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. Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : Huddle Report Warm-Up»