NFL Draft 2012 Mock Version 3.0 – April 16th 2012

by UK American Sports Fans

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With just one week left until the most exciting event of the offseason, and with many players’ draft stocks rising and falling every day, here’s my final complete 2 round mock draft. Feel free to comment on, disagree and berate me for the picks I make!!

(I won’t mock any unconfirmed trades in this draft, as there could be lots of them due to the new rookie wage scale, which reduces financial risk for teams picking higher.)

Round 1

  1. 1. Indianapolis Colts – ANDREW LUCK – QB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

There has been some buzz about Robert Griffin tempting the Colts into a surprise change of mind, but after Jim Irsay and co. have done their due diligence on both of the prospects, they should settle on the most NFL-ready college QB to come out of the draft in the past 5 years.

  1. 2. St Louis Rams – CONFIRMED TRADE – Washington Redskins – ROBERT GRIFFIN III – QB

(Washington give to St Louis: 2012 1st, 2nd, 2013 1st, 2014 1st)

(Previous Pick: No Change)

I have been saying this trade would happen for weeks, and it works brilliantly for both teams, with Washington putting themselves in a position to draft their franchise QB for the next 10+ years, and it gives the Rams some great picks to rebuild their franchise, while not slipping down too far this year. I don’t think the price was too much, as it’s not very often that a prospect like RG3 comes along.

  1. 3. Minnesota Vikings – MATT KALIL – OT

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Some whispers have surfaced that the Vikes may select CB Morris Claiborne here or trade the pick away for someone looking to trade up for Ryan Tannehill, but Kalil is by far the best prospect at LT in this draft, and if the Vikings want to make sure that Christian Ponder’s initial promise isn’t wasted, they will have to protect him, and give him weapons. That process starts here by selecting the man from USC to protect Ponder’s blindside.

  1. 4. Cleveland Browns – TRENT RICHARDSON – RB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Browns tried and failed to attract a QB to Cleveland, so the next best thing is to totally revamp the stagnant offense, and that starts with one of the best RB prospects in years, which allows Brad Childress to take the pressure off of Colt McCoy a little with the offensive strategy. No doubt the Browns will add to their WR corps later in the draft, where some good value will be found, so they’re giving McCoy the biggest chance they can to succeed. There have been confirmed reports that the Browns have been contacted by at least 4 teams interested in trading up for this pick, but it could be one of many draft day moves come April 26th.

  1. 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – MORRIS CLAIBORNE – CB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Bucs have a real need at CB, and it just so happens that the best player on the board at this stage is LSU corner Claiborne, with Aquib Talib possibly ending up in jail and Ronde Barber being of an age too large to speak of, even though he has re-signed for another year, Tampa get a corner that can anchor their leaky defense.

  1. 6. Washington Redskins – CONFIRMED TRADE – St Louis Rams – JUSTIN BLACKMON – WR

(Previous Pick: No Change)

It is more than possible that Blackmon will be waiting here for the Rams, and if he is, they will not hesitate at snapping up a legitimate number one target for Sam Bradford, especially after the departure of Brandon Lloyd to the Patriots, even though many NFL GM’s do not see Blackmon as an ‘elite’ talent.

  1. 7. Jacksonville Jaguars – MICHAEL FLOYD – WR

(Previous Pick: No Change)

If the Jags are going give Blaine Gabbert any chance whatsoever of not being a colossal bust, they HAVE to give him a big, number one target, they can address the pass rush issue in round 2. Michael Floyd could end up being the best receiver in the 2012 class, and this would make too much sense for the Jaguars to pass up on him. Their defense wasn’t the issue last year, their offense was. The addition of Laurent Robinson in free agency is just as a number two target, but Floyd, Robinson and Mike Thomas is a decent WR corps for Gabbert to try and succeed, or for Chad Henne to pick up the pieces with.

  1. 8. Miami Dolphins – RYAN TANNEHILL – QB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Dolphins have made a right *insert abusive comment here* of free agency, failing to get the franchise QB that they so desperately wanted/needed, so they simply have to draft Ryan Tannehill. It will probably mean trading up to 3 or 4 get him, but as of now, I can’t see the Dolphins passing on him, especially with the new competition to trade for for earlier picks.

  1. 9. Carolina Panthers – FLETCHER COX – DT

(Previous Pick: Dontari Poe – DT)

The buzz about Fletcher Cox has been huge, and coupled with the concerns over Dontari Poe’s tape, he seems to now be the consensus number one DT in the 2012 draft class. The Panthers desperately need to fill the gaping hole in the middle of their defense, and Cox could be the man in Carolina. I think the Panthers might trade this pick though.

  1. 10. Buffalo Bills – RILEY REIFF – OT

(Previous Pick: No Change)

With the signings of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson as pass rushers, DE takes a back seat on the list of Priorities for the Bills, and solidifying their O-line becomes a lot more important. Reiff is a legitimate top 10 prospect, and worries about his ‘short arms’ probably won’t stop him being picked in the top 10. Demetrius Bell didn’t re-sign, so this is an instant plug and play replacement.

  1. 11. Kansas City Chiefs – DAVID DECASTRO – G

(Previous Pick: Luke Kuechly – ILB)

A Guard at 11? Yep, mainly because DeCastro could possibly be the best Guard to come out of college since Steve Hutchinson. The Chiefs sorted their RT problem with the signing of Eric Winston, and signed Stanford Routt to replace Brandon Carr at CB, so there aren’t really any glaring needs, but the Chiefs do need to solidify their offensive line so that Matt Cassel has time to find Dwayne Bowe more, and so that the potentially ridiculous RB tandem of Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis get some running lanes.

  1. 12. Seattle Seahawks – LUKE KUECHLY – ILB

(Previous Pick: Quinton Coples – DE)

The Seahawks locked up Red Bryant at DE, so getting more pass rush may no longer be their no. 1 priority, and are fortunate to see the highest rated LB fall to them at 12. Kuechly wowed everyone at the combine and his pro day with fantastic athleticism, and matched with his great tape, he is a legitimate top 15 pick. After losing David Hawthorne, the best ILB in the draft would be a very nice replacement for Pete Carroll’s new-look Seahawks (Nice uniforms by the way!)

  1. 13. Arizona Cardinals – MELVIN INGRAM – OLB/DE

(Previous Pick: David DeCastro – G)

Arizona’s main needs read as following: RT, RG, C, LT, LG (in any order you like). Cordy Glenn’s versatility would fill a couple of holes on that offensive line, but the Cards nearly ALWAYS stick to their draft board and remain faithful to the best player available. In this case, it looks like being Melvin Ingram, who would be a good fit rushing off the edge in the 3-4.

  1. 14. Dallas Cowboys – MARK BARRON – S

(Previous Pick: No Change)

With DeCastro off the board, the Cowboys have to look at their secondary. They’ve added Brandon Carr at CB, and Brodney Pool at Safety, but the best talent on the board is an upgrade on anyone else Dallas has at S. When Jerry Jones questions the talent level on defense, you know what the draft strategy is going to be. And by the way, Jason Garrett’s only visit this offseason was to Alabama. Barron is the consensus #1 safety in this draft, and will be a great pickup for a defense needing quality and leadership.

  1. 15. Philadelphia Eagles – DONTARI POE – DT

(Previous Pick: Fletcher Cox – DT)

Andy Reid loves having talented players on his defensive line, and even though some are questioning the tape on Poe, he can join a talented DT rotation in Philadelphia. Let’s be honest, a guy his size with his athletic ability has to be a first round talent, even if he will need some coaching. He has great potential as the second coming of Vince Wilfork, and would be a great addition for a team looking to challenge this year, and in years to come.

  1. 16. New York Jets – COURTNEY UPSHAW – DE/OLB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Experience in the 3-4, natural pass-rush ability and a graduate of the Alabama defense. Rex Ryan will be happy if Upshaw is available at 16, as Bryan Thomas has torn his Achilles. This represents a big upgrade for the Jets, and will be a good pick for a team needing a young pass rusher. The concerns over what position Upshaw can actually play in the NFL will make him slip on draft day, but it won’t matter too much to Ryan, as he will appreciate the hard-nosed, high motor approach of a player who has too much talent to pass on.

  1. 17. Cincinnati Bengals – DRE KIRKPATRICK – CB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

With the first of the consensus top corners already gone, the Bengals will look to shore up their secondary quickly, and with the best player left on the board. A lot has been made of Kirkpatrick’s arrest for pot possession, but the Bengals probably won’t care enough not to select him.

  1. 18. San Diego Chargers – WHITNEY MERCILUS – DE/OLB

(Previous Pick: Melvin Ingram – OLB/DE)

The Chargers’ front office said they’ll go after pass rush, and for once, I believe them. Mercilus is the best player available at this spot after Ingram and Upshaw have both gone, and at 18, its great value for San Diego. He’s a massive talent upgrade for the San Diego defense, and might help them to finally get teams off the field on 3rd down!

  1. 19. Chicago Bears – QUINTON COPLES – DE

(Previous Pick: Jonathan Martin – OT)

The Bears have a lot of options with this pick, but Coples falling to 19 is something they will be more than tempted to take advantage of. They already have another pretty good DE from North Carolina in Julius Peppers who could act as a mentor for Coples whose work ethic and motor have been questioned in the run up to the draft. This pick could lead to Aaron Rodgers having nightmares in the NFC North.

  1. 20. Tennessee Titans – MICHAEL BROCKERS – DT

(Previous Pick: Whitney Mercilus – DE/OLB)

Mike Munchak said that he wouldn’t draft an offensive lineman with this pick, and even though Kamerion Wimbley has just signed in Tennessee, both lines still need some work. I’ll hold Munchak to his word and give the Titans the best interior defensive player on the board, so that they can create more pressure up the middle to give Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan a better chance of causing chaos around the outside.

  1. 21. Cincinnati Bengals – KENDALL WRIGHT – WR

(Previous Pick: No Change)

I hope you’ve all gotten over the somersault by now, because receiver Jerome Simpson’s recent drugs arrest (again) has given the Bengals the perfect excuse not to sign him up, and get an inconsistent, often troubling player off the roster. In Kendall Wright, they find a potentially more consistent, more explosive option to put on AJ Green’s opposite side. Andy Dalton is smiling.

  1. 22. Cleveland Browns – JONATHAN MARTIN – OT

(Previous Pick: Mike Adams – OT)

The Browns desperately need to get some weapons for Colt McCoy, and with Kendall Wright getting snapped up by their divisional rivals, it could force Cleveland to reach for a WR to fulfil this need. However, they will feel that there will still be talent left where they pick in round 2, so why not solidify the offensive line that their new franchise RB will play behind, Jonathan Martin is the best tackle available at this point.

  1. 23. Detroit Lions – STEPHON GILMORE – CB

(Previous Pick: Janoris Jenkins)

The Lions have gone to a lot of trouble to research whether Janoris Jenkins is worthy of this pick, and the more they look, the more talent they will see, but I still think they’ll err on the side of caution with Gilmore. As the 3rd CB off the board at 23, his athleticism and ball skills are as solid as you would expect and he will improve the Detroit defense.

  1. 24. Pittsburgh Steelers – DONT’A HIGHTOWER – ILB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Steelers need to get younger on defense, and quick. James Farrior has gone and Larry Foote may not be back with the cap problems in Pittsburgh, so they will need to add depth at least. Hightower was impressive in Alabama, and is a nightmare to run against, a pre-requisite of a Steeler defender, and has shown ability to play in coverage. This could be a great pick for a franchise that needs a few of them.

  1. 25. Denver Broncos – DEVON STILL – DT

(Previous Pick: Michael Brockers – DT)

The Broncos really needed an interior presence on their defense, and it showed in the playoffs where the Patriots neutralised their edge rush, and steamrolled Tebow’s troops. Still is the best player on the board at this position, and would be a great fit in Denver.

  1. 26. Houston Texans – STEPHEN HILL – WR

(Previous Pick: Reuben Randle – WR)

Houston has said that they will take the best receiver available at this point, so say hello to Stephen Hill. A great combine and a phenomenal pro day seems to have dismissed concerns of a lack of experience in a pro-style offense, and with Andre Johnson turning 31 soon, the Texans will be looking to make contingency plans for the future. This guy’s upside could be ridiculous.

  1. 27. New England Patriots – NICK PERRY – DE/OLB

(Previous Pick: Devon Still – DT)

I had the Pats taking Perry at 31 in my previous mock, but his visit to Foxboro serves to tell me that the Pats won’t hesitate on making the investment if Perry is still on the board at 27. He has the size and speed that Bill Belichick likes in his pass rushers, and with the departure of Mark Anderson, it is an area that New England will certainly be looking to improve in.

  1. 28. Green Bay Packers – HARRISON SMITH – S

(Previous Pick: Andre Branch – DE/OLB)

The Packers really need secondary help, especially with Nick Collins’ injury problems, so they could go for Harrison Smith at Safety, even though it seems a reach, as the safety class this year is very thin.

  1. 29. Baltimore Ravens – PETER KONZ – C

(Previous Pick: Cordy Glenn – G/OT)

With the departure of Ben Grubbs and with Bryant McKinnie being 33 and Matt Birk coming to the end of a great career, the Ravens need to bolster their offensive line to make sure that Ray Rice keeps running over teams, and that Joe Flacco gets time to throw. Konz can play at guard to replace Grubbs and grow into the NFL until the time comes for him to take over in the center position.

  1. 30. San Francisco 49’ers – CORDY GLENN – G/OT

(Previous Pick: Stephen Hill – WR)

The Niners have done extremely well in free agency, with Randy Moss and Mario Manningham sorting their WR needs for the near future, and managing to sign on all eleven defensive starters from last year. The one place where they need to upgrade is the offensive line, and Glenn is a versatile top 20 talent available at 30, and a talent that the 49’ers office will be pleased to take here.

  1. 31. New England Patriots – JEREL WORTHY – DT

(Previous Pick: Nick Perry – DE/OLB)

I’m pretty sure that the Pats will trade out of this spot with someone who wants to jump up for Janoris Jenkins, who, despite his character concerns, has real talent that he can put to use in the NFL. However, if the Patriots choose to keep this selection, I think that their defensive line needs more depth and quality, something Jerel Worthy can certainly provide.

  1. 32. New York Giants – MIKE ADAMS – OT

(Previous Pick: Coby Fleener – TE)

The Giants’ draft philosophy will probably be to simply pick the best player left on the board. And happily enough for Jerry Reese and his crew, the best player happens to fill a bit of a need. Mike Adams provides the Giants with a ready-made replacement for David Diehl, who is 32 and Kareem McKenzie who wasn’t retained.

ROUND 2

  1. 33. St Louis Rams – JANORIS JENKINS – CB

(Previous Pick: Stephon Gilmore – CB)

The Rams have lots of picks in the first 2 rounds and that’s a very good thing as they have so many areas to improve. This guy is just too good not to take a chance on, and I even feel that he’s the 2nd best DB in the draft. The character concerns have been hugely overblown, and Jeff Fisher will be getting a premier player for a defense in need of one.

  1. 34. Indianapolis Colts – COBY FLEENER – TE

(Previous Pick: Alfonzo Dennard – CB)

The Colts have Luck, so why not pair him with a familiar weapon? Fleener is the best TE in the draft, and his rapport with luck should help him get going from day 1.

  1. 35. Minnesota Vikings – BRANDON TAYLOR – S

(Previous Pick: Harrison Smith – S)

This is early for Taylor, but considering how poor the safeties are in the draft this year, the good ones will inevitably be taken earlier than they should. It could turn out to be an excellent move for Minnesota who are so desperate for help in the secondary.

  1. 36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – DOUG MARTIN – RB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Due to LeGarrette Blount’s inability to help in the passing game, the Bucs will need to get an explosive threat out of the backfield, and possibly to eventually replace Blount. Martin is the best runner available at this point and represents good value in a RB class that I feel is underrated.

  1. 37. Cleveland Browns – ALSHON JEFFERY – WR

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Like I said earlier, the Browns knew there would be some talent at WR waiting for them here, and the 6’4’ Jeffery is a talented player sure enough, despite character issues. He provides a good focal point for the passing attack, and allows Greg Little to be more effective as a number 2.

  1. 38. Jacksonville Jaguars – VINNY CURRY – DE/OLB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Despite the emergence of Jeremy Mincey as a pass rusher, the Jaguars still need some help in that department. Vinny Curry is a small school prospect who may turn out to be a gem after still producing good numbers through a season of being double teamed.

  1. 39. Washington Redskins – TRADE – St Louis Rams – KENDALL REYES – DT

(Previous Pick: Kelechi Osemele – G/T)

The Rams sit pretty at the top of the 2nd round with 2 picks in the first 7, and they upgrade their defense with both. Reyes is a solid talent who could become an instant starter in St Louis.

  1. 40. Carolina Panthers – JAYRON HOSLEY – CB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Carolina desperately needed a corner, and are lucky to find Hosley waiting here for them. The defender’s stock rose after the combine, and the Panthers would snap him up at 40.

  1. 41. Buffalo Bills – SHEA MCLELLIN – OLB

(Previous Pick: Ronnell Lewis – OLB)

After solidifying the front of the defense, and pass rush, the Bills need to add a third linebacker, and with the versatile Shea McLellin sat here, the Bills pick up an athletic playmaking OLB who could take the defense to the very top level.

  1. 42. Miami Dolphins – ANDRE BRANCH – OLB/DE

(Previous Pick: Jerel Worthy – DT)

Miami need to get Cameron Wake some help on the other side in a division with Tom Brady running things. Branch’s speed, size and versatility make him a great fit for Joe Philbin’s hybrid 3-4, 4-3 defense.

  1. 43. Seattle Seahawks – CHANDLER JONES – DE/OLB

(Previous Pick: Mychal Kendricks – ILB)

Locking up Red Bryant was huge for Seattle, but it didn’t solve their pass rush issues. Jones is a possible day 1 starter who has the talent to make an immediate impact off the edge, and someone who has the ability to play in both the 3-4 and 4-3

  1. 44. Kansas City Chiefs – BRANDON THOMPSON – DT

(Previous Pick: Peter Konz – C)

The Chiefs are in a great position where they can just take the best player available as their roster is excellent. However, they may not have much faith in 6th round pick Jerrell Powe at DT, so they could look to beef up at that position.

  1. 45. Dallas Cowboys – BRANDON BOYKIN – CB

(Previous Pick: Kendall Reyes – DT)

They Cowboys need to build strength in their defense, and add talent to their secondary. Boykin is probably the best defensive player left at this stage, so the Cowboys would be wise to stock up.

  1. 46. Philadelphia Eagles – ALFONZO DENNARD – CB

(Previous Pick: Trumaine Johnson – CB/S)

The Eagles need to replace Asante Samuel, assuming he is traded, and need to put some pressure on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to make sure he reaches his potential. Dennard has the potential to be a very good corner in the NFL and will help the Eagles.

  1. 47. New York Jets – DAVID WILSON – RB

(Previous Pick: Zebrie Sanders – OT)

The Jets look like they’re going back to the old school ‘ground n pound’ offense, and with Shonn Greene’s injury issues and LT being close to the end of his career, a high class runner here would make a lot of sense, and the best RB left on the board is Wilson.

  1. 48. New England Patriots – KEVIN ZEITLER – G/C

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Patriots’ interior offensve line is ageing, and with Zeitler, they get versatility, youth and genuine talent to nurture behind the experienced quality of the New England offensive line.

  1. 49. San Diego Chargers – AMINI SILATOLU – G/OT

(Previous Pick: James Brown – G/OT)

The Chargers need to protect Philip Rivers at all costs, so the offensive line is an excellent place to bolster.

  1. 50. Chicago Bears – REUBEN RANDLE – WR

(Previous Pick: Mohamed Sanu – WR)

Just because the Bears signed Brandon Marshall, doesn’t mean their WR corps doesn’t need any more help. Randle here is great value and could become a good possession receiver for Jay Cutler in the NFL.

  1. 51. Philadelphia Eagles – LAVONTE DAVID – OLB

(Previous Pick: George Iloka – S)

Philadelphia need to get some linebackers, and whether Andy Reid likes that or not is irrelevant. David is the best player available at that position.

  1. 52. Tennessee Titans – RONNELL LEWIS – OLB/DE

(Previous Pick: Philip Blake – C)

Even though the Titans signed Kamerion Wimbley, they still need help at rush linebacker and defensive end. Lewis is a high motor player who has pass rush ability from both positions.

  1. 53. Cincinnati Bengals – LAMAR MILLER – RB

(Previous Pick: David Wilson – RB)

Even though the Bengals picked up the Law Firm from New England, they will still need a speedy back who can work inside and outside. Miller could turn out to be an absolute steal at 53 after he declared for the draft because his agent told him he’d be a 1st round pick.

  1. 54. Detroit Lions – BOBBY MASSIE – OT

(Previous Pick: Brandon Taylor – S)

With Jeff Backus turning 35 in September, the Lions have to look for his replacement on the offensive line, because if Matt Stafford isn’t protected, the Lions will struggle.

  1. 55. Atlanta Falcons – MIKE BREWSTER – C

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Falcons desperately need to upgrade their offensive line, and their current Center, Todd McClure is a 35 year old free agent. Brewster is the best Center on the board, no-brainer.

  1. 56. Pittsburgh Steelers – ALAMEDA TA’AMU – NT

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Nose Tackle is a dire position of need with Casey Hampton probably never going to be the same dominating presence he once was after serious injury, so Ta’amu is the best option in round 2 as a big, run stuffing presence.

  1. 57. Denver Broncos – CHASE MINNIFIELD – CB

(Previous Pick: No Change)

The Broncos really need to add some youth to their secondary, with both their starters hitting 34 before the start of next season. Minnifield is good value here at the bottom of the second round.

  1. 58. Houston Texans – MYCHAL KENDRICKS – ILB

(Previous Pick: Josh Chapman – DT)

Since the Texans decided to trade away DeMeco Ryans due to his bad fit in Wade Phillips’ scheme, they’re a linebacker short. Why not take the Pac 12 defensive player of the year who loves playing in the Houston formation.

  1. 59. New Orleans Saints – PICK TAKEN AWAY BY LEAGUE FOR BOUNTY PROGRAMME

(Previous Pick: No Change)

Shouldn’t have given players money to intentionally hurt fellow professionals then should you Gregg Williams. Dr Heat. Pathetic.

  1. 60. Green Bay Packers – MARKELLE MARTIN – S

(Previous Pick: No Change)

After Nick Collins’ injury, the Green Bay defense fell apart, so they will certainly have to address the Safety position in the draft. Markelle Martin is the best Safety left on the board at this time, and the Pack should snap up the Oklahoma State defender.

  1. 61. Baltimore Ravens – BRUCE IRVIN – OLB/DE

(Previous Pick: Shea McLellin – OLB)

The Ravens need a high motor player on the outside of that defense to put pressure on the QB, Terrell Suggs can’t do it all by himself. Irvin’s combine highlighted him as someone who will make opposition coaches have to make plans for him in the NFL.

  1. 62. San Francisco 49’ers – JURON CRINER – WR

(Previous Pick: Ryan Miller – G/OT)

Insurance in case the Randy Moss gamble doesn’t pay off. Criner has the potential to be special, but needs to get his head right. Sounds like a Harbaugh challenge to me.

  1. 63. New England Patriots – JOSH ROBINSON – CB/KR

(Previous Pick: Jared Crick – DT/DE)

New England gets some more much-needed depth in its secondary with the talented and speedy Robinson, who can also contribute to the Kick return game, something that the Patriots will definitely be looking to improve this offseason.

  1. 64. New York Giants – DWAYNE ALLEN – TE

(Previous Pick: Lamar Miller – RB)

With their current TE stock decimated by injury, it will be an area that the G-Men will certainly be looking at in the draft. Allen is the best prospect available at this juncture, and could be a great pickup for the reigning world champs.