just three seasons removed from Smith’s selection.  He was that bad.  If Brandon Lloyd leaves town via free agency, the cupboard is bare again at WR.  They invested some mid-round picks into average receivers in 2011 but need a true No. 1.  Aside from that they will look to improve a horrific defense.  Jeff Fisher will inherit a team that can’t stop the run and needs help at DT, OLB, FS, and CB…to name a few.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  St. Louis’ offensive line was atrocious in 2011 and Jeff Fisher made it clear that they will protect their franchise QB this season.  With the addition of Kalil, the Rams can move Roger Saffold to RT and Jason Smith inside or to the bench.  The Rams No. 2 spot will be a hotbed for trade action.

Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Edition»

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Round Two

Posted by Brad On January - 31 - 2012

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.

Worthy can be dominant at the point of attack but needs to work on his conditioning.  The Rams were 31st against the rush in 2011 and can’t repeat that stat next season.  Fred Robbins and Gary Gibson aren’t the answer up front.

34.  Indianapolis Colts:  Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Gilmore is a solid fit in Chuck Pagano’s defense and fills a major need.  Gilmore is a great value at 34 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.

35.  Minnesota Vikings:  Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

No LT’s available, so the Vikings go with a weapon for Christian Ponder.  Sanu has solid hands and is as versatile as any WR in the draft.  The Vikings will have a ton of options with Sanu and Harvin.

36.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Boykin looked like the best CB in Mobile but will be nursing a minor break in his leg.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Doug Martin, RB, Boise St.

All offense for the Browns thus far.  Martin is a perfect fit in this offense as he can run, catch, and block.

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

The Jags secondary was in shambles at the end of 2011, so they will look early for replacements. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Round Two»

2012 NFL Mock Draft : The best damn mock in the land

Posted by Brad On January - 24 - 2012

Indianapolis Colts : Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Scouting Report

2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  After a 2-14 season, the Colts have needs all over the field.  The first pick is a virtual lock, so I won’t bother addressing the QB position.  Their top needs look to be in the defensive backfield at CB and the SS position.  With Jerraud Powers and Antoine Bethea the only core players amongst the DB’s it will be imperative that the Colts find some help in this area.  With Jeff Saturday exploring retirement the center position could become a major need area especially if they have a rookie QB under center (even if it is Andrew Luck).  The Colts will have to "2012 NFL Draft prospect, Andrew Luck"monitor free agency very carefully as they have a ton of expiring contracts.  With both Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon as potential free agents, they could be looking for WR help somewhere along the way.  Look for the Colts to address the guard spot at some point and it may be early if someone falls to them.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  Whatever Jim Irsay decides to do with Peyton Manning will matter zilch for this selection.  Andrew Luck will be the pick and they won’t hear any trade offers.  Rob Lowe may have the inside info but it won’t matter come April because Andrew Luck will be the new face of this franchise as hard as that is to deal with.

 

Washington Redskins (trade w/STL) :  Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Scouting Report

"2012 NFL Draft"2012 NFL Draft Strategy:  John Beck and Rex Grossman didn’t exactly pan out.  The Shanahan’s have to find a franchise QB.  Either through free agency, trade, or the draft or it’s their jobs.  Dan Snyder is going to lose his patience with his ultra-expensive coach if he keeps running bums out at QB position because of his ego.  Shanny will have to set ego aside and go get a QB.  They are prime to trade up for RGIII.  Aside from QB they need a WR, LG, and RT on offense.

"2012 NFL Draft prospect Robert Griffin III"

On defense they were much improved.  That said, they have holes at ILB, CB, and need depth on the defensive line.  Folks in Washington have to feel pretty good about the core of this defense.

2012 NFL Mock Draft Selection:  Robert Griffin III is a special talent and I don’t see him making it to Cleveland.  For that purpose I decided to include trades in this mock.  While he may not appear to be a fit in Shanny’s offense there is no way they could look past his talent.  In the end, RGIII does enough to impress that Washington will have a hard time not moving up.  He’s good enough that he will remain at No. 2 in all future versions of our 2012 NFL Mock Draft. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : The best damn mock in the land»

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Posted by Brad On January - 24 - 2012

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.

Worthy can be dominant at the point of attack but needs to work on his conditioning.  The Rams were 31st against the rush in 2011 and can’t repeat that stat next season.  Fred Robbins and Gary Gibson aren’t the answer up front.

34.  Indianapolis Colts:  Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Brandon Boykin had a spectacular senior season and will ride that wave into the early stages of day two.

35.  Minnesota Vikings:  Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona St.

The Vikings need a stalwart in the middle of their defense and Burfict has the tools to be elite.

36.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

Tampacan’t pass on the talent of Zach Brown.  They will have to find a CB in free agency.  Getting TR and Zach Brown is a good deal.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida St.

The Browns offensive line was a mess this season.  Tony Pashos can’t stay healthy and even when he does he’s not that effective.

38.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

The Jags get a weapon for Blaine Gabbert in round two after passing in round one. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2»

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