If you’re interested in seeing the scouting reports for the players in this 2012 NFL mock draft check out our scouting report page which has nearly 200 scouting reports.

One other quick note, Alabama T Barrett Jones has reportedly decided to forego the N.F.L. draft and return to Alabama next year. He will not be included in any future updates.

1. Indianapolis Colts                  Andrew Luck            QB           Stanford

Andrew Luck is one of the better Quarterback prospects in recent memories.  His pre-snap recognition reminds many Colt fans of Peyton Manning.  I think Luck’s abilities and strengths are similar to Manning’s and will allow for a seamless transition.  Any downsides of Luck are nitpicking.  The Colts strike gold for the second time while picking first.

2. St. Louis Rams                  Matt Kalil                  OT            USC

Matt Kalil is an elite pass protector.  Kalil struggles a bit with his strength in the run game but has the build to gain weight without sacrificing his athleticism.  The Rams offensive line has been under achieving all season.  With high draft picks (Jason Smith and Roger Saffold) and pricey FA (Harvey Dahl and Jason Brown) playing well under their ability and struggling with numerous injures it is vital the Rams protect Bradford.      

3. Minnesota Vikings                Morris Claiborne      CB           LSU

Vikings are in a position they will likely trade down.  Vikings missed out on Khalil and do not need Griffin so to trade down and acquire some picks would be wise.  If they are to stay at 3 Morris Claiborne is the likely selection.  Claiborne has elite speed, size, and hands to matchup well with Megatron and other large targets.        

4. Cleveland Browns             Robert Griffin           QB           Baylor

I do not believe the Browns can wait for Colt McCoy to develop…besides I think he already has.  McCoy is an average starter and really sound backup.  Griffin has the ability to be a special player.  His speed, accuracy, arm strength, and intelligence are all near elite levels.  With his leadership the Browns could start competing with the other elite teams in the AFC North. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers     Trent Richardson     RB           Alabama

The Buccaneers have given up.  To rebuild, it would be wise to ensure Josh Freeman has all the chances in the world to succeed.  He currently lacks speed in his playmakers as well as a sound offensive line.  Richardson would give the Buccaneers offense an elite running back similar to Adrian Peterson.  Richardson has great size and speed and has dominated the SEC.  His type of potential is not in every draft. 

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2012 3 Round Mock NFL Mock Draft: Barkley staying and RGIII all but gone to the Cleveland Browns? - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Every week Dan Kadar and I have a question and answer session. This week I sent some questions for Dan about franchise quarterbacks and play a little game I call Take your pick.

1). There are some teams with an obvious need at quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft (Seahawks, Redskins, Dolphins), but which of these teams do you think are still without a franchise quarterback: The Cleveland Browns, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs, the 49ers?

For the Browns, it’s completely up in the air. As most saw Thursday night, Colt McCoy is still prone to making bad throws and not doing enough to keep the Browns out of getting a high enough pick to draft a quarterback. It’s hard to say with Jacksonville. You’d hope they’d give Blaine Gabbert more time, but given the new rookie wage scale, they might not hesitate to look in a different direction.

Buffalo, considering the contract they gave Ryan Fitzpatrick, probably thinks they have a franchise quarterback. What they have is a solid starter, but maybe not a premier player. The Chiefs thought they did, but Matt Cassel has done enough to prove otherwise. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them go quarterback in the second round and do what Minnesota did this season. They’ll start next year with Cassel and if he falters, they could bring in the rookie. San Francisco is tough. They’re having a great year, but not because of Alex Smith. They may love rookie Colin Kaepernick and think he can be a franchise quarterback. I’d expect them to give Smith a two-year contract this offseason and eventually replace him with Kaepernick.

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NFL Draft Q and A With Mockingthedraft’s Dan Kadar: Do The Browns Need a Franchise Quarterback - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Robert Griffin III to the Redskins could make them contender soon

For this 2012 NFL Mock draft the order was taken from Walterfootball.

To see the scouting reports of any of these players in this 2012 NFL Mock draft check out our scouting report page (There are now well over 150 total scouting reports for your viewing pleasure)

I’m putting these players back in school for next year which is why they don’t appear in the first round of my mock draft. QB Landry Jones Oklahom Sooners, OLB Jarvis Jones Georgia, T D.J. Fluker, Alabama

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-12)-Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Cardinal

This is the easiest pick to make. I think people clamoring for Griffin III right here is a case of over-analyzing a prospect and drumming up some interest. Luck has everything you’re looking for in a N.F.L. prospect. Smart, leadership, good arm, experience in a pro-style offense. Even with huge expectations this year and  without ,maybe the same kind of weapons he’s had recently he’s been remarkably consistent.

2. Minnesota Vikings (2-10), Matt Kalil, T, USC

I think the Vikings would love to be picking 2nd ahead of the Rams. Either way I think the 2nd pick is going to be Kalil. Both teams need a lT of the future to protect their young quarterback and Kalil’s a real good one.

3.St. Louis (2-10) Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Didn’t see that one coming did you? When you pick in the top three of the draft you you have to take players who can be All-Pros in the N.F.L. I’t's always bad to reach for players, but if you’re the Rams here there are really only a few legitimate options. Blackmon (not worth this pick), Jonathan Martin/Riley Reiff (possible), Quinton Coples. I was leaning Coples here, but Richardson can do a lot to help protect a young quarterback as well by continue where Steve Jackson has left off. Jackson is approaching 30 years old and is constantly banged up. Richardson could be the next Adrian Peterson he’s so good. It’d be annoying this year, but how great would it be in three years if the Rams had an Adrian Peterson like running back?

I like to play with picks in my mock draft so I still think it’s more likely they go T, WR, or Coples here, but it’s fun to explore different possibilities.

4. Jacksonville  Jaguars(3-9)-Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

No idea what the Jaguars will do. In my 7 round Jaguars mock I had them selecting Morris Claiborne, but what I think the Jaguars will do and what the will actually do never lines up, so here’s another possibility. The Jaguars could feel obligated to give Sam Bradford a weapon to work with him moving forward. If you’re the Jaguars you wish Jefferey had another big season so you could feel comfortable taking him here, because his great N.F.L. size and athleticism is mouth watering. It’s hard not to like Blackmon but he’s more Michael Crabtree  Dez Bryant to me. (Not that Crabtree wouldn’t be a great player in a  different situation) and we’ve compared him to Reggie Wayne in our scouting report.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft Week 14 Update: Browns Improve Defense with 2 1st Round Picks, Griffin to Redskins - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Brown has uncommon speed which would be a welcome addition for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns were a team of transition in 2011 and still must finish up that rebuilding project. Switching from a 34 to a 43 requires a complete overhaul of personal as does going from a Mangini style offense to a West Coast style offense. There is some nice talent on the Cleveland Browns, but they must continue to add key pieces on both sides of the ball. I think one of the interesting questions moving forward is do the Browns feel Colt McCoy is a franchise Quarterback? That could really effect a lot of things in the draft.  I’m going to assume the Browns are picking around 6th overall. The Browns have all of their picks rounds 1 through 7 and an extra 1st rounder and 2nd rounder from the Julio Jones trade.

Scouting reports for these players can be found by clicking on the names and you can check out all of our scouting reports on our scouting report page.

After reading the mock let me know what you think.

1st Round-Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Jabaal Sheard is playing well, but the Browns have 2 sacks from their two defensive ends opposite Sheard. Jayme Mitchell has 6  sacks…in his entire six year career. This a position that still needs to be upgraded. I think if they don’t go Richardson or quarterback with their first pick than the value will lie in Coples, unless Justin Blackmon is available who fits their offensive system very well. Coples has a lot of potential and versatility, he’s not my favorite player, but he’s been playing a lot better in the second half of the season than he did the first half of the season. I think he can play DT or DE for the Browns. He’s not a great prospect to me, but defensive linemen are more important than linebackers in the 43 which is why I think the Browns could grab Coples with their first pick.

1st Round-Zach Brown, LB, UNC

I think Brown can definitely go higher than this, but maybe not. Brown is a freak of an athlete who reminds a lot of people of Aaron Curry who was drafted in the top five. The other pick I considered here was taking a cornerback like Alfonzo Dennard or Stephon Gilmore. I think adding two good defenders in the first round is a good way to go, there will be some quality wide receivers available at the top of the second round. The fact that I went North Carolina players back to back is purely coincidence.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft Cleveland Browns 7 Round Mock - 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.

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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

Is Mr. Luck Packing His Bags For Kansas? (Picture courtesy of The110Report)

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford

The Chiefs will start fresh next season with a new quarterback under center along with getting both Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry back from their injuries.

2. Indianapolis Colts: Matt Kalil, Offensive Tackle, USC

Protecting Peyton Manning will be a key next season for the Colts. He will be coming off a few neck injuries that can’t be risked by a shaky offensive line.

3. Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, Quarterback, USC

Both Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst aren’t the Seahawks now or in the future. Got to wonder if Pete Carroll is already planning the reunion party since he was the coach at USC during Matt Barkley’s freshman year.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft: The Chiefs Are In Luck! - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Where did the Super Bowl Champ Packers rank after week 1?

The power rankings below are strictly based off of week one performances. These power rankings should look a lot different once we move later into the season.

Here are the NFL power rankings for week 1:

32 Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs deserve to be the worst team on every single power ranking that comes out today. They got shut down by one of the worst teams in the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Chiefs offense made the Bills defense looked like the Ravens and the Chiefs defense made the Bills offense look like the Packers. Maybe it’s just the Bills are getting better, but it’s still no excuse for the horrible loss they suffered against them.

31. Indianapolis Colts 

You can’t blame Kerry Collins two fumbles for the loss against the Houston Texans on Sunday. More of the loss should be put on the running game and rush defense. They ran the ball for only 64 yards and allowed a player that goes by the name of Ben Tate, not Arian Foster, run for 116 yards and a touchdown.

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NFL Week 1 Power Rankings - 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.

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