2012 NFL Mock Draft Update: Luck Still Tops, but Robert Griffin III and Barkley Closing In
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1. Indianapolis Colts (0-12): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
As of right now, this seems like a no-brainer. Since when has that ever worked out?
2. Minnesota Vikings (2-10): Matt Kalil, OL, USC
The Vikings need to invest in Christian Ponder. I was really impressed by him on Sunday, and they need to build this team around him. At #2 overall, you have to take a top tier LT.
3. St. Louis Rams (2-10): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
I think the Rams trade this pick, and maybe the Vikings will do the same, but I think a team will want to jump up and get a top tier QB. With the way the Dolphins are playing, they could make a move.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-9): Matt Barkley, QB, USC
I know it’s only been one season, but Blaine Gabbert stinks and I wouldn’t put it past the Jags and their completely new ownership/coaching staff to pick up a new quarterback. Gabbert certainly could show signs of improvement, but with the lower price of first round picks, it makes sense for them to pick up Barkley or RGIII who are vastly better prospects in my opinion.
5. Washington Redskins (4-8): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Griffin is so exciting, and he could be a good fit for the Redskins. This would be an absolute gift for Mike Shanahan.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (4-8): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Eagles need to get tougher, younger, and more athletic up front. I think Reiff would be an excellent fit there.
7. Carolina Panthers (4-8): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Claiborne has all the tools to be a shut-down cornerback in the NFL, and his athleticism and versatility would make this the second straight home run selection in the first round for Carolina.
8. Miami Dolphins (4-8): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson is an elite player, one the Dolphins may not be able to pass up on. Daniel Thomas is okay and Reggie Bush has showed promise, but Richardson has the ability of an elite back.
9. Cleveland Browns (4-8): Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Brown would be an excellent fit in Cleveland’s defense and would add a lot of speed and athleticism.
10. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-8): Dre’ Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Bucs are all but guaranteed to take a corner, and Kirkpatrick is the best one on the board. He has excellent athleticism and great size.
11. Arizona Cardinals (5-7): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals need to upgrade their offensive line in a bad way. Martin is a very skilled left tackle prospect.
12. Kansas City Chiefs (5-7): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Konz might not be a top 15 prospect, but he is an elite center prospect and he would be a great fit with the Chiefs.
13. Seattle Seahawks (5-7): Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
The Seahawks add a pass rusher in Upshaw who can be a real asset to an improving defense. I could also see them going with a cornerback, or maybe even Ryan Tannehill with this pick.
14. Buffalo Bills (5-7): Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
A year after selecting Marcell Dareus in round one, the Bills supplement that pick with the talented Poe who would anchor the middle of that Buffalo front.
15. San Diego Chargers (5-7): David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
The Chargers need to make sure Philip Rivers doesn’t have to play injured. David DeCastro can really upgrade the interior of their offensive line.
16. New York Giants (6-6): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
This would be typical of the Giants, picking the best player available even though they aren’t really in need of a #1 receiver, but Jeffery has no business on the board at this point and Mario Manningham is a free agent.
17. Dallas Cowboys (7-5): Quinton Coples, DL, North Carolina
Good value here for the Cowboys getting a guy in Coples who can rush the passer from multiple different positions.
18. Atlanta Falcons (7-5)(traded to Cleveland): Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois
Cleveland adds another pass rusher in Whitney Mercilus who is having a huge junior season. I think this would be a nice fit with Mercilus joining Jabaal Sheard on the outside.
19. Tennessee Titans (7-5): Devon Still, DT, Penn State
The Titans get a solid pass rushing defensive tackle and add some toughness to their defensive line. Still has been one of the best performers in the Big Ten this season.
20. New York Jets (7-5): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Jets have Santonio Holmes to stretch the field, and Floyd could be a possession guy and a dominant red zone target.
21. Oakland Raiders (7-5)(traded to Cincinnati): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
The Bengals get a speedy, every-down back in Lamar Miller who has potential to be a top flight running back.
22. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Troubled but talented, Jenkins would add talent to the Bengals’ defensive backfield as well as their special teams.
23. Denver Broncos (7-5): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Broncos get a polished cornerback who is one of the best in the country at his craft. Big, athletic, and speedy. I think he would fit nicely with John Fox’s defense.
24. Chicago Bears (7-5): Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
This would be a call out of left field, but I could see it happening. Brian Urlacher isn’t getting any younger, and Te’o has a ton of talent.
25. Detroit Lions (7-5): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Kuechly is a tackling machine and might add some character and integrity to the Detroit defense.
26. New Orleans Saints (9-3)(traded to New England): Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Patriots get an All-American safety prospect to upgrade their defensive backfield. Barron is a ball-hawk and a solid tackler as well.
27. New England Patriots (9-3): Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
Jenkins can flat out rush the passer, and he would be excellent value for the Pats at this point.
28. Baltimore Ravens (9-3): Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Ravens need to add more youth to their offensive line, and adding a big kid like Mike Adams would definitely do the trick.
29. Houston Texans (9-3): Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
The Texans play the role of opportunist and take the run stuffing nose tackle out of Clemson to fortify their defensive front.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3): Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
The Steelers add some more size and toughness to their offensive line by adding Glenn.
31. San Francisco 49ers (10-2): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The Niners get a kid with a ton of speed and playmaking ability in Kendall Wright, a tough, physical receiver who can work the slot.
32. Green Bay Packers (12-0): Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska
The Packers continue to add talent to the defensive side of the ball and get a guy coming off injury who should go sooner than this.
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