2012 NFL Mock Draft

Updated- February 9th

#1) Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck (QB Stanford)
It looks like it's all but official, the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis has come to a crashing end. Bill Polian and Peyton have been firing back and forth at each other in the media, there are a lot of reports that Manning won't even be healthy before the time comes to decide on his roster bonus. Andrew Luck is going to be the new man in Indianapolis! It will be very different Colts roster than we have seen for the past 10+ years, Manning is gone, while Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are both UFA's and could very well be gone too. So Andrew Luck won't be falling into the cupcake situation many think he will. Luck will do just fine though, as he will from Day 1 be the leader on that team, looking to build his own legacy, and he has the talent to do it. Luck 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)

It looks like it's all but official, the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis has come to a crashing end. Bill Polian and Peyton have been firing back and forth at each other in the media, there are a lot of reports that Manning won't even be healthy before the time comes to decide on his roster bonus. Andrew Luck is going to be the new man in Indianapolis! It will be very different Colts roster than we have seen for the past 10+ years, Manning is gone, while Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are both UFA's and could very well be gone too. So Andrew Luck won't be falling into the cupcake situation many think he will. Luck will do just fine though, as he will from Day 1 be the leader on that team, looking to build his own legacy, and he has the talent to do it. Luck is a special player, and it shouldn't be too long before he brings the Colts franchise back to being perennial contenders.

#2) TRADE! Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III (Baylor)
I usually don't like to project trades in my mock so early in the draft process, but this one just makes too much sense to not happen. St Louis has the #2 pick in the draft, but they already have Sam Bradford and won't be able to move him with his contract, so they won't be taking a Quarterback. You know Cleveland is sitting there at 4 planning to take RG3, so it will be a battle between the 2 teams to get the #2 pick, and St Louis will not be able to turn down the offer they receive. In the end, I think Dan Snyder and the Redskins are more desperate for Griffin, and will give up the most to get him, likely a 1st and 2nd this year and next. Usually we rip Snyder for his aggressive pursuit of big name players, but this honestly is a trade Washington needs to make. The Redskins do not have a horrible roster, but obviously they need a leader at Quarterback, and bring in somebody to add some energy and juice to the franchise. Robert Griffin is definitely that guy! Despite being such a great athlete, he is a polished passer, is a very smart kid, and has all the intangibles to be a Great player in the league, and bring the Redskins back to prominence.

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

I usually don't like to project trades in my mock so early in the draft process, but this one just makes too much sense to not happen. St Louis has the #2 pick in the draft, but they already have Sam Bradford and won't be able to move him with his contract, so they won't be taking a Quarterback. You know Cleveland is sitting there at 4 planning to take RG3, so it will be a battle between the 2 teams to get the #2 pick, and St Louis will not be able to turn down the offer they receive. In the end, I think Dan Snyder and the Redskins are more desperate for Griffin, and will give up the most to get him, likely a 1st and 2nd this year and next. Usually we rip Snyder for his aggressive pursuit of big name players, but this honestly is a trade Washington needs to make. The Redskins do not have a horrible roster, but obviously they need a leader at Quarterback, and bring in somebody to add some energy and juice to the franchise. Robert Griffin is definitely that guy! Despite being such a great athlete, he is a polished passer, is a very smart kid, and has all the intangibles to be a Great player in the league, and bring the Redskins back to prominence.

#3) Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil (OT U.S.C)
Minnesota will be praying that the Redskins-Rams trade happens because they desperately want, and need Matt Kalil, but if the Rams stay at #2, they will no doubt take him. 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. Getting a dominant Left Tackle obviously is priority #1, and with Kalil sitting here, this is obviously the best scenario possible for the Vikings. 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.

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

Minnesota will be praying that the Redskins-Rams trade happens because they desperately want, and need Matt Kalil, but if the Rams stay at #2, they will no doubt take him. 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. Getting a dominant Left Tackle obviously is priority #1, and with Kalil sitting here, this is obviously the best scenario possible for the Vikings. 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.

#4) Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson (RB Alabama)
As mentioned, Cleveland will be in a battle to trade up to get that #2 pick to take RG3, and they have the resources to do it with a lot of draft picks stocked up. In the end though, I just think the Redskins will give up the most, and will pretty much break the bank to get Griffin, while Cleveland seems more content to continue building up their talent pool. While Cleveland should exhaust all options to make sure Colt McCoy is not their starter next year, no matter who the QB is, it will be hard for him to succeed with the current "Weapons" on the Browns roster. This is a tough call between Richardson and Justin Blackmon. Both positions are needs, but I think Richardson is just the better player who can make more of an impact, and has the potential to be a better player down the line. Barring injury, I think Richardson is a guy who has the talent to be a Hall of Famer.

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

As mentioned, Cleveland will be in a battle to trade up to get that #2 pick to take RG3, and they have the resources to do it with a lot of draft picks stocked up. In the end though, I just think the Redskins will give up the most, and will pretty much break the bank to get Griffin, while Cleveland seems more content to continue building up their talent pool. While Cleveland should exhaust all options to make sure Colt McCoy is not their starter next year, no matter who the QB is, it will be hard for him to succeed with the current "Weapons" on the Browns roster. This is a tough call between Richardson and Justin Blackmon. Both positions are needs, but I think Richardson is just the better player who can make more of an impact, and has the potential to be a better player down the line. Barring injury, I think Richardson is a guy who has the talent to be a Hall of Famer.

#5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne (CB L.S.U)
Tampa Bay is yet another team that had high expectations but completely flopped, and as a result head Coach Rahim Morris got fired. With some good pieces on offense, Tampa will likely being going for the Best Available Player on the defensive side of the ball. Luckily they've played their way into 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, 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)

Tampa Bay is yet another team that had high expectations but completely flopped, and as a result head Coach Rahim Morris got fired. With some good pieces on offense, Tampa will likely being going for the Best Available Player on the defensive side of the ball. Luckily they've played their way into 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, as Blount is not a sure thing, but fixing the defense should definitely be the biggest priority.

#6) TRADE! St Louis Rams- Riley Reiff (OT Iowa)
Most would have Justin Blackmon going here, but Jeff Fisher has not been in St Louis long, and he has already made the point perfectly clear that he wants to make the Rams a stronger more powerful team up front. All indications are that they will use their top resources to help shore up an offensive line that has been a big disappointment over the past couple years, which is why we have Reiff going much higher than most people. The Rams may want to trade back yet again potentially, and pick up Reiff or Martin later, but here at pick #6, there really is not a better option than taking the best Left Tackle available. By taking Reiff, they can plug him in at Left Tackle, then move Rodger Saffold to either Right Tackle or Guard, which would shore up the entire line. Then they could get a good receiver in the 2nd or 3rd round.

#6) TRADE! St Louis Rams- Riley Reiff (OT Iowa)

Most would have Justin Blackmon going here, but Jeff Fisher has not been in St Louis long, and he has already made the point perfectly clear that he wants to make the Rams a stronger more powerful team up front. All indications are that they will use their top resources to help shore up an offensive line that has been a big disappointment over the past couple years, which is why we have Reiff going much higher than most people. The Rams may want to trade back yet again potentially, and pick up Reiff or Martin later, but here at pick #6, there really is not a better option than taking the best Left Tackle available. By taking Reiff, they can plug him in at Left Tackle, then move Rodger Saffold to either Right Tackle or Guard, which would shore up the entire line. Then they could get a good receiver in the 2nd or 3rd round.

#7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Quinton Coples (DE North Carolina)
This would be the ideal scenario for the Jacksonville Jaguars, finally getting that pass rusher they have desperately been lacking. Jacksonville has exhausted all avenues trying to get a stud pass rusher. From Derrick Harvey, to Quentin Groves, to Aaron Kampman. None of them have worked out. Coples would likely be the end of that revolving door. Quinton Coples started off the year slow, but down the stretch he put it all together, and played like the guy we knew he was capable of. He is large in stature at 6-6 285, but comes with an extremely high level of athleticism that is very rare for a guy that size. He is the full package, and when he is firing on all cylinders, like he showed this season, he is virtually unblockable.

#7) Jacksonville Jaguars- Quinton Coples (DE North Carolina)

This would be the ideal scenario for the Jacksonville Jaguars, finally getting that pass rusher they have desperately been lacking. Jacksonville has exhausted all avenues trying to get a stud pass rusher. From Derrick Harvey, to Quentin Groves, to Aaron Kampman. None of them have worked out. Coples would likely be the end of that revolving door. Quinton Coples started off the year slow, but down the stretch he put it all together, and played like the guy we knew he was capable of. He is large in stature at 6-6 285, but comes with an extremely high level of athleticism that is very rare for a guy that size. He is the full package, and when he is firing on all cylinders, like he showed this season, he is virtually unblockable.

#8) Miami Dolphins- Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State)
With the hiring of Packers O.C Joe Philbin, the Dolphins seem poised to make a strong run at Free Agent Matt Flynn to be the answer at Quarterback. Which would be a great move, as Miami really is a solid team, but just need a good Quarterback to get them over the hump. They do have Brandon Marshall who is great, but they don't have a #2 guy, and Justin Blackmon at pick #8 would just be too good to pass up. Most Mock Drafts have Blackmon going in the Top 5, but I am convinced that the Rams will take an Offensive Tackle, and if the Browns go with Richardson, this is a very real possibility. If the Dolphins pick up Flynn, and then pair Brandon Marshall with Justin Blackmon, Joe Philbin will have the firepower possible to put together an offense capable of doing what he did in Green Bay.

#8) Miami Dolphins- Justin Blackmon (WR Oklahoma State)

With the hiring of Packers O.C Joe Philbin, the Dolphins seem poised to make a strong run at Free Agent Matt Flynn to be the answer at Quarterback. Which would be a great move, as Miami really is a solid team, but just need a good Quarterback to get them over the hump. They do have Brandon Marshall who is great, but they don't have a #2 guy, and Justin Blackmon at pick #8 would just be too good to pass up. Most Mock Drafts have Blackmon going in the Top 5, but I am convinced that the Rams will take an Offensive Tackle, and if the Browns go with Richardson, this is a very real possibility. If the Dolphins pick up Flynn, and then pair Brandon Marshall with Justin Blackmon, Joe Philbin will have the firepower possible to put together an offense capable of doing what he did in Green Bay.

#9) Carolina Panthers- Michael Brockers (DT L.S.U)
Carolina is a team with a lot of holes, and they really could go a number of different ways with this pick. Usually in that situation it is best to go with the Best Player Available at any of those spots. It's a tough call here between Brockers and Dre Kirkpatrick, but since the Defensive Line is a much more important unit, I think they'll go with Brockers. Even though they took Terrell McClain and Sione Fua in the 3rd round last year, neither were impressive, and the Panthers struggled mightily to stop the run. Even if either, or both of those guys pan out, every good defensive line needs a rotation of sorts, and taking a dominant force like Brockers is someone you can build the entire line around. He's really rising up boards as people put him under a microscope on tape as he was a beast all year for L.S.U, and one of the main reasons they were as good as they were on defense.

#9) Carolina Panthers- Michael Brockers (DT L.S.U)

Carolina is a team with a lot of holes, and they really could go a number of different ways with this pick. Usually in that situation it is best to go with the Best Player Available at any of those spots. It's a tough call here between Brockers and Dre Kirkpatrick, but since the Defensive Line is a much more important unit, I think they'll go with Brockers. Even though they took Terrell McClain and Sione Fua in the 3rd round last year, neither were impressive, and the Panthers struggled mightily to stop the run. Even if either, or both of those guys pan out, every good defensive line needs a rotation of sorts, and taking a dominant force like Brockers is someone you can build the entire line around. He's really rising up boards as people put him under a microscope on tape as he was a beast all year for L.S.U, and one of the main reasons they were as good as they were on defense.

#10) Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Martin (OT Stanford)
Buffalo is always one of the toughest teams to project in the draft, as they never follow conventional wisdom, and seem to always surprise everybody. What they need most is a pass rusher. They rank 3rd from the bottom in the league with only 26 Sacks, and desperately need to add some juice to their pass rush. But now that they are switching to a 3-4, Courtney Upshaw really isn't a fit, and taking Melvin Ingram or Nick Perry would be just too much of a reach. While they have a cast of mediocre guys at Tackle, nobody is a force, and the Bills need to do everything they can to help Ryan Fitzpatrick who they tied themselves to. Martin has been protecting Andrew Luck's ever since the two were Freshman, giving Luck all the time he needed, while also paving lanes for a stout rushing attack.

#10) Buffalo Bills- Jonathan Martin (OT Stanford)

Buffalo is always one of the toughest teams to project in the draft, as they never follow conventional wisdom, and seem to always surprise everybody. What they need most is a pass rusher. They rank 3rd from the bottom in the league with only 26 Sacks, and desperately need to add some juice to their pass rush. But now that they are switching to a 3-4, Courtney Upshaw really isn't a fit, and taking Melvin Ingram or Nick Perry would be just too much of a reach. While they have a cast of mediocre guys at Tackle, nobody is a force, and the Bills need to do everything they can to help Ryan Fitzpatrick who they tied themselves to. Martin has been protecting Andrew Luck's ever since the two were Freshman, giving Luck all the time he needed, while also paving lanes for a stout rushing attack.

#11) Kansas City Chiefs- Devon Still (DE/DT Penn State)
Kansas City is really stuck in a tough spot here, and if I were them on draft day, I would be looking to move this pick. Ideally, they would like to get their hands on a tackle like Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin, but with both of them gone in this scenario, they will need to either trade up a few slots, or trade back and target a guy like Mike Adams. If they were to stay in this spot though, taking Devon Still would be a very nice way to go. Despite having 2 Top 5 picks on the front line, the Chiefs ranked 26th in the league against the run. Devon Still is arguably the best run stuffer in this years draft class. He has the size, strength, with the ability to control multiple gaps, and eat up space on the front line. He could step in immediately and be a force, but also giving the Chiefs the ability to get a rotation going along with Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, which might get them going too.

#11) Kansas City Chiefs- Devon Still (DE/DT Penn State)

Kansas City is really stuck in a tough spot here, and if I were them on draft day, I would be looking to move this pick. Ideally, they would like to get their hands on a tackle like Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin, but with both of them gone in this scenario, they will need to either trade up a few slots, or trade back and target a guy like Mike Adams. If they were to stay in this spot though, taking Devon Still would be a very nice way to go. Despite having 2 Top 5 picks on the front line, the Chiefs ranked 26th in the league against the run. Devon Still is arguably the best run stuffer in this years draft class. He has the size, strength, with the ability to control multiple gaps, and eat up space on the front line. He could step in immediately and be a force, but also giving the Chiefs the ability to get a rotation going along with Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey, which might get them going too.

#12) Seattle Seahawks- Whitney Mercilus (DE/OLB Illinois)
On the defensive side of the ball, Seattle has been one of the better teams in the league at stopping the run, but don't have much of a pass rush to speak of. Chris Clemons is a solid player, but he is all they've got, and he is no spring chicken himself. Whitney Mercilus came out of nowhere to lead the nation in sacks this season, and doesn't look to be a flash in the pan. He is a well rounded pass rusher, who can be effective in many different ways. Seattle could go a lot of different ways with this pick, needing help at a number of different areas, some other guys they could look at are Dre Kirkpatrick at corner, Melvin Ingram, or maybe an Interior Lineman like Devon Still, or Michael Brockers if available.

#12) Seattle Seahawks- Whitney Mercilus (DE/OLB Illinois)

On the defensive side of the ball, Seattle has been one of the better teams in the league at stopping the run, but don't have much of a pass rush to speak of. Chris Clemons is a solid player, but he is all they've got, and he is no spring chicken himself. Whitney Mercilus came out of nowhere to lead the nation in sacks this season, and doesn't look to be a flash in the pan. He is a well rounded pass rusher, who can be effective in many different ways. Seattle could go a lot of different ways with this pick, needing help at a number of different areas, some other guys they could look at are Dre Kirkpatrick at corner, Melvin Ingram, or maybe an Interior Lineman like Devon Still, or Michael Brockers if available.

#13) Arizona Cardinals- David Decastro (Guard Stanford)
It seems like Arizona is in this position every year, they desperately need Offensive Line help, but aren't down low enough to get one of the elite ones. Arizona would love to get either Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff, but both are gone and they'll have to decide what to do. Moving on, it's pretty safe to say that the guard position hasn't really been a strong spot for the Cardinals. Alan Faneca, Darren Colledge, and Duce Latui haven't really challenged for the Pro Bowl this year. Though they need a tackle, David DeCastro is not chopped liver, and is a nice consolation. DeCastro is clearly the top guard in the draft and is really starting to move up the draft boards. Add in that Ken Whisenhunt wants the Cardinals to go towards a power running team, and this pick makes a lot of sense.

#13) Arizona Cardinals- David Decastro (Guard Stanford)

It seems like Arizona is in this position every year, they desperately need Offensive Line help, but aren't down low enough to get one of the elite ones. Arizona would love to get either Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff, but both are gone and they'll have to decide what to do. Moving on, it's pretty safe to say that the guard position hasn't really been a strong spot for the Cardinals. Alan Faneca, Darren Colledge, and Duce Latui haven't really challenged for the Pro Bowl this year. Though they need a tackle, David DeCastro is not chopped liver, and is a nice consolation. DeCastro is clearly the top guard in the draft and is really starting to move up the draft boards. Add in that Ken Whisenhunt wants the Cardinals to go towards a power running team, and this pick makes a lot of sense.

#14) Dallas Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama)
Dallas has been needing help at Cornerback for a couple years now, but they haven't addressed the problem, and its really becoming an issue. Terrence Newman is oft-injured and aging, while Mike Jenkins just is too inconsistent. Dre Kirkpatrick falls right into their laps here as he is a Top 10 talent, but just gets bumped a bit because this draft is loaded with offensive and defensive lineman. Kirkpatrick is a perfect fit in Dallas, possessing elite athleticism, with the ability to be a physical, bump and run cornerback. He is a #1 Shutdown Cornerback, who shut down his portion of the field, allowing the Cowboys to shade their safeties to the other side of the field, and step up to stop the run. Thus fixing a lot of their problems on defense.

#14) Dallas Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick (CB Alabama)

Dallas has been needing help at Cornerback for a couple years now, but they haven't addressed the problem, and its really becoming an issue. Terrence Newman is oft-injured and aging, while Mike Jenkins just is too inconsistent. Dre Kirkpatrick falls right into their laps here as he is a Top 10 talent, but just gets bumped a bit because this draft is loaded with offensive and defensive lineman. Kirkpatrick is a perfect fit in Dallas, possessing elite athleticism, with the ability to be a physical, bump and run cornerback. He is a #1 Shutdown Cornerback, who shut down his portion of the field, allowing the Cowboys to shade their safeties to the other side of the field, and step up to stop the run. Thus fixing a lot of their problems on defense.

#15) Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly (ILB Boston College)
There are so many things to point to as to why Philly has had such a disastrous year, but one of the first points of criticism has to be the Linebacking play. They are getting gashed regularly, and are not able to get off the field when they need to. Philly needs somebody who can step in, and just make tackles. They've tried many different guys inside this year, and their entire Linebacking core has suffered as a result. Luke Kuechly has shown that he is the best linebacker in the nation and is a tackling machine. He’ll fit perfectly into their scheme, stopping the run so that their defensive ends can go back to their wide 9 positions.

#15) Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly (ILB Boston College)

There are so many things to point to as to why Philly has had such a disastrous year, but one of the first points of criticism has to be the Linebacking play. They are getting gashed regularly, and are not able to get off the field when they need to. Philly needs somebody who can step in, and just make tackles. They've tried many different guys inside this year, and their entire Linebacking core has suffered as a result. Luke Kuechly has shown that he is the best linebacker in the nation and is a tackling machine. He’ll fit perfectly into their scheme, stopping the run so that their defensive ends can go back to their wide 9 positions.

#16) New York Jets-Courtney Upshaw (DE/OLB Alabama)
This is the dream scenario for Rex Ryan and the Jets, as the they have been forced to blitz far too often to create pressure, since their main front can't get any. They have been desperately needing a 3-4 edge rusher for a while ne. Their most productive pass rusher currently, is castoff Aaron Maybin who led the team with 6 sacks. I haven't mocked Upshaw this low for a long time, but with both Miami and Buffalo switching to 4-3 defenses, he really doesn't fit there. Upshaw is perfect fit in Ryan's scheme, possessing the strength and ability to stop the run, not to mention his relentlessness as a pass rusher. He is a very smart, well rounded, N.F.L ready player, who can start and contribute in a big way for the Jets from day 1.

#16) New York Jets-Courtney Upshaw (DE/OLB Alabama)

This is the dream scenario for Rex Ryan and the Jets, as the they have been forced to blitz far too often to create pressure, since their main front can't get any. They have been desperately needing a 3-4 edge rusher for a while ne. Their most productive pass rusher currently, is castoff Aaron Maybin who led the team with 6 sacks. I haven't mocked Upshaw this low for a long time, but with both Miami and Buffalo switching to 4-3 defenses, he really doesn't fit there. Upshaw is perfect fit in Ryan's scheme, possessing the strength and ability to stop the run, not to mention his relentlessness as a pass rusher. He is a very smart, well rounded, N.F.L ready player, who can start and contribute in a big way for the Jets from day 1.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

Picks 17-32

Round 2

Round 3