2012 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine First Round Forecast
by Matthew Fairburn on Feb 8, 2012 9:00 AM EST
in Mock Draft
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PrintFree agency and the scouting combine are still on the horizon, but people are still hungry for 2012 NFL Mock Drafts. Plenty can change between now and April, but here are my initial thoughts on how the first round could shake out.
A lot of people have been predicting trades in the top five for teams hoping to land Robert Griffin III. I am well aware of this possibility, but chose not to include trades to make things less complicated. I don't have sources, nor do I own a crystal ball, so my ability to forecast trades is less than stellar. That being said, I think the Skins will end with RG3, if I had to strike a guess.
With that being said, here is my first mock draft of the season. Plenty of changes to come between now and the big day, so stay tuned and be sure to rip me apart in the comments.
1. Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford
The Indianapolis Colts are in an interesting spot. On one hand, they have a future Hall of Fame quarterback with another few seasons left in the tank, and on the other hand, they have the chance to draft one of the best quarterback prospects to come along in years.
The question isn't really whether or not the Colts will select Luck, I think that's a given at this point. The real issue is whether they will start him immediately or let him sit behind Peyton Manning.
Throwing Luck into the fire right away is beyond risky. Assuming Manning comes back healthy, he still has the ability to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. To toss him aside for an unproven commodity, no matter how promising he may be, is a bold move.
2. St. Louis Rams - Matt Kalil, Left Tackle, USC
The St. Louis Rams could potentially trade down with a team eager to draft Baylor's Robert Griffin III. But since trades are nearly impossible to predict and are based purely on speculation, I'll avoid moving a quarterback-needy team into this slot.
Instead, Matt Kalil, the best player available at a position of need for St. Louis, makes the most sense. Kalil is one of the few elite prospects in this draft class, and the Rams have to start protecting Sam Bradford if they want their franchise signal caller to pan out.
3. Minnesota Vikings - Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU
After ranking No. 30 in the league in pass defense a season ago, the Minnesota Vikings are in dire need of help in the secondary. Lucky for them, need meets value with the third overall pick.
Morris Claiborne is a physical corner with all of the tools to play in any defensive scheme. He is also a better pure cover corner that his former teammate Patrick Peterson was coming out of college.
4. Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor
I admit this is another unoriginal pick, but it makes a ton of sense. Colt McCoy is not, nor has he ever been, a potential franchise quarterback. He is severely limited by his arm strength.
Cleveland would be doing cartwheels in the war room if Robert Griffin III slid this far in the draft. His positional value will make him a hot commodity among teams that are attempting to trade their way into the top five picks.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama
Trent Richardson makes a ton of sense for the Buccaneers. LaGarrette Blount is definitely more of a situational running back, and Trent Richardson is the top prospect available at this pick with Morris Claiborne off the board.
6. Washington Redskins - Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa
Until the Redskins decide what to do at quarterback in free agency, this pick will be a tough one to figure out. I really think they are going to strongly consider jumping up for one of the two big quarterbacks in this draft, but it won't be easy.
Justin Blackmon is a possibility here, but I'm not sold on him as a top ten pick. Meanwhile, the Redskins could definitely use some offensive line help. Riley Reiff would fit in nicely at right tackle.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina
Once considered a candidate to be the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Quinton Coples had a down year as a senior due to a playing a variety of positions for the Tarheels and questionable effort at times.
There are some concerns about Coples' motor, but he dominated at the Senior Bowl, and odds are in favor of him being a top-ten pick in April. The Jacksonville Jaguars have been searching for an elite pass rusher for a while, and with Jeremy Mincey becoming a free agent, the need could be even more glaring by the time the draft rolls around.
8. Carolina Panthers - Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU
Michael Brockers is shooting up draft boards after surprisingly declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft. Brockers has as much upside as any prospect in the top ten.
It's not secret how badly the Panthers need a defensive tackle, so this pick is becoming a bit cliché. Even so, Brockers is the best player available at a position of need.
9. Miami Dolphins - Jonathan Martin, Offensive Tackle, Stanford
Regardless of who the Dolphins decide to put under center in 2012, the team will need to provide better protection for their signal caller. Jonathan Martin is definitely a step below both Matt Kalil and Riley Reiff, but with the value of offensive linemen increasing all the time, Martin should find his way into the top ten.
10. Buffalo Bills - Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State
Justin Blackmon is not a strong enough prospect to be selected in the first five picks of the NFL Draft. He is not in the same class as A.J. Green, Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald.
He does, however, have a decent shot at being drafted in the first ten picks, especially if he performs well at the scouting combine. The Bills will be in need of wide receivers, particularly if Stevie Johnson bolts in free agency.
11. Kansas City Chiefs - Mike Adams, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
The Chiefs have had a subpar offensive line for the past few seasons. Mike Adams is physically gifted but was inconsistent throughout his senior season at Ohio State. He had a strong Senior Bowl, though, and the demand for tackles is always high.
12. Seattle Seahawks - David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford
I tried to find a spot for David DeCastro in the top ten, because he is that good, but there wasn't a fit for him that high in the draft. Seattle, however, would make sense, considering the struggles of Robert Gallery this season.
13. Arizona Cardinals - Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Boston College
Stewart Bradley is not cutting it at inside linebacker for the Cardinals. Luke Kuechly displaying outstanding football instincts this season at Boston College and deserves to be selected in the top half of the first round in April. He would be a perfect piece to build the defense around in Arizona.
14. Dallas Cowboys - Janoris Jenkins, Cornerback, North Alabama
Multiple arrests got Janoris Jenkins dismissed from the Florida Gators, but the physical defensive back has received new life after staying out of trouble while at North Alabama. Jenkins followed up a strong senior season with an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, displaying terrific ball skills and ability to play press coverage. Dallas needs multiple upgrades in the secondary.
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, Alabama
One of the top run defenders in this draft, Dont'a Hightower will find a home in the first round. The Eagles desperately need help at linebacker, and Hightower is one of the most versatile players available at the position.
16. New York Jets - Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina
Rex Ryan would love to improve his pass rush this offseason after the Jets got disappointing seasons from their rush linebackers. Melvin Ingram could end up going higher than this on draft day and fits best into a 3-4 scheme.
17. Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama
The drug charges may have been dropped against Dre Kirkpatrick, but he still made a boneheaded decision that will affect his draft stock. Luckily a certain team that disregards off the field issues is in need of a cornerback.
18. San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, Rush Linebacker, Alabama
San Diego's pass rush was completely inept last season, which led to the Chargers having one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Larry English is clearly not the answer at rush linebacker, so Courtney Upshaw makes quite a bit of sense and presents decent value.
19. Chicago Bears - Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor
Kendall Wright is gaining steam leading up to the NFL Draft. There is a better than average chance that he, not Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery, will be the second receiver off the board after Justin Blackmon.
It seems like every year the Bears are looking for an upgrade at wide receiver. Maybe this is finally the year they will address the issue in the draft.
20. Tennessee Titans - Cordy Glenn, Offensive Lineman, Georgia
The interior of Tennessee's offensive line is a mess. The unit did not do Chris Johnson too many favors this season, leading to a disappointing rushing attack for the Titans. Cordy Glenn is a talented offensive line prospect and has the versatility to play multiple positions on the line in the NFL, though I think his best fit is at guard.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Mark Barron, Safety, Alabama
With Reggie Nelson hitting free agency and Chris Crocker struggling to close out the season, the Bengals could be looking for multiple upgrades at safety. Mark Barron is the best safety in this draft class, so Cincy would be getting value if he were to fall this far.
22. Cleveland Browns - Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Michael Floyd might be the draft's most underrated player. For my money, he is the best wide receiver in the 2012 NFL Draft, but his stock has taken a hit after missing the Senior Bowl and receiving a DUI last summer. On the field, few can match Floyd's ball skills and physical talent. The Browns would love to add the former Domer here.
23. Detroit Lions - Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina
Stephon Gilmore has cemented his stock as a first round pick, and the Detorit Lions have a glaring need for a cornerback. Gilmore's size and physicality would be a welcome addition to Detroit's secondary.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kelechi Osemele, Offensive Guard, Iowa State
Iowa State offensive guard Kelechi Osemele lined up at tackle on occasion during the Senior Bowl, but it is apparent that his best fit is inside at the next level. The Steelers need help all over the offensive line, so Osemele's versatility will be a plus.
25. Denver Broncos - Devon Still, Defensive Lineman, Penn State
The Broncos struggled to generate a consistent pass rush up the middle last season. Von Miller is clearly going to contribute from the outside, but the Broncos need to find an interior lineman who can push the pocket. Despite his inconsistent motor, Devon Still fits the bill.
26. Houston Texans - Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina
Houston's lac of wide receiver depth was glaring once Andre Johnson went down with injury last year. Alshon Jeffery would be a steal this late in the first round. Many want to poke fun at his weight, but Jeffery displays solid burst and athleticism to go with his ideal size and ball skills.
27. New England Patriots - Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
Both Andre Carter and Mark Anderson will be free agents this offseason, so the Patriots will definitely be looking to upgrade their pass rush. Nick Perry can play in multiple schemes, which is a trait Bill Belichick covets.
28. Green Bay Packers - Fletcher Cox, Defensive Lineman, Mississippi State
Outside of Clay Mathews, there is nobody on Green Bay's roster that can get after the quarterback. Fletcher Cox is a big time athlete for his size and would be an ideal fit at defensive end in the Packers' 3-4 scheme.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Vontaze Burfict, Linebacker, Arizona State
The Baltimore Ravens will be looking for Ray Lewis' successor in the 2012 NFL Draft, and while Vontaze Burfict is a bit immature, who better to straighten him out than Ray Lewis? Plus, Burfict's attitude would fit right in with the bad boy identity the Ravens' defense has adopted.
30. San Francisco 49ers - Mohamed Sanu, Wide Receiver, Rutgers
The 49ers are in a tough spot. They desperately need an upgrade at wide receiver, but all of the best ones are off the board. Personally, I feel like Mohamed Sanu is worth a look at the end of the first round, though I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me.
31. New England Patriots - Peter Konz, Center, Wisconsin
Dan Koppen is a free agent this offseason, and Peter Konz deserves a spot in the first round. If the Patriots fail to re-sign their veteran center, Konz could be a Patriot come April.
32. New York Giants - Orson Charles, Tight End, Georgia
The 2012 tight end class is an interesting one. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on the best player in the group. Orson Charles has my vote, and after both Giant tight ends suffered knee injuries in the Super Bowl, they could be looking to bolster the position early in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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Eagles
Actually like Hightower, reminds me of Trotter, but I think 15 is too high for him.
I'm not drunk I'm just drinking.
I picked Chris Johnson in the first round in fantasy last yr, glad you are giving him another OL
I am not as big a fan of Alshon Jeffery as many, but I must say the idea of him working opposite Andre Johnson (in addition to those RBs) is downright scary.
However, I still have a hard time seeing three inside linebackers going in the first round.
I completely disagree that Charles is the best TE in the draft
But here’s why the Giants won’t draft him. He’s 6’3". The Giants haven’t had a starting tight end shorter than 6’5" since 2002 at the very least. They like big men at that position, plain and simple. That’s part of the reason that, although I love Dwayne Allen, I could see the Giants going Fleener instead (if they go TE).
to be sort of fair, Dwayne Allen is more like 6"3 1/2 then he is 6"4 or 6"5
but he is 255-260.
I agree, Charles is a downright terrible fit for the Giants. He’s basically Travis Beckum and we had trouble figuring out what to do with him. Charles might be the next Aaron Hernandez, but I really doubt that’s gonna work here.
I disagree on Fleener tho, he’s too slow and for as big as he is he’s kind of skinny. You can put on weight of course, but that’s project talk and if we’re looking for a guy to play right away I don’t think Fleener’s what we’d want this early.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I mean, it's not like Ballard and Pascoe are burners.
But I see your point. Allen’s height is what worries me. Eli likes those massive guys he can throw down the seam to, and despite Allen’s athletic talents, I think his height limits him in that sense.
I think it is the weight
230 lbs in the 1st? Only for a RB, WR, DB for the Giants.
My QB has 2 rings. Well, 3 if you want to get technical.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Dwayne Allen TE, 2: Brandon Boykin CB/RS, 3: A.J. Jenkins WR, 4: Vick Ballard RB, 5: Neiko Thorpe S, 6: Rishard Matthews WR/RS, 6: Blake DeChristopher G/T, 7: BPA
by ct17 on Feb 8, 2012 1:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Oops
I was talking about Charles.
My QB has 2 rings. Well, 3 if you want to get technical.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Dwayne Allen TE, 2: Brandon Boykin CB/RS, 3: A.J. Jenkins WR, 4: Vick Ballard RB, 5: Neiko Thorpe S, 6: Rishard Matthews WR/RS, 6: Blake DeChristopher G/T, 7: BPA
by ct17 on Feb 8, 2012 1:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Fleener too slow?Since when?
I really think that Fleener is the most likely (of the three) to land on your team, not saying in the 1st but the guy runs like a WR (seriously he has legit WR speed at TE) and blocks really well. Dwayne Allen is a true weapon in the sense of you draft him to use him, not to catch a few balls but to be a major part of the offense and with Nicks and Cruz already there I doubt the Giants FO thinks they need a big time 3rd option.
Fleener always been too slow
if he surprises the hell out of me and runs a 4.7 I’ll shut up, but I doubt he’s more then a 4.8-4.9 guy.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
also this "Giants lose 2 TEs so they could use a TE)
screams of ‘need’ talk. The N word is a bad word. We don’t take kindly to folks that use the N word here.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
I think JR
Considers need and value on occasion. Look at the Hakeem Nicks draft. We NEEDED pass catchers in that draft and we got Nicks, Barden and Beckum. No doubt, they were among the top players available there but nobody can dispute that need had to play in there.
it does, no doubt
but I don’t see TE as a position of value like a WR. Eli doesn’t need it, obviously since he basically hasn’t even had Ballard throughout the playoffs.
We needed pass catchers cuz Plax, Toomer and Shockey were all gone. I have no doubts TE’s on the need list simply cuz Ballard and Beckum are basically done for 2012, but I don’t think we’ll be overdrafting Fleener.
Also on Allen, he’s 6"3 but he’s got a big ass and long arms.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Need and fit must match value
While we may “need” a TE, Allen is the only one I would consider in the top 3 maybe 4 rounds. Barring a huge fall by Fleener or maybe Egnew.
My QB has 2 rings. Well, 3 if you want to get technical.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Dwayne Allen TE, 2: Brandon Boykin CB/RS, 3: A.J. Jenkins WR, 4: Vick Ballard RB, 5: Neiko Thorpe S, 6: Rishard Matthews WR/RS, 6: Blake DeChristopher G/T, 7: BPA
by ct17 on Feb 8, 2012 1:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Bleh, I'd prefer Dwayne Allen
But if Alshon Jeffery falls to the 32 spot, I just couldn’t see us not pulling the trigger. He had a joke of a QB in SC, and with Eli he’d be a uge playmaker.
Anything but this
It used to be comical watching Our DB’s trying to cover Plax I would hate if you guys got another talented WR that would just happen to be the tallest guy on the field (not with his hand on the ground or throwing the ball).
The Chiefs definitely need line help.
But I’m curious exactly what kind of line help they think they need. A lot of people are talking about them kicking Albert inside to guard if they can get one of the first-round OT’s (which I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to), but I haven’t seen any indication that they intend to move him off of LT.
I would be curious to see what Albert could do at guard. He’s been a decent/solid LT, but he was hyped as one of the best guard prospects in years when he was coming out.
Albert isn't moving and he shouldn't move.
He just finished his fourth season playing the tackle position and he had a very good year. He was a top 10 offensive tackle according to PFF and he is still maturing and learning the position.
by Jonathan Hake on Feb 8, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
I don't know about "very good".
I thought he was solid. I don’t think KC wants to move him, but like I said, if they could get a big-time LT who is a great pass protector, I’d be curious to see what he can do at guard (probably more so than RT).
The dude gave up 5 sacks last season and is one of the best run blockers in the league.
In some respects, Albert looked like a guard playing tackle his first three years in the league. You can’t say that anymore after a drastic turnaround in performance that saw the Chiefs’ left tackle finish the year in fifth position in our Offensive Tackle Pass Blocking Efficiency ranking, giving up just 24 combined sacks, hits, and hurries. A year earlier, that number was 40 (on 59 fewer pass blocks) – an indication of how far he has come.
Direct quote from Profootballfocus.com
And why would you move a top 5-10 LT to guard? Also no way Albert agrees to that, he can make more money at LT and he knows it.
by Jonathan Hake on Feb 8, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Could you send a link, I haven't seen this.
And again, I’m not advocating for this, but a ton of fans have been talking about this for years and continue to. I’m not so sure he IS a top 5-10 LT, though obviously these numbers say otherwise. Numbers are ard to judge for an o-lineman. He didn’t grade out fantastic most weeks from what I saw on AP’s line grades.
I can't give a direct link because i'm not a premium member.
The quote is used in a story on AP that was published today about what to do at OT
by Jonathan Hake on Feb 8, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
I agree, if KC wanted to move Albert, they would have done it already.
they have had opportunities to draft LT and have not, they will move him in 2017
Look, I agree, I don't think they are going to.
But if he could be a Pro-Bowl guard (which is no certainty) and they could pick up a LT that is a better pass blocker, the option shouldn’t be ruled out. Especially since there is a decent chance they could pick up someone like Reiff or Martin in round 1 (both of whom could play either RT or LT).
You are the first person I have seen that had what I have been predicting. The Bills taking Justin Blackmon. I really think he is high on the Bills board and would love to see him in a Bills Uni.
Follow on twitter @drocksthaparty
As long as they bring back Stevie Johnson, too. SJ and Blackmon would make a nice pairing.
by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 8, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
Vikings
Under your no trade clause and with Kalil off the board, I am okay with the Vikings drafting Claiborne at #3.
"At this point, what we got to lose, right? So we might as well throw caution to the wind and hit people in the face."
--Vikings DE Jared Allen
Yeah, the Vikings can't lose
They’ll get a great player at a position of need. Claiborne looks like he could be a great pro.
13.
"Skip, once again, stop it; Be an analyst; don't be a douchebag."
OT: anyone else have any issues logging on earlier today?
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
Follow @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Feb 8, 2012 12:12 PM EST reply actions
Yup, for about 30 minutes or so. Now all of the fanposts don’t show up on the side for every blog.
"Picture Me Rollin"
oh ok just thought it was me having problems
I kept on getting jackie chan fail face with 503 all over the place
"I really can't stand that NFL guy, what's his name? Mel, yeah Mel Kiper Jr. He knows about as much about football as a Japanese space pilot." - Coach Trickett FSU
ronburgundy banned by BBS for making comments on MCM, Champion of the People, I bow down in awe
Datsyuk, He could deke Victoria out of her secret… He’s THE MAN. posted by Josh Howard on Winging it in Motown 10/13/11
Titans DE Dave Ball on Blount: "It’s like trying to tackle a greased up, naked guy in the shower" 11/27/11
Follow @nolesunited247
by nolesbroncos3456 on Feb 8, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Nope.
Seth Pollack said they are having technical issues and he has no clue what’s going on. Blame the IT people.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Seahawks
I admit I am not the biggest Seahawks fan, but last year they spent a first on OT and a third on G. In 2010, they drafted Russell Okung in the first and in 2009 Max Unger was taken in the 3rd. I know DeCastro is a hell of a prospect, and could help any offensive line in the line, but do you really think he could be the pick?
Any Seahawks followers with thoughts on this? I have thought about mocking DeCastro to them as well, but at some point they need some defensive talent.
Don't like.
Carroll has talked a lot about improving the pass rush and front seven. As you point out we spent our first two picks last year on OL plus signing Gallery (after Carroll talked about improving that unit as well).
The way this draft shakes out I’d be ecstatic that Upshaw is available.
Work hard, play harder, rest easy.
Its possible, as a value pick
but it’s pretty unlikely. Last year the Seahawks made a concerted effort to invest in the OL. This year they’ll do the same to upgrade the front 7 and base picks more on need than value.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Feb 8, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Doubtful
As you pointed out 80% of the line was drafted in the last 3 years in the top 3 rounds – that’s a pretty hefty investment already. Also, the line was hit pretty hard with injuries (both tackles and the RG ended up on IR last year) and the backups filled in very well – a lot of Lynch’s success was behind the backups. The only way I see them taking DeCastro is if they trade down several spots, all of their need targets are gone, they have DeCastro ranked REALLY high and they can’t find a good trade partner to trade down again. Basically their hand would have to be forced and DeCastro would have to be too much value to pass up.
In his end of year presser, Carroll said that he wanted to improve the speed of the front 7 and get “touchdown makers”. In the same presser last year he said he wanted to improve the oline further and the draft followed that statement. If Richardson is there at 11/12, they might take him to be the TD maker. On the defensive side of the ball, I expect them to look at Coples, Upshaw, Ingram, Brockers and Still (if they think those 2 can be penetrating 3-techs, but I think they fit in better as 5-tech DEs in a 3-4 personally).
Right now, Seattle runs a base 4-3, but we use a massive DE (Red Bryant) on the strong side, so it shares a lot with a 3-4. I don’t think Carroll’s afraid of grabbing a tweener/scheme versatile guy to help the pass rush, so given who’s available in this mock, I’d expect them to grab Upshaw in a heartbeat.
Konz shouldn't get by the 49ers
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Cowboys
I don’t like Jenkins at 14 with all the concerns that he comes with (drugs, height). In this case the pick should be Kirkpatrick or Ingram.
"People don't really understand the light that I bring and just kind of shine on my teammates."
-Actual DeSean Jackson quote
by CaliCowboysFan92 on Feb 8, 2012 12:53 PM EST reply actions
Bucs
Not a big fan of taking Richardson that early, but with Claiborne gone there is no obvious pick in that spot. I’d go Blackmon over Richardson, but either is alright with Mo gone.
Exactly.
Whoever it is, it needs to be a hit. We cannot lose out on another top 5 pick…
by flash_kiley on Feb 8, 2012 1:47 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Richardson is the ony pick!!!
Trent Richardson is the guy we need hands down. Josh will finally have someone he can rely on. Trent is the second coming of Emmit Smith. He will be dominate.
And dominate is a verb.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Bears
They have the speedy guys in Knox and Hester. I think they need a possession WR, more like Sanu. Floyd would have been better there.
My QB has 2 rings. Well, 3 if you want to get technical.
2012 NYG mock - 1: Dwayne Allen TE, 2: Brandon Boykin CB/RS, 3: A.J. Jenkins WR, 4: Vick Ballard RB, 5: Neiko Thorpe S, 6: Rishard Matthews WR/RS, 6: Blake DeChristopher G/T, 7: BPA
by ct17 on Feb 8, 2012 1:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I totally agree with you...... unless the Bears get Vincent Jackson
Floyd would bring back that Jerremy Bates-Jay Cutler-Brandon Marshall mojo
Totally agree as well.
I think we take Floyd or Jeffrey over Wright if we go WR in the first round
Bucs
Once again the myth that Blount is not an all round back. He did good as a pass blocker when he was on the field on passing down. He rarely gave up pressures or i think gave up only one sack. He caught 15 out of 16 targets and did much much better than Lumpkin. Our OC had no clue on how to use him because he is a poor excuse for an OC. Richardson is a luxury and i’d prefer an OT at that spot if we cant trade out.
Trust. Belief. Accountability. The new Buc way as pronounced by Coach Schiano.
Delusional!!!
Legarette Blount is not now or will he ever be a first option RB in the NFL. He has no vision and only finds a hole by luck. I will agree when he is lucky enough to find a hole he makes the most of it but come on, what about the 20 other times he is stopped at the line of scrimmage. If you think about it his 4.2 YPC was worthless, more like 2.2, If you take his couple of 40 yard runs out. He can’t pick up blitzes and he isn’t consistent catching out of the backfield because he is stupid and doesn’t want to anything but run with the ball. Josh needs Richardson BAD. He needs to know that he has someone he can depend on and he will be able to depend on TR. I will agree that Olsen sucked but so does Blount.
I don't think the Bucs need Richardson
They can easily get Lamichael James in the 3rd round, who would be the perfect compliment back to Blount
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
"Fuck em all. Go Texans."
by The Night Owl on Feb 9, 2012 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
Blackmon Debate
i’m a huge Jusitn Blackmon fan and thnk the Rams would be idiots for passing on him. I get that his speed isn’y elite, but it’s still good, and every other part of his game is elite. His work ethic, character and maturity are constantly raved about. I think he’s very comparable to Andre Johnson. My question is, what 40 time do you think he needs to run at the combine to be consider top 5? If he runs under 4.5, I think he’s guaranteed top 5 position.
I also think Mark Barron and Devon Still are underrated. The Safety position in general has increased so much in value over the past 10 years and the draft is slow to catch up. Devon Still will be an impressive DT in a 4-3 scheme.
Still > Brockers.
it's not just his speed...only six WRs were drafted in the top five in the last eleven years, and only four were worth it
the last WRs drafted top five :AJ Green (#4, 2011), Calvin Johnson (#2, 2007) Braylon Edwards (#3, 2005), Larry Fitzgerald, (#3, 2004) and Andre Johnson and Charles Rodgers in 2003.
4 out of 6 is much better than the OT numbers
List of OT taken top 5 in past 11 drafts:
Chris Samuels
Leonard Davis
Mike Williams
Robert Gallery
D’Brickashaw Ferguson
Joe Thomas
Levi Brown
Jake Long
Jason Smith
Trent Williams
I’d say at best 5 out of 10 were worth it with Ferguson and Levi Brown being a stretch. Leonard Davis never succeed until moving to guard.
Also the past 5 teams to pick an OT top 5 (Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, St Louis Rams, and Washington Redskins) all failed to make the playoffs this year and did not have good offensive performances. An elite WR is much more important than an elite OT.
Also if we’re talk top 5 picks in the past 11 drafts then we are talking about 55 total picks. Since there are 22 starting positions, 2 of which belong to WR, then with all things being equal we would only expect 5 WRs to get drafted during that time. Having 6 drafted in the past 11 years is slightly above expected.
An elite WR is not nearly as important as an elite blindside tackle
An elite tackle keeps your elite QB alive.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Feb 8, 2012 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Based on what
AP All Pro Tackles:
Jason Peters, PHI
Joe Thomas, CLE
Neither team made playoffs.
Top 5 OT Based on ESPN Scouting Rankings:
Joe Thomas, CLE
Jake Long, MIA
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, NYJ
Jason Peters, PHI
Ryan Clady, DEN
Top 5 OT, 1 playoff team and it was a team that barely got in at 8-8.
There is nothing that shows that elite play from a LT correlates to a strong offense or a strong team. Using a pick that high on a LT is a waste.
An elite WR is a much bigger benefit as it forces defenses to divert the focus of at least 2 defenders to that player. The WRs previously picked in the top 5 (C. Johnson, A. Johnson, L. Fitzgerald, AJ Green) 3 of them were in the playoffs this season.
but Blackmon at 2?
I can see Blackmon at 4 or 6, but 2? I believe the Rams can do something about the playmaker WR via FA. Kalil at 2 or trade the pick are the best two options imo
by ECURam87 on Feb 8, 2012 7:06 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Jags
good job on the pick.
"The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price." -Vince Lombardi
Twitter: @JWGreenbaum
ummmm?
“On one hand, they have a future Hall of Fame quarterback with another few seasons left in the tank”
really? where did you hear this? his neck may be ok, but his arm strength is still highly in doubt.
“The real issue is whether they will start him immediately or let him sit behind Peyton Manning.”
The real issue is whether Manning will ever have the arm strength again to be an NFL quarterback.
I’m not saying he will never play again, but not a single person knows whetehr the nerve in his throwing arm will ever regenerate.
That should be the reason to draft Luck: Manning playing again is still a real question.
by CoolJohnnieBNasty on Feb 8, 2012 3:51 PM EST reply actions
I more or less agree with this.
I also doubt that Manning goes anywhere else next year. If he can play, he stays in Indy for at least one more year and if he can’t play, he retires. We won’t see him in Washington or Miami or anywhere else.
There are no apostrophes in plurals.
A lot is two words. Allot can be one word but it has another meaning.
The only time you really want to use "myself" is when you are the recipient of your own action. Usually you're better off using "me."
Your is not the correct contraction of you are. The word you're looking for is you're.
It's anyway, not anyways.
But if you only remember one thing...
There are no apostrophes in plurals.
No Way!!!
So you think Irsay the ahole is gonna pay Peyton 28Mil on a maybe? I don’t think so. If and it is a big if that Peyton ever plays again it won’t be for the Colts.
Irsay has plenty of time to decide.
In his pre-superbowl interview he says he has a open and honest relationship with Peyton. A lot of people get agitated and can’t distinguish between business and hype. If Manning can’t play anymore, Irsay won’t pay him (other than his termination bonus) and Manning won’t play anywhere else because he can’t play at all. If Manning can come back which isn’t likely, he’ll play for the Colts.
There are no apostrophes in plurals.
A lot is two words. Allot can be one word but it has another meaning.
The only time you really want to use "myself" is when you are the recipient of your own action. Usually you're better off using "me."
Your is not the correct contraction of you are. The word you're looking for is you're.
It's anyway, not anyways.
But if you only remember one thing...
There are no apostrophes in plurals.
Don't like Osemele in the 1st
I don’t know if he is a 1st round talent, and he isn’t the BPA. To me BPA would be Jeffery or Konz
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin
If we took Jeffery I would kill something.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
Why?
Jeffery will turn out to be another Megatron or at least close…lol…The guy can catch anything within breathing distance and will impress at the combine. He had a bad situation at USC this past year and still looked great. If you look at his games against CB’s that are projected to be drafted early you will see he ate them up!
The Steelers have one of the most talented groups of receivers in the NFL and we don’t need to waste a pick on another one.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
Ward is close to retirement
and has Cotchery ever been anything more than a 2 WR? A corp of Wallace, Brown, Jeffery, and Sanders would be devastating and could improve our redzone offence. I am not saying trade up for him but if he falls to us.
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin
Steelers should trade back if Konz is still there
You’ll get offers from every team below you. He’s a wet dream for the Broncos, both the Texans and Packers have centers who will be free agents and get offers from other teams, the Pats only weak link on their line is center.
Oh and Konz is the best center prospect since… well since I started watching college football. He might not be as good as Mangold at the pro level but he’s a lot better than Mangold was in college. Better than Maurkice too. You’re sitting on a goldmine at 24 if he’s there.
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Feb 8, 2012 6:31 PM EST up reply actions
Oh and I left out the Niners
We need desperately need a RG now and a center in 2 years. Konz is everything we could want. Can you say bidding war?
Gimme 1 round!
by ItBurnzWhenIP on Feb 8, 2012 6:32 PM EST up reply actions
except we have never ever traded back.
WE have traded up but have no history of trading back. We’d rather sit and wait for the guy to drop into our laps which would be Konz or Jeffery and we would take Konz for sure. Jeffery might not happen
I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.
"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin
Don't want him either.
He’s not a first round talent. Plus he has work ethic problems with being lazy and unmotivated. Conditioning is an issue as well. Much rather have Konz.
Proud fan of Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and the Pirates too.
by Black&GoldTrain on Feb 9, 2012 2:03 AM EST up reply actions
So Dallas Passes.....
on Kirkpatrick for Jenkins?!? I think not. Kirkpatrick has the size and athleticism that are coveted in a CB. He can cover the big receivers like Nicks and Colston in man2man. Fits the scheme.
Nope!
Kirkpatrick is a part of the Sabin system. I have heard that teams are looking at him more at safety because he isn’t great at man to man and has trouble flipping his hips. I think you or I could play CB with what Bama had on the rest of the defense.
Panthers
Our Head coach has directly said that DT is not an area of concern or focus.
Our 2nd oldest player on the entire D-Line is 26.
Our GM is a very strong believer in BPA.
We took 2 DTs early last year.
several of our young DTs showed a lot of improvement towards the end of the year
Brockers is a very raw and high risk player with very little immediate reward
He Likely would not start now and would take 3 years to develop
I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was
by pcroadrage on Feb 8, 2012 4:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Carolina is in a tough spot
They just miss out on the elite talent and should probably trade back. Also should they draft toward offense to help their star in the making or their defense which was worst in the league due to injuries.
I’d like to see them trade down and take Mark Barron, Devon Still, or Luke Kuechly but picking at #8 or #9 is a tough spot for them.
i would like to trade down
and go after Jenkins, Floyd, or Brown
I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was
Osemele is a massive reach at 24
If Konz falls past the Lions Pittsburg will field offers from a combination of Texans, Broncos, Niners, Packers, Pats for Konz. There is no way in hell that Konz falls to 31. That is so bad it ruins this whole mock. Konz is a better center prospect than Pouncey ever was. He could go as high as 17.
Gimme 1 round!
Konz may be a better prospect than Maurkice Pouncey was, but I highly doubt he will have a better rookie year. Hell, Pouncey just had a down year and he was still one of the best centers in the league. And if Konz is there, the Steelers probably wouldn’t trade back. They would just take Konz and stick him at guard.
"If you havin' dragon problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 arrows but my knee took one."
Seahawks
I won’t rip you apart on DeCastro… I understand why the pick is there, Gallery played injured, but should be ok. His replacement also did a good job… and please, please, Pete Carroll if you are reading this… no more linemen… last year our first 2 picks were Carpender and Moffitt, the year before was Okung (and Thomas)… We want DE or a WILL, hell a QB, RB, CB, WR or MLB… just no linemen for the first 2 rounds at least… then do what you gotta do.
Decent Mock… your ‘reaches’ aren’t bad… opens debates which are always good in here.
I really like melvin ingram. Nick Perry would be excellent for the jets too
Let's Make sure we play like the f***in NEW YORK JETS
and not some f***in slapd**k team!
by jets4life24 on Feb 8, 2012 8:15 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Jets:
Not sure if I’d go Igram or Upshaw, but if both are there at 16, I’m sure Tanny and Rex would make the right choice.
Pats
Would love for the Pats to get one of the best pass-rushers in the draft and the best Center. But I doubt it happening. If Fletcher Cox is availalbe they’d go for him first as they are starting to get old at 3-4 DE. I’d also love it if they went for Konz at #31, but that’s just not happenng. He won’t make it past the Ravens and Belichick is most-likely to trade-back with the 31st pick..
It is what it is
Cards
One of the few mocks i’ve seen with all four OT’s and DeCastro gone before we get on the clock. I guess in that extreme scenerio I’d be ok going LB, but I sure hope it doesn’t play out like that or if it does I hope we trade down.
Go big or go home!! Bet big to win big!!
by Steamin' Beamin' on Feb 9, 2012 10:18 AM EST reply actions
Good pick for GB.
Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!
Read my thoughts on Creighton University athletics at Creightonian.com
I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.
Blackmon slip
Would love to see Blackmon fall to the Bills. Although they have been talking about trying to sign either Vincent Jackson or Dwayne Bowe.
by Jeremiah Kacyon on Feb 12, 2012 3:18 PM EST reply actions
Titans
This draft is deep in OL. For what its worth Munchak said he was going defense in first round, that an OG in first is never a good idea because of depth. In fact the Titans have only taken a OG once in 18 years.
That being said, we have a glaring hole at safety with 4 of 5 players hitting free agency.
Give us Barron with 20th pick.
"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009
To clarify...
Titans have only taken OG in first two rounds once in the last 18 years.
"I wear a tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin - May 2, 2009
by Deaconbrodie on Feb 22, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
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