Most of the pro-day performances have been reviewed, and now it is on to the private workout stage of the pre-draft season. There has been some more movement as players move up and down the board at their position, and thus the big board too. With this mock we begin to roll 4 rounds deep, so let’s take a look at the most current prediction.
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
There are still some chirps that RG3 is deserving of the number one overall pick, and in any other year, that would probably be the case. This year however, Andrew Luck will be the guy selected first overall. He we be asked to become the next great cornerstone to this colts franchise who also boast having had both Johnny U and Peyton under center during their storied history. Those are some big shoes to fill, but if anyone can do it, Luck is it.
2. Washington Redskins via St. Louis – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
I have read that if the Colts were to choose Griffin, and Luck were to fall, Washington would still be thrilled. Although I agree, they would be happy, that is not going to happen. Bottom line is Washington paid a high price to trade up to this spot, and their sole target was RG3. He has all the tools to become the next great Redskins QB, and since they have not had one of elite caliber since Joe Theisman (with all do respect to Doug Williams and Mark Rypien), Griffin has been a long time coming for this franchise.
3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil, OT, USC
I recently read some speculation that the Vikings are looking at Morris Claiborne with this pick. The Vikes do need help in their secondary, and Claiborne deserves a look, but in the end, Kalil should be the pick. He has the great upside of all of the league’s best left tackles, and with the investment the team made in Christian Ponder last year, they have to ensure his protection. Kalil is the top tackle in the draft, and should be picked here.
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. Arguments will be made for Justin Blackmon, Trent Richardson, and Ryan Tannehill. At the end of the day however, Richardson has the potential to make the quickest impact of any of these three. In 2007 the team passed on Adrian Peterson. I don’t see them doing that again.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Some have said that with Barber returning to Tampa, and the addition of free agent CB, Eric Wright, the Bucs should look in a different direction with this pick. I agree that if the opportunity is there to trade down, Tampa should look carefully at it, however, my expectation is the Bucs still choose Claiborne. He is the best corner in this draft, and even with Barber returning, this is a sound investment. Tampa can look to move Ronde to safety this season, getting him, Talib, and Claiborne on the field together, and use Wright as the nickel corner he really is.
6. St Louis Rams via Washington – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
What a phenomenal off season thus far for St Louis. First they land their coach in Jeff Fisher. Then they get a king’s ransom from Washington for the second pick. In free agency they landed two fantastic additions in Cortland Finnegan and Scott Wells, and now they are in position to fill their hole at wide out with the draft’s top option in Blackmon. With the haul from Washington, this team will be contenders again in no time flat.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Jaguars coaches and front office made it apparent they wanted nothing to do with Tim Tebow, and as a result, he chose to go to New York. It made it very clear to me that Gene Smith is truly calling the shots in Jacksonville, even with a new owner there. That being said, I now expect him to take the safer DE in Melvin Ingram. Ingram lacks the upside of Quinton Coples, but he is the safer pick. Considering recent picks like Alualu, it indicates to me that Smith prefers the safer, players with good technique and character to guys with greater upside and risk. Ingram is very talented, and he does represent the best chance to fill Smith’s mold.
8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, TAMU
More than a half decade of questionable choices has left the dolphins with some needs, including the hole they have under center. After not landing the franchise QB they promised during free agency, and the spectacular pro-day of Tannehill, I think this is the direction they go. I think Cleveland will give some very serious consideration to grabbing him at 4, and thus Miami may need to try and swing a trade with Minnesota to land OC, Mike Sherman’s former signal caller in the college ranks, but with where this franchise is at, I think it is a risk they must take.
9. Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphins
WR and CB are the Panther’s most significant holes, but with Blackmon and Claiborne off the board, Poe will be the choice at DT. If his combine performance is indicative of a revitalized player, Poe could be a beast. If it was simply the case of a work-out warrior showing off, he could be a bust. The more tape I watch, the more I am tempted to push Poe down the board, but at this point, I say he stays put.
10. Buffalo Bills – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The more I think about it, the more I like what the Bills defensive front is going to look like. With Super Mario now in the fold, the whole defense will look better. Another outside linebacker is still a need, and as such Courtney Upshaw from Alabama will garner some discussion. After the debate however, GM Buddy Nix will make Reiff his choice. Adding someone who can potentially anchor the front is important if Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, and the rest of the Bills offense is going to succeed. Reiff will hopefully be that guy for this team.
11. Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College
Coming into free agency, the two biggest needs for KC were at RT and TE. Both have been filled already with the additions of Eric Winston, and Kevin Boss. Brandon Carr left town for Dallas, and this makes CB a need now, but with a need at ILB, and the skills of Kuechly, KC will happily make this pick. Kuechly is a tackling machine, and he brings a fantastic work ethic with him. He will be very popular both on the field and in the locker room, and KC is a team on the move.
12. Seattle Seahawks –Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Coples has very impressive upside, but seems to lack the consistency that one expects of a top ten pick. There is no question about his ability to seal the edge, and provide a pass rush presence off as well, and those are the biggest needs for the Seahawks now that they have added Matt Flynn under center. Coples has the potential to be a Julius Peppers like contributor, but he could also wind up a bust. The Hawks will roll the dice on this one though, as his potential will be too irresistible.
13. Arizona Cardinals – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama
Arizona is a team stuck in between. They are better than bad, but they still have too many holes to be good. One of the most significant holes is at linebacker, and Upshaw is the top player remaining at the position. He plays better than he measures, and that has impacted his stock a bit in the eyes of some teams. If the Cards pull the trigger on Upshaw though, they will be getting a good football player, who despite some questionable measurables, will make this team better.
14. Dallas Cowboys – Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Last year the Cowboys secondary was a real liability. They clearly noticed that, and have been aggressive this offseason in trying to reshape this unit. They parted with longtime corner Terrance Newman, and they added playmakers Brandon Carr and Brodney Pool to replace him. Mark Barron will be another addition to this group. He has the potential to be a great safety in the league. Not only does he have the on-field skills, but his leadership will be valuable in the Dallas locker room too. Offensive lineman, David DeCastro and Cordy Glenn will get some consideration too, but Barron will make the bigger impact, and Jerry Jones loves to make a splash.
15. Philadelphia Eagles – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
The Eagles were a big disappointment last year, and now they have to put up wins, or there will be wholesale changes. They need some help at linebacker, both inside and out. Trading for Demeco Ryans was a steal, and there are no outside backers worth reaching for here. Instead, the team will look to firm up the middle of the front by adding Cox. Paired with Cullen Jenkins, they could make for a formidable front for opponents to run against, and open up opportunities for a guy like Ryans to make plays.
16. New York Jets – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
After having landed Leron Landry at safety this offseason, the Jets have addressed one of their two most glaring needs. Now, GM Tannenbaum can focus on keeping their newly extended QB, and the most popular backup EVER performing under center. Jonathan Martin is the best prospect remaining in a position to do just that, and I think they need to make this pick here. Adding Martin to a line that already includes Da’Brick and Mangold could turn this unit into a strength immediately.
17. Cincinnati Bengals via Oakland – David DeCastro, G, Stanford
Thanks to the Carson Palmer deal, the Bengals have two first rounders to continue to build their franchise. Corner is no doubt this team’s biggest need, and with Kirkpatrick, Jenkins, and the fast rising Stephon Gilmore all available, the team will have a lot to look at. DeCastro falling however will change the overall outlook. The team needs to better protect new QB Andy Dalton, and DeCastro make the front unit better immediately. I see them grabbing DeCastro here, and rolling the dice that one of the corners they like will be there for them when they pick later in the round.
18. San Diego Chargers – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Bolts need some help in the interior of that o-line, and after the defection of Jackson to Tampa Bay, they had a hole at wide out too. Notre Dame WR, Michael Floyd would have been a consideration had the team not signed both Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal. Cordy Glenn will also be a consideration, but with their largest hole being at corner the Bolts will choose Kirkpatrick. Dre has a very tenuous hold on the number two CB ranking in this class, being pushed by both Jenkins and Gilmore, but as of now holds the ranking nonetheless. Adding Kirkpatrick to the secondary will help and allow the team to focus later in the draft on filling other holes.
19. Chicago Bears – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
For most of my previous mocks, I pegged the Bears to land Michael Floyd from Notre Dame. Then they went out and added Brandon Marshall via trade with Miami. We can now consider that need filled. Now the Bears will look at o-linemen, corners, and a DT. Of those positions, It will come down to Jerel Worthy, Janoris Jenkins, and Cordy Glenn. Worthy disappointed at the combine, but redeemed himself in a big way at his pro-day. With good position in round two, and a very deep group at corner in this class, those needs can wait. Worthy was very productive during his time in Lansing, and I expect him to bring something to the front seven of this Bears defense.
20. Tennessee Titans – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
With most of my previous Mocks, I had the Titans targeting a pass rusher with this pick. Recently, the team signed former Raider, Kamerion Wimbley. He may not be a complete DE/OLB, but he can apply pressure. I do not consider him to be the answer to that need, but he can be enough of an answer to allow Tennessee to look at other options with this pick. After losing Kenny Britt to injury last year, the Titans offense was hobbled. Having another option is a necessity to help this team grow, and Floyd is the best option still on the board. He has good hands, runs good routes, and showed in college he can take over games.
21. Cincinnati Bengals – Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
After adding DeCastro with their previous selection, the team’s gamble to still land one of their top corners pays off. They are able to grab Jenkins who has immense upside, but a checkered personal past. If he keeps on the straight and narrow, he has all the tools to be a shut down defender. If he falls off track, he will face the wrath of Goodell. With great character guys like Pacman Jones in the locker room though, that shouldn’t be an issue for Jenkins, right?
22. Cleveland Browns via Atlanta – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
With their first pick in this draft, Cleveland passed on the premiere wide out to grab the premiere running back. Now with their second pick in this round, they are still in position to land a great weapon at wide out. Wright disappointed at the combine, but killed it at his pro day. He has exceptional upside, and across from Greg Little, gives the Browns a nice young pair of wide outs to build around.
23. Detroit Lions – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
In my opinion, corner is the biggest need for this team. Stephon Gilmore has used this offseason to catapult himself up draft boards. He was spectacular at his pro-day, and his unique combination of size and speed make him a very tempting option. Some gurus even have him rated higher than Kirkpatrick and Jenkins at this point. Detroit can pick him here and immediately add a playmaker to this secondary which sorely needs one.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
This has been a tough offseason thus far for the Steelers. First the team parts ways with some key veterans, including James Farrior and Aaron Smith, and then they have Hines Ward retire. Hightower has had a very nice offseason thus far, and he is flashing the potential to be a long time contributor to the middle of a defense in the NFL for many years. He may not have upside that some would like, but a strong effort which generate reliable results is exactly what the Steelers look for, and it is what Hightower brings.
25. Denver Broncos – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
Manning is in the fold, Tebow is in New York, and now they have given Peyton some weapons to play with too. Andre Caldwell, Jacob Tamme, and Joel Dressen have all come to town, and although none of these guys will knock your socks off, they are all serviceable. This will preclude the team from taking the Stanford TE, Fleener, as previously projected, and instead allow them to continue to build that defense. Von Miller was a sensation last season, and with a little help the defense could be very good. Brockers is a boom-or-bust type prospect, but he currently maintains a tentative hold on the fourth position amongst d-tackles on my board over Devon Still and Kendall Reyes. If he pans out, this will be great for Denver.
26. Houston Texans – Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
When the Texans come on the clock, it will come down to a decision between Penn State DT, Devon Still, UConn DT Kendall Reyes, and Alshon Jeffery, the wide out from South Carolina. The Texans desperately need another weapon for them to throw to other than Andre Johnson, and Jeffery showed the potential all year to be a big time receiving threat. There have been questions about him all through the pre-draft process, but the bottom line on this kid is that he is a player. I like what he brings to the table, and after picking him here, I think Matt Schaub and the rest of the Texans offense will like it too.
27. New England Patriots via New Orleans – Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
The flexibility that New England shows on draft day is a hallmark of this organization. They typically show excellent patients and allow the draft to come to them, trading down frequently to add more picks. In this scenario, the Pats will be the beneficiaries of the this years flow, and by staying put, they land themselves an exceptional prospect in Cordy Glenn. O-line is not the biggest area of need for this team, but Glenn is too talented a prospect to let pass.
28. Green Bay Packers – Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
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. The defense was a little disappointing at times last year mainly in their secondary. Finding someone to put pressure on opposing signal callers, other than Clay Mathews will be one of the fastest ways to make this secondary look better. Branch flashes huge ability coming off the edge, and has had himself an impressive pre-draft run thus far.
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 – Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
The 49ers are a very good team, right on the cusp of becoming great. For many of my previous mocks I had this team looking at wide out with this pick. The team added both Randy Moss and Mario Manningham this offseason however, and now I expect them to be able to look in any direction. The speedy Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech will be a consideration to further shore up the receiving corps, but in the end, I expect this team to look for the best option available. Zach Brown has freakish athletic ability and although raw makes the most sense. He can come onto a defense that is already one of the league’s best, and learn from some of the top players in the game, developing into his full potential.
31. New England Patriots – Whitney Mercillus, DE, Illinois
Previous mocks had the Pats grabbing a pass rusher with their first pick in the draft as I believe this is the biggest area of need for the team. With the team getting lucky, and landing Glenn with their previous pick, I now expect them to go for that pass rusher. Mercillus had an exceptional season last year for the Illini, and if that represents a preview of things to come, the Patriots will have had quite the first round haul. Of course, the team will also look to deal this pick too, and if that were to happen, I would not be at all surprised.
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. After running a 4.4 at his pro-day, Fleener is the best player still available. It doesn’t hurt that the G-men have a need at TE, and that Martellus Bennet has proven to be somewhat unreliable. Going into next season with this pair of TE options will certainly make the younger Manning happy.
33. St Louis Rams – Ronnell Lewis, LB Oklahoma
34. Indianapolis Colts – Levonte David, LB, Nebraska
35. Minnesota Vikings – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Shea McClellin, LB, Boise State
37. Cleveland Browns – Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State
38. Jacksonville Jaguars – Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame
39. St Louis Rams via Washington – Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
40. Carolina Panthers – Alfonso Denard, CB, Nebraska
41. Buffalo Bills – Ruben Randall, WR, LSU
42. Miami Dolphins – Bobbie Massie, OT, Ole Miss
43. Seattle Seahawks – Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
44. Kansas City Chiefs – Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
45. Dallas Cowboys – Chandler Jones, DE, Clemson
46. Philadelphia Eagles – Nick Perry, DE, USC
47. New York Jets – Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
48. New England Patriots via Oakland – David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
49. San Diego Chargers – Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
50. Chicago Bears – Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
51. Philadelphia Eagles via Arizona – David Molk, C, Michigan
52. Tennessee Titans – Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
53. Cincinnati Bengals – Devon Still, DT, Penn State
54. Detroit Lions – Mychal Kendrick, LB, California
55. Atlanta Falcons – Kelechi Osmele, G, Iowa State
56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Lamar Miller, RB, Pittsburgh
57. Denver Broncos – Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State
58. Houston Texans – Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
59. New Orleans Saints – Selection Forfeited Due to Bountygate
60. Green Bay Packers – Chase Minnefield, CB, Minnesota
61. Baltimore Ravens – Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
62. San Francisco 49ers – Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
63. New England Patriots – Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
64. New York Giants – Chris Polk, RB, Washington
65. Indianapolis Colts – Dewayne Allen, TE, Clemson
66. St Louis Rams – Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
67. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
68. Cleveland Browns – George Lloka, S, Boise State
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brandon Taylor, S, LSU
70. Washington Redskins – Brandon Washington, G, Miami
71. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
72. Buffalo Bills – Bruce Irvin, LB, West Virginia
73. Miami Dolphins – Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
74. Dolphins via Chicago via Carolina – Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
75. Kansas City Cheifs – Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
76. Seattle Seahawks – Jamell Flemming, CB, Oklahoma
77. Philadelphia Eagles – Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
78. New York Jets – Sean Spence, LB, Miami
79. San Diego Chargers – Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska
80. Chicago Bears– Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State
81. Arizona Cardinals – Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
82. Dallas Cowboys – Phillip Blake, C, Baylor
83. Tennessee Titans – Coryelle Judie, CB, TAMU
84. Cincinnati Bengals – LeMichael James, RB, Oregon
85. Atlanta Falcons – LaDarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
86. Detroit Lions – Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State
87. Pittsburgh Steelers – Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
88. Denver Broncos – Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
89. Houston Texans – Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
90. New Orleans Saints – Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
91. Green Bay Packers – Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
92. Baltimore Ravens – Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
93. San Francisco 49ers – Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford
94. New England Patriots – Demario Davis, LB, Arkansas State
95. New York Giants – Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas
96. Oakland Raiders – Billy Winn, DE, Bosie State
97. St Louis Rams – Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
98. Indianapolis Colts – Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State
99. Minnesota Vikings – Jeff Allen, G, Illinois
100. Houston Texans via Philadelphia via Tampa – Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
101. Cleveland Browns – Tank Carder, LB, Texas Christian
102. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jonathan Massaquoi, DE/OLB, Troy
103. Washington Redskins – Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
104. Miami Dolphins – Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
105. Carolina Panthers – Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
106. Buffalo Bills – Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
107. Seattle Seahawks – Brandon Brooks, G, Miami (OH)
108. Kansas City Chiefs – Senio Kelemente, OT, Washington
109. Denver Broncos via Jets – Ben Jones, C, Georgia
110. Washington Redskins via Oakland – Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington
111. San Diego Chargers – Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State
112. Chicago Bears – James Brown, OT, Troy
113. Arizona Cardinals – Brandon Mosley, OT, Auburn
114. Dallas Cowboys – T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International
115. Philadelphia Eagles – Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon
116. Tennessee Titans – Janzen Jackson, S, McNeese State
117. Cincinnati Bengals – William Vlachos, C, Alabama
118. Detroit Lions – Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
119. Cleveland Browns via Atlanta – Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
120. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dwight Bentley, CB, Louisiana-Lafayette
121. Denver Broncos – Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State
122. Houston Texans – Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin
123. New Orleans Saints – Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pittsburgh
124. Green Bay Packers – Audie Cole, LB, NC State
125. Buffalo Bills via Baltimore – Lucas Nix, G, Pittsburgh
126. San Francisco 49ers – Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
127. New England Patriots – Christian Thompson, S, South Carolina
128. New York Giants – Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
129. Minnesota Vikings – Marcus Fortson, DT, Miami
130. Oakland Raiders – Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
131. Baltimore Ravens – Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State
132. New York Giants – Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
133. Green Bay Packers – Ryan Lindley, QB, San Diego State
134. Green Bay Packers – Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota
135. Minnesota Vikings – Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
136. Dallas Cowboys – Ryan Steed, CB, Furman
