Last Update: 4/09/12
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1st Round 2nd Round
2012 NFL MOCK DRAFT - ROUND 1
Pick 1, Indianapolis Colts - QB, Andrew Luck, Stanford
Indianapolis couldn't have a better opportunity to find their next Franchise Quarterback in drafting Andrew Luck. This pick is locked up, Robert Griffin said at the Combine that the Colts didn't even interview him.
Pick 2, Washington Redskins - QB, Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Now that the Redskins traded three 1st round picks and a 2nd rounder for the 2nd overall pick, it's clear the Redskins are going after their future Franchise Quarterback. The Redskins number one priority this off-season is finding a QB, and I believe they're a QB away from competing in the playoffs.
Pick 3, Minnesota Vikings - OT, Matt Kalil, USC
The Vikings had arguably the worst Offensive Line last season and possibly the worst Left Tackle (Charlie Johnson). This should be an easy pick to protect their future franchise QB Christian Ponder.
Pick 4, Cleveland Browns - RB, Trent Richardson, Alabama
After the three obvious choices are taken, the Browns will be left with multiple possibilities. They can draft the best player available (Morris Claiborne), they can take the #1 Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon. But I think they take their biggest need and draft (RB) Trent Richardson. Peyton Hillis signed with the Chiefs and the Browns have no one behind him. Cleveland also has a big need at QB, but no team should spend a top 5 pick on (QB) Ryan Tannehill with all the talent available. If the Browns like him enough, they can trade up from their 22nd to get him.
Pick 5, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB, Morris Claiborne, LSU
Not only is this the best value pick at number five, it's also a big need for the Buccaneers this off-season. Ronde Barber is 38, and Aqib Talib is dealing with legal issues. They signed Eric Wright in Free Agency, but I dont think that's enough to give themselves a chance against the pass offenses in their division.
Pick 6, St. Louis Rams - WR, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Dropping down four spots is a much more logical move for St. Louis. They received the sixth overall pick, 2 future 1st round picks, and a 2nd from Washington. And at the 6th pick, the player who they may have taken with the 2nd pick falls down to them. The Rams weren't able to sign any big name receivers in Free Agency, so taking Blackmon would be a great move giving Sam Bradford a weapon in the passing game.
Pick 7, Jacksonville Jaguars - DE, Quinton Coples, North Carolina
The Jaguars need to find a dominant pass rusher. Their best guy (DE) Jeremy Mincey had a decent season last year, and the guy opposite of him (Leger Douzable) is a Free Agent and can be upgraded. Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples are the best DE's in the draft, but Coples fits their defense better.
Pick 8, Miami Dolphins - QB, Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
Head Coach, Joe Philbin says that the team's number one priority this off-season is to find a QB. They missed out on signing Peyton Manning and they missed out on signing Matt Flynn. Drafting Tannehill will be the next best thing for Miami with Luck and Griffin going #1 and#2. If they decide not to take a QB in the 1st round, this pick can be used for either a top pass rushing OLB (Melvin Ingram) or the best Tackle available (Riley Reiff).
Pick 9, Carolina Panthers - DT, Michael Brockers, LSU
This pick will most likely be used on the best Defensive Player available which would be (DT) Michael Brockers. They also have weaknesses at Linebacker, Cornerback, and Safety.
Pick 10, Buffalo Bills - OT, Riley Reiff, Iowa
The Bills addressed one of their big needs in signing (DE) Mario Williams. Offensive Tackle is just as big of a need. Demetrius Bell is a free agent and hasn't been the answer for them. It's too hard to find a good Left Tackle in this league, so Reiff would be tough to pass up on.
Pick 11, Kansas City Chiefs - DT, Dontari Poe, Memphis
After signing (OT) Eric Winston in Free Agency, the Chiefs don't have any glaring needs. With this pick they can get younger talent at Nose Tackle (Kelly Gregg will be 36). If they like (NT) Jerrell Powe enough, this pick could also be used on (ILB) Luke Kuechly.
Pick 12, Seattle Seahawks - ILB, Luke Kuechly, Boston College
The Seahawks filled many of their needs through Free Agency, signing (QB) Matt Flynn and (DE) Jason Jones. They haven't re-signed (ILB) David Hawthorne, so drafting Luke Kuechly might be likely. If Hawthorne is re-signed, (Guard) David DeCastro is the most likely pick.
Pick 13, Arizona Cardinals - OLB, Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
The Cardinals lack a pass rush and there couldn't be a better situation than Melvin Ingram falling to them at #13. Other needs are (OG) and (OT), It would be a slight reach to take the next best Tackle (Jonathan Martin), so David DeCastro is a possibility.
Pick 14, Dallas Cowboys - OG, David DeCastro, Stanford
The Cowboys filled two big needs through Free Agency signing (CB) Brandon Carr and (ILB) Dan Connor. But they still have a big need in the interior O-Line. For the second year in a row they can take an Offensive Lineman in round one. DeCastro is said to be the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson.
Pick 15, Philadelphia Eagles - DT, Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
The Eagles have a big weak spot at Inside and Outside Linebacker but it would be a reach to take (ILB) Dont'a Hightower or (OLB) Ronnell Lewis. Right here they can take the best Defensive player available. Fletcher Cox is a quick, athletic Defensive Tackle with a lot of potential.
Pick 16, New York Jets - WR, Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
The Jets two biggest needs are at WR and OLB. Plaxico Burress won't be returning next season, and they have no one behind Santonio Holmes. Mark Sanchez just got a big contract and he'll need more weapons.
Pick 17, Cincinnati Bengals - CB, Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
The Bengals top Cornerback (Leon Hall) tore his Achilles last year and probably wont be ready for the start of the 2012 season. Their other guy (31 year old) Nate Clements had an off year and they lack depth behind him.
Pick 18, San Diego Chargers - OT, Jonathan Martin, Stanford
Going into the off-season, the Chargers biggest needs were both Tackle positions, Strong Safety, and Outside Linebacker. Through Free Agency they signed (OLB) Jarret Johnson and re-signed (OT) Jared Gaither. They lost (SS) Steve Gregory to the Patriots so Mark Barron could also be a possibility here. But Jonathan Martin is the most valuable player available and would be tough to pass up on.
Pick 19, Chicago Bears - OG/OT, Cordy Glenn, Georgia
The Bears have to go Offensive Line in this years draft. Specifically they need a new guard and Left Tackle. Cordy Glenn would be perfect because not only is he the best Left Tackle available, he's also the best Guard available.
Pick 20, Tennessee Titans - CB, Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
After losing Jason Jones in Free Agency, Defensive End was the Titans biggest need. But now that they signed a great pass rushing End in Kamerion Wimbley, they focus on Cornerback and take Stephon Gilmore.
Pick 21, Cincinnati Bengals - RB, David Wilson, Virginia Tech
Cedric Benson is getting older and Bernard Scott can't carry the full load. The Bengals can take the 2nd ranked RB in the draft with this pick and take pressure off Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.
Pick 22, Cleveland Browns - DE, Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
The Browns don't have a Defensive End opposite of Jabaal Sheard. They just signed two DE's in Free Agency (Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker), but both are backup caliber players. Upshaw is the best available pass rusher at this spot and had an outstanding Senior Bowl week.
Pick 23, Detroit Lions - CB, Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
The Lions need help in their defensive backfield. They lost (CB) Eric Wright in Free Agency, and they don't have a Strong Safety. With this pick, they can take the best defensive Back available in (CB) Janoris Jenkins.
Pick 24, Pittsburgh Steelers - ILB, Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
The Steelers have a lot of problems on the Offensive Line, but it would be a reach to take any of the Tackles or Guards. With the Steelers cutting James Farrior it's clear they will be looking for younger talent at Inside Linebacker.
Pick 25, Denver Broncos - DT, Devon Still, Penn State
The Broncos two biggest needs are Defensive Tackle and Center. Devon Still is a big and powerful athletic mover. He was once considered a top 10 pick a couple months ago but dropped because of his Combine performance.
Pick 26, Houston Texans - OLB, Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
After losing (OLB) Mario Williams through Free Agency, the Texans will have to look to add another pass rusher. Another need is the WR position opposite of Andre Johnson, so Stephen Hill is a possibility at this pick also.
Pick 27, New England Patriots - OLB, Nick Perry, USC
The Patriots need a lot of help on the front seven. Nick Perry is a versatile 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE that the Patriots are looking for. They lost Mark Anderson to the Bills in Free Agency and (32 year old) Andre Carter still hasn't been signed.
Pick 28, Green Bay Packers - OLB, Andre Branch, Clemson
Finishing the season with the worst defense, the Packers have to go defense with this pick. Branch is a great finesse pass rusher and fits well in 3-4 defense. Andre Branch would make a much better duo with Clay Matthews than Erik Walden.
Pick 29, Baltimore Ravens - WR, Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
Playing in Georgia Tech's Option offense, Hill didn't get a real shot at showing what he could do. He dominated the Combine (Has the height, speed, and leaping ability similar to Randy Moss). And GT has had recent success in rookie WR's (Demaryius Thomas and Calvin Johnson). The Ravens released Lee Evans and they dont have any depth at the position. Anquan Boldin will be 32 next season, opposite of him they have (last years 2nd round pick) Torrey Smith. The Ravens lack height at WR and Joe Flacco needs a tall deep threat weapon.
Pick 30, San Francisco 49ers - TE, Coby Fleener, Stanford
The 49ers need to surround Alex Smith with more weapons in the passing game. They brought back Ted Ginn and signed free agents Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Fleener was coached by Jim Harbaugh at Stanford from 2008-2010.
Pick 31, New England Patriots - SS, Mark Barron, Alabama
The Patriots finished the season with the 31st ranked pass defense last season. They need help at Safety and have no depth at Cornerback. The best DB available is Barron, and the Cornerback class of 2012 is much deeper than the Safety class.
Pick 32, New York Giants - OG, Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State
The Giants had one of the worst Offensive Lines last season. They could use help at both Tackle and Guard, Silatolu is the best Offensive Lineman available can plat both Guard and Tackle. (ILB) Dont'a Hightower is also a possible pick if he falls to #32.
Indianapolis couldn't have a better opportunity to find their next Franchise Quarterback in drafting Andrew Luck. This pick is locked up, Robert Griffin said at the Combine that the Colts didn't even interview him.
Pick 2, Washington Redskins - QB, Robert Griffin III, Baylor
Now that the Redskins traded three 1st round picks and a 2nd rounder for the 2nd overall pick, it's clear the Redskins are going after their future Franchise Quarterback. The Redskins number one priority this off-season is finding a QB, and I believe they're a QB away from competing in the playoffs.
Pick 3, Minnesota Vikings - OT, Matt Kalil, USC
The Vikings had arguably the worst Offensive Line last season and possibly the worst Left Tackle (Charlie Johnson). This should be an easy pick to protect their future franchise QB Christian Ponder.
Pick 4, Cleveland Browns - RB, Trent Richardson, Alabama
After the three obvious choices are taken, the Browns will be left with multiple possibilities. They can draft the best player available (Morris Claiborne), they can take the #1 Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon. But I think they take their biggest need and draft (RB) Trent Richardson. Peyton Hillis signed with the Chiefs and the Browns have no one behind him. Cleveland also has a big need at QB, but no team should spend a top 5 pick on (QB) Ryan Tannehill with all the talent available. If the Browns like him enough, they can trade up from their 22nd to get him.
Pick 5, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB, Morris Claiborne, LSU
Not only is this the best value pick at number five, it's also a big need for the Buccaneers this off-season. Ronde Barber is 38, and Aqib Talib is dealing with legal issues. They signed Eric Wright in Free Agency, but I dont think that's enough to give themselves a chance against the pass offenses in their division.
Pick 6, St. Louis Rams - WR, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Dropping down four spots is a much more logical move for St. Louis. They received the sixth overall pick, 2 future 1st round picks, and a 2nd from Washington. And at the 6th pick, the player who they may have taken with the 2nd pick falls down to them. The Rams weren't able to sign any big name receivers in Free Agency, so taking Blackmon would be a great move giving Sam Bradford a weapon in the passing game.
Pick 7, Jacksonville Jaguars - DE, Quinton Coples, North Carolina
The Jaguars need to find a dominant pass rusher. Their best guy (DE) Jeremy Mincey had a decent season last year, and the guy opposite of him (Leger Douzable) is a Free Agent and can be upgraded. Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples are the best DE's in the draft, but Coples fits their defense better.
Pick 8, Miami Dolphins - QB, Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M
Head Coach, Joe Philbin says that the team's number one priority this off-season is to find a QB. They missed out on signing Peyton Manning and they missed out on signing Matt Flynn. Drafting Tannehill will be the next best thing for Miami with Luck and Griffin going #1 and#2. If they decide not to take a QB in the 1st round, this pick can be used for either a top pass rushing OLB (Melvin Ingram) or the best Tackle available (Riley Reiff).
Pick 9, Carolina Panthers - DT, Michael Brockers, LSU
This pick will most likely be used on the best Defensive Player available which would be (DT) Michael Brockers. They also have weaknesses at Linebacker, Cornerback, and Safety.
Pick 10, Buffalo Bills - OT, Riley Reiff, Iowa
The Bills addressed one of their big needs in signing (DE) Mario Williams. Offensive Tackle is just as big of a need. Demetrius Bell is a free agent and hasn't been the answer for them. It's too hard to find a good Left Tackle in this league, so Reiff would be tough to pass up on.
Pick 11, Kansas City Chiefs - DT, Dontari Poe, Memphis
After signing (OT) Eric Winston in Free Agency, the Chiefs don't have any glaring needs. With this pick they can get younger talent at Nose Tackle (Kelly Gregg will be 36). If they like (NT) Jerrell Powe enough, this pick could also be used on (ILB) Luke Kuechly.
Pick 12, Seattle Seahawks - ILB, Luke Kuechly, Boston College
The Seahawks filled many of their needs through Free Agency, signing (QB) Matt Flynn and (DE) Jason Jones. They haven't re-signed (ILB) David Hawthorne, so drafting Luke Kuechly might be likely. If Hawthorne is re-signed, (Guard) David DeCastro is the most likely pick.
Pick 13, Arizona Cardinals - OLB, Melvin Ingram, South Carolina
The Cardinals lack a pass rush and there couldn't be a better situation than Melvin Ingram falling to them at #13. Other needs are (OG) and (OT), It would be a slight reach to take the next best Tackle (Jonathan Martin), so David DeCastro is a possibility.
Pick 14, Dallas Cowboys - OG, David DeCastro, Stanford
The Cowboys filled two big needs through Free Agency signing (CB) Brandon Carr and (ILB) Dan Connor. But they still have a big need in the interior O-Line. For the second year in a row they can take an Offensive Lineman in round one. DeCastro is said to be the best Guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson.
Pick 15, Philadelphia Eagles - DT, Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State
The Eagles have a big weak spot at Inside and Outside Linebacker but it would be a reach to take (ILB) Dont'a Hightower or (OLB) Ronnell Lewis. Right here they can take the best Defensive player available. Fletcher Cox is a quick, athletic Defensive Tackle with a lot of potential.
Pick 16, New York Jets - WR, Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
The Jets two biggest needs are at WR and OLB. Plaxico Burress won't be returning next season, and they have no one behind Santonio Holmes. Mark Sanchez just got a big contract and he'll need more weapons.
Pick 17, Cincinnati Bengals - CB, Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
The Bengals top Cornerback (Leon Hall) tore his Achilles last year and probably wont be ready for the start of the 2012 season. Their other guy (31 year old) Nate Clements had an off year and they lack depth behind him.
Pick 18, San Diego Chargers - OT, Jonathan Martin, Stanford
Going into the off-season, the Chargers biggest needs were both Tackle positions, Strong Safety, and Outside Linebacker. Through Free Agency they signed (OLB) Jarret Johnson and re-signed (OT) Jared Gaither. They lost (SS) Steve Gregory to the Patriots so Mark Barron could also be a possibility here. But Jonathan Martin is the most valuable player available and would be tough to pass up on.
Pick 19, Chicago Bears - OG/OT, Cordy Glenn, Georgia
The Bears have to go Offensive Line in this years draft. Specifically they need a new guard and Left Tackle. Cordy Glenn would be perfect because not only is he the best Left Tackle available, he's also the best Guard available.
Pick 20, Tennessee Titans - CB, Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
After losing Jason Jones in Free Agency, Defensive End was the Titans biggest need. But now that they signed a great pass rushing End in Kamerion Wimbley, they focus on Cornerback and take Stephon Gilmore.
Pick 21, Cincinnati Bengals - RB, David Wilson, Virginia Tech
Cedric Benson is getting older and Bernard Scott can't carry the full load. The Bengals can take the 2nd ranked RB in the draft with this pick and take pressure off Andy Dalton and A.J. Green.
Pick 22, Cleveland Browns - DE, Courtney Upshaw, Alabama
The Browns don't have a Defensive End opposite of Jabaal Sheard. They just signed two DE's in Free Agency (Juqua Parker and Frostee Rucker), but both are backup caliber players. Upshaw is the best available pass rusher at this spot and had an outstanding Senior Bowl week.
Pick 23, Detroit Lions - CB, Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama
The Lions need help in their defensive backfield. They lost (CB) Eric Wright in Free Agency, and they don't have a Strong Safety. With this pick, they can take the best defensive Back available in (CB) Janoris Jenkins.
Pick 24, Pittsburgh Steelers - ILB, Dont'a Hightower, Alabama
The Steelers have a lot of problems on the Offensive Line, but it would be a reach to take any of the Tackles or Guards. With the Steelers cutting James Farrior it's clear they will be looking for younger talent at Inside Linebacker.
Pick 25, Denver Broncos - DT, Devon Still, Penn State
The Broncos two biggest needs are Defensive Tackle and Center. Devon Still is a big and powerful athletic mover. He was once considered a top 10 pick a couple months ago but dropped because of his Combine performance.
Pick 26, Houston Texans - OLB, Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
After losing (OLB) Mario Williams through Free Agency, the Texans will have to look to add another pass rusher. Another need is the WR position opposite of Andre Johnson, so Stephen Hill is a possibility at this pick also.
Pick 27, New England Patriots - OLB, Nick Perry, USC
The Patriots need a lot of help on the front seven. Nick Perry is a versatile 3-4 OLB, 4-3 DE that the Patriots are looking for. They lost Mark Anderson to the Bills in Free Agency and (32 year old) Andre Carter still hasn't been signed.
Pick 28, Green Bay Packers - OLB, Andre Branch, Clemson
Finishing the season with the worst defense, the Packers have to go defense with this pick. Branch is a great finesse pass rusher and fits well in 3-4 defense. Andre Branch would make a much better duo with Clay Matthews than Erik Walden.
Pick 29, Baltimore Ravens - WR, Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech
Playing in Georgia Tech's Option offense, Hill didn't get a real shot at showing what he could do. He dominated the Combine (Has the height, speed, and leaping ability similar to Randy Moss). And GT has had recent success in rookie WR's (Demaryius Thomas and Calvin Johnson). The Ravens released Lee Evans and they dont have any depth at the position. Anquan Boldin will be 32 next season, opposite of him they have (last years 2nd round pick) Torrey Smith. The Ravens lack height at WR and Joe Flacco needs a tall deep threat weapon.
Pick 30, San Francisco 49ers - TE, Coby Fleener, Stanford
The 49ers need to surround Alex Smith with more weapons in the passing game. They brought back Ted Ginn and signed free agents Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Fleener was coached by Jim Harbaugh at Stanford from 2008-2010.
Pick 31, New England Patriots - SS, Mark Barron, Alabama
The Patriots finished the season with the 31st ranked pass defense last season. They need help at Safety and have no depth at Cornerback. The best DB available is Barron, and the Cornerback class of 2012 is much deeper than the Safety class.
Pick 32, New York Giants - OG, Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State
The Giants had one of the worst Offensive Lines last season. They could use help at both Tackle and Guard, Silatolu is the best Offensive Lineman available can plat both Guard and Tackle. (ILB) Dont'a Hightower is also a possible pick if he falls to #32.