Updated 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl Edition - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Morris Claiborne Ends up in a Surprise Place in my Latest Mock Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

I’ve done a myriad of 2012 NFL Mock draft this year, but it’s time to expand my effort before the combine gets here. I’m going to try and get this mock draft out to seven rounds before the combine happens and I’ll even throw in a few projected compensation picks. Today We’ll go three rounds deep.

As daily readers know for me personally the Mock draft is a place to explore the myriad opportunities the draft presents us. I will make some picks I think are unlikely, but I hope you’ll still consider them.

Scouting reports for all of these players (and many more) can be found on our scouting report page

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

. “Quarterback of the future for the Colts. Luck bridges the gap perfectly between Peyton Manning and the future of this organization. He will have growing pains, but I think he has star potential, like many others.”

I’m just going to quote my co-editor Sayre there and leave it at that.

2. St. Louis Rams: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This is an extremely unlikely pick I’m making here for the Rams, but it’s fun to consider the possibility, you could also consider this a pick they make if they trade down with Washington and Claiborne is available. I think this pick has only four real options. The first is trade the pick (and probably the option the Rams are most hoping occurs). Two they take Justin Blackmon. That’s a good pick if you think Blackmon is Terrell Owens, if he’s Michael Crabtree though, then you’re in trouble. Three is take LT Matt Kalil. The pick I think is most likely to happen. Four Take CB Morris Claiborne. Claiborne is better in coverage than Patrick Peterson who was considered by many the best player in the draft, so his talent is high, but Cornerbacks never go this high and I think Claiborne is likely to be available at pick 5 like Peterson was last year.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, T, USC

I’m not the biggest fan of Justin Blackmon. Not that I don’t think he’s talented, and I think the odds are that the Vikings will take him here though they are hoping for Kalil. In this scenario Kalil is available for the Vikings to take. The Vikings will want Kalil. He would instantly give Ponder the protection they desire and currently lack for him.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft Updated 2 Round Mock Draft - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Sanu is big, versatile, and talented. Is he a good fit with 49ers?

I looked around at 2012 NFL Mock drafts around the web focusing on on the potential NFC champion 49ers. We post at least 2012 NFL mock drafts every week so from time to time I like to give our readers some outside opinions. The San Francisco 49ers will host the New York Giants on Sunday in a game that no one predicted before the season. With the big one that Alex Smith had last Sunday and the fact that they will be selecting in the late 20′s quarterback will not be addressed in the 2012 N.F.L. draft. Wide receiver seems like the easy way to go, but I was curious what direction the other mocks on the web were taking.

Walterfootball.com

Picking  31st Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Braylon Edwards was brought in as a deep threat, but was a big disappointment. The 49ers don’t need a receiver with Josh Morgan coming back and Kyle Williams emerging, but it wouldn’t hurt to add someone with talent at the position. Mohamed Sanu would be a nice complement to the other receivers San Francisco currently has on its roster.
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2012 NFL Mock Draft Roundup San Francisco 49ers - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Congratulations are in order to the Colts who have efirst round pick in the N.F.L. Draft. Now It's up to a new general manager to take Andrew Luck

Well we know now who is going to be available in the 2012 N.F.L. draft and except for four spots who will be picking where, so it’s time to realize my latest version of my 2012 N.F.L. mock draft. Regular readers of this site will know that I do not make the usual pick when I can avoid it, there are too many mocks out there who are close minded. This team WILL Draft this guy and so forth. But we all know it never happens like it’s “suppose” to. If you think my pick is too crazy for your favorite team let me know and I’ll try to convince you I’m right! I know now that I’ve made the entire mock I have too many WR in the first round, but sometimes that happens.

There were some surprise players returning for another season of College Football like QB Matt Barkley, and a few surprise entrants like LSU DT Michael Brockers who will make his debut in this mock draft, but other than that the declared underclassmen were as expected.

Clicking on the name of the pick will bring you to the fansided site that covers that team, so feel free to check that out.

Scouting reports for all of these players can be found on our scouting report page.

1. Indianapolis Colts-Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Cardinal

This is as easy a pick as there is. The Colts will take Andrew Luck, the question is what will they do with Peyton Manning, might initial feeling is that they will release him and let him become a free agent. I think his contract is untradeable with the salary cap hits and if they don’t release him they are going to pay him a ton of money.

2. St. Louis Rams-Matt Kalil, OT, USC

There are two options for this pick. One is to find someone to protect Sam Bradford. Drafting Kalil allows the Rams to move Saffold to RT, Jason Smith to Guard, and then plug in Kalil at LT. Kalil is not quite Joe Thomas or Jake Long, but he’s not far off.  In this league you have to protect the quarterback, especially one who seems to be injured as often as Bradford does if you want to win big.

3. Minnesota Vikings-Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Believe it or not I have not mocked Blackmon to Minnesota very often. I think the Vikings will strongly consider Martin or Reiff if they have them high on their big board. They have to make sure their investment in Ponder is protected. Blackmon’s huge Bowl game has pushed his stock a little higher and teams might feel justified taking him at this spot. Comparisons to T.O. (without the attitude) and Brandon Marshall are becoming the norm for Blackmon. I however have been on record multiple times saying (well writing at least) that top five is too high for Blackmon who is more Michael Crabtree to me, than he is Dez Bryant.

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2012 NFL Mock draft Minnesota Vikings Take Justin Blackmon - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

RG III in Cleveland would sure look good

This mock 2012 NFL Mock draft comes from one of our newest writers who will have more for you once the tech guys get him set up officially.

Provide some feedback and let him know what you think. I wanted to post this before the order changed tomorrow.

All of our scouting reports can be found on our scouting report page

1) Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck QB

No brainer pick, you don’t pass on a franchise QB no matter what. Especially when said QB has been compared to John Elway and is considered one of the best QB prospects since Peyton Manning. Reports have said Manning may never play again, and even if he does he will be fragile and who knows if he could even last another season. If Manning is available to play this year, redshirt Luck under one of the smartest QB’s of all time and let him take over in a year.

2) St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon WR

Normally I would never take a WR over a franchise LT but the Rams recently hit on LT Roger Saffold and Jason Smith although disappointing so far, was a very high pick, and should continue to improve at RT. The real problem with their line appears to be the interior which can be addressed in later rounds or FA. Blackmon is a rare talent at the WR position in the mold of a TO or Calvin Johnson, a guy who can physically dominate you with his size strength and speed and has a knack for big plays. With Lloyd and Blackmon and some improved interior line play Sam Bradford should be in for a big year.

3) Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil LT

The Vikings have tried for years to get a franchise LT and came up short. Bryant McKinnie never quite lived up to the hype and Loadholt is purely a RT kind of guy. Kalil is a sure thing to be a starter and possible pro bowler for the next 5-10 years barring injury. Great athleticism and potential to be one of the elite pass blockers in the league, Kalil would help out the young QB Ponder who likes to move around in the pocket.

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2012 NFl Mock Draft Will Holmgren Draft Robert Griffin III - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

I took the order from NEpatriotsdraft.com

I’ll use our own big board to create value (though it has not been updated for players returning to school-those players Jarvis Jones for one are not included in this mock). Well that was the plan anyway, and I kind of strayed from that.

Be sure to check out all of these players scouting reports (and countless others) on our scouting report page.

And for this mock (because I’m an idiot and had an oversight) Morris Claiborne has returned to school to try to after LSU loses to get his National Championship next year.

1. Indianapolis Colts (1-13)-Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Cardinal

The only question here is what to do with the 2012 N.F.L. M.V.P. Peyton Manning after the season.

2. Minnesota Vikings (2-12)-Matt Kalil, T, USC

Here is the biggest reason this pick will be Matt Kalil whether the Rams or Vikings are picking #2 overall: offensive linemen > WR. A franchise LT can be a player you rely on for 15 years. Kalil needs some techinque refinement, but he’s been compared to Joe Thomas by former N.F.L. Scout Dave Razzano. His upside is very high and he’s a good pick here.

3. St. Louis Rams (2-12)-Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford Cardinal

I just think Justin Blackmon is more Michael Crabtree than he is Dez Bryant so I think the Rams should avoid him at third overall. I imagine the Rams will be looking to trade down a few spots anyway with all of the teams that could be vying for quarterbacks, but in this scenario they take a franchise LT in Jonathan Martin, push Saffold to the right side and try to play Jason Smith at guard (or dump him). Possibly improving three positions at once. If Bradford spends all day on his back, it won’t matter who he doesn’t get to throw the ball to.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10)-Quinton Coples, DL, UNC

Admitedly Coples has had a down year, but he’s still the best defensive line prospect at 43 DE, 34 DE, and probably 43 DT as well. The Jaguars have average situational and rotational pass rushers, not an every down guy. I think Coples ceiling is more like Justin Smith than it is Julius Peppers, but not everyone will agree with me. I also think this pick will come down to who takes over the head coaching gig. If it’s a coach who wants to run a 34 defense they have to acquire the pieces for that, if it’s an offensive minded coach they could go Blackmon here. The reason I go Coples here is because the WR at the top of round two are going to be better than the pass rushers at the top of round two.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-10)-Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

The difference between the Jaguars and Browns for Blackmon is that I think Blackmon is perfect for what the Browns are trying to do with their offense. Blackmon might not be a command double team guy like Bryant, but he work well in the Browns offensive system in my opinion.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft Update Week 16: Pre-Bowl Mock Draft - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Clemson DT Brandon Thompson is a good fit for the Denver Broncos

For scouting reports of all of these players (and many more) check out our scouting report page

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-13): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Obviously the Colts go with a QB here, but I lose confidence by the day that it will be Andrew Luck for some reason.

**Projected Trade with Minnesota**
2. Miami Dolphins (4-9): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Dolphins get arguably the best player in the draft in RG3 who would revive the franchise.

**Projected Trade with St. Louis**
3. Kansas City Chiefs (5-8): Matt Barkley, QB, USC

Kansas City gets a franchise QB of the future for their new regime.

4. Washington Redskins (4-9): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson would be a very interesting fit with the Redskins and head coach Mike Shanahan.

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

Blackmon would provide Blaine Gabbert or whatever QB the Jaguars use with a big time playmaker at the receiver position.

6. Carolina Panthers (4-9): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Panthers get a top notch defender in Morris Claiborne who can also return kicks and punts.

7. Minnesota Vikings (2-11): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Vikings get some much-needed help on the offensive line with Riley Reiff.

8. Cleveland Browns (4-9): Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Fast athletic linebacker prospect who adds another dimension to the Browns’ defense.

9. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-9): Dre’ Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Big cornerback prospect who has a ton of potential as a shut-down cornerback.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (5-8): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Eagles need to get tougher on the offensive line, and Martin is one of the best in the country.

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Updated 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Where Does RG3 Land? - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Justin Blackmon Would Look Good in Carolina Blue (picture source littlebitaboutalot.blogspot.com)

Time for my weekly 2012 NFL Mock draft update. Most weeks I like to explore unique options for each team because I think that helps me consider the myriad possibilities of the draft (and this is what is so alluring about the draft to me), but this week I tried to do more of a traditional mock draft, of course there are a few surprise picks. So let me know what you think.

This is order is based on the current regular season standings up to the playoffs then from walterfootball.com from pick 22 on.

Almost every player here as a scouting report for them, so click on the name for that.

For all of our other scouting reports (over a 120) check out our scouting report page.

1. Indianapolis Colts (0-10)-Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford Cardinal

Despite what Skip Bayless and Jamele Hill might be saying on First Take, I don’t think any General Manager in this league would have the conviction to take Robert Griffin III over Andrew Luck first overall. It’s fun to play that game. If a G.M. takes Luck and Luck is a colossal bust it will be placed on Luck because Everyone think he’s a once in a decade prospect, if a G.M. passed on Luck and he becomes what we all think he can be, he’ll never get to live it down. The only question here is do the Colts try to ransom the pick?

2. Carolina Panthers (2-8)-Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

I really wanted to mock Matt Kalil here to the Panthers because of Gross’s age (already 31) and Jeff Otah’s inability to stay healthy, but I think Gross just got a six year contract in the last year or so and I couldn’t see the Panthers making that pick despite how much sense it makes in my crazy head.

3. St. Louis Rams (2-8)-Matt Kalil, T, USC

This would be the Rams ideal pick, I think. Fans often want the flash pick of WR, but even fans acknowledge how important it is to secure talent across the offensive line. The drafting of Kalil pushes Saffold to RT and Jason Smith inside to guard potentially improving three positions at once (assuming Smith and Saffold transition well to their new positions).

Well it turns out the Rams are already going to move Jason Smith to RG, at least for this Sunday.

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