Final 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Last Update- April 25th

#1) Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck (QB Stanford)
Will we even be able to recognize the Indianapolis Colts next year? Let's go over the changes. Peyton Manning- Gone, Polian's- Gone, Dallas Clark- Gone, Joseph Addai- Gone, Gary Brackett- Gone, Pierre Garcon- Gone. Along with Dwight Freeney's days being numbered. In one of the biggest rebuilds we have ever seen, the Colts picked the perfect guy to start this thing around. Andrew Luck, is exactly the guy you want to lead a young team, and be the face of your franchise. With his tremendous leadership skills, high level character, and not to mention his elite skills on the field. Luck has all the ability to build a legacy similar to Peyton Manning's. He is a special player, and it shouldn't be too long before he brings the Colts franchise back to being perennial contenders.

#1) Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck (QB Stanford)

Will we even be able to recognize the Indianapolis Colts next year? Let's go over the changes. Peyton Manning- Gone, Polian's- Gone, Dallas Clark- Gone, Joseph Addai- Gone, Gary Brackett- Gone, Pierre Garcon- Gone. Along with Dwight Freeney's days being numbered. In one of the biggest rebuilds we have ever seen, the Colts picked the perfect guy to start this thing around. Andrew Luck, is exactly the guy you want to lead a young team, and be the face of your franchise. With his tremendous leadership skills, high level character, and not to mention his elite skills on the field. Luck has all the ability to build a legacy similar to Peyton Manning's. He is a special player, and it shouldn't be too long before he brings the Colts franchise back to being perennial contenders.

#2) Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III (Baylor)
It's official! We (Along with everybody else) have been predicting it for months, but the Redskins did what they had to do to get their man. On the surface, Three 1st Round picks, and a 2nd Round Pick seems a little rich to move up 4 spots, but the Redskins absolutely had to make this trade. The Redskins are just a stale franchise right now, boring, not a ton of young talent, and nothing for the fans to get excited about. RG3 is exactly what this franchise needed! He can galvanize the franchise, energize the team, guys will want to play with him, and just his presence alone can change the losing culture. As far as trading all those picks, if Griffin turns out to be the All-Pro Quarterback that everyone (Including Us), believes that he will be, it will be a great trade for the Redskins. It feels weird to support Dan Snyder on something, and makes you feel a little less sure of yourself!

#2) Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III (Baylor)

It's official! We (Along with everybody else) have been predicting it for months, but the Redskins did what they had to do to get their man. On the surface, Three 1st Round picks, and a 2nd Round Pick seems a little rich to move up 4 spots, but the Redskins absolutely had to make this trade. The Redskins are just a stale franchise right now, boring, not a ton of young talent, and nothing for the fans to get excited about. RG3 is exactly what this franchise needed! He can galvanize the franchise, energize the team, guys will want to play with him, and just his presence alone can change the losing culture. As far as trading all those picks, if Griffin turns out to be the All-Pro Quarterback that everyone (Including Us), believes that he will be, it will be a great trade for the Redskins. It feels weird to support Dan Snyder on something, and makes you feel a little less sure of yourself!

#3) Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil (OT U.S.C)
I really don't understand at all how the Vikings could possibly even consider passing on Matt Kalil. I'm convinced that it's all a smokescreen to try to trade down, but if I'm wrong, everybody in Minnesota's front office will be out of a job soon. Minnesota, for better or for worse (Worse) has tied themselves to Christian Ponder, and they must now do everything in their power to help him succeed. What was once one of the best O-Lines in the NFL, is now pretty much a train wreck, and no matter how bad I think Christian Ponder is, behind that offensive line, it would be hard for any QB to do anything. Kalil is a phenomenal left tackle prospect who we firmly believe will be one of the best at his position in a short time. If the Vikings stay at #3 and take someone other than Kalil, you can pretty much throw everybody's Mock Draft out the window!

#3) Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil (OT U.S.C)

I really don't understand at all how the Vikings could possibly even consider passing on Matt Kalil. I'm convinced that it's all a smokescreen to try to trade down, but if I'm wrong, everybody in Minnesota's front office will be out of a job soon. Minnesota, for better or for worse (Worse) has tied themselves to Christian Ponder, and they must now do everything in their power to help him succeed. What was once one of the best O-Lines in the NFL, is now pretty much a train wreck, and no matter how bad I think Christian Ponder is, behind that offensive line, it would be hard for any QB to do anything. Kalil is a phenomenal left tackle prospect who we firmly believe will be one of the best at his position in a short time. If the Vikings stay at #3 and take someone other than Kalil, you can pretty much throw everybody's Mock Draft out the window!

#4) Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson (RB Alabama)
Just as we predicted, Cleveland was not willing to do what it needed to do to get RG3, so thus, they'll be stuck with Colt McCoy, or a Ryan Tannehill type, as their starter next year. They had an opportunity with their two 1st round picks this year to make the deal, but just didn't pull the trigger. No matter who the QB is next, it will be hard for him to succeed with the current "Weapons" on the Browns roster. Many people are talking about the Browns taking QB Ryan Tannehill here since they missed out on RG3, but I do not see that happening. Based on Holmgren's quotes and off-season decisions so far, it seems like they are going to give Colt McCoy one last shot, and Tannehill going #4 overall is just too much for me to handle!

#4) Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson (RB Alabama)

Just as we predicted, Cleveland was not willing to do what it needed to do to get RG3, so thus, they'll be stuck with Colt McCoy, or a Ryan Tannehill type, as their starter next year. They had an opportunity with their two 1st round picks this year to make the deal, but just didn't pull the trigger. No matter who the QB is next, it will be hard for him to succeed with the current "Weapons" on the Browns roster. Many people are talking about the Browns taking QB Ryan Tannehill here since they missed out on RG3, but I do not see that happening. Based on Holmgren's quotes and off-season decisions so far, it seems like they are going to give Colt McCoy one last shot, and Tannehill going #4 overall is just too much for me to handle!

#5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne (CB L.S.U)
Even though the Bucs signed F.A Eric Wright, the uncertainty with Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber make the CB position still shaky. With some good pieces on offense, including all the money they spent in Free Agency, Tampa will likely be going for the Best Available Player on the defensive side of the ball. Luckily they have a chance to get Morris Claiborne, who is the top defensive prospect in this draft. Claiborne is an excellent cover corner, and can play in any scheme. He excels playing physical, bump and run man to man coverage, but is just as effective in zone, making a great fit in the Tampa 2 if they chose to keep that. They would also no doubt consider Trent Richardson here if available, as Blount is not a sure thing, but fixing the defense should definitely be the biggest priority.

#5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne (CB L.S.U)

Even though the Bucs signed F.A Eric Wright, the uncertainty with Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber make the CB position still shaky. With some good pieces on offense, including all the money they spent in Free Agency, Tampa will likely be going for the Best Available Player on the defensive side of the ball. Luckily they have a chance to get Morris Claiborne, who is the top defensive prospect in this draft. Claiborne is an excellent cover corner, and can play in any scheme. He excels playing physical, bump and run man to man coverage, but is just as effective in zone, making a great fit in the Tampa 2 if they chose to keep that. They would also no doubt consider Trent Richardson here if available, as Blount is not a sure thing, but fixing the defense should definitely be the biggest priority.

#6) St Louis Rams- Fletcher Cox (DT Mississippi State)

No matter what people say, I think the First 5 picks are set in stone, and the draft doesn't really start until pick #6 here with St Louis. Everybody has been projecting the Rams to take Justin Blackmon for the longest time, but it just doesn't seem like what Jeff Fisher will do in his First draft with the Rams. In his time with the Titans, Fisher spent over One-Third of their 1st and 2nd round picks on Defensive Lineman. He is a defensive minded coach through and through, and will look to put his imprint on this listless Rams team. Fletcher Cox has been flying up draft boards lately, and people are now saying his basement is pick #9. He's arguably the most versatile Defensive Lineman in the draft, and will allow the Rams to build around him, and do a lot of different things on Defense.

#7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State)
We all know that the Jaguars are seriously thinking about trading out of this #7 Draft Slot, but if the Rams pass on Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville should be happy to stay at #7 and take the draft's #1 WR. Obviously, Blaine Gabbert needs help, and the Jags have been lacking a playmaker at Wide Receiver for a long time, and Laurent Robinson is not enough to allow them to pass on Blackmon. People are knocking Justin Blackmon, saying he is not fast enough, which I think is serious nitpicking. I don't know what more the guy has to do to prove himself as an elite receiver. 232 Receptions the past two years, 38 TD's, and I think Stanford would agree he is plenty fast. This should be the Jaguars' dream scenario, and they shouldn't take long to turn in their card with Justin Blackmon's name on it.

#7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State)

We all know that the Jaguars are seriously thinking about trading out of this #7 Draft Slot, but if the Rams pass on Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville should be happy to stay at #7 and take the draft's #1 WR. Obviously, Blaine Gabbert needs help, and the Jags have been lacking a playmaker at Wide Receiver for a long time, and Laurent Robinson is not enough to allow them to pass on Blackmon. People are knocking Justin Blackmon, saying he is not fast enough, which I think is serious nitpicking. I don't know what more the guy has to do to prove himself as an elite receiver. 232 Receptions the past two years, 38 TD's, and I think Stanford would agree he is plenty fast. This should be the Jaguars' dream scenario, and they shouldn't take long to turn in their card with Justin Blackmon's name on it.

#8) Miami Dolphins- Ryan Tannehill (QB Texas A&M)
The Miami Dolphins are poised to have one of the worst off-seasons in N.F.L history. As if being completely rejected by Peyton Manning wasn't bad enough, they also got rejected by Matt Flynn and the venerable Alex Smith. They also gave away a dominant receiver in Brandon Marshall for a couple 3rd round picks. Now they seem likely to take Ryan Tannehill, who we think will be a massive bust in the league. Tannehill is extremely underdeveloped, and nowhere near ready to play in the league. He should be a 2nd or 3rd round selection, but being the #3 QB, he gets vaulted up, and overrated. He struggles mightily with his accuracy, is a bad decision maker, and I don't think he has the mental makeup to be a big time QB in the league. I fully expect the Dolphins to be picking #1 next year.

#8) Miami Dolphins- Ryan Tannehill (QB Texas A&M)

The Miami Dolphins are poised to have one of the worst off-seasons in N.F.L history. As if being completely rejected by Peyton Manning wasn't bad enough, they also got rejected by Matt Flynn and the venerable Alex Smith. They also gave away a dominant receiver in Brandon Marshall for a couple 3rd round picks. Now they seem likely to take Ryan Tannehill, who we think will be a massive bust in the league. Tannehill is extremely underdeveloped, and nowhere near ready to play in the league. He should be a 2nd or 3rd round selection, but being the #3 QB, he gets vaulted up, and overrated. He struggles mightily with his accuracy, is a bad decision maker, and I don't think he has the mental makeup to be a big time QB in the league. I fully expect the Dolphins to be picking #1 next year.

#9) Carolina Panthers- Michael Floyd (WR Notre Dame)
Pretty much every Mock Draft put out in the last 3 months has had the Panthers taking a Defensive Player here, but on draft day, there is good reason to think the Panthers will throw everybody a Curveball. Cam Newton is the Carolina Panthers, and they need to do everything in their power to help him continue on his path to Stardom. Add in that Steve Smith is going on 33 years old, and they are no doubt looking for his eventual replacement. Carolina has used 3 of their 30 allowed draft visits with Receivers on Floyd, Blackmon, and Kendall Wright, so they obviously are considering the proposition in the 1st Round. Floyd has had a fantastic Draft "Pre-Season", clearing up character concerns, and looking every bit the part of a #1 NFL Receiver, with some even preferring him to Blackmon. Newton and Floyd can grow together, and along with Steve Smith, combine for a truly dynamic Duo.

#9) Carolina Panthers- Michael Floyd (WR Notre Dame)

Pretty much every Mock Draft put out in the last 3 months has had the Panthers taking a Defensive Player here, but on draft day, there is good reason to think the Panthers will throw everybody a Curveball. Cam Newton is the Carolina Panthers, and they need to do everything in their power to help him continue on his path to Stardom. Add in that Steve Smith is going on 33 years old, and they are no doubt looking for his eventual replacement. Carolina has used 3 of their 30 allowed draft visits with Receivers on Floyd, Blackmon, and Kendall Wright, so they obviously are considering the proposition in the 1st Round. Floyd has had a fantastic Draft "Pre-Season", clearing up character concerns, and looking every bit the part of a #1 NFL Receiver, with some even preferring him to Blackmon. Newton and Floyd can grow together, and along with Steve Smith, combine for a truly dynamic Duo.

#10) Buffalo Bills- Stephon Gilmore (CB South Carolina)
Many people are hopping on the hype train here saying the Bills will take Safety Mark Barron, but that clearly seems to be a smokescreen, as the Bills look to move down. If they end up staying put here at #10, the pick will likely come down to Stephon Gilmore, or Riley Reiff. Offensive Tackle is the more pressing need for the Bills, but since when has Buffalo ever given a damn about that? Buddy Nix spoke in depth in his press conference about how the Bills are looking for a Shutdown Cornerback, with the ability to lock down one side of the field. While I don't believe Gilmore is that, most people are enthralled with him, and he seems exactly the type of guy Buffalo drools over. They get their "Star" here, and there's a good chance they can pick up a solid Tackle later on (See Pick #29)

#10) Buffalo Bills- Stephon Gilmore (CB South Carolina)

Many people are hopping on the hype train here saying the Bills will take Safety Mark Barron, but that clearly seems to be a smokescreen, as the Bills look to move down. If they end up staying put here at #10, the pick will likely come down to Stephon Gilmore, or Riley Reiff. Offensive Tackle is the more pressing need for the Bills, but since when has Buffalo ever given a damn about that? Buddy Nix spoke in depth in his press conference about how the Bills are looking for a Shutdown Cornerback, with the ability to lock down one side of the field. While I don't believe Gilmore is that, most people are enthralled with him, and he seems exactly the type of guy Buffalo drools over. They get their "Star" here, and there's a good chance they can pick up a solid Tackle later on (See Pick #29)

#11) Kansas City Chiefs- David Decastro (Guard Stanford)
In all likelihood, I think on draft day, the Chiefs will end up trading back, possibly with a team looking to move up and pick one of the stellar Defensive Line prospects in the draft. If they do stay here however, I think the Chiefs will have a very tough decision on their hands. They have a big need at Nose Tackle, but people have been realizing lately, that Dontari Poe, is nowhere near ready to anchor a 3-4 defense, and I don't think the Chiefs would take a risk on a big time project this early on in the draft. They too could take a strong look at Luke Kuechly, as they could use someone to play next to Derrick Johnson. However, the Chiefs are really looking to shore up their offensive line, and even though they signed Eric Winston to play RT, they still could use a lot of help up front. Decastro is a dominant Guard prospect, who has all the makings of a perennial Pro-Bowler.

#11) Kansas City Chiefs- David Decastro (Guard Stanford)

In all likelihood, I think on draft day, the Chiefs will end up trading back, possibly with a team looking to move up and pick one of the stellar Defensive Line prospects in the draft. If they do stay here however, I think the Chiefs will have a very tough decision on their hands. They have a big need at Nose Tackle, but people have been realizing lately, that Dontari Poe, is nowhere near ready to anchor a 3-4 defense, and I don't think the Chiefs would take a risk on a big time project this early on in the draft. They too could take a strong look at Luke Kuechly, as they could use someone to play next to Derrick Johnson. However, the Chiefs are really looking to shore up their offensive line, and even though they signed Eric Winston to play RT, they still could use a lot of help up front. Decastro is a dominant Guard prospect, who has all the makings of a perennial Pro-Bowler.

#12) Seattle Seahawks- Luke Kuechly (ILB Boston College)
If Seattle doesn't trade down on Draft Day, this #12 selection will come down to LB Luke Kuechly, or Pass Rusher Melvin Ingram. Both are serious positions of need for the team, and both players are viewed to be about the same caliber, so it really will just come down to who they like best. In the end, they could go for Kuechly over Ingram because there are questions about whether Ingram has the size and arm length to be a consistent dominant pass rusher. Whereas Luke Kuechly, has almost zero concerns about him as a prospect. He's a proven tackling machine, incredibly smart, and has shown off more than adequate athleticism recently. Kuechly is the more complete player, and a much safer pick than Melvin Ingram

#12) Seattle Seahawks- Luke Kuechly (ILB Boston College)

If Seattle doesn't trade down on Draft Day, this #12 selection will come down to LB Luke Kuechly, or Pass Rusher Melvin Ingram. Both are serious positions of need for the team, and both players are viewed to be about the same caliber, so it really will just come down to who they like best. In the end, they could go for Kuechly over Ingram because there are questions about whether Ingram has the size and arm length to be a consistent dominant pass rusher. Whereas Luke Kuechly, has almost zero concerns about him as a prospect. He's a proven tackling machine, incredibly smart, and has shown off more than adequate athleticism recently. Kuechly is the more complete player, and a much safer pick than Melvin Ingram

#13) Arizona Cardinals- Riley Reiff (OT Iowa)
This pick will be an Offensive Lineman for the Cardinals, end of story. They've been in desperate need of one for a long time, and finally they are in a good spot to pick up an impact Lineman. It's just a matter of which one they pull the trigger on. This scenario here, plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as the Consensus #2 Offensive Tackle, falls to them here at pick #13. Reiff is that bookend Tackle that the Cardinals have been desperately needing. With the thrashing Kevin Kolb took last year, they need to protect him, and grabbing a talent like Reiff, will no doubt make things easier for Kolb. Although Reiff would seem to be a Slam-Dunk pick if available, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them opt for Cordy Glenn. He is a powerful, Road Grader, like Whisenhunt likes, and they are said to be very high on the kid.

#13) Arizona Cardinals- Riley Reiff (OT Iowa)

This pick will be an Offensive Lineman for the Cardinals, end of story. They've been in desperate need of one for a long time, and finally they are in a good spot to pick up an impact Lineman. It's just a matter of which one they pull the trigger on. This scenario here, plays out perfectly for the Cardinals, as the Consensus #2 Offensive Tackle, falls to them here at pick #13. Reiff is that bookend Tackle that the Cardinals have been desperately needing. With the thrashing Kevin Kolb took last year, they need to protect him, and grabbing a talent like Reiff, will no doubt make things easier for Kolb. Although Reiff would seem to be a Slam-Dunk pick if available, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them opt for Cordy Glenn. He is a powerful, Road Grader, like Whisenhunt likes, and they are said to be very high on the kid.

#14) Dallas Cowboys- Mark Barron (Safety Alabama)
One way or another, I would be absolutely shocked if the Cowboys came out of this draft without Mark Barron. Whether they trade up to #7, #9, or #10, they would be targeting him, or whether they gamble, and feel comfortable enough to wait at #14 and take him. As we, like many others, have been saying, teams in the Top 10 are feigning interest in Barron, to get Dallas to trade up, as many teams are looking to move down. Barron is Their Guy, and Jerry Jones usually always gets His Guy, and there are great reasons why the Cowboys are so locked into Mark Barron. He's an NFL Ready prospect, who excelled in Nick Saban's NFL style defense. He's got all the measureables, is extremely smart, instinctive, physical, athletic, he's got it all. We don't think he's this superstar, Ed Reed, in the making, but he's a great pick for Dallas.

#14) Dallas Cowboys- Mark Barron (Safety Alabama)

One way or another, I would be absolutely shocked if the Cowboys came out of this draft without Mark Barron. Whether they trade up to #7, #9, or #10, they would be targeting him, or whether they gamble, and feel comfortable enough to wait at #14 and take him. As we, like many others, have been saying, teams in the Top 10 are feigning interest in Barron, to get Dallas to trade up, as many teams are looking to move down. Barron is Their Guy, and Jerry Jones usually always gets His Guy, and there are great reasons why the Cowboys are so locked into Mark Barron. He's an NFL Ready prospect, who excelled in Nick Saban's NFL style defense. He's got all the measureables, is extremely smart, instinctive, physical, athletic, he's got it all. We don't think he's this superstar, Ed Reed, in the making, but he's a great pick for Dallas.

#15) Philadelphia Eagles- Michael Brockers (DT L.S.U)
It's one of the worst kept secrets in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Eagles are targeting a Defensive Tackle, and there really isn't another position under much consideration. They really want Fletcher Cox, but they will have to make a big trade up to get him. However, they can just stay put at #15, and take Michael Brockers, who I think is even better than Fletcher Cox. We have him as our #7 overall prospect, and we think he will be a dominant defensive lineman in the league. He's only a Sophomore, but was arguably the most impactful player on L.S.U's dominant defense last year. One name to consider though is Quinton Coples, he is 285 lbs, so the Eagles may really be interested in the versatility he could potentially bring them.

#15) Philadelphia Eagles- Michael Brockers (DT L.S.U)

It's one of the worst kept secrets in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Eagles are targeting a Defensive Tackle, and there really isn't another position under much consideration. They really want Fletcher Cox, but they will have to make a big trade up to get him. However, they can just stay put at #15, and take Michael Brockers, who I think is even better than Fletcher Cox. We have him as our #7 overall prospect, and we think he will be a dominant defensive lineman in the league. He's only a Sophomore, but was arguably the most impactful player on L.S.U's dominant defense last year. One name to consider though is Quinton Coples, he is 285 lbs, so the Eagles may really be interested in the versatility he could potentially bring them.

#16) New York Jets- Melvin Ingram (DE/OLB South Carolina)
It's the dream, slam dunk, home run, selection for the Jets. There has been a lot of talk lately that the Jets may be even looking to trade up into the Top 10 for Ingram, so if they could stand pat, and still get him, they would be ecstatic. Everything hinges on what happens at #6, and then in turn Jacksonville at #7. Rex Ryan has been desperate to get a Pass Rusher, and even when the Jets defense was going great a couple years ago, they still didn't have a top edge rusher. Ryan and the Jets will love the versatility Ingram can bring them, with the ability to be played all over the field, in different sets. This could be the piece the Jets defense needs to get back to where they want to be.

#16) New York Jets- Melvin Ingram (DE/OLB South Carolina)

It's the dream, slam dunk, home run, selection for the Jets. There has been a lot of talk lately that the Jets may be even looking to trade up into the Top 10 for Ingram, so if they could stand pat, and still get him, they would be ecstatic. Everything hinges on what happens at #6, and then in turn Jacksonville at #7. Rex Ryan has been desperate to get a Pass Rusher, and even when the Jets defense was going great a couple years ago, they still didn't have a top edge rusher. Ryan and the Jets will love the versatility Ingram can bring them, with the ability to be played all over the field, in different sets. This could be the piece the Jets defense needs to get back to where they want to be.

Picks 17-32	Round 2	Round 3	Round 4	Round 5
Round 6			Round 7

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Final 2012 NFL Mock Draft

Picks 17-32

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7