Here is my mock draft for the NFL 2012 Draft. It is updated weekly with positions and picks redeterminted depending on results, play and prediction updates.
Let me know in the comments section what your thoughts are.
#1 - Indianapolis, Andrew Luck QB, Stanford (underclassman)
This one is done and dusted, Andrew Luck QB out of Stanford goes to the Colts so they can continue their complete domination of the AFC South - Houston, you had your chance, and Schaub went down, now enjoy another 10 years of being #2. The only question left is where will Manning be dealt?
#2 - St. Louis, Matt Kalil-Offensive Tackle, USC (underclassman)
This works out perfectly for the Rams who need to protect their star QB Sam Bradford. The only fear is Kalil will bust like 2009 2nd overall pick Jason Smith but it shouldn’t stop the Rams management from pulling the trigger on Kalil.
#3 - Minnesota, Justin Blackmon-Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
With left tackle Matt Kalil taken by the Rams this choice gets a lot easier. A lot of people have CB Morris Claiborne here but Blackmon will help last year’s first round choice Christian Ponder immensely. Hard to see them not wanting to do that, especially as it will be the fans favourite pick.
#4 Miami, Robert Griffin III-Quarterback, Baylor (underclassman)
Matt Moore came along last year but not enough for the owner who installed a new coach (Cowher, Fisher, Gruden?) to bring Miami back to the bigtime. So they go out and get Griffin who had the Cam Newton college year of 2011.
#5 Tampa Bay, Morris Claiborne-Cornerback, LSU (underclassman)
With Aqib Talib's ongoing issues, the Bucs need a corner and Claiborne is rated highly and Number#1 on the board at this point. A perfect match.
#6 Cleveland, Alshon Jeffrey-Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
So many options for Cleveland here with two #6 picks in two years. In a repeat of last year they would be tempted to trade out for a team desperate to grab Matt Barkley or Riley Reiff but instead expect them to keep the pick this time around as they try to develop talent on the offense. The mockers around the league will tell you HB Trent Richardson is the natural choice but with running backs losing their lustre I see the choice being between Barkley and Jeffrey. I’ve chosen Jeffrey as Holmgren decides to support McCoy with a big weapon rather than replace him but I also reserve the right to change this as we get closer to April.
#7 Jacksonville, Quinton Coples-Defensive End, North Carolina
While Michael Floyd was an option to help out Blaine Gabbert, in the end the Jags realise they have to rush the pass against Schaub and Manning/Luck so they go with the beast from NC. Although with a new owner and coach anything here is possible, especially as rumour has it GM Gene Smith was happy to take Ben Roethlisberger only a year after Jacksonville drafted Byron Leftwich – Matt Berkley anyone?
#8 Washington, Matt Barkley-Quarterback, USC (underclassman)
And the Redskins get their man amazingly at Number#8. Shanahan was thinking of trading up but when Barkley and Jones stayed on the board he knew he could sit tight and finally answer the big problem under centre in Washington.
#9 Buffalo, Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia (underclassman)
The Bills badly need a push rusher but could also look at OT's Riley Reiff & Jonathan Martin or WR Michael Floyd here. In the end they take Jarvis Jones who fits the Bills big stereotype but also gives the Bills their pass rush.
#10 Carolina TRADE with #12 Seattle, Landry Jones-Quarterback, Oklahoma (underclassman) for 1st and 3 round picks
Carolina really wanted a receiver or a linebacker but didn't want to reach, instead Seattle make a bold move and pick up a big QB in Jones, and leave Kansas City looking to trade with the Colts for Luck.
#11 Kansas City, Riley Reiff-Offensive Tackle, Iowa (underclassman)
They wanted an O-Line but also were keen on a QB, now the Carolina-Seattle trade has put that decision out of their hands and they get an absolute steal in Reiff.
#12 - Carolina (from Seattle), Courtney Upshaw-Outside Linebacker, Alabama
Carolina took a chance with their trade and decide to shy away from a need at WR to help their transition to the 3-4 by picking up Upshaw who will be able to rush big name passes Ryan, Brees and Freeman. Zach Brown is the alternative who’s stock is rising.
#13 - Cincinnati (from Oakland), Jonathan Martin-Offensive Tackle, Stanford (underclassman)
Cincy looked at ILB's but in the end thought they could get better value here. While dropping in value recently he is a pretty good choice for a team still looking for the next Anthony Munoz.
#14 - Arizona, Michael Floyd-Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
They just missed out on protecting their new QB in Kevin Kolb (or should that be John Skelton)in tackles Reiff and Martin so the options are wide-spread in helping their defense (Zach Brown or Luke Kuechly) or getting RB or WR help. Trent Richardson must be a temptation here for a team that hasn’t had a decent run game in years but in the end the lure of Michael Floyd opposite Larry Fitzgerald wins out. Guard David DeCastro is another option here.
#15 - Dallas, Dre Kirkpatrick-Cornerback, Alabama (underclassman)
They may prefer someone in the front seven but the reality is Dallas’s secondary needs help and Kirkpatrick is as good as anyone at this point in the draft.
#16 - Philadephia, Jerel Worthy-Defensive Tackle, Michigan State (underclassman)
This is a tough call, the Eagles after dumping Andy Reid want to get a whole lot bigger across the front 7 and ILB is their biggest need but Worthy is perhaps more worthy at the 16th pick overall and he can play either 3-4 or 4-3 so he gets the nod here over Luke Kuechly and Manti Te’o.
#17 - Tennessee, Zach Brown-Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
Tennessee went out to get their offensive guy last year and now they are looking at defense. Despite a need to give Locker a target not named Kenny Britt, the Titans look to get fierce on D first and pick up Zach Brown who will rush off the edge in their 4-3.
#18 - Detroit, Manti Te’o-Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame (underclassman)
Detroit should go for an offensive lineman or corner back but they want to continue to get bigger up front and this pick will complement their front 4.
#19 - San Diego, Donta’ Hightower-Inside Linebacker, Alabama (underclassman)
This is a tough choice for the Chargers that need help in the pass rush but also have an aging secondary. Some mockers will have you believe they will improve their horrible O-Line but a new coach might prefer someone with a bit of flair and go for Hightower who could play outside or inside depending on if the Chargers change to a 4-3 or stay with 3-4.
#20 - Cincinnati, Janoris Jenkins-Cornerback, North Alabama
The Bengals get two picks in the first round and use their second to sure up their secondary. Jenkins is a top 10 pick that has off field issues. The Bengals have a history of taking guys regardless and should lap this up.
#21 - NY Giants, Trent Richardson-Halfback, Alabama (underclassman)
It's not really working out for the Giants in the run game and this is an area they usually excel at. Considering Jerry Reese almost exclusively takes the BPA then this is an easy choice.
#22 - Chicago, David DeCastro-Offensive Guard, Stanford (underclassman)
The Bears need help on the OLine and despite a desire to continue to add to their crushing defense they do the right thing here and take the number 1 guard left on the board.
#23 - Houston, Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis
A few weeks ago we had this pick quoted as “from out of nowhere” but now mockers are jumping on board. We have the Texans picking earlier than most after the Schaub injury but as they need a big NT, Poe could still be the man here over higher ranked OL, WR and CB options that could also fill a need.
#24 - Denver, Peter Konz-Offensive Center, Wisconsin (underclassman)
The Broncos need help at Offensive Line and decide to go with Konz here and address the receiver needs later on.
#25 – NY Jets, Cordy Glenn-Offensive Guard, Georgia
The Jets need depth on the O-Line despite the fact that both DB’s and DL’s are available here we have them taking Glenn… for the time being. Chase Minnifield who doubles as a CB and KR could also be an option here.
#26 – San Francisco, Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska
This is a pretty easy option for the Niners as Dennard is BPA and they have issues at corner although there is more and more of a push for Kendall Wright who will climb draft boards as we get closer to April.
#27 - Cleveland (from Atlanta), Luke Kuechly-Inside Linebacker, Boston College (underclassman)
Apparently the Browns are looking for an ILB. On some boards Kuechly is the top pick here while others may argue for Vontaze Burfact who has character issues, we will stick with the Boston College product.
#28 - New England, Mark Barron-Strong Safety, Alabama
Normally the Pats would trade their picks away but this year they need to fill a number of needs and may hang onto them. Secondary is definitely one area of need, they may prefer CB Chase Minnifield here but we'll go with the man slightly higher on our board in SS Barron.
#29 - New England (from New Orleans), Brandon Thompson-Defensive Tackle, Clemson
This one worked out well for the Pats who need help at DL and Thompson is one of the best players still available, we thought about Devon Still but have a feeling Thompson is more of the New England prototype. Although with 2 consecutive picks the Pats could just as easily trade this away.
#30 - Pittsburgh, Mike Adams-Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
Pittsburgh seem to always win despite picking near the end of the pile. Why? Is it easier to wait for other teams to make mistakes and then have your pick of the remaining litter? There are 3 clear options here that are all winners in ILB Vontaze Burfict or DE/DT Devon Still but with O-Line still needing help they could get a long term answer at LT with Adams.
#31 - Baltimore, Vontaze Burflict-Inside Linebacker, Arizona State
Like almost all mockers out there, we here at mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com are sure that the Ravens will look for a long-term replacement for Ray Lewis when it is finally time, the mockers only difference is between Donta Hightower and Burflict. As Hightower is long gone on our mock we predict Burflict. That is unless they go for a DE in Devon Still or Jared Crick instead.
#32 - Green Bay, Devon Still-Defensive Tackle, Penn State
It is out of him and RB Lamar Millar. Well, not really but the Packers generally take BPA and it is more than often successful so why not take Still, a clear first round choice?
Let me know in the comments section what your thoughts are.
#1 - Indianapolis, Andrew Luck QB, Stanford (underclassman)
This one is done and dusted, Andrew Luck QB out of Stanford goes to the Colts so they can continue their complete domination of the AFC South - Houston, you had your chance, and Schaub went down, now enjoy another 10 years of being #2. The only question left is where will Manning be dealt?
#2 - St. Louis, Matt Kalil-Offensive Tackle, USC (underclassman)
This works out perfectly for the Rams who need to protect their star QB Sam Bradford. The only fear is Kalil will bust like 2009 2nd overall pick Jason Smith but it shouldn’t stop the Rams management from pulling the trigger on Kalil.
#3 - Minnesota, Justin Blackmon-Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
With left tackle Matt Kalil taken by the Rams this choice gets a lot easier. A lot of people have CB Morris Claiborne here but Blackmon will help last year’s first round choice Christian Ponder immensely. Hard to see them not wanting to do that, especially as it will be the fans favourite pick.
#4 Miami, Robert Griffin III-Quarterback, Baylor (underclassman)
Matt Moore came along last year but not enough for the owner who installed a new coach (Cowher, Fisher, Gruden?) to bring Miami back to the bigtime. So they go out and get Griffin who had the Cam Newton college year of 2011.
#5 Tampa Bay, Morris Claiborne-Cornerback, LSU (underclassman)
With Aqib Talib's ongoing issues, the Bucs need a corner and Claiborne is rated highly and Number#1 on the board at this point. A perfect match.
#6 Cleveland, Alshon Jeffrey-Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
So many options for Cleveland here with two #6 picks in two years. In a repeat of last year they would be tempted to trade out for a team desperate to grab Matt Barkley or Riley Reiff but instead expect them to keep the pick this time around as they try to develop talent on the offense. The mockers around the league will tell you HB Trent Richardson is the natural choice but with running backs losing their lustre I see the choice being between Barkley and Jeffrey. I’ve chosen Jeffrey as Holmgren decides to support McCoy with a big weapon rather than replace him but I also reserve the right to change this as we get closer to April.
#7 Jacksonville, Quinton Coples-Defensive End, North Carolina
While Michael Floyd was an option to help out Blaine Gabbert, in the end the Jags realise they have to rush the pass against Schaub and Manning/Luck so they go with the beast from NC. Although with a new owner and coach anything here is possible, especially as rumour has it GM Gene Smith was happy to take Ben Roethlisberger only a year after Jacksonville drafted Byron Leftwich – Matt Berkley anyone?
#8 Washington, Matt Barkley-Quarterback, USC (underclassman)
And the Redskins get their man amazingly at Number#8. Shanahan was thinking of trading up but when Barkley and Jones stayed on the board he knew he could sit tight and finally answer the big problem under centre in Washington.
#9 Buffalo, Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia (underclassman)
The Bills badly need a push rusher but could also look at OT's Riley Reiff & Jonathan Martin or WR Michael Floyd here. In the end they take Jarvis Jones who fits the Bills big stereotype but also gives the Bills their pass rush.
#10 Carolina TRADE with #12 Seattle, Landry Jones-Quarterback, Oklahoma (underclassman) for 1st and 3 round picks
Carolina really wanted a receiver or a linebacker but didn't want to reach, instead Seattle make a bold move and pick up a big QB in Jones, and leave Kansas City looking to trade with the Colts for Luck.
#11 Kansas City, Riley Reiff-Offensive Tackle, Iowa (underclassman)
They wanted an O-Line but also were keen on a QB, now the Carolina-Seattle trade has put that decision out of their hands and they get an absolute steal in Reiff.
#12 - Carolina (from Seattle), Courtney Upshaw-Outside Linebacker, Alabama
Carolina took a chance with their trade and decide to shy away from a need at WR to help their transition to the 3-4 by picking up Upshaw who will be able to rush big name passes Ryan, Brees and Freeman. Zach Brown is the alternative who’s stock is rising.
#13 - Cincinnati (from Oakland), Jonathan Martin-Offensive Tackle, Stanford (underclassman)
Cincy looked at ILB's but in the end thought they could get better value here. While dropping in value recently he is a pretty good choice for a team still looking for the next Anthony Munoz.
#14 - Arizona, Michael Floyd-Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
They just missed out on protecting their new QB in Kevin Kolb (or should that be John Skelton)in tackles Reiff and Martin so the options are wide-spread in helping their defense (Zach Brown or Luke Kuechly) or getting RB or WR help. Trent Richardson must be a temptation here for a team that hasn’t had a decent run game in years but in the end the lure of Michael Floyd opposite Larry Fitzgerald wins out. Guard David DeCastro is another option here.
#15 - Dallas, Dre Kirkpatrick-Cornerback, Alabama (underclassman)
They may prefer someone in the front seven but the reality is Dallas’s secondary needs help and Kirkpatrick is as good as anyone at this point in the draft.
#16 - Philadephia, Jerel Worthy-Defensive Tackle, Michigan State (underclassman)
This is a tough call, the Eagles after dumping Andy Reid want to get a whole lot bigger across the front 7 and ILB is their biggest need but Worthy is perhaps more worthy at the 16th pick overall and he can play either 3-4 or 4-3 so he gets the nod here over Luke Kuechly and Manti Te’o.
#17 - Tennessee, Zach Brown-Outside Linebacker, North Carolina
Tennessee went out to get their offensive guy last year and now they are looking at defense. Despite a need to give Locker a target not named Kenny Britt, the Titans look to get fierce on D first and pick up Zach Brown who will rush off the edge in their 4-3.
#18 - Detroit, Manti Te’o-Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame (underclassman)
Detroit should go for an offensive lineman or corner back but they want to continue to get bigger up front and this pick will complement their front 4.
#19 - San Diego, Donta’ Hightower-Inside Linebacker, Alabama (underclassman)
This is a tough choice for the Chargers that need help in the pass rush but also have an aging secondary. Some mockers will have you believe they will improve their horrible O-Line but a new coach might prefer someone with a bit of flair and go for Hightower who could play outside or inside depending on if the Chargers change to a 4-3 or stay with 3-4.
#20 - Cincinnati, Janoris Jenkins-Cornerback, North Alabama
The Bengals get two picks in the first round and use their second to sure up their secondary. Jenkins is a top 10 pick that has off field issues. The Bengals have a history of taking guys regardless and should lap this up.
#21 - NY Giants, Trent Richardson-Halfback, Alabama (underclassman)
It's not really working out for the Giants in the run game and this is an area they usually excel at. Considering Jerry Reese almost exclusively takes the BPA then this is an easy choice.
#22 - Chicago, David DeCastro-Offensive Guard, Stanford (underclassman)
The Bears need help on the OLine and despite a desire to continue to add to their crushing defense they do the right thing here and take the number 1 guard left on the board.
#23 - Houston, Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, Memphis
A few weeks ago we had this pick quoted as “from out of nowhere” but now mockers are jumping on board. We have the Texans picking earlier than most after the Schaub injury but as they need a big NT, Poe could still be the man here over higher ranked OL, WR and CB options that could also fill a need.
#24 - Denver, Peter Konz-Offensive Center, Wisconsin (underclassman)
The Broncos need help at Offensive Line and decide to go with Konz here and address the receiver needs later on.
#25 – NY Jets, Cordy Glenn-Offensive Guard, Georgia
The Jets need depth on the O-Line despite the fact that both DB’s and DL’s are available here we have them taking Glenn… for the time being. Chase Minnifield who doubles as a CB and KR could also be an option here.
#26 – San Francisco, Alfonzo Dennard, Cornerback, Nebraska
This is a pretty easy option for the Niners as Dennard is BPA and they have issues at corner although there is more and more of a push for Kendall Wright who will climb draft boards as we get closer to April.
#27 - Cleveland (from Atlanta), Luke Kuechly-Inside Linebacker, Boston College (underclassman)
Apparently the Browns are looking for an ILB. On some boards Kuechly is the top pick here while others may argue for Vontaze Burfact who has character issues, we will stick with the Boston College product.
#28 - New England, Mark Barron-Strong Safety, Alabama
Normally the Pats would trade their picks away but this year they need to fill a number of needs and may hang onto them. Secondary is definitely one area of need, they may prefer CB Chase Minnifield here but we'll go with the man slightly higher on our board in SS Barron.
#29 - New England (from New Orleans), Brandon Thompson-Defensive Tackle, Clemson
This one worked out well for the Pats who need help at DL and Thompson is one of the best players still available, we thought about Devon Still but have a feeling Thompson is more of the New England prototype. Although with 2 consecutive picks the Pats could just as easily trade this away.
#30 - Pittsburgh, Mike Adams-Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
Pittsburgh seem to always win despite picking near the end of the pile. Why? Is it easier to wait for other teams to make mistakes and then have your pick of the remaining litter? There are 3 clear options here that are all winners in ILB Vontaze Burfict or DE/DT Devon Still but with O-Line still needing help they could get a long term answer at LT with Adams.
#31 - Baltimore, Vontaze Burflict-Inside Linebacker, Arizona State
Like almost all mockers out there, we here at mocknfldrafts.blogspot.com are sure that the Ravens will look for a long-term replacement for Ray Lewis when it is finally time, the mockers only difference is between Donta Hightower and Burflict. As Hightower is long gone on our mock we predict Burflict. That is unless they go for a DE in Devon Still or Jared Crick instead.
#32 - Green Bay, Devon Still-Defensive Tackle, Penn State
It is out of him and RB Lamar Millar. Well, not really but the Packers generally take BPA and it is more than often successful so why not take Still, a clear first round choice?
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