2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts might be the luckiest franchise in the NFL. The one season that Peyton Manning gets hurt just so happens to be the same year that one of the biggest quarterback prospects in NFL history happens to be coming out. The Colts will forever be in debt to Manning and what he did for their organization, but now it’s time for a new era to begin under Andrew Luck. The Stanford quarterback has everything you look for in a starting quarterback. Luck turned Stanford into a National Championship contender, and it doesn’t figure to be long before he has the Colts back on top the AFC South. As much as I like RG3, there is no way the Colts pass up on this opportunity.

2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The Redskins traded away three first round picks and a second-rounder with St Louis to move up from No. 6. Washington has been in search of a franchise quarterback for some time now, but that doesn’t figure to be the case anymore. Before a remarkable 2011 season, which resulted in a Heisman Trophy, some experts were questioning whether or not Griffin III would even be able to play quarterback in the NFL. Griffin III put those doubts to rest, and now looks poised to be a star in the league. He is a perfect fit for Mike Shanahan’s offense, as he loves quarterbacks who can scramble out of the pocket and throw on the run. A lot people talk about how fast Griffin III is, but they should be talking about how well he can throw the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he had the Redskins competing for a playoff spot this year.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings have a number of holes they need to address, but their biggest need is to find a starting left tackle to protect Christian Ponder. Kalil is a can’t miss prospect at left tackle. At 6’6 360 lbs, Kalil is a physical specimen who should only get better once he gets into an NFL training program. He needs to improve his run blocking, but that will come with time. There is simply no way the Vikings pass up on a player like this. Kalil has the potential to become the best left tackle in the NFL.

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

While other mock drafts have the Browns taking Alabama running back Trent Richardson, I think the Browns are more interested in adding a playmaker at wide receiver. The NFL has evolved into a passing league and the Browns simply don’t have the playmakers on the outside at this time. I really think the organization is kicking themselves for not taking Julio Jones in last year’s draft. While it can be a risk to take a wide out this early, Justin Blackmon is one of those special players who is ready to make an immediate impact the moment he steps on the field. Blackmon would give Colt McCoy a go-to-guy when he is in trouble and a legitimate deep threat that will keep opposing defenses from stacking the box to stop the run.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Buccaneers are another team that a lot of people think will jump on Richardson if he is available. I agree that Richardson would be a great fit in Tampa, but the Buccaneers have bigger holes to fill. In a division that features Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton, pass defense should be the No. 1 priority. Tampa Bay went out and added Eric Wright and re-signed Ronde Barber, but Aqib Talib is headed to prison and it’s only a matter of time before Barber retires. Morris Claiborne makes the most sense at No. 5. The guy is an elite cover corner with incredible ball skills that will make opposing quarterbacks pay if they throw in his direction.

6. St. Louis Rams: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

There’s no denying the Rams need to get an elite receiver for Sam Bradford, but with Blackmon off the board they should go to their next biggest need, left tackle. The Rams current starting left tackle, Rodger Saffold, is not your prototypical starter. He is better off playing at guard or right tackle. Iowa’s Riley Reiff is ready to step in start right away. Reiff might not be the best player on the board, but he is a safe pick that fits a huge need. Protecting Bradford should be the Rams top priority with this pick.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Jaguars featured the worst receiving corps of any team in the NFL last year, and I think they have to take a shot on Michael Floyd out of Notre Dame, even if that means taking him a few picks too early. At 6’3 220 lbs, Floyd has the speed and size that NFL scouts covet. Had Floyd played with a better quarterback in college, I think a lot of experts would have had him projected a lot higher than they currently do. He finished his final season at Notre Dame with 100 catches for 1,147 yards and nine touchdowns. This should also be the point in the draft where teams start to inquire about trading up for Richardson so don’t be surprised if Jacksonville opts to move down and take Floyd later in the first round.

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

The Dolphins were unable to find a starting quarterback this offseason and rumor has it they are locked in on Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill. Miami’s offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, was the head coach at Texas A&M. Adding in Tannehill makes sense in regards to the fact that he will already have a firm grasp of the offense Sherman will be trying to install. However, I personally don’t think it’s the right choice. Tannehill has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL, but I think there is too much risk. Miami has a ton of holes to fill on both sides of the ball. They are better off taking the best available player and addressing the quarterback situation later down the road.

9. Carolina Panthers: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

The Panthers struck gold in Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick last year, now it’s time to start adding in some pieces to the defense. Had the Panthers been average defensively last year, they could have made the playoffs. They need help all over the defensive side of the ball, but the biggest need is up front on the line. Dontari Poe is a beast at 346-pounds. He won’t let opposing lineman push him around and he has the quickness and strength to get into the backfield and put pressure on the quarterback. He will instantly improve the Panthers run defense, and at the same time he will make everyone around him better.

10. Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

The Bills have made it clear they are trying to get better defensively. They went out and signed the best defensive free agent on the board in 3-4 outside linebacker Mario Williams. They also signed another pass rushing threat in Mark Anderson. Buffalo made the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 last season. In order to make the 3-4 work, you have to have the right pieces on the defensive line. They got off to a good start by drafting Marcell Dareus last year, and I think Quinton Coples is the ideal choice here. Coples looks like a natural fit for a 3-4 defensive end.

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

The Chiefs could go a number of different directions with this pick, but I think they continue to bolster their offensive line by selecting the best guard in the draft in David DeCastro. Kansas City already went out and signed Eric Winston to fill a glaring hole at offensive tackle. DeCastro is exactly the kind of player the Chiefs are looking for. He is considered one of the safest picks in the first round, and a perfect fit for the Chiefs run-first mentality. DeCastro is very gifted at pulling and hitting blockers on the move, and is great at getting into the second level of the defense.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Seahawks made a big splash this offseason by adding quarterback Matt Flynn. Now they get an absolute steal in the draft in Richardson, who would form quite a combo in the backfield with Marshawn Lynch. Richardson has the explosiveness to break off big plays on the ground and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield and turn them into big gains. He averaged a whopping 5.9 yards per carry against some pretty elite defenses in the SEC. He’s the type of player the Seahawks have been after ever since they lost Shaun Alexander.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

The Cardinals tried to upgrade their inside linebacker situation by signing Stewart Bradley last offseason, but Bradley was a complete bust and likely won’t be in the starting mix this season. With no offensive tackle worthy of being taken at No. 13 left on the board, look for Arizona to bolster their defense by adding in Boston College’s Luke Kuechly. I wouldn’t be surprised if a team takes a shot on Kuechly a lot earlier in the draft, but if he is still available I can’t see the Cardinals passing him up. Kuechly led the nation in tackles each of the last two seasons. He has incredible instincts that you simply can’t teach.

14. Dallas Cowboys: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Cowboys lack of a pass defense was a big reason why they failed to win the NFC East. They took a big step in the right direction by signing corner Brandon Carr in free agency, but there is still plenty of work needed to be done. One of the best ways to improve your pass defense is to put pressure on the quarterback. Dallas features one of the best pass rushers in the game in DeMarcus Ware, but you simply can’t have enough guys who can get to the quarterback. They franchised Anthony Spencer, who started opposite of Ware last year, but I’m not sold on him being the answer. Adding someone like Courtney Upshaw is exactly what the Cowboys need to take that next step.

15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Eagles need to improve against the run if they are going to take back the top spot in the NFC East. They could take a shot on Alabama safety Alex Barron, but I think they will address the defensive tackle spot. Andy Reid is known for taking lineman in the first round. Mississippi State’s Fletcher Cox is the best option if they choose to go in that direction. Despite his big frame, the 300 lb lineman is extremely athletic. He recorded 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last year for the Bulldogs.

16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The Jets defense took a step back last season, and you can bet Rex Ryan will be out to improve that unit in the draft this year. New York desperately needs to add a player who can put pressure on the quarterback. South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram is a no-brainer for New York at No. 16. Ingram is a special athlete with a rare combination of speed and agility for a man of his size. He is the kind of player that would thrive as an outside linebacker in Ryan’s defense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The Bengals lost starting corner back Leon Hall for the entire upcoming season to a torn Achilles tendon and I expect them to use one of their first round picks to address the hole left in the secondary. They signed Jason Allen and brought back Adam “Pacman” Jones, but I still think they have to add more help in the draft. The luxury of two first round picks will allow the Bengals to take a shot on Alabama’s Dre Kirkpatrick, who likely would go a lot higher if it wasn’t for a few character concerns. Kirkpatrick has the size at 6’2 to matchup against big receivers and the speed to keep from getting burnt deep. He is exactly what the Bengals need, and there is no reason to risk waiting to see if he will fall to them at No. 21.

18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

The Chargers are another team that needs to improve their pass rush in the draft. San Diego’s inability to put pressure on the quarterback was a big reason they struggled against the pass last year. The Chargers had hoped Larry English would develop into that guy, but it’s looking more and more like he won’t ever turn into the player they thought they were getting. Illinois’ Whitney Mercilus was the most productive pass rusher in college football last year, and I look for San Diego to jump on him if he is still on the board. Mercilus led the nation with 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 2011. The ability to not only get to the quarterback, but also force turnovers is something NFL teams jump on.

19. Chicago Bears: Cordy Glenn, OT/G, Georgia

The Bears took care of their biggest need by trading for Pro Bowl wide out Brandon Marshall, and can now use their first round pick to continue to improve their offensive line. Look for Chicago to go after Georgia’s Cordy Glenn, who would form quite a combo with offensive tackle Gabe Carimi. Glenn started at left tackle for Georgia, but will likely be moved to guard in the NFL. Glenn is a powerful run-blocker that could shine at guard in the NFL. If Chicago is more interested in adding in a tackle they could skip over Glenn and go after Stanford’s Jonathan Martin. Either way, the Bears should be addressing the offensive line with this pick.

20. Tennessee Titans: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The Titans have addressed some of their biggest needs already this offseason and I think they will look to bolster their secondary after watching Cortland Finnegan sign with the Rams. The guy that has really been making a lot of noise on draft boards is South Carolina’s Stephon Gilmore. While Gilmore didn’t live up to expectations last year, he has the potential to be a star in the NFL. Gilmore has the ability to make plays on the ball, but is also extremely strong against the run.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

After locking up Kirkpatrick with their first pick in the first round, I look for the Bengals to go after a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. Cincinnati appears to have landed an elite wide out in A.J. Green, but could use an upgrade at the No. 2 spot. Baylor’s Kendall Wright didn’t have a great showing at the combine, but if you watched this guy play you know he has the ability to burn defenses deep. Wright would force defense to keep a guy over the top, allowing more room for the rest of the receivers to work in the middle of the field. He would also be an upgrade in the return game for Cincinnati, which is a big reason why I think he will end up wearing a Bengals uniform next year.

22. Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Browns get another chance to improve their offense in the first round. For McCoy to take advantage of the addition of Blackmon he is going to need to be better protected than he was last year. The biggest need for the Browns is finding a replacement at right tackle, and I think Stanford’s Jonathan Martin is the guy they will target with this pick. Martin is a dominant run blocker, but still has some developing to do in pass protection. That makes him a perfect fit at right tackle early in his career.

23. Detroit Lions: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The Lions must improve their secondary if they are going to take that next step and contend for the NFC North title. They need help at both corner and safety. They could take a gamble on Janoris Jenkins out of North Alabama (former Florida Gator), but I think this organization has enough troubled pieces in the locker room. The best fit for Detroit is Alabama safety Mark Barron. The draft class is incredibly thin at the safety position, so if the Lions want to upgrade they better do it here. Barron was all over the field for the Crimson Tide. He has incredible instincts and really packs a punch when he tackles. He would make opposing wide outs think twice about going across the middle and would be a huge help against the run.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

The Pittsburgh Steelers could use this pick on the offensive line, corner, or nose tackle, but I can’t see them passing up the opportunity to snag Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower. You could make the argument that no team does a better job of grooming players on the defensive front seven, and Hightower is just the kind of guy they love to go after. He is great against the run and can put pressure on the quarterback in passing situations. Pittsburgh recently cut inside linebacker James Farrior so this pick definitely fills a need for the yellow and black.

25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

The Broncos could use some help on the offensive line to keep Peyton Manning from taking a lot of hits, but I think they look to improve a huge hole at defensive tackle. Brodrick Bunkley was solid inside last year, but it’s unclear if he will re-sign. Even if Bunkley returns, Denver could use an interior defensive lineman who can put pressure on the quarterback. LSU’s Michael Brockers is just the guy who can help their defense really get after opposing pass throwers. Brockers ability to get pressure up the middle will make it that much easier for Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller to pile on the sacks.

26. Houston Texans: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

It was pretty evident in the playoffs that the Texans need someone other than Andre Johnson in the receiving game, and I think Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill could be a steal late in the first round. While the Yellow Jackets are known for running the ball, they have recently sent the likes of Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas to the NFL. Because Georgia Tech doesn’t throw very often, Hill is a relative unknown heading into the draft. He definitely has the body of an NFL wide out at 6’4 and 215 lbs. If Hill is as good as his former Yellow Jackets, he could turn the Texans into a legit Super Bowl contender in 2012.

27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE, USC

The Patriots have two picks in the final six selections of the first round. History tells us that there is a good chance they will trade one of these picks, but there is no denying New England’s need to improve their pass rush. While they added in Trevor Scott they also lost Mark Anderson in free agency. A guy that seems like a solid option for Bill Belichick is USC’s Nick Perry, who has the ability to play defensive end in a 4-3 and outside linebacker in a 3-4. Perry was a force for the Trojans defense last year and his combination of ability and size to go with a number of pass-rushing moves makes him a great fit for the defending AFC Champs.

28. Green Bay Packers: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

The Packers defense really struggled against the pass last season and a big reason for that was their inability to get to the quarterback. Green Bay finished the year with just 29 sacks. Opposing offenses loaded up on Clay Matthews and no one else was able to step up and make a play. The guy that makes the most sense for the Packers is Marshall defensive end/outside linebacker Vinny Curry, who racked up 23 sacks over his final two seasons with the Thundering Herd. Curry still has some learning to do before he makes a huge impact in the NFL, but that isn’t to say he can’t play right away.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

The Ravens need to bolster the passing game while they still have a defense that can get them to the Super Bowl. Lee Evans was a complete bust after coming over from Buffalo, and his dropped pass in the AFC Championship Game will haunt Baltimore fans for a long time if they aren’t able to get back the promise land soon. Anquan Boldin is starting to get up their in age and Torrey Smith is really only a deep-threat. Baltimore needs another wide out who they can go to in the end zone. While it might be a bit of a reach, South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery could be just what Joe Flacco and the offense needs. Jeffery was hampered by poor quarterback play last year, but in 2010 he caught 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. They won’t find someone of his ability later in the draft.

30. San Francisco 49ers: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

The 49ers went out and solved their need for receiver by bringing in Randy Moss and Mario Mannigham. Now it’s time to address their glaring need on the right side of the offensive line. Right tackle Anthony Davis has failed to live up to his first round selection and right guard Adam Snyder is less than impressive. By adding in Ohio State’s Mike Adams, San Francisco could really change the dynamics of their offensive line. Adams would likely start right away at right tackle, while Davis would shift inside to right guard. As much as this team relies on running the football, it’s hard to see them not improving the line with this pick.

31. New England Patriots: Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut

If New England chooses to keep this pick they will likely look to add some help to the defensive line. Connecticut’s Kendall Reyes would be a great fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He is has the size and speed that allows him to be a force against the run, but he also possess some pass-rush ability. Reyes could also move inside and play defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme. Another option for New England if they elect to go for defensive lineman is Penn State’s Devon Still. It’s hard telling who Belichick will go after, but I’m pretty confident it will be on the defensive side of the ball.

32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

The Giants have a bunch of different directions they could go with this pick. They need help on the offensive line and at inside linebacker, but they also need to upgrade at tight end. Jake Ballard was a solid fill-in last year, but he isn’t the long-term solution. Stanford’s Coby Fleener is the highest rated tight end in the draft this year, and someone who could make an immediate impact. Fleener is a solid route runner and knows how to exploit the middle of the field. A perfect fit for Eli Manning and the Giants passing attack.

Check out the hailRedskins.com NFL Mock Draft Database for more predictions on who each team will take.

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