Here it is. My FINAL 2012 Mock Draft that will be submitted to the Huddle Report for mock draft scoring. Should be quite interesting as always!
1. Colts – Andrew Luck – QB – Stanford
Pick has already been announced. No surprises here.
2. Redskins – Robert Griffin III – QB – Baylor
The Redskins will take whichever QB the Colts won’t so that leaves them with RG3.
3. Vikings – Morris Claiborne – CB – LSU
Shocking pick but seems like Claiborne is the pick. Can’t say I agree, but at least Claiborne is higher on my board than Kalil.
4. Browns – Trent Richardson – RB – Alabama
Kalil is a strong option but they need playmakers. Richardson seems to be their guy all along.
5. Bucs – Luke Kuechly – LB – Boston College
Kalil might go to the Bucs as well but they seem to be content with their line and they have a lot of money tied up in some guys. Kuechly helps their terrible LB corp a lot.
6. Rams – Matt Kalil – OT – USC
The Rams want to add weapons but they can’t pass up Kalil especially since Jason Smith has been a bust and Saffold is a right tackle only.
7. Jaguars – Stephon Gilmore – CB – South Carolina
The Jaguars are very high on Gilmore and although they need to add some weapons this WR class is deep and they did bring in Laurent Robinson. They need help in the secondary and aren’t afraid of reaching.
8. Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill – QB – Texas A&M
Dolphins could go with Blackmon here but it’s been Tannehill all along and I’ll be surprised if they pass him up.
9. Panthers – Fletcher Cox – DT – Mississippi State
The Panthers should be happy that Cox is available to them at 9. Blackmon should also be considered here but they really like LaFell.
10. Bills – Cordy Glenn – OT – Georgia
While people have “reported” that Bills want a receiver, safety, or linebacker here, Buddy Nix himself said he wanted an offensive tackle. He doesn’t usually lie about his picks so I won’t by into the smoke. Glenn is preferred over Reiff because of his length.
11. Chiefs – Dontari Poe – DT – Memphis
The Chiefs could go in a number of directions here but they have gone on record saying they want to draft the best athlete. Early reports (before the smokescreens) stated they wanted a NT or an ILB. Kuechly is gone so Poe makes sense here.
12. Seahawks – Chandler Jones – DE – Syracuse
The Seahawks need a pass-rusher and Jones is flying up boards. They went a length end and Jones fits the bill. Seems like a good match.
13. Cardinals – Justin Blackmon – WR – Oklahoma State
The Cardinals are a team that drafts the best player on the board. While they do need offensive line help, you have to imagine that Blackmon is one of the top players on their board.
14. Cowboys – Mark Barron – S – Alabama
I like Barron, but the top 10 is too early for him. Perhaps teams are trying to drive up his value hoping a team like the Cowboys will trade up for him. They do like him an they have had a lot of contact with Alabama players.
15. Eagles – Quinton Coples – DE/DT – North Carolina
Everyone thinks this pick will be Cox or Brockers or Poe but I like Coples to the Eagles. He can play inside but can be moved around the line. Andy Reid will make sure to keep Coples motivated as well.
16. Jets – Melvin Ingram – OLB – South Carolina
The Jets have said all along that they want to add a blue chip pass-rusher. They’ve also shown a lot of interest in Melvin Ingram. I’m connecting the dots here.
17. Bengals – Michael Floyd – WR – Notre Dame
The Bengals said they wanted to go after defensive players but they can’t pass up Floyd here. The Bengals want to add a #2 receiver and Floyd would be great opposite of A.J. Green.
18. Chargers – Riley Reiff – OT – Iowa
The Chargers main need is a pass-rushing OLB, but they are very unpredictable. They already have 2 starters at OLB so they could be a team to surprise a bit on draft day. Reiff is a good value pick here and they do need to upgrade Clary.
19. Bears – Michael Brockers – DT – LSU
Brockers is said to be at the top of the Bears board and I can’t see him being gone by 19. If those reports are true, then he’ll be the pick if available.
20. Titans – David DeCastro – OG – Stanford
Steal of the draft? The Titans need to upgrade LeRoy Harris and get their running game on track to help Jake Locker.
21. Bengals – Courtney Upshaw – DE – Alabama
The Bengals apparently love Upshaw and some have even called this a lock. I’m not so sure but the Bengals would be getting their big defensive pick they want.
22. Browns – Brandon Weeden – QB – Oklahoma State
I think the Browns are very interested in Weeden. Weeden himself believes the Browns will draft him. They can’t risk him not being there in the early 2nd so they have to pull the trigger here.
23. Lions – Dre Kirkpatrick – CB – Alabama
Best player on the board for the Lions and also fills a pretty big need. Mayhew himself marijuana won’t take a player off their board. While Kirkpatrick was innocent it was still odd he mentioned it would have no effect on their draft.
24. Steelers – Dont’a Hightower – ILB – Alabama
This pick makes too much sense. Hightower can start right away and is the thumper type the Steelers love.
25. Broncos – Doug Martin – RB – Boise State
Defensive tackle is obviously a huge need but the top guys are off the board. Jerel Worthy and Devon Still are both 2nd rounders in my opinion. They could reach for them but they could also draft a RB for the future. Martin is a great back and has been linked to the Broncos.
26. Texans – Coby Fleener – TE – Houston
Fleener has been linked to the Texans and despite their needs I strongly believe they will go with either Fleener or a receiver here.
27. Patriots – Shea McClellin – DE/LB – Boise State
The Patriots need a pass-rusher and McClellin is scheme versatile. He seems like the perfect Patriots pick due to his versatility and attitude.
28. Packers – Josh Robinson – CB – Central Florida
My surprise 1st rounder but I do believe Josh Robinson can sneak in. He could be the best player on the board due to his elite athleticism and the Packers would be happy to land him.
29. Ravens – Peter Konz – OG – Wisconsin
The Ravens have been reportedly been very interested in Konz for quite some time. They believe he can fill the void left by Grubbs departure. He is also a great value pick at this point.
30. 49ers – Amini Silatolu – OG – Midwestern State
Silatolu is also a potential 1st rounder and he’s been linked to the 49ers. He should be the guard of the future and can replace Adam Snyder down the line.
31. (TRADE) Vikings from Patriots – Stephen Hill – WR – Georgia Tech
The Patriots love to trade and acquire more picks and I believe they will do so again this year. The Vikings want a wide receiver and they have met with Stephen Hill. He’s a freak athlete who I think ultimately lands in the 1st.
32. Giants – Bobby Massie – OT – Ole Miss
The Giants are another team that likes to draft the best player on the board. Massie has gotten some 1st round buzz and the Giants are among one of his potential landing spots. Jonathan Martin could be the pick here but his stock seems to be falling.
I like the choice of Still to the Packers. He might not be there at 28, but as you mentioned, he is all over in mocks, from top 10 to early 2nd round.
Right. Personally, I see him going in the late 1st round range because that’s where his value is to me. Of course, some are higher on him than I am. It only takes one team to take him in the Top 10.
I think you got a little over excited with the combine performance of certain players. Having Cordy Glenn going at #13 and Stephan Hill at #16 is a reach. Both could be 1st round selections, but not that high. Also, You Michael Floyd going at #19, three slots after Hill. Lets not forget that Floyd had a very impressive combine as well and had a better college career than Hill. If anything, Hill and Floyd should switch draft positions and it would make more sense.
You may be right about Hill but I was high on Glenn before the combine. He’s underrated imo but his stock is rising. I think he is certainly worth a pick in the 10-20 range.
Regarding Hill I guess I’m trying to predict the future a little bit. I see his stock rising a lot from now until the draft. Like I said guys like him are rare prospects and teams will be intrigued. You also have to remember that Floyd has off-field issues and has been labelled as immature and a bit of a diva. That could take him off teams draft boards and he could fall on draft day like Dez Bryant did.
Wow. Great mock. Only spots I disagree are on Glenn going that high (I’ve only seen his tape v Boise State) and Poe falling to 20.
Also, go watch more tape on Fletcher Cox. From what I’ve seen, he is an option for the Seahawks at #12 at DE. While I think the Hawks playing Red (~320lbs) at 5-tech was more the result of the personnel they had available than scheme, I think PC prefers someone bigger to set the edge on the strong side. Cox was a DT at MS State, but can get after the QB, and also gives the flexibility to play DE on 1st and 2nd downs, but move to DT on passing downs. Ingram wouldn’t be a terrible pick (Upshaw would be better), and I understand that he offers versatility, but I just don’t think the Hawks need the type of flexibility he offers. His skillset just lends itself better to the 3-4 IMO, where he can switch between DE and OLB. I also don’t think he’s head and shoulders better than the Tier 2 ends Perry/Mercilus/Branch.
Appreciate the comment and insight.
I really do have to take a look at Cox. He’s probably the next player I’m going to scout because I’ve heard nothing but good things.
Sorry but the Bengals won’t take Wright @ 21. They have Shipley coming back from an injury whose the same type of receiver. I could see the going after Cox, Worthy, or a rb at that spot.
You never know. I disagree on Wright and Shipley being similar players. There’s a reason one is a 1st rounder and the other was drafted in the 3rd round. Wright is a better playmaker and has more upside. Wright can also play on the outside whereas Shipley is pretty much a slot receiver only.
I can’t say I envisioned the Bengals being a likely landing spot for Wright but it’s how the mock unfolded and I feel as though it would be a good selection for them.
Don’t like Still for G.B. at all. He doesn’t rush the passer well and they are loaded with inside guys like him. They need edge rushers in the worst way. TT has said he will go off the board a little to get pass rushing help this year. He ignored the defensive needs last year and paid the price with one of the NFL’s worst defenses.
That’s the thing though, the Packers aren’t the type of team that will reach just to fill a need. They love to draft the best player on the board and in this case it’s likely to be Still who has been touted as a Top 10 pick by some. I agree that a 3-4 LB is the Packers biggest need, but it doesn’t mean it’s a lock they will draft one in the first round, especially if it’s a poor value pick. I can see them trading up for one of the premier pass-rushers but I don’t include trades in my mocks unless it’s obvious like the Rams situation this year.
Why would anyone, let alone the Lions, draft someone who’s only claim to future fame is surpassing Shawn Kemp’s record for the most out of wedlock kids by a pro athlete?
Pass!
BTW, you should stop spelling “were” as “we’re”. The latter is a contraction of “we are.”
Definitely a bad habit…
Stop Hating boy
Bengals top needs are corner, offensive guard and running back. Based on your projections Kilpatrick is a good pick but if Glenn and DeCastro are gone, their pick at #21 would be Lamar Miller at RB.
And you are seriously wrong in your assessment of Shipley as nothing more than a “role player.” His injury in last season’s opening game severely hamstrung the Bengals passing game. He will be back in the slot this year and will become a Wes Welker type possession receiver. The guy never drops a pass.
You could be right. He could certainly develop into a great slot receiver but he’s still only played 1 full season and we don’t know how much the injury will affect his play. Kendall Wright can play on the outside so in either case he’s got a spot to play whether Shipley develops or not.
No way Texans take Mike Adams. He doesn’t fit their zone-blocking scheme, and they won’t draft OL that high b/c it would be strictly for depth.
He’s actually pretty athletic and wouldn’t be a bad fit. As for the depth comment, who are the Texans planning on starting at right tackle now that Winston is gone? I’d say it’s one of their top needs right now.
Rashad Butler has the RT job going into camp. Texans definitely need to draft O-linemen, just not in the first round. Also, there have been questions about Mike Adams’ attitude & work ethic; Texans don’t take players like that.
Hey, thanks for the comments. Are they confident in Rashad Butler? You’re right about Adams’ issues though. I didn’t know that about the Texans so I’ll definitely keep it in mind for my next update.
I’m on the Silatolu bandwagon with ya…but, I don’t see any way Harbaugh passes on TE Coby Fleener. He recruited and coached him at Stanford. Harbaugh loves to use multiple TE sets and Fleener paired w/Vernon Davis would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Besides, I believe Silatolu will still be available in the 2nd rd. They’re also high on 2nd year OL Dan Kilgore, who’ll compete for the starting RG position. I keep hearing they’re going to sign a vet, also, just in case Kilgore’s not ready. So, not sure where they’ll take an OL…ideally, they’d like to find a guy who can play both C and OG.
Appreciate the insight and you could be right. As for Fleener he makes a lot of sense but I think a lot of people get caught up in the fact that Harbaugh coached him so they think it’s an automatic pick. More often than not it seems like coaches skip over players they’ve coached before. I’ve been burned by it before lol. He’s definitely an option but until there’s something more concrete there I’ll look at other options.
No thank you on Jenkins, but you r not a Lion fan so you think wow its Detroit so they wouldn’t mind a loser. He is on the NFL radr and the first time he screws up he is going to be punished hard and we all ready went through that with Rodgers, NO THANK YOU. The Lions will draft or should draft Kontz. He is an immediate up grade to the OL in the weakest spot and by cutting him you gain an additional 4 to 5 million in salary cap. That you can use to resign Avril. Second or third round for a cb probably Josh Robinson. Stop sending us convicts becasue you think they have talent.
Actually I am a Lions fan. I live near Detroit so I keep up with them a lot, even go to a few of their games. The reason I mocked Jenkins is because they’ve shown a lot of interest in him. By no means it is a lock but it’s my best guess as of right now. As for Konz, he would be a good fit and he was actually the pick in my previous mocks. I think Jenkins may be the better player though and if you’re a Lions fan you know they take the best guy regardless of need.
I really hope the Panthers take Cox with their pick, I believe he will be a stud DT in the future.
I can’t see the Texans reaching for Randle in the first. It’s a small reach, but still…. I could definitely see them taking Coby Fleener to replace Joel Dressen. They run a ton of two-TE sets, and I think they would jump at the chance to get the best TE in the draft. They can address WR later in this WR-rich draft. Keep up the good work!
Thanks I really appreciate it! Coby Fleener could work, but isn’t James Casey set to see more playing time at tight end now? I think he’s very talented and could easily step into Dreessen’s former role.
Casey is set to be the full-time fullback, now that Lawrence Vickers has signed with Dallas. I agree that Casey is very talented, so I’m hoping that Kubiak includes the fullback more in his playcalling, a la Tom Rathman with the 49ers or Daryl Johnston with the Cowboys.
I know you’re not a fan of Mercilus, but I can’t see him falling out of the first round. If this Packers drafted Robinson over Mercilus or Nick Perry, I think Packer fans would riot.
I’m probably wrong but I’ll stick to my guns.