2012 NFL Mock Draft: Luck to Colts is a done deal

Posted by Brad On January – 5 – 2012
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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

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.

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

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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
17. Cincinnati Bengals (f/OAK): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Dre Kirkpatrick" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Cordy Glenn" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Stephon Gilmore" 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
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Courtney Upshaw" 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.
Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins
25. Denver Broncos: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
"Coby Fleener" As of the writing of this mock draft, PM hasn’t been signed. Either way, I think it’s going to be intriguing to bring in a legitimate receiving threat at the TE spot. Fleener is emerging as the top TE (by default). He gives Tebow or PM a nice option to work with.
Other Selections: Jerel Worthy – Janoris Jenkins
26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Stephen Hill" The Texans can afford to take a risk on Hill. He doesn’t have much to go off of in terms of film but there are no doubts that he’s a special athlete. I think 26 to 31 could be his sweet spot in April’s draft.
Other Selections: Alshon Jeffery
22. Cleveland Browns (f/ATL): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Kendall Wright" Kendall Wright at 22 may be the steal of the draft in my book. It’s clear that his 4.61 40 at the Combine was a fluke but it may be what Cleveland needed for him to fall into their laps. Now they just need someone to throw to him.
Other Selections: None
23. Detroit Lions: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
"Mike Adams" Detroit needs a replacement for Jeff Backus. Enter Mike Adams. Adams is a tough one to crack as he has some motivation issues combined with a subpar Combine performance. He’s my second rated tackle as I have been overly impressed with his ’10 and ’11 tape.
Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins – Peter Konz
32. New York Giants: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
"Janoris Jenkins" The Giants get a CB that falls into their laps two years in a row. Jenkins talent level far exceeds the 32nd pick in the draft but his questionable decision-making may drop him completely off some boards. The Giants could cash in despite it not being a giant need.
Other Selections: Orson Charles – Bobby Massie
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Michael Brockers" Defensive tackle isn’t a huge need for the Bengals but they can’t resist taking the talented but raw LSU DT. Brockers added weight and disappointed at the Combine, showing average athleticism at the position. The tape doesn’t lie on this one and something tells me he’s going to show much better at his pro day.
Other Selections: Kendall Wright – Stephen Hill
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
"Dont'a Hightower" With Mike Adams off the board, the Steelers turn their attention to the ILB spot. Janoris Jenkins could intrigue them here but Hightower has the look of a Steeler linebacker. His familiarity with the system shouldn’t hurt with this pick. He can step in immediately at ILB and give the Steelers a nice young duo on the inside.
Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins
30. San Francisco 49ers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Alshon Jeffery" I welcome Alshon Jeffery back into my first round. He’s an enigma at this point for me. I love his hands, body control, and ability to high point the ball. I hate his work ethic, route running, and separation. If you’re the 49ers why not take a shot on this guy? Harbaugh should bring out the best in Jeffery which could turn into a major steal at 30.
Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins – Rueben Randle
29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Peter Konz" This pick is assuming Matt Birk is not back with the Ravens…and maybe even if he is. The Ravens could be looking at some major holes in their offensive line if Birk and Ben Grubbs can’t be re-signed. Not to mention Andre Gurode is also a free agent.
Other Selections: None
28. Green Bay Packers: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Andre Branch" This was the toughest pick of my mock draft. It was between Lewis and Andre Branch. Both pass rushers and both really good fits and need fillers. I went with Branch based on my own rankings of the players…hopefully the Packers see it my way.
Other Selections: Ronnell Lewis – Devon Still
31. New England Patriots: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois
"2012 NFL Draft prospect, Whitney Mercilus" The Pats deployment of multiple fronts should exploit Mercilus’ skill set. He is best suited in a four man front but has the athleticism to play on his feet. I like Mercilus more than most and think he’s an outstanding value at 31 in our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Other Selections: Janoris Jenkins – Rueben Randle
27. New England Patriots (f/NO): Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

"Mark Barron" NE does well if Barron makes it to 27. He fills a major need area for the Pats as they look to rebound from their terrible secondary play of 2011. Barron won’t work out as he’s still recovering from injury but I think his play speaks for itself.
Other Selections: None

Click Here for Round Two of our 2012 NFL Mock Draft

  • Danrice1015

    Sam Montgomery at the 10th pick. Your an idiot. He’s not even a 1st round pick let alone a top 10!

    • Brad

      I may be an idiot but it’s not because I think Sam Montgomery will be a top 10 pick. When you’re sitting at home Monday night, turn on that NC game and take a watch on Montgomery. He’s lightning quick off the edge and uses leverage as well as any pass rusher in this draft. Aldon Smith 2.0 and he turned out all right.

  • Andrew Rawlings

    Mike Shanahan spending a 1st round pick, let a lone a top 10 pick on a RB? You have got to be kidding me.

    • Brad

      I have to admit, I was stuck on Washington. It pained me to put Richardson in this slot but I think they make a play with a veteran QB and look to surround him with weapons. I know it’s not Shanahan’s style to roll with a first round RB but the decision may not be his. I don’t see a way Richardson falls out of the first 6 picks in this draft.

  • Andrew Rawlings

    I like the Montgomery pick. The guy is a freak of nature.

    • Brad

      Andrew,

      You have to talk some sense into Dan. He’s not buying Montgomery at all. He’s also the one that emailed three times a week to degrade me for thinking so highly of RGIII in September. Ironically, I haven’t gotten any of those emails as of late. I have a feeling the Montgomery emails and comments will stop around March for Dan.

  • Anonymous

    Jeff Ireland better find a way to get RGIII or Luck because if he / the Dolphins draft another lineman they will be bringing out the torches and pitchforks in Miami. I know they still need a coach but if they can’t get one of the QB’s they should draft Mark Baron or Donta Hightower.

    • Anonymous

      They will definitely be in the market for RGIII. Indy isn’t budging on Luck and may not even listen to offers. I really think it’s RGIII or bust for the Dolphins. They may have to make a play for a veteran in free agency. If they want Barron or Hightower, they better trade down because that’s too high for either of those players.

    • http://twitter.com/drumzan drumzan

      Prootecting the QB equates to wins in Miami. The stats don’t lie.

      • Brad

        Miami may look in the direction of free agency for their QB and they will have to protect better than they did this season if they want to be successful. If they can’t work out a deal to get up to RGIII territory then they will have to think OL even if it means investing in a RT. With the rookie wage scale today it won’t cost a ton at 8/9.

  • Joseph

    Why on earth would the Redskins draft Trent Richardson when they have so many needs elsewhere? They have Helu, Hightower and Royster already.

    • Brad

      If the ‘Skins can’t work a deal out to trade up for RGIII they have to take BPA and pick up a veteran QB. Trent Richardson is a special back. Helu, Hightower, and Royster are average backs at best. If you could take Adrian Peterson at 6 would you do so? Or would you pass for reaching for a need. No one left fills a need without being a reach. Richardson is a guy you don’t pass on if you have a chance to grab him down the board. Forget the RB position being de-valued, TR is the exception to that rule. He’s a beast with few flaws and these guys don’t come around often.

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