Although big trades are typical for the NFL Draft, a mega deal 1-month prior to the first pick is a bit unusual. With Washington moving up 4 spots in the first round, and giving St Louis quite the bounty in the process, a lot happens in the first round and of course that trickles down into the second, and so forth. Also, the arrest of Orson Charles sees him dropping out of the second round too. Let’s look at the changes.
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Peyton is gone. So is Wayne, Clark, Addai, Brackett, and it is possible that Freeny will be dealt too. It is truly a new era in Indy, and there is no better guy in this draft to build the franchise around than Andrew Luck.
2. Washington Redskins via St. Louis – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Three 1’s and a 2 is a whole lot to give up to move up 4 spots, but that is the price the Skins paid to grab RG3. If he pans out, becoming a franchise QB in the process, the team will feel like they got value. It will be hard to put in pieces around him though with less draft firepower over the next three years.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings may as well start fitting Kalil for his new jersey now. Like the two picks before him, this is a slam dunk. The Vikes need someone to keep their QB of the future upright, and no one in this class is more equipped to do that than Kalil.
4. Cleveland Browns – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Cleveland is now in the point position for the 2012 draft. What they do with this pick will sway the rest of the first round and beyond. With RG3 spoken for, the Browns will be left to pick between the draft’s best RB and the best WR. Both will be positions of need for Cleveland, and in the end, I think they should pick Richardson. Hillis is out, and to grab a premiere RB like Richardson will be a huge coup for the Dawg Pound.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
There was not a lot of questions going into the combine as to whom the top corner of the 2012 class was. Coming out of Indy, there are no questions at all. Claiborne showed everything you want from a number 1 corner, and now rates higher than his teammate from a year ago Patrick Peterson. The Bucs need to find a replacement for Ronde Barber, and Aquib Talib seems to be working very hard on his 6X9 retirement plan. Claiborne is the right guy.
6. St Louis Rams via Washington – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
What a dream for the Rams. They trade down four spots in the first round, earn an extr second this year, and an extra first in each of the next two, and still land the guy at the top of their board. Blackmon is easily the top WR in this class, and gives Sam Bradford a great target to throw to. With the extra picks, the Rams can continue to stockpile talent, and should be a contender again in no time. The only possible change will be if Blackmon is picked by Cleveland. Then expect the Rams to grab Riley Reiff from Iowa.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
New Head Coach, Mike Mularkey will have his work cut out for him in Jacksonville, but he has a nice piece at QB in Blaine Gabbert to build around. Now he needs to look to improve a defense that struggled getting after the QB last year. Coples is an excellent athlete off the edge, and the best d-lineman on the board. South Carolina’s, Melvin Ingram will also be a consideration if Coples is deemed to be too inconsistent.
8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, TAMU
Even if this team lands Peyton Manning, which is a distinct possibility, I still think they choose Tannehill here. Manning is 36, and clearly there are questions about his durability. Allowing a hall-of-famer like Manning mentor Tannehill for a few years before handing over the reins could finally answer the QB question that has been plaguing Miami since Dan Marino hung up his cleats.
9. Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphins
After losing the coin toss to Miami, the Panther will be picking 9
th. The team has a serious need at corner, but I don’t see anyone still available worth taking this high. Instead, I think the Panthers will focus on shoring up a weak middle which resulted in a very poor run defense last season. Poe’s questionable work ethic makes this a huge risk, but his jaw-dropping combine and freakish athletic ability/size combination will be too much to resist, and will result in him finding himself picked in the top ten.
10. Buffalo Bills – Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
Buffalo has some nice pieces to build around, but the defense still has some serious holes. The Bama DT Darius was a nice pick last year, but now they need to figure out a way to get after the QB. Ingram is the best player still on the defensive side of the board, and would be an excellent fit for this team.
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
As I mentioned earlier, Reiff could find himself in St Louis depending on Cleveland’s decision at 4, but in this scenario he fall right to the Chiefs. As I mentioned during my last mock, Reiff may not be the sure thing I had initially thought, but he is still a very worth wile risk for KC here at 11. Once this team is healthy again, watch out world.
12. Seattle Seahawks –Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
The Hawks are going to go all-in on Manning, but it looks like they will come up empty. Also, they re-signed Lynch this offseason, which secures them at RB. Their biggest need to still address will be under center, but to avoid reaching, they will look at getting pressure on opposing QBs instead. Branch has been rising up boards with a very nice offseason, and Seattle will call his name here.
13. Arizona Cardinals – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The Cardinals need help in a few spots, but none greater than their o-line. DeCastro is a valuable add as he is flexible enough to play inside or out. I think long term he projects best at Guard, but with all the holes up front for Zona, DeCastro will be an immediate upgrade for this team.
14. Dallas Cowboys – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Kirkpatrick is in a heated battle with North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins for the second spot amongst corners on the board. Both are physically gifted talents with questions about their character. In the end, I suspect Kirkpatrick will be deemed the less risky of the two and thus the selection of the Dallas Cowboys.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Luke Kuechly did in Indy exactly what he does best. He simply performed. This guy brings an awesome work ethic and attitude to the table and will be an immediate upgrade for a disappointing Eagles team who will be looking for answers.
16. New York Jets – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Jets have needs in a few spots, but when they get on the clock, it will be between Martin, and Bama Safety, Mark Barron. Getting help on D is important, but with Sanchez having just signed an extension, the Jets have to do a better job protecting him. Martin cut his teeth protecting Andrew Luck at Stanford, and that will be enough for Tannenbaum to pull the trigger here.
17. Cincinnati Bengals via Oakland – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Thanks to the Carson Palmer deal, the Bengals have two first rounders to continue to build their franchise. Losing Jonathan Joseph last season hurt, so adding his replacement should be their priority. No one questions Jenkins physical talents, however, there are plenty of questions about his character. This team has taken risks with characters before (TO, Pacman) so Jenkins past may not weigh quite as heavily on this team as it would others.
18. San Diego Chargers – Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
The Chargers need help upfront. Their lack of consistent line play led to Phillip Rivers having his worst season as the Bolts starting QB last year, and for him, and ultimately them to rebound, they will need to handle pressure better. Cordy Glenn is a man on the rise following an excellent combine. He proved to many that he is the rare OG worthy of a first round selection and I think he would be a good fit in San D.
19. Chicago Bears – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Bears have speed but they still lack a true, reliable, number one receiver. Floyd has good speed, and great hands. He uses his body well, and knows how to go up and get the ball. He has experience in playing in cold weather, so Chicago could be the perfect fit for this Notre Dame product who solidified himself as the number two WR prospect with his work at the combine.
20. Tennessee Titans – Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
In past mocks, Courtney Upshaw was long gone by the time the Titans get on the clock. Now he is available to Tennessee because his stock is falling after performing poorly in Indy. When the Titans are up there will be a lot of debate between selecting Upshaw versus Clemson DE, Andre Branch who stock is on the rise. In the end, the Titans will choose the Bama product, and they will be glad they did. His play for the Tide means more to me than his performance at the combine, and I suspect he will be a very solid pro.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
Before the combine, I was having a hard time finding any other back I liked behind Richardson. Now there are a few. The truth is, Richardson is still the class of this group, but David Wilson is no slouch. He has an excellent combination of size and speed, and I think he can be a good back at the next level. He holds a slight lead on Lamar Miller, and Doug Martin for the number two spot for backs on my board.
22. Cleveland Browns via Atlanta – Mark Barron, S Alabama
Now that Richardson is in the fold, the Browns will look at both wide out, and their secondary. The 2012 receiver class is deeper than that of the secondary positions, so grabbing the best safety on the board will be a better value pick here. Barron was a leader on the best defense in the nation last year, and that type of experience will help him and the Browns immensely.
23. Detroit Lions – Alfonso Denard, CB, Nebraska
The Lions made some excellent strides last year, becoming a playoff team for the first time since the Roosevelt Administration. They have a very high powered offense, and a strong, young group at the front of their defense. Now they need to shore up that secondary. Denard comes with some questions about his subpar senior season, and a weak showing at the combine, but is a strong talent nonetheless. I think he is a risk worth taking for Detroit at this point in the draft.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Pittsburgh has cut ties with some of their key veterans, including Hines Ward, Aaron Smith, and James Farrior. Replacing Smith and Farrior will be of the utmost priority. Hightower is a good inside backer, and he gets after the ball carrier very well. Pittsburgh has a long history of having outstanding linebackers, and I expect Hightower to be the next in that illustrious line.
25. Denver Broncos – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Denver is going head first after Peyton Manning, but when they strike out, Elway and company will be able to focus on their largest need. The Broncos defense was much improved last season thanks to the phenomenal play of rookie Von Miller. Now, they need to get themselves stronger in the trenches to both hold up against the run better, and keep o-lineman from getting out to the next level and putting a body on Miller. Cox is good up front and has what it takes to solidify this defense. His addition could catapult this defense from playoff caliber to championship caliber.
26. Houston Texans – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Houston Texans are a team to watch as they are very good and getting better. They really do need another weapon on the other side of Andre Johnson however. Alshon Jeffery is a guy I have long been high on. I think he has all of the skills you want in a wide out. Although not spectacular, his showing at the combine was sufficient to move him into the third spot on the board amongst WRs. With a healthy Schaub, along with Foster, Tate, Johnson, and now Jeffery… my oh my.
27. New England Patriots via New Orleans – Zach Brown, LB, New England
Every year the Pats field an excellent ball club, and I think it is because of a combination of having this generation’s best coach on the side line, and all of the draft day gymnastics this team always seem to execute. Two more first round picks for the Pats will allow for New England to continue to re-stock rather than rebuild. Zach Brown is a tremendous athlete, and although raw, open to learning. With the tutelage available to him in New England, he can develop into what I expect to be an excellent force at linebacker.
28. Green Bay Packers – Whitney Mercillus, DE, Illinois
The Packers really have very few weaknesses, so they can really go in any direction with this pick. Despite being eliminated from the playoffs early, I still feel Green Bay is the best team in the league. Adding a guy like Mercillus could make the best even better. Getting more pressure off the edge is almost always a good thing, and Mercillus could help them do that.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Baltimore is another very good team without too many pressing needs. Unfortunately they have some key players who are getting a bit long in the tooth (Lewis, Reed, Birk) that they need to start to think about replacing. Birk is coming back for what most expect to be his final season. Drafting the best center in this year’s class would be a wise investment in this team’s future.
30. San Francisco 49ers – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Despite a worse than anticipated performance at the combine, Kendall Wright is a fairly luck guy. His performance was not so bad that it made scouts question all they thought they knew about him. It also helps that San Fran has such a glaring need at the position. I don’t know if he will ever grow into a superstar in the league, but I do think he will be a better option than most of what is there for Smith to throw to now.
31. New England Patriots – Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
I still have confidence that the Pats will eventually deal this pick, but assuming they keep it, I see them choosing Miller here. I know New England doesn’t have a tremendous amount of needs, but it looks like the law firm will be moving out of Boston. Miller is an exciting talent who could help this run game and keep the Pats as the team to beat in the AFC East.
32. New York Giants – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
The Giants are a tough team to peg because more than anyone they really do stick to the best player available philosophy. Fleener is the top TE in this class, and a good value at this point in the draft. Considering the injuries to the Giant incumbents at the TE position, this makes this selection make even more sense.
33. St Louis Rams – Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
34. Indianapolis Colts – Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford
35. Minnesota Vikings – Chase Minnefield, CB, Minnesota
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Levonte David, LB, Nebraska
37. Cleveland Browns – Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
38. Jacksonville Jaguars – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
39. St Louis Rams via Washington – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
40. Carolina Panthers – Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
41. Buffalo Bills – Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia
42. Miami Dolphins – Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
43. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
44. Kansas City Chiefs – Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
45. Dallas Cowboys – David Molk, C, Michigan
46. Philadelphia Eagles – Devon Still, DT, Penn State
47. New York Jets – Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
48. New England Patriots via Oakland – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
49. San Diego Chargers – Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
50. Chicago Bears – Klechi Osmele, OG, Iowa State
51. Philadelphia Eagles via Arizona – Billy Winn, DE, Bosie State
52. Tennessee Titans – Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
53. Cincinnati Bengals – Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State
54. Detroit Lions – Mychal Kendrick, LB, California
55. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Washington, OG, Miami
56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
57. Denver Broncos – Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
58. Houston Texans – Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
59. New Orleans Saints – Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
60. Green Bay Packers – Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
61. Baltimore Ravens – Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
62. San Francisco 49ers – Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
63. New England Patriots – George Lloka, S, Boise State
64. New York Giants – Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
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