2012 NFL Mock Draft Pre-Combine
In this 2012 NFL Mock draft I did not predict trades. The combine is only a week away and I tried to highlight some players I think could have good combines.
The players that interest me the most in 2012 NFL Mock drafts are Vontaze Burfict, Ryan Tannehill, Quinton Coples, Kendall Wright and Dre Kirkpatrick.
I like to see where people think Burfict character concerns get him. Where Coples and Tannehill’s upside might get them and how good is Kendall Wright. Is Wright a top 15 pick, or barely a first round pick.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
This is the first draft in awhile where the first pick was a foregone conclusion so early in the process. Takes a bit of fun out of it.
2. St. Louis Rams: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
I’m not predicting trades. I think both the Rams and the Vikings are hoping the Rams make a trade here. The Rams for the pick, the Vikings to take Kalil.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Riley Reiff, T, Iowa
If the Rams don’t make a trade at #2 overall, the Vikings will try to trade here because they are in a bind. Reiff is a reach, Blackmon is a reach, Claiborne doesn’t offer good positional value.
4. Cleveland Browns: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
The Browns seem to be at least interested in Griffin III and if available and they don’t have to trade up to get him I think it’s a no brainer.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Claiborne is better at covering WR than last year’s fifth overall pick Patrick Peterson was heading into the N.F.L. Cornerback is a need for the Buccaneers and they would love to make this selection here, I feel.
6. Washington Redskins: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Redskins wide receivers are not great and Blackmon is a safe prospect at WR, if there is such a thing.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Norte Dame
The G.M. is on a hot-seat in Jacksonville (or at least should be) and might be willing to get a little more risky than he has in the past where character is concerned. Floyd is a terrific player on the field who comes with some substantial baggage.
8. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DL, UNC
The Panthers only have one person who really gets after the pass rusher here. And there is not a safe selection here safe and maybe Jonathan Martin who should at least be able to contribute at RT if he can’t at LT. However, Coples upside is tentailizing and if Copels Charles Johnson can rush the passer well next year the defense could instantly improve.
9. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A and M
I don’t know if this will happen, but it is possible. Quarterback needy teams will do whatever they can to shore up that position. Matt Moore actually played pretty well last year maybe the Dolphins think they can get one more year out of Moore while Tannehill develops.
10. Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford Cardinal
Jonathan Martin re[;aces Demetrius Bell who might leave via free agency. If that occurs LT becomes the Bills number one priority.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson and Charles combination. Whew good luck opposing defenses.
12. Seattle Seahawks:David Decastro, G, Stanford Cardinal
The Seahawks have been assembling the best young offensive line in all of football and DeCastro is the finishing piece. With DeCastro the Seahawks might be able to run the football with or without the return of Marshawn Lynch.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama Crimson Tide
The Cardinals could really use someone to rush the passer from the 34 OLB spot, and also the DE spot when they give 43 looks. Upshaw has that ability. An athletic and powerful linebacker who excelled at rushing the passer in Alabama
14. Dallas Cowboys: Dre’ Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
I don’t know if Kirkpatrick will actually last this long, marijuana but it’s much more possible now with the marijuana charges.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
If the Eagles lose DeSean Jackson it’s possible that they look to fill his void. I’m not buying Wright as the best WR in this class, in fact not even in the top three, but I seem to be in the minority now and besides this is the type of WR the Eagles prefer.
16. New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, OLB, South Carolina
I think they could easily take an OL here to help, but they will also be looking to rush the passer to complement their terrific coverage team.