2012 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns Go Trent Richardson, Luke Kuechly

I decided to try and make up a 2012 NFL Mock draft based upon Profootballweekly’s Draft value chart. If that is an accurate gauge of where the value of every player stands this is a possible scenario in which the draft could play out. I wasn’t 100 percent strict, but I did stay with the rule that I kept the same 32 projected players and kept most players in their “10 pick slot range”.

The draft is very close and soon I’ll have my final prediction on what will shake out on draft day with a full 7 round mock draft coming out a few days before the draft.

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

Luck has been the number one pick for quite some time and I still think despite the rumblings the Colts are considering RGIII here when all is said and done they will draft Andrew Luck.

2. Washington Redskins–Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor Bears

The Redskins are just sitting back and waiting to see who will be the quarterback of their future. Something interesting that’s happened is Redskins fans now would be upset if the Colts were to take Robert Griffin III leaving them “only” Andrew Luck. In an unscientific poll on twitter when I proposed the question of how Redskins would feel if the Colts drafted RGIII everyone one of them said they would initially be upset. Redskins fans already love RGIII and I think they are going to get them.

3. Minnesota Vikings–Matt Kalil, T, USC

There are reports that the Vikings might not take Matt Kalil at third overall, but I don’t believe that yet. The positional value for LT is too great and Claiborne is not such a diamond in the rough prospect that it makes sense to bypass Kalil for them.

4. Cleveland Browns–Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

This is becoming en vogue, but it makes a lot of sense. Richardson is an instant rookie of the year candidate the minute he steps on the field. He’s the best skilled position player in the draft. Richardson should take some pressure off of McCoy, he’s the best offensive player available, and he fills a big need in Cleveland, who doesn’t have a reliable running back currently on their roster.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Something screwy could happen, but it seems the first five picks are near locks. What could make things interesting is if some team decides to trade up for Ryan Tannehill pushing Richardson or Kalil into this area. If Kalil ends up in Tampa’s draft range do they draft him? Does a team like Buffalo move up to get him. These are all legitimate questions.

6. St. Louis Rams–Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Here is the first difficult pick to predict. I’ve given them Justin Blackmon many times so decided to go with Cox here. The Rams don’t have a a great pass rushing defensive tackle.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars–Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

I think the Jaguars are taking a Defensive end here if Justin Blackmon is not available, but in this mock he is. There are some growing concerns about Blackmon’s character as was recently reported that instead of going back with his team on the plan after a game he went to Las Vegas. He also has the DUI and speeding issue.
8. Miami Dolphins–Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A and M

Is this the right pick? That’s up for debate. Is this a likely pick? I think yes. The Dolphins have been looking for an answer at quarterback for a very long time. Tannehill has a lot of physical ability and they could even sit him for a year behind Matt Moore if they would like.

9. Carolina Panthers–Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

This pick makes sense to me. Right now the Panthers have run a 43 defense, but they don’t have the same linebacker corps they use to and Ron Rivera was a 34 guy with the San Diego Chargers. Ingram is a versatile defender who could play a variety of roles for the Panthers regardless of the defensive system they move forward with. He has 34 OLB potential, he could play 43 undertackle in pass rushing situations, he could play 43 Defensive end. Coples makes more sense if the team likes him and they are planning on playing strictly 43.

10. Buffalo Bills–Riley Reiff, T, Iowa

My final Buffalo Bills pick prior to the draft will not be Riley Reiff. But it might still be an offensive linemen. Intrigued? Stay tuned. This is not a sexy pick, but if the Bills find a guy who can play a good LT this year they could compete for the playoffs if they stay healthy. The depth of this team is so much better than it was a year ago as is the overall talent.
11. Kansas City Chiefs-David DeCastro, G, Stanford Cardinal

I think the Chiefs are looking at Dontari Poe, David Decastro, Kuechly, and the out-of-the box pick for me is them trading down and targeting TE Coby Fleener. But with that being said in this mock they stay put and draft the best player available left on my board. DeCastro is the “safest” first round pick, but if he doesn’t play Tackle he doesn’t offer great value.

12. Seattle Seahawks–Quinton Coples, DE, UNC

I think this pick is absolutely ideal for the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks run a funky defense system, but Coples could play all over the place. He could play RDE, LDE, DT, and even outside linebacker in some of their alignenments. Carroll also seems like the type of guy who could really get Coples motivated. A motivated Coples who puts forth consistent effort could be a player who is as good as San Francisco DE Justin Smith. That’s be great value at 12th overall.
13. Arizona Cardinals–Michael Floyd, WR, Norte Dame

The common pick is for the Cardinals to go with an OLB, and offensive tackle, but to me the Cardinals have been a team over the last few years has gone best player available. On the field I think Floyd is the best available player. It depends on how teams view his off the field issues (over blown to me). Floyd and Fitzgerald would be a dangerous combination.

14. Dallas Cowboys–Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis

I think this is a pick the Cowboys would love to make. DL is has become popular now that the Cowboys addressed the cornerback issue in free agency. If Poe is not available I think they consider Fletcher Cox, Brockers, Mark Barron.

15. Philadelphia Eagles–Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

I think Fletcher Cox is a great fit for the Eagles, but they have showed interest in Brockers as well. The Eagles love to draft along the trenches in the first round. I’m not really sure where they are going here. I think it’s likely based on this board they really consider Stephon Gilmore if they are intent on trading Samuel. Could also consider WR here or an OL like Cordy Glenn who could play a number of positions for the Eagles.

16. New York Jets–Cordy Glenn, T, Georgia

The Jets need another WR and they really need a pass rusher, but they can’t win with what they have along the offensive line right now. With Glenn the Jets could play him at RT, or at guard. Glenn has the potential to be a Carl Nicks type mauler inside at guard. The Jets want to run the football–they shouldn’t pass on Cordy Glenn.

Round two continued on the next page