The Colts already have a great quarterback on the roster in Peyton Manning, but there’s no firm decision on whether or not he’ll be playing football again. Smart money says he will.

However, Indianapolis cannot keep both Manning and Luck on the same roster, as they both would account for over $50 million against the payroll.

The Colts should look to trade Manning for draft picks and then start Luck, who shouldn’t have any problem grasping their offense.

2. St. Louis Rams- Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

If you watched any of the Rams games, you know three things: One, they have only one receiver who can make plays in Brandon Lloyd. Two, the Rams’ defense is atrocious. Lastly, their offensive line is the worst in the league.

Sam Bradford had the prototypical Sophomore slump last year, and missed numerous games due to injury. The main reason for Bradford’s injuries is because he couldn’t stay protected by the offensive line.

Matt Kalil is easily the best tackle in the draft, and is being touted as the next Joe Thomas. Rams fans should be thrilled to hear about the comparison.

3. Washington Redskins (fr: Minnesota)- Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor

Minnesota receives:

- Washington’s 2012 first-round pick (6th overall)

- Washington’s 2012 second-round pick (39th overall)

- Washington’s 2013 second-round pick

- Washington’s 2013 third-round pick

Washington receives:

- Minnesota’s 2012 first-round pick (3rd overall)

It’s a foregone conclusion that the Redskins will be acquiring a quarterback, in some form or fashion, this coming offseason. The only thing we don’t know is whether or not that quarterback will be acquired through the draft or free agency (Matt Flynn).

The Redskins are a team that needs to win now, because if they don’t, they could be looking for a new head coach and general manager.

Robert Griffin III may not be on the level of Andrew Luck, but he’s still an incredibly talented prospect with a ton of potential.

4.Cleveland Browns Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Cleveland is now unable to get their hands on Robert Griffin III, and even though they need a quarterback, the Browns will not reach for Ryan Tannehill.

The Browns were one of the worst teams in the league last year for many reasons. The biggest reason they struggled is because they don’t have a single receiver worthy of No. 1 receiver status.

Greg Little has a ton of promise, while Evan Moore should continue to make plays. Adding Justin Blackmon to the mix should make life much easier for Colt McCoy, if he’s the starting quarterback in September.

… [visit site to read more]

2012 NFL Mock Draft: Will Washington Trade Up for Robert Griffin III - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Will they get In?

The 2012 NFL season is winding down and the playoff picture is becoming clearer every week.  Last week I discussed the AFC/NFC East picture.  This week we will discuss the dominate AFC/NFC North conference playoff picture.  We will go into remaining schedules and predictions.

AFC North

Cleveland Browns:     The Browns have been out of the playoff race for a long time now.  They have a 4-7 record.  The Browns are a pesky team but lack the quarterback and playmakers to get over the 5-6 win hump.  This offseason the Browns will have 3 picks in the top 50 more than likely and will have to decide what to do at Quarterback and Running back.  Defensively the Browns are very stout and are only a couple players from being dominant.

Cincinnati Bengals:    The Bengals are 7-4 right now.  I do not think many people predicted this. Dalton has been efficient, the young playmakers have stepped up, and the defense has taken over many games.  Currently, the Bengals would be in the playoffs as the last Wild Card team.  Their schedule, however, is not favorable.  The Bengals play atPittsburgh,Houston at home, andBaltimore at home.  They do get a break with the Cardinals at home and atSt. Louis.  Bengals must win one of their hard games to get to 10-6.  This might be enough to get in.  It is between the Jets and Bengals for the last spot in the playoffs.

… [visit site to read more]

Playoff Picture: Who’s in, Who’s Out? AFC/NFC North Edition - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Someone Forgot to Tell Cam Newton That He's not Playing on Saturday's Anymore. It Ain't This Easy

NFLmocks isn’t your typical recap because we focus on what the young players in the league are doing. Michael Vick had a big day, but so what he’s old news. How’d the Young guys do? I consider the young guys mostly rookies and second year players. Occasionally, I’ll throw in a third year guy.  I’ll concentrate on a few games, and try to do quick tid bits of the others.

Everyone can see talent. Cam Newton has talent. People though are skeptical of what they haven’t seen before. Players like Cam Newton, that is insanely athletic players who don’t come from traditional offenses in College, and who don’t make a lot of reads and go through progressions are the Holy Grail in Football. The possibilities are endless, but the failures are a mile long. Cam Newton had these questions and many more heading into the 2011 N.F.L. draft. Is he smart enough? Is he enough of a leader? Can he be accurate in the N.F.L. It’s much too early to make a definitive statement one way or the other, but today was Cam Newton’s day.

Carolina Panthers vs Arizona Cardinals

Panthers

Newton set a N.F.L. record today when he became the first player to ever throw for 400 yards in their first N.F.L. game. Newton’s line looks brilliant. 24 for 37 for 422 yards and 2 touchdowns (11.4 yards per attempt). Newton also chipped in 18 rushing yards (in 8 attempts) and a touchdown.

His line was impressive and at times Newton was very impressive, but it might be slightly misleading. Newton had some VERY wide open throws, but you can’t take that away from him. He’ll have to continue to show that he can make the proper reads, and make the nice pass. Newton was also playing against a defense that is less than spectacular, but a rookie debut on the road in a divisional game? The only thing that would have been better is if the Cardinals hadn’t won he game. I liked Newton heading into the draft and he was the only quarterback we had rated in the first round.

… [visit site to read more]

Cam Newton Shines vs Arizona Cardinals: Opening Day Thoughts on Rookies Around the League - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Pittsburgh Steelers

Front Office:

Owner:             Rooney Family

GM:                 Kevin Colbert

A:         Best in the NFL.  They have been contenders almost every year since the 70’s.  When Colbert took over he has only improved and raised expectations of this team.  The Steelers will always be a hated/envied team that will be in Super Bowl talks every year.

Coaching Staff

HC:     Mike Tomlin

OC:      Bruce Arians

DC:      Dick LeBeau

A+:     Mike Tomlin has kept this ship from going through any kind of interference.  Ben Roethlisberger tries to sink the ship but Tomlin just patches up the damage.  Arians has done a good job bringing the Steelers offense into today’s football world.  Dick LeBeau is like Journey.  He is good in any era.

QB:                 B+

Ben Roethlisberger is clutch.  He performs when his team needs him.  Now if he could simply stop being a scum bag than I would give this unit a higher grade.  On any other team but the Patriots his antics would have stalled a few seasons.  His team only needs him to perform and not be a leader which is key for Roethlisberger.  Backup Dennis Dixon showed he can be a solid backup when needed last season.

RB:                 B

Rashard Mendenhall is beast who consistently beats up other teams.  Like Ben, he is an idiot who needs to just play football and stay out of the media.  Steelers lack depth in this position and for the time being Isaac Redman and the continue development of Jonathan Dwyer will have to do.

WR/TE           B

Hines Ward and Heath Miller are on their last legs. Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown are about to start their run.  Wallace and Brown are big plays waiting to happen.  Difference is,Mike Wallace is a great route runner with good hands.  Brown showed he is capable but needs work.  Sanders is a big body WR who has the ability to become a clutch WR.  TE depth and youth are needed badly on this team.

… [visit site to read more]

2011 NFL Season Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Cleveland Browns

Front Office:  

Owner:             Randy Lerner              

GM:                Mike Holmgren/ Tom Heckert

B:         Holmgren has this team moving in the right direction.  The Browns have a scheme on both sides of the ball.  The roster is improving because of their improving draft selections.  I would think by 2013 the Browns will be competing with the Ravens and Steelers.  Of course Holmgren’s job would be much easier if he wasn’t in the AFC North.   

Coaching Staff

HC:      Pat Shurmur

OC:      None

DC:      Dick Jauron

C:         I like Shurmur; however, he didn’t make his job any easier.  I typically don’t like when first time HC also plays the part of Coordinator; but we will see how he does.  Sometimes I fret that it shows trust issues, but that is the life of being a control freak.  You also run the risk of over extending yourself as a HC.  I think Shurmur’s ideology perfectly fits Homlgren’s.  I feel the Browns could have done better with the DC selection of Dick Jauron.        

QB:                 C

Colt McCoy has all the makings of Jeff Garcia.  Small, athletic, accurate, consummate competitor…but limited in size and arm strength.  I think McCoy fits this system, I just don’t see him winning you a championship.  It’s not from lack of effort.  I want to be wrong, but don’t feel I am.

RB:                 B

Peyton Hillis is a battering ram.  He is physical with surprisingly good athleticism and hands.  Problem is he was over-used last season, due to lack of other weapons, and wore down.  Browns are hoping with Montario Hardesty rotating in and Colt McCoy not being a rookie anymore it will help Hillis stay fresh.  At this point though, Hardesty is still having knee troubles and his involvement might be limited.  

WR/TE           C

This is the last season for Mohamed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie to prove they are not busts.  Both were 2^nd round picks from the 2009 draft.  Both showed slight improvements last season but are still disappointing.  Browns drafted Greg Little in the second round and are hoping he can be a play maker.  He has the size and speed but does he want it?  Browns are loaded at TE with the likes of Ben Watson as well as recently drafted Jordan Cameron.  Evan Moore also has had a great offseason and might push for playing time.

  … [visit site to read more]

2012 NFL Season Preview: Cleveland Browns - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Baltimore Ravens

Front Office:

Owner:             Steve Bisciotti                          

GM:                 Ozzie Newsome

A:         Newsome has made the Ravens into a perennial winner since arriving on the Mayflower.  This is a man who has built this team from the ground up.  Newsome has mastered the art of drafting for talent and filling holes in FA and trades.  I fully expect Newsome to have one more Super Bowl Ring before he steps down as General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens. 

Coaching Staff

HC:      John Harbaugh

OC:     Cam Cameron

DC:      Chuck Pagano

B+:       I like this coaching staff, but sooner or later they will need to pass the Steelers or go to the Super Bowl.  Cam Cameron has been given one more year to produce better results for the Ravens.  He and Harbaugh brought the Ravens from the bottom of the league in offense to the middle…problem is they are stalled there.  More speed from the past two drafts on offense should help.  DC position is a revolving door.  Most do so well they move on to HC positions (Nolan and Ryan) or go back to coach for their college (Greg Mattison).    

  … [visit site to read more]

2011 NFL Season Preview: Baltimore Ravens - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Cincinnati Bengals

Front Office:  

Owner:

GM:                 Paul Brown

C:         For the past twenty years the Cincinnati Bengals have been near the top of the list of poorly ranked teams.  I think the Brown family either got smarter or hired someone to advise them because the team seem to be heading in the right direction before last season.  The Bengals are building a solid young team….I am not ready to give them a higher grade yet until more wins come…but they aren’t failing at an epic level any longer.     

Coaching Staff

HC:      Marvin Lewis

OC:      Jay Gruden

DC:     MikeZimmer

B:         Marvin Lewis received a two year extension.  He has done an okay job.  He seems to guide young players well so I was not upset with his extension.  I am excited to see what Jay Gruden can do to this offense.  He seems to be tailoring it to his west coast offense. Mike Zimmer is an under-appreciated coach.  He has received the maximum returns from this young group.  I love his fire and brimstone approach.            

QB:                 C-

It sure looks like Carson Palmer will not play for the Bengals nor will he be traded so this is Andy Dalton’s team.  I like Andy Dalton.  He is a winner.  He has solid physical traits but ultimately his leadership and poise are his best weapons. Dalton is still a young quarterback in a shortened off season though.  Bruce Gradkowski is an okay backup. 

  … [visit site to read more]

2011 NFL Season Preview: Cincinnati Bengals - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Baltimore Ravens Acquire WR Lee Evans From Buffalo Bills - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

We Know DeMarcus Ware and the Rest of the N.F.C. East Can Rush the Passer, But Are They the Best Front 7? (Picture source cowboys.belogblog.com)

I took a couple week haitius from my ranking the divisions series, but I thought I’d get back to it today by ranking the division by the front 7. Originally I was going to rank the defensive lines, but I think with the huge difference between a 43 and 34 defensive line I should just do the front seven overall.

8. N.F.C. West

The front seven is all about stopping the run and rushing the passer and the N.F.C. West is not very good at that. Who’s the most feared pass rusher in the N.F.C. West? No one. The 49ers, Rams, Cardinals, and Seahawks all felt their pass rush was lacking last season. The lead sack person for the Cardinals was Calais Campbell with six sacks and I”m not sure anyone believes Chris Clemons is for real. The Rams have a decent pass rush that should get better with Robert Quinn and the 49ers were led by Justin Smith with 8.5 sacks (which is very good). The front seven of the 49ers is not bad, they just need more of a pass rush. With the drafting of Aldon Smith they hope they have found that for the future.

… [visit site to read more]

Ranking the Divisions: Front 7 - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Even with Pro Bowl return man Josh Cribbs looking for a role in the offense, the Browns don’t feel like he is best being used as a wide receiver, but more as a return man and wildcat runner. In fact, a recent column by the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicated that it is “doubtful” the Browns will use Cribbs much at all at the wide receiver position.

The Browns used a second round pick on former North Carolina wide receiver Greg Little this year, and they have also used some high picks in recent years on some other players that could make an impact this year–finally. This team has a stable of young guys who have been slowly developing, and most of them are big dudes with lots of potential, guys I really liked coming out of college.

Here’s a look at the Browns’ receiver group as it currently stands, and guys you can look for to make an impact in 2011.

… [visit site to read more]

Cleveland Browns’ Wide Receiver Group Set to Break Out - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football