Inside you will find my first round 2012 NFL Mock Draft. There may be some surprises.
1 Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
This one is a no-brainer. The Colts didn't cut Peyton Manning to take anyone except for Andrew Luck.
2 Washington Redskins (from Rams) QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Another easy mock pick. The Redskins sent three first round picks and a second round pick to the Rams so that they could get their franchise QB.
3 Minnesota Vikings OT Matt Kalil, USC
This is almost as easy as picks one and two, but there remains a slight possibility that WR Justin Blackmon could be the pick here. Either should please second year QB Christian Ponder. It would really be a good idea to have his blind-side protected, though. Kalil is a rare, fairly finished left tackle prospect.
4 Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
Cleveland's pick is a little more difficult to decide on. They could go one of three ways: RB Trent Richardson, QB Ryan Tannehill, or WR Justin Blackmon. I don't see them going for a WR. They picked Greg Little last year and this is a deep draft for receivers. Therefore, I see this being between Richardson and Tannehill. Cleveland is too far away from being competitive to reach for a QB here, in my opinion. They should fill out their roster and look for a signal caller later in the draft.
5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Morris Clayborne, LSU
Tampa GM Mark Dominik has said that the Bucs wouldn't mind trading down, but I don't see anyone really wanting to make the leap. In the end, Tampa Bay will be happy to take Morris Clayborne who will be a nice replacement for Ronde Barber, if he ever retires.
6 St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) WR Justin Blackmon, Oregon State
The Rams took a calculated risk in trading back to number 6. They need a WR, so they undoubtedly want Justin Blackmon. In this mock, he is still there for the taking. The only way this isn't the pick is if Blackmon is already gone.
7 Jacksonville Jaguars WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
Floyd's pro day really helped his stock. He is a big body with surprising speed. He has had some off-field issues with multiple citings for underage drinking, but his potential will cause the Jags to turn a blind eye. They will try to surround second year QB Blaine Gabbert with some weapons and hope that he's not really as bad as he looked last year.
8 Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
Miami tried to bring in Manning and failed. They also tried to bring in Matt Flynn and failed. Finally, they tried to bring in Alex Smith and, you guessed it, failed. Well, if you can't sign 'em, draft 'em. This is a reach for Tannehill, but the Dolphins have to do something to appease a fan base that is understandably up in arms. Tannehill may turn in to a great QB someday, but being drafted this high should mean that the player is ready to step in and contribute right away.
9 Carolina Panthers DE/OLB Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
Many mockers have the Panthers going with a DT here. However, they took two defensive tackles in round 3 of last year's draft. They could surprise me, and if so, the pick would be Dontari Poe. Poe is a versatile player, who I'm sure Head Coach Ron Rivera would not be displeased to have as part of his team. While that is possible, Ron Rivera is probably drooling over Ingram for the same reason; versatility. Ingram also fits a need as a pass rusher opposite Charles Johnson.
10 Buffalo Bills OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
This was another difficult decision. I thought that it was between Reiff and LB Luke Kuechly. Both fill big time needs for the Bills. For me, the deciding factor was the $24 million in guaranteed money QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will be receiving. That's a large chunk of change that needs some protecting.
11 Kansas City Chiefs G David DeCastro, Stanford
If you watched the Combine, you should understand why the Chiefs would be very happy with this pick. Not only did DeCastro look very fluid, but he also was used by the coaches to demonstrate many of the drills; that's how fundamentally sound this kid is. This is high for a guard in the draft, but the one word you hear when people are talking about DeCastro is "elite."
12 Seattle Seahawks ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
I was very tempted to give the Seahawks DE Quinton Coples since they have a big time need for pass rushers. However, with David Hawthorne leaving for New Orleans, there is now an opening at Mike linebacker. Kuechly is a stud line-backer. My only regret is that he won't be there for the Steelers.
13 Arizona Cardinals OT Jonathon Martin, Stanford
This was between Martin and G Cordy Glenn. The Cards need some offensive line help and either would provide an upgrade. I'm sure they would love to trade down at this point and grab another draft pick, but I still don't see anyone having that great of a desire to trade up.
14 Dallas Cowboys DE Quinton Coples, UNC
Leave it to Jerry Jones to take a high risk, high reward pick like Coples. The pass rushing tandem of Demarcus Ware and Quinton Coples would cause insomnia for most QBs. With Eli, RGIII, and Vick in the division, a solid pass rush is a must. Don't be surprised if one of the Alabama DB's goes here, though. It may be hard for the 'boys to pass on Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick when they had the 23rd ranked pass defense last season based off of yards allowed.
15 Philadelphia Eagles DT Dontari Poe, Memphis
Poe shot up the draft boards with his Freak-of-Nature performance at the Combine. Then, he began falling when scouts went back and watched the tape. How can someone with such athletic attributes not dominate on the field? This is about the area that Poe will fall. The Eagles will be happy, because a strong DT will keep recently acquired LB DeMeco Ryans free to flow to the ball.
16 New York Jets SS Mark Barron, Alabama
The Jets made a nice signing when they added LaRon Landry, but he is fragile. Barron will give Rolly Polly Rexy some insurance if and when Landry gets injured. This pick could also be an OLB/DE hybrid like Courtney Upshaw.
17 Cincinnati (from Raiders) CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
The Bengals will be looking for corner help with 2012 being a contract year for both Nate Clements and Adam Jones. Jonathon Joseph left before last season and no one really stepped up. Kirkpatrick would give the Bengals a big, strong corner; a benefit for playing against teams in the AFC North that like to run the ball.
18 San Diego Chargers G Cordy Glenn, Georgia
The big needs for the Chargers are a pass rushing DE/OLB, a run stuffing NT, and offensive line help. The NT can be found later. This pick comes down to DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus vs. Glenn. I am going with the offensive lineman. This is a fairly deep draft for both positions, but Glenn could take over as LG right away.
19 Chicago Bears DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
Mercilus coming from one side, Julian Peterson from the other. Yikes! The Bears were very poor versus the pass last year. They could draft a corner, but a strong pass rush would help as well.
20 Tennessee Titans CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
With Cortland Finnegan leaving for the Rams, CB is the biggest need for the Titans. Gilmore is rising up draft boards for good reason. He has good size for a corner and is a good run defender. He also had a strong combine. His game tape is a little hit and miss, though.
21 Cincinnati Bengals DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
The Bengals have a need at DL with the losses of Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene. In this draft, they should be pretty excited about both Cox and Michael Brockers still being available at #21. While Brockers had a good season, Cox has performed at a high rate over multiple seasons.
22 Cleveland Browns (from Falcons) WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
As I wrote for the Browns pick at #4, the Browns should load up on talent early and draft a QB later. However, they may panic here and take QB Brock Osweiler. Hill would be the smart pick, though. He is a huge receiver with crazy speed. He may even help Colt McCoy look like he belongs in the NFL.
23 Detroit Lions CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
There is no doubting Jenkins' talent. If the Lions can look past his drug arrests, he would be a huge help to their secondary. It is a definite need after Eric Wright took his talents to Tampa Bay.
24 Pittsburgh Steelers ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
The only way this draft would have been better for the Steelers would have been if Kuechly would have fallen this far. However, Hightower is still a very good prospect who fits arguably the biggest need for Pittsburgh. I, personally, will be very upset if they draft OT Mike Adams in the first round. He is weak and lazy. The epitome of a boom or bust pick.
25 Denver Broncos DT Michael Brockers, LSU
The only reason Brockers has fallen this far is because he is a one year wonder. However, he has very good size and pretty good movement ability. The Broncos were not great last year at DT, and this off-season has been problem after problem at the position. Ryan McBean was suspended for the first six games of the season and Broderick Bunkley signed with the Saints. I would be surprised if the choice here is not a DT, even though they would like to add a WR for Peyton Manning.
26 Houston Texans WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
The Texans were close last year, even with TJ Yates at QB in the playoffs. Another WR would help take the pressure off of Andre Johnson. This pick would make the Texan's offense very strong, but they will have to fill in their defense later in the draft. They have needs at LB and DE.
27 New England Patriots (from Saints) DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
The big knock on Upshaw has been that he may not fit a true position in the NFL. Leave it to mad scientist, Bill Belichick to know exactly what to do with him. The Pats need to improve their pass rush, so this pick will most likely be a DE/OLB. They may also pass on Upshaw, though, and pick Nick Perry.
28 Green Bay Packers DE/OLB Nick Perry, USC
The Packers tied for 27th in the league with only 29 sacks on the season. The only teams with less were the Tennessee Titans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Perry could provide some pressure opposite Clay Matthews. It was tempting to put DT Devon Still or Jerel Worthy here, but a pass rusher is a bigger need.
29 Baltimore Ravens C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
This was the toughest decision for me. The Ravens could go DT with Devon Still, Safety with Harrison Smith (a bit of a reach), or a Center with Konz. I decided on Konz because he may be able to help at Guard as well as take over for Matt Birk when he retires. Guard is a need since Ben Grubbs left for New Orleans. Plus the #1 QB in the league (his and his agent's words, not mine) needs protection.
30 San Francisco 49ers DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
With no glaring needs, the 49ers are free to take the best player available. In this mock, it is Jerel Worthy. Mike Mayock currently has Worthy ranked as his #2 DT, so this is a high quality pick at #30.
31 New England Patriots DT Devon Still, Penn State
This is another good value pick. There are 5 possible first round DT's in this year's draft. If none of the DTs are left for New England, then I could see DE Chandler Jones going here. They added Upshaw earlier, so Still would fortify the interior of the D-line.
32 New York Giants OT Mike Adams, Ohio State
The Giants need a right tackle. Mike Adams is ready to play right now, though, as I mentioned earlier, he is weak and lazy. What could light a fire under a player's butt more than joining the reigning Super Bowl Champs?
1 Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, Stanford
This one is a no-brainer. The Colts didn't cut Peyton Manning to take anyone except for Andrew Luck.
2 Washington Redskins (from Rams) QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Another easy mock pick. The Redskins sent three first round picks and a second round pick to the Rams so that they could get their franchise QB.
3 Minnesota Vikings OT Matt Kalil, USC
This is almost as easy as picks one and two, but there remains a slight possibility that WR Justin Blackmon could be the pick here. Either should please second year QB Christian Ponder. It would really be a good idea to have his blind-side protected, though. Kalil is a rare, fairly finished left tackle prospect.
4 Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson, Alabama
Cleveland's pick is a little more difficult to decide on. They could go one of three ways: RB Trent Richardson, QB Ryan Tannehill, or WR Justin Blackmon. I don't see them going for a WR. They picked Greg Little last year and this is a deep draft for receivers. Therefore, I see this being between Richardson and Tannehill. Cleveland is too far away from being competitive to reach for a QB here, in my opinion. They should fill out their roster and look for a signal caller later in the draft.
5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Morris Clayborne, LSU
Tampa GM Mark Dominik has said that the Bucs wouldn't mind trading down, but I don't see anyone really wanting to make the leap. In the end, Tampa Bay will be happy to take Morris Clayborne who will be a nice replacement for Ronde Barber, if he ever retires.
6 St. Louis Rams (from Redskins) WR Justin Blackmon, Oregon State
The Rams took a calculated risk in trading back to number 6. They need a WR, so they undoubtedly want Justin Blackmon. In this mock, he is still there for the taking. The only way this isn't the pick is if Blackmon is already gone.
7 Jacksonville Jaguars WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
Floyd's pro day really helped his stock. He is a big body with surprising speed. He has had some off-field issues with multiple citings for underage drinking, but his potential will cause the Jags to turn a blind eye. They will try to surround second year QB Blaine Gabbert with some weapons and hope that he's not really as bad as he looked last year.
8 Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
Miami tried to bring in Manning and failed. They also tried to bring in Matt Flynn and failed. Finally, they tried to bring in Alex Smith and, you guessed it, failed. Well, if you can't sign 'em, draft 'em. This is a reach for Tannehill, but the Dolphins have to do something to appease a fan base that is understandably up in arms. Tannehill may turn in to a great QB someday, but being drafted this high should mean that the player is ready to step in and contribute right away.
9 Carolina Panthers DE/OLB Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
Many mockers have the Panthers going with a DT here. However, they took two defensive tackles in round 3 of last year's draft. They could surprise me, and if so, the pick would be Dontari Poe. Poe is a versatile player, who I'm sure Head Coach Ron Rivera would not be displeased to have as part of his team. While that is possible, Ron Rivera is probably drooling over Ingram for the same reason; versatility. Ingram also fits a need as a pass rusher opposite Charles Johnson.
10 Buffalo Bills OT Riley Reiff, Iowa
This was another difficult decision. I thought that it was between Reiff and LB Luke Kuechly. Both fill big time needs for the Bills. For me, the deciding factor was the $24 million in guaranteed money QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will be receiving. That's a large chunk of change that needs some protecting.
11 Kansas City Chiefs G David DeCastro, Stanford
If you watched the Combine, you should understand why the Chiefs would be very happy with this pick. Not only did DeCastro look very fluid, but he also was used by the coaches to demonstrate many of the drills; that's how fundamentally sound this kid is. This is high for a guard in the draft, but the one word you hear when people are talking about DeCastro is "elite."
12 Seattle Seahawks ILB Luke Kuechly, Boston College
I was very tempted to give the Seahawks DE Quinton Coples since they have a big time need for pass rushers. However, with David Hawthorne leaving for New Orleans, there is now an opening at Mike linebacker. Kuechly is a stud line-backer. My only regret is that he won't be there for the Steelers.
13 Arizona Cardinals OT Jonathon Martin, Stanford
This was between Martin and G Cordy Glenn. The Cards need some offensive line help and either would provide an upgrade. I'm sure they would love to trade down at this point and grab another draft pick, but I still don't see anyone having that great of a desire to trade up.
14 Dallas Cowboys DE Quinton Coples, UNC
Leave it to Jerry Jones to take a high risk, high reward pick like Coples. The pass rushing tandem of Demarcus Ware and Quinton Coples would cause insomnia for most QBs. With Eli, RGIII, and Vick in the division, a solid pass rush is a must. Don't be surprised if one of the Alabama DB's goes here, though. It may be hard for the 'boys to pass on Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick when they had the 23rd ranked pass defense last season based off of yards allowed.
15 Philadelphia Eagles DT Dontari Poe, Memphis
Poe shot up the draft boards with his Freak-of-Nature performance at the Combine. Then, he began falling when scouts went back and watched the tape. How can someone with such athletic attributes not dominate on the field? This is about the area that Poe will fall. The Eagles will be happy, because a strong DT will keep recently acquired LB DeMeco Ryans free to flow to the ball.
16 New York Jets SS Mark Barron, Alabama
The Jets made a nice signing when they added LaRon Landry, but he is fragile. Barron will give Rolly Polly Rexy some insurance if and when Landry gets injured. This pick could also be an OLB/DE hybrid like Courtney Upshaw.
17 Cincinnati (from Raiders) CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
The Bengals will be looking for corner help with 2012 being a contract year for both Nate Clements and Adam Jones. Jonathon Joseph left before last season and no one really stepped up. Kirkpatrick would give the Bengals a big, strong corner; a benefit for playing against teams in the AFC North that like to run the ball.
18 San Diego Chargers G Cordy Glenn, Georgia
The big needs for the Chargers are a pass rushing DE/OLB, a run stuffing NT, and offensive line help. The NT can be found later. This pick comes down to DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus vs. Glenn. I am going with the offensive lineman. This is a fairly deep draft for both positions, but Glenn could take over as LG right away.
19 Chicago Bears DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
Mercilus coming from one side, Julian Peterson from the other. Yikes! The Bears were very poor versus the pass last year. They could draft a corner, but a strong pass rush would help as well.
20 Tennessee Titans CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
With Cortland Finnegan leaving for the Rams, CB is the biggest need for the Titans. Gilmore is rising up draft boards for good reason. He has good size for a corner and is a good run defender. He also had a strong combine. His game tape is a little hit and miss, though.
21 Cincinnati Bengals DT Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
The Bengals have a need at DL with the losses of Frostee Rucker and Jonathan Fanene. In this draft, they should be pretty excited about both Cox and Michael Brockers still being available at #21. While Brockers had a good season, Cox has performed at a high rate over multiple seasons.
22 Cleveland Browns (from Falcons) WR Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
As I wrote for the Browns pick at #4, the Browns should load up on talent early and draft a QB later. However, they may panic here and take QB Brock Osweiler. Hill would be the smart pick, though. He is a huge receiver with crazy speed. He may even help Colt McCoy look like he belongs in the NFL.
23 Detroit Lions CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
There is no doubting Jenkins' talent. If the Lions can look past his drug arrests, he would be a huge help to their secondary. It is a definite need after Eric Wright took his talents to Tampa Bay.
24 Pittsburgh Steelers ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
The only way this draft would have been better for the Steelers would have been if Kuechly would have fallen this far. However, Hightower is still a very good prospect who fits arguably the biggest need for Pittsburgh. I, personally, will be very upset if they draft OT Mike Adams in the first round. He is weak and lazy. The epitome of a boom or bust pick.
25 Denver Broncos DT Michael Brockers, LSU
The only reason Brockers has fallen this far is because he is a one year wonder. However, he has very good size and pretty good movement ability. The Broncos were not great last year at DT, and this off-season has been problem after problem at the position. Ryan McBean was suspended for the first six games of the season and Broderick Bunkley signed with the Saints. I would be surprised if the choice here is not a DT, even though they would like to add a WR for Peyton Manning.
26 Houston Texans WR Kendall Wright, Baylor
The Texans were close last year, even with TJ Yates at QB in the playoffs. Another WR would help take the pressure off of Andre Johnson. This pick would make the Texan's offense very strong, but they will have to fill in their defense later in the draft. They have needs at LB and DE.
27 New England Patriots (from Saints) DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
The big knock on Upshaw has been that he may not fit a true position in the NFL. Leave it to mad scientist, Bill Belichick to know exactly what to do with him. The Pats need to improve their pass rush, so this pick will most likely be a DE/OLB. They may also pass on Upshaw, though, and pick Nick Perry.
28 Green Bay Packers DE/OLB Nick Perry, USC
The Packers tied for 27th in the league with only 29 sacks on the season. The only teams with less were the Tennessee Titans and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Perry could provide some pressure opposite Clay Matthews. It was tempting to put DT Devon Still or Jerel Worthy here, but a pass rusher is a bigger need.
29 Baltimore Ravens C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
This was the toughest decision for me. The Ravens could go DT with Devon Still, Safety with Harrison Smith (a bit of a reach), or a Center with Konz. I decided on Konz because he may be able to help at Guard as well as take over for Matt Birk when he retires. Guard is a need since Ben Grubbs left for New Orleans. Plus the #1 QB in the league (his and his agent's words, not mine) needs protection.
30 San Francisco 49ers DT Jerel Worthy, Michigan State
With no glaring needs, the 49ers are free to take the best player available. In this mock, it is Jerel Worthy. Mike Mayock currently has Worthy ranked as his #2 DT, so this is a high quality pick at #30.
31 New England Patriots DT Devon Still, Penn State
This is another good value pick. There are 5 possible first round DT's in this year's draft. If none of the DTs are left for New England, then I could see DE Chandler Jones going here. They added Upshaw earlier, so Still would fortify the interior of the D-line.
32 New York Giants OT Mike Adams, Ohio State
The Giants need a right tackle. Mike Adams is ready to play right now, though, as I mentioned earlier, he is weak and lazy. What could light a fire under a player's butt more than joining the reigning Super Bowl Champs?
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