NFL Power Rankings and Updated First Round Mock Draft
1 (32)–Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Colts are reeling. Can Peyton Manning truly make that big of a difference? Perhaps the league should give him the MVP trophy anyways.
2 (31)–Miami Dolphins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Fitting. Miami can’t even be the worst team in the league. That’s not to say that RGIII wouldn’t be a nice consolation prize.
3 (30)–St. Louis Rams: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
The Rams are in a shambles. I think the WR’s at the top of the 2012 Draft grow more overrated by the day. Sam Bradford will get his #1 WR, don’t worry.
4 (29)–Arizona Cardinals: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Matt Kalil is the best offensive tackle in the country and the Cardinals’ OL is in a shambles. This would be a good pick to protect their questionable quarterback investment.
5 (28)–Minnesota Vikings: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Big, smart offensive lineman who has great footwork and could be a dominant left tackle potentially. You cannot pass that up if you’re the Vikings with Christian Ponder as the QB of the future.
6 (27)–Seattle Seahawks: Matt Barkley, QB, USC
This would be a dream come true for Pete Carroll. Seems too perfect to actually happen.
7 (26)–Washington Redskins: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Wouldn’t it be crazy if Mike Shanahan shocked the world and took Ryan Tannehill in the first round next year? It wouldn’t surprise me, to be honest. But, I’ll go with the safer mock pick here, OU QB Landry Jones.
8 (25)–Cleveland Browns: Dre’ Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Browns get a top-tier CB prospect to pair with Joe Haden, who is off to a heck of a start to his NFL career.
9 (24)–Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Not sure I would take a WR this soon, but the Jags need it about as bad as any team I have ever seen. Blackmon is a playmaker and could be a nice #1 target for Blaine Gabbert.
10 (23)–Denver Broncos: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
If Tim Tebow can convince the Denver front office that he is good enough to be the QB of the future–and I think he will–then taking Richardson to build the offense around him would be an excellent fit.
11 (22)–Carolina Panthers: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
Cam Newton gets a strong target in the passing game in Jeffery, the big playmaker out of USC.
12 (21)–Tennessee Titans: Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Dominant defensive tackle prospect who is having a huge senior season and would really add some more toughness to the Titans’ front four.
13 (20)–Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Kuechly doesn’t have to move too far here. He would instantly become the best LB and leader of this Philly defense.
14 (19)–Oakland Raiders (Cincinnati Bengals): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Bengals use one of the picks from the Raiders to select Dennard, a top flight CB prospect to replace the departed Jonathan Joseph.
15 (18)–Kansas City Chiefs: Manti Te’o, Linebacker, Notre Dame
Chiefs take the top overall prospect left on the board, and a heck of a player in Manti Te’o, a tackling machine at Notre Dame.
16 (17)–Cincinnati Bengals: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Miller could go much higher than this, and he probably would if he declared, but I think if he were available here, he’d be a great addition to this young Cincinnati team.
17 (16)–Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
James can provide a serious spark and change of pace to the Tampa Bay offense.
18 (15)–Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Really balanced offensive tackle who would be a nice addition to the Buffalo offense.
19 (14)–Houston Texans: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
Adding Michael Floyd to this offense could be sickening. If Houston loses Johnson to injury, he could also step up. Think Dez Bryant/Miles Austin here.
20 (13)–Atlanta Falcons (Cleveland Browns): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
If Cleveland could come away with Kirkpatrick and Burfict, I think fans would be ecstatic.
21 (12)–Chicago Bears: David DeCastro, OL, Stanford
The Bears just need to keep helping Jay Cutler stay upright, by any means necessary.
22 (11)–New York Jets: Alameda Ta’amu, DT, Washington
Ta’amu is the top 3-4 nose tackle prospect and he would add some more grit and toughness to the New York front line.
23 (10)–Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Barron is a hard hitter, ball hawk, and potential Pro Bowl safety in the NFL.
24 (9)–Baltimore Ravens: Ricky Wagner, OL, Wisconsin
The Ravens’ offensive line is in serious need of some youth. Wagner is a powerful kid who could provide some pop.
25 (8)–New York Giants: Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Zach Brown is a really fast linebacker who can also apply pressure and be great in coverage. Steal at this point.
26 (7)–Detroit Lions: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Really solid cornerback prospect who would add some toughness to the Detroit defensive backfield.
27 (6)–San Diego Chargers: Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Thompson is having a very good season and would be a nice, versatile addition to the San Diego defensive line which is going through a youth movement.
28 (5)–San Francisco 49ers: Janoris Jenkins, CB, N. Alabama
The Niners take a flier on the embattled Jenkins, who is dominating at North Alabama this season.
29 (4)–Pittsburgh Steelers: Cordy Glenn, OL, Georgia
Glenn is a massive kid who can play some guard in the NFL and be a really nice player for the Steelers.
30 (3)–New England Patriots: Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
One of the top pass rush guys in the draft would be an absolute steal at this point if the Pats could add him.
31 (2)–New Orleans Saints (New England Patriots): Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Nothing wrong with stocking up at a position of weakness. The Patriots add a couple of top notch pass rushers and improve that area of their team greatly.
32 (1)–Green Bay Packers: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
I think the Packers would do well to add a premiere runner to the league’s best team. Why not get the touchdown machine out of your own backyard?