2012 NFL Mock Draft Pre Combine 7 Rounds
This is not my 3.0 7 Round Mock Draft. I just wanted to make a 7 round mock draft with some predictions on players who could boost their stock at the 2012 NFL Combine. For the first round of this draft, I will list an other options feature that gives teams an indication of a number of players their teams could take.
Could Arizona State Brock Osweiler shake up this draft with a monster combine? I also have a team trading up for a quarterback in round 1. I got another team moving up for a quarterback late in round 2. Find out which teams move up for in this 7 round mock draft.
Round 1
1. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Andrew Luck Quarterback Stanford Junior Redshirt Andrew Luck is the top prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft. Luck is considered the clear cut prospect with a commanding lead on NFL draft boards. He’s practically sold the Colts at this point.
Draftniks have been saying that Luck would go #1 overall since October of 2010 when he leapfrogged Jake Locker on 2011 NFL Draft boards to become the top prospect, before shocking the nation by returning to Stanford.
The Colts need to take Luck. Luck is arguably the best quarterback prospect over the past 15 years to come out of college. With the Family Feud occurring in Indianapolis, its safe to say that Manning’s days as the Colts quarterback might be numbered. There is some speculation heating up that the Colts will indeed release Manning prior to the NFL Combine which is 2-3 weeks before the March deadline to resign him. This plan has been in place for weeks according to candidates who were interviewing for the Colts GM job.
Luck returned to school and has maintained his consistency in 2011. Back to back seasons with a 70 percent completion rate despite a coaching change at head coach. Jim Harbaugh left Stanford as Stanford’s Head Coach before becoming the San Francisco 49ers head coach. Luck plays in a pro style offense and he calls his own plays. I’ve done 4 scouting reports on Luck and media outlets will build so much more hype around Luck leading up to April’s NFL Draft to the point where you will believe that Luck may bust if you have never seen him play.
Luck threw 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2011 after throwing 32 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 2010. Luck also threw for 3,517 passing yards in 2011 after throwing for 3,338 passing yards in 2010. Luck improved his completion percentage from 70.7 to 71.3 percent.
The Andrew Luck hype may be on a Tim Tebow level. The hype about Luck is real though, Andrew Luck is a can’t miss quarterback prospect. I like Tebow, but the hype Tebow gets sometimes is beyond excessive. Andrew Luck is money with his short and medium passes like Tom Brady. He can also scramble like John Elway. Luck is your ideal West Coast Quarterback with Elway’s scrambling and Peyton Manning’s awareness to call his own plays by using audibles while being money with short and medium passes like Tom Brady.
Luck is money with short and medium passes. Luck has the mechanics, footwork, and accuracy to execute any short or medium throw. Luck can also move outside the pocket which makes him like Tom Brady with Elway’s scrambling ability. Luck can make the deep throws. Sometimes Luck does not have the best throwing mechanics on deep throws with throwing motion. Luck has the accuracy to make those deep throws to move the chains. Luck usually goes to his tight ends on deep throws.
It will be interesting to see how Bruce Arians the former Steelers offensive coordinator develops Andrew Luck. Arians was the wide receivers coach for Pittsburgh during Ben’s rookie year.
Arians played a huge role with maturing Roethlisberger as the Steelers offensive coordinator after Ken Whisenhunt went to Arizona. Luck threw to his tight ends a lot in college. Arians puts an emphasis on the vertical passing game with his wide receivers so having Luck mix and match his passing game with tight ends plus the vertical passing game with his wide receivers makes Andrew Luck even more dangerous in the NFL.
Andrew Luck wants to throw at the 2012 NFL Combine. The Colts told him not to run at the 2012 NFL Combine so Luck will not throw the football until Stanford’s pro day on March 22nd.
I will post offseason outlooks for all 32 NFL teams on this site. This is our piece about the Indianapolis Colts Offseason.
Other Options None
2. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Matt Kalil Left Tackle USC Junior Redshirt USC Left Tackle Matt Kalil is the clear cut best player available after Andrew Luck. Kalil can play left tackle, Saffold can play right tackle, and Jason Smith can move to left guard.
There are some smokescreens that Justin Blackmon could be the pick or that the Rams may deal this pick to a team wanting to move up for Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. If Kalil was gone, I might be buying this. I am not ready to buy into this yet.
If the Rams decide not to go with Kalil someone like the Browns will move up for Robert Griffin III. I feel like the Rams will be forced to take the best player available. In this instance, the Rams go with Kalil here.
Some believe Matt Kalil is the best pass protector since Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas. I will not go that far. Kalil has the tools to play anywhere on the offensive line while possessing excellent pass protection skills. Matt Kalil is the most highly touted offensive tackle prospect since Jake Long in 2008. Long was the last offensive tackle to go #1 overall. Kalil may have been the top pick in 2013 if he returned. Matt Kalil had too much working in his favor. Kalil is arguably the best draft prospect after Andrew Luck plus he looks like a lock for the top 3 overall at this point.
The USC Trojans allowed the fewest sacks in the nation. Matt Kalil allowed 0 sacks at left tackle for the Trojans. Kalil has to be the 2nd pick for the time being. Kalil will go 3rd to the Vikings if Cleveland or Washington moves up for Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.
I probably will list a trade in my post combine mock draft which will be up next week.
This piece below lists the St. Louis Rams offseason outlook. This is the 2nd offseason outlook that has been posted.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/01/23/st-louis-rams-offseason-outlook-2/
Other Options
Trade Down With a Team Moving Up For RGIII The Rams could move down if a team wants to move up for RGIII. Until I see RGIII’s pro day on March 21st, I am not cementing this as sure fire option.
Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State The Rams invested a lot of money at offensive tackle with Jason Smith when they drafted him 2nd overall in 2009. If the Rams are foolish enough to keep Smith, then they may go out and get Blackmon just to give Bradford some ammunition.
3. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt I think Morris Claiborne is the best player available that makes the most sense for the Vikings. I just cannot see Claiborne going here now that I examine the aftermath of the Minnesota Vikings draft history. I am changing this pick to Justin Blackmon for 5 very big reasons.
First, teams rarely take cornerbacks in the top 3. There have been corners that went in the top 5. Patrick Peterson 5th, Deion Sanders 5th, and Charles Woodson 4th overall.
Second, the Vikings have a history for continuing to stockpile cornerbacks in the later rounds. Since 2004, the Vikings have drafted one cornerback outside the first round every year except in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Third the Vikings have a deep history of drafting wide receivers in the first two rounds with Randy Moss 1998, Troy Williamson 2005, Sidney Rice 2007, and Percy Harvin 2009. The Vikings will put an emphasis on tradition knowing that they need more targets for second year quarterback Christian Ponder.
Fourth, Justin Blackmon will get far more hype than Morris Claiborne leading up to draft day. The fact that Claiborne is getting almost no recognition while Patrick Peterson and Tyran Matthieu a 2013 LSU corner are getting all the buzz has to motivate Claiborne to make the Vikings regret passing on him.
Finally, are the Minnesota Vikings inept enough to have faith in Antoine Winfield as a #1 corner, Chris Cook as a #2 corner, Asher Allen as a #3 corner, and Brandon Burton as a #4 corner? The answer to the Minnesota Vikings drafting Justin Blackmon is an obvious yes.
Justin Blackmon could be a secondary target that compliments Percy Harvin well. Blackmon could even become Ponder’s favorite target. Justin Blackmon will not be a #1 target in the mold of a Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, or AJ Green. Think Hakeem Nicks size with Braylon Edwards ability at wide receiver.
The Vikings need to draft the best available player instead of drafting for need. In 2007, when I watched one of my first drafts extensively I kept questioning the Vikings decision to pass on Brady Quinn a need for best player available Adrian Peterson in the heat of the moment prior to the 2007-2008 season. Adrian Peterson kept me from winning my fantasy football league with a 2nd place finish in my first year doing Fantasy Football making me eat my own words in the process.
Adding Justin Blackmon and passing on Morris Claiborne may hurt the Vikings long term. The only pass defense that ranked in the top 50 that Justin Blackmon faced was a 47th ranked Texas pass defense that lost 3 cornerbacks to the 2011 NFL Draft.
I believe Andrew Luck, Matt Kalil, Robert Griffin III, Morris Claiborne, and Justin Blackmon all have the skill set to be in the league for at least 5 years until their rookie deals play out. The one top 5 pick who I believe has the best chance to be a big time draft bust is Justin Blackmon.
Justin Blackmon has the intangibles, blazing speed, soft hands, crisp route running, and sick jumping ability. I am skeptical about Blackmon’s physical tools plus he has dropped passes on tape in Braylon Edwards type fashion. Blackmon is 6 foot 1 208 pounds. Most wide receivers that go in the top 5 are at least 6 foot 2 weighing in between 210 pounds and 234 pounds. Blackmon is not in the same league as other top 5 receivers like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, or AJ Green.
There is no question that NFL GM’s will be seduced by Blackmon’s mind boggling production at Oklahoma State. Besides the Longhorns pass defense every pass defense Blackmon encountered ranked in the bottom 60. That Texas defense had not 1, not 2, but 3 cornerbacks get drafted in 2011 with Aaron Williams, Chykie Brown, and Curtis Brown all getting drafted in 2011.
Blackmon played lackluster competition and this is getting extremely discounted due to Blackmon’s consistency at Oklahoma State while putting up amazing video game numbers in Oklahoma State’s offense.
Justin Blackmon should succeed in Minnesota as a complimentary target to Percy Harvin. There will be less pressure on him as the #2 target plus Ponder will have multiple targets to throw to with Harvin as the primary target, Blackmon as a secondary target, and Kyle Rudolph playing tight end. Minnesota will be able to transition to a pass first offense with Matt Kalil or Justin Blackmon falling to #3 overall.
Adrian Peterson will begin the year injured at running back and having an offensive player like Kalil or Blackmon aid Ponder in his development will allow the offense to evolve from a balanced run first rushing attack to set up the pass to a west coast offense that uses passing plays to set up the run.
I envision Justin Blackmon having more success in Minnesota than I do on any other team picking in the top 5 overall. The one team where I see Justin Blackmon being an NFL bust is St. Louis. The Rams have a greater need at offensive line than wide receiver. St. Louis has other targets besides Blackmon wanting a chance to start like Greg Salas, Austin Pettis, and Lance Kendricks at tight end. Arizona, Seattle, and San Francisco have quality shutdown corners with Patrick Peterson, Marcus Trufant, and Carlos Rodgers that could contain Blackmon on plays.
Andrew Luck, Matt Kalil, Robert Griffin III, and Morris Claiborne have all left me with the impression that they can develop into pro bowl caliber players. I don’t feel that way about Justin Blackmon. The odds are another GM will disagree with my impression on Justin Blackmon. Blackmon scored 3 receiving touchdowns against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl despite playing the game injured. Blackmon showed a lot of heart and toughness in that bowl win for Oklahoma State.
At the end of the day, Minnesota is a team with a history of taking wide receivers in the first round. The Vikings are also a team that waits until after the first round to add cornerbacks. That, along with giving Christian Ponder the best chance to succeed is why I see the Vikings going with Justin Blackmon over Morris Claiborne in round 1 at the end of the day.
Previous Pick Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior
The Minnesota Vikings offseason outlook is up. The Vikings outlook will be 3 of the 7 outlooks up for this mock draft.
Other Options
Matt Kalil LT USC The Vikings need to rush up to the draft podium like Sonic the Hedgehog on that State Farm commercial if Kalil is still available when the Viking pick 3rd. Matt Kalil is the best prospect in this draft after Andrew Luck period.
Morris Claiborne CB LSU The Vikings could go with Morris Claiborne here to shore up their defense.
Trade Down For More Picks and 1 of 4 players The Vikings may try to make a deal for a team moving up for RGIII by trading down to secure more picks.
Riley Reiff LT Iowa Reiff is mocked 3rd to the Vikings in McShay’s draft. Mike Mayock had Reiff graded out ahead of Matt Kalil on his draft board. Minnesota may pass on Claiborne to reach for Reiff.
Jonathan Martin LT Stanford The Vikings operate a run blocking scheme. The Vikings may want their offensive lineman they take to be a run blocker.
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina Alshon Jeffery went to the same college as former Vikings receiver Sidney Rice who the Vikings have yet to replace. Jeffery has potential, but he is considered a boom or bust prospect.
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame Michael Floyd will get severely under drafted. I really believe Floyd could become the Randy Moss of the 2012 NFL Draft if he addresses off the field concerns. I get the feeling that Floyd.
4. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Robert Griffin III Quarterback Baylor Junior Redshirt Back in June when I made my first 2012 mock draft, I penciled Robert Griffin III to the Oakland Raiders 8th overall. Back in June I had Griffin going behind Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley while mocking RGIII ahead of Oklahoma’s Landry Jones. With Matt Barkley and Landry Jones returning its pretty clear that RGIII is the best quarterback available after Stanford’s Andrew Luck.
Griffin III won the Heisman for the nations best college football player. Griffin III had 4,293 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, while completing 72.4 percent of his passes while throwing 10.68 yards per attempt. Robert Griffin III’s numbers in 2011 were better than the numbers of Stanford’s Andrew Luck.
Previous Heisman winning quarterbacks include Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow. Heisman winners have flopped in the past. That trend may be starting to change with the success of recent Heisman winners.
Baylor won 67 to 56 in their Alamo Bowl win over the Washington Huskies. Griffin III has Michael Vick’s scrambling out of the pocket and Brees accuracy. Matt Barkley’s decision to return to USC for his senior season also propelled Robert Griffin III up draft boards.
Cleveland has Pat Shurmur at head coach a former Rams offensive coordinator who coached Sam Bradford during his rookie season. The Browns brought in Brad Childress at offensive coordinator. Childress was horrendous at head coach for the Vikings. Donovan McNabb’s best days happened with Brad Childress as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Childress helped McNabb reach a Super Bowl with his offensive mind. I really feel like Childress could help RGIII win a Super Bowl if the Browns can build a team around RGIII. Childress could have the same impact with RGII that he had with McNabb.
Some even believe Griffin could be better than Andrew Luck. Robert Griffin has accomplished so much in Baylor with his 2011 campaign that some actually believe there is a Peyton Manning/Ryan Leaf debate with Luck and Griffin with each quarterback going 1 and 2 overall. This hypothesis does not seem that farfetched if a team moves up for Robert Griffin III. You never know what could happen though.
Luck has potential to get into Canton and Griffin has potential to be a perennial pro bowler. I would take Luck or Griffin over anyone in the class of 2011 at quarterback.
Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon may be an option for the Browns if another team moves up for Robert Griffin III. I got Griffin graded out as my top prospect after Luck and Kalil.
Robert Griffin III will not be throwing until his pro day on March 21st. Watching the tape, I have seen everything I need to see from Griffin and I am impressed. I mean I had RGIII going 8th to the Raiders back in June of 2011.
Other Options
Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State I am only listing Justin Blackmon here to give Browns fans who want Colt McCoy to remain the starter some false hope. Their are Ex Browns fans in a town called Baltimore along with some Black and Yellow supporters waving a Terrible Towel who also want Colt McCoy to remain your teams starter because they realize he is not your teams long term answer.
Cleveland brought in Brad Childress the guy who coached McNabb as an offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. I think its a formality that the Browns get RGIII and develop him into a pro bowler exactly like the Eagles did with McNabb.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/02/17/cleveland-browns-offseason-outlook-2/
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Morris Claiborne Cornerback LSU Junior The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a field cornerback and a boundary cornerback. Aqib Talib could get arrested and Ronde Barber is past his prime. Greg Schiano has developed great Rutger’s pass defenses in the past. Rutgers finished 11th out of 120 FBS teams in pass defense under Schiano.
Schiano can make EJ Biggers, Myron Lewis, and Anthony Gaitor better NFL cornerbacks. A #1 field cornerback like Morris Claiborne to set the tempo of the Buccaneers secondary for the next decade is exactly what Tampa Bay needs.
Morris Claiborne lined up next to LSU cornerback and 2011 top 5 pick Patrick Peterson. Claiborne gave quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett fits as a true sophomore at LSU. That says something about Claiborne’s ability to cover well.
Previous Pick Justin Blackmon Wide Receiver Oklahoma State Junior Redshirt
Tampa Bay is the 5th of 7 teams that I will list for offseason outlooks. The other teams will be listed once the draft order for round 1 is finalized. I’ll have offseason outlooks up for 10 of the 32 NFL teams when my Mock Draft 3.0 is released.
Other Options
Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State Tampa Bay could go with Justin Blackmon in the event that Blackmon slips to 5 overall with the Vikings taking Morris Claiborne 3rd.
Trent Richardson RB Alabama The Buccaneers may want a running back who can split carries with LeGarrette Blount. Trent Richardson may be an option with the 5th pick.
Riley Reiff OT/LG Iowa Tampa Bay drafted Adrian Clayborn out of Iowa in 2011. Clayborn practiced against Reiff in one on one drills. Iowa’s left tackle could help stabilize Tampa Bay’s offensive line. Donald Penn surrendered 9 sacks at left tackle. Drafting Reiff at left tackle, moving Penn to right tackle, kicking Trueblood inside to left guard, and moving Zuttah to center could provide a lot of upgrades on Tampa Bay’s offensive line.
6. Washington Redskins 5-11 Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State Junior Brock Osweiler has freakish physical tools. Osweiler has a cannon for an arm and is 6 foot 8 240 pounds. Osweiler could realistically weigh in at 6 foot 9 250 pounds when the NFL Combine approaches. I feel like Osweiler can develop great, but not elite mental attributes despite having the freakish physical tools. After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, Osweiler is my favorite quarterback in this draft solely based on long term potential. I feel like there is lots of upside with Osweiler because he has a physical skill set that your team cannot coach.
Brock Osweiler threw for 4,036 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in one year at Arizona State as a starter. Osweiler will make a Joe Flacco or Josh Freeman type of emergence on NFL Draft boards leading up to the draft if he dominates the NFL Combine. That emergence may be good enough for a team to reach for Osweiler with a top 10 pick.
There is this debate between the best quarterback after Luck and RGIII. Brandon Weeden is turning 29 despite his impressive Senior Bowl Week so I’ll take him out of the conversation. That leaves Osweiler, Foles, and Tannehill by process of elimination.
Brock Osweiler has the potential to step in as a starter right away. I really feel like Osweiler is the clear cut best quarterback after Luck and RGIII. I’ve felt this way for a while after watching Osweiler play, but I wanted to keep a low profile about Osweiler until the combine approached. Osweiler threw for over 4,000 yards at Arizona State last season. I really believe Brock Osweiler convinces scouts that he can be a top 10 pick in April’s draft.
Nick Foles is a 3 year developmental quarterback who has the potential to become a Roethlisberger type of quarterback in the right situation as a developmental backup for a while. Foles skill set is raw. Nick Foles does display massive potential. Foles has the size at 6 foot 5 240 pounds. Foles struggles with accurate passes and reacts poorly under pressure. Unless Foles improves in those areas he likely will not make it as a long term starter.
Ryan Tannehill is the poor mans Christian Ponder. Like Ponder, Tannehill’s supporting cast on the offensive line helped elevate his draft stock to a tremendous degree. A&M may have two future first rounders with Luke Joekel and Jake Matthews at offensive tackle. Tannehill also had better targets to throw to than Ponder with less experience than Ponder in a pro style offense. Tannehill had Jeff Fuller and Ryan Swope two day 3 draft picks that could catch passes. A&M’s coaches want to throw his teammates under the bus and go to bat for Tannehill. I still feel like Tannehill is a product of his supporting cast not vice versa.
The Nations Capital needs to elect a new signal caller in the first round of 2012 NFL Draft. Washington had multiple chances to obtain quarterbacks in 2009, 2010, and 2011 failing to capitalize on each chance.
The Redskins passed on Josh Freeman in 2009, Tim Tebow in 2010, and Blaine Gabbert in 2011 which now actually looks pretty smart to Shanahan’s defense. When you blow multiple chances on landing a franchise quarterback I get to use the election joke about electing a signal caller for comic relief. Also 2012, is election season so the timing is right.
I am being completely serious when I say Washington needs a new field general to command their offense. Obtaining that motivator with composure to conduct Washington’s offense is a serious issue that needs to be addressed in the nations capital. Getting that franchise signal caller to Washington is priority #1 for the Washington Redskins this offseason.
Previous Pick Luke Kuechly 3-4 Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior
Washington is picking 6th here. The Redskins are the last NFC team with an offseason outlook that you can read about.
Other Options
Riley Reiff OT/LG Iowa Riley Reiff can play left tackle, right tackle, or left guard. Trent Williams, Jamaal Brown, and Sean Locklear make an effective offensive line at left tackle, right tackle, and left guard when healthy. One always seems to get injured. Can you really blame Washington for going out to get some additional protection here to give your OL more flexibility?
Luke Kuechly 3-4 MLB Boston College Kuechly could be an option for Washington if they pursue a QB in free agency and decide to ignore their situation at 3-4 MLB. London Fletcher and Rocky McKintosh both have expiring deals.
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina Washington may be in the market for a WR. Jeffery makes a lot of sense here if he blows up the Combine.
Trade Up For Robert Griffin III QB Baylor Mike Shanahan has a reputation for moving up o moving down in the past. Mike Shanahan moved up in 2007 with Jacksonville and moved down with Jacksonville in 2011. Mike Shanahan also moved up for Jay Cutler on Denver back in 2006. Shanahan is not afraid to move up to get his guy at quarterback.
Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M Some people believe Tannehill is the clear cut best quarterback in the eyes of most after Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior Alshon Jeffery will have a Julio Jones like combine. Jeffery will propel his way into the top 10 overall. Jeffery may be a boom or bust prospect. I feel like his potential is higher than Quinton Coples despite being the bigger risk.
The Bills drafted Lee Evans in 2004 when Mike Murlarky entered year 1 with the Bills. Atlanta moved up for Julio Jones when Murlarky was the Falcons OC. Taking Jeffery here when the Jaguars are in dire need of a wide receiver makes a lot of sense.
The Dolphins took Ted Ginn Jr. over Brady Quinn when Murlarky was with the Dolphins. Murlarky has a tendency to add receivers. Blaine Gabbert is in dire need of a #1 target. Jeffery will not slip past this pick if the Jaguars are sold on him at the 2012 NFL Combine.
Previous Pick Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior
The Jaguars are the final AFC team that made the offseason outlook. 3 more teams for offseason outlooks wrapping up the top 10 with Miami, Carolina, and Buffalo will be posted after the 2012 NFL Combine.
http://www.rantsports.com/mock-draft/2012/02/20/jacksonville-jaguars-offseason-outlook-2/
Other Options
Quinton Coples RE North Carolina Coples may be even a better pass rusher than Julius Peppers. Coples is my favorite prospect in the entire draft after Andrew Luck and Matt Kalil. A poor senior campaign has his numbers dropped. I think Coples could provide some entertainment on defense for the Jaguars fans because the offense will not be specializing in that department anytime soon.
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford The Jaguars may be crazy enough to believe that reaching for Jonathan Martin with the 7th pick to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s protection is actually a wise decision long term. Gene Smith is really high on character guys.
Plus Blaine Gabbert needs a better supporting cast on offense. What better way to rob your loyal fans of their hard earned tax dollars than to take an offensive tackle for additional protection while refusing to address wide receiver which is clearly the Jaguars bigger need?
Trade Down The Jaguars have traded down in the past. Jacksonville moved down from 17 to 21 in 2007. The Jaguars are not afraid to trade up either. Jacksonville traded down for Derrick Harvey in 2008 and Blaine Gabbert in 2011. Neither Harvey or Gabbert managed to work out. The Jaguars are unlikely to trade up in this situation.
8. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt Miami gets a right tackle to shore up the offensive line. Matt Flynn and Matt Moore can have a quarterback competition for the Dolphins starting job.
Previous Pick Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Quinton Coples RE North Carolina Miami may opt for Coples since their switching to a 4-3 defense. Coples could play right end with Wake playing left end in the Dolphins new 4-3 defense.
Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M Former Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman is the Dolphins new offensive coordinator. Tannehill will be the pick if the Dolphins decide to add a quarterback through the draft. I think Tannehill is a reach here at 8th overall. I will not discount Miami adding Tannehill though.
9. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Michael Brockers Defensive Tackle LSU Sophomore Redshirt Carolina could use a defensive tackle. LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers commanded double teams for the LSU Tigers. Brockers ability to command double teams really helped boost the defensive end play of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Both Montgomery and Mingo were expected to be 2013 prospects. Brockers may have been a 2013 prospect if he returned to Baton Rouge.
I thought Montgomery and Mingo were 3-4 only pass rushers who thrived in LSU’s 4-3 defense mainly due to Michael Brockers. I’m a bigger fan of Brockers than I was of Glenn Dorsey coming out of LSU a few years ago.
Other Options
Quinton Coples RE North Carolina Coples may be too good to ignore if he slips to 9th overall.
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina Jeffery may be an option at #9 if Quinton Coples is off the board and the Panthers do not like what Michael Brockers did at the 2012 NFL Combine.
10. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Quinton Coples Right End North Carolina Senior Quinton Coples falls to 10th overall. The Bills get a steal with Coples here. The Bills are looking at left tackle in case Bell goes, wide receiver, and 4-3 pass rushers with this pick. The Bills have struggled to find a pass rusher to give left tackles fits ever since Bruce Smith left. This just in, the Bills get their first blue chip pass rusher since Smith by selecting Coples here.
Previous Pick Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior
Other Options
None The Bills have to take Coples if he slips to 10th overall by some miracle.
11. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Trent Richardson Running Back Alabama Junior Jamaal Charles missed all year with an injury and Thomas Jones has an expiring deal. Trent Richardson is arguably one of the 10 best players in the draft. The problem is Richardson is not guaranteed to be a top 10 pick due to the draft order. The Chiefs passed on Bryan Bulaga in 2010 to take Eric Berry 5th overall. The Chiefs would pass on Riley Reiff or Jonathan Martin for Trent Richardson. This is the exact same scenario the Chiefs were dealt two years ago.
Trent Richardson split carries with 2011 first round pick Mark Ingram. Richardson had 100+ carries and 700 rushing yards in 2 seasons when splitting carries with Richardson.
Trent Richardson had 283 carries, 1,679 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns. Richardson has the skill set to be a complete rusher. Kansas City loves to run the football so this is a perfect fit for Richardson.
Other Options None
12. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt Seattle will need a new quarterback. Its project quarterback with potential Nick Foles VS someone who appears safe bet as a great who may not lot live up to becoming an elite quarterback Tannehill. Tannehill reminds me of a poor mans version of Christian Ponder considering he had a stronger supporting cast with less experience than Ponder in a pro style offense.
The Seahawks can sit Foles behind Tavaris Jackson for a year and then make him the starter in 2013. Carroll may take a liking to the 6 foot 5 240 pound quarterback with this 12th overall pick. Teams have reached for quarterbacks before. It would not shock me to see it happen again in 2012. Remember like Ponder, Foles was graded out as a 2nd round prospect. The Vikings took Ponder 12th overall in this exact spot last season. It could very easily happen again.
Teams reach for quarterbacks and watching Seattle take Nick Foles at #12 is something I can see happening on draft day. Seattle could also take Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M with the 12th pick. Either way I got a quarterback here. Foles impresses at the combine and a team reaches for Nick Foles in round 1.
Previous Pick Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior
Other Options
Trade Up For Sack Artist Quinton Coples One player Seattle loves is North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. I could see Seattle moving up if Coples falls far enough. An AFC team like Miami or Jacksonville may move down for more picks due to numerous needs.
Nick Perry RE USC Nick Perry is a former USC player. Maybe Carroll will get Perry to shore up the defense.
Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M Tannehill is an option here if the Seahawks prefer Tannehill to Foles. In fact most draft experts have Tannehill graded out as the top quarterback prospect after Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. I just get the feeling that Carroll views Foles as the superior quarterback prospect.
13. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Jonathan Martin Left Tackle Stanford Junior Redshirt The Arizona Cardinals need to draft a left tackle and move Levi Brown to right tackle. Arizona can accomplish this by selecting Jonathan Martin or Riley Reiff 13th overall. Levi Brown played well enough down the stretch to warrant a spot at right tackle. An upgrade at left tackle is needed in Arizona.
Martin can play left tackle or right tackle. Martin probably would be an upgrade over Levi Brown at left tackle.
The Cardinals are likely to retain Calais Campbell at 3-4 defensive end. The Cardinals 3-4 defensive line will be shored up with the offensive line being the only weak link. The Cardinals should use the 2012 NFL Draft to shore up their offensive line.
Other Options None
14. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Dontari Poe Nose Tackle Memphis Junior Dontari Poe is a 6 foot 5 350 pound nose tackle out of Memphis. Jerry Jones loves drafting players for size. Jay Ratliff is 6 foot 4 287 pounds. Ratliff the Cowboys current nose tackle would be better suited in the 5 technique at 3-4 left end next to 3-4 right end Jason Hatcher.
Poe can play 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 nose tackle, 3-4 right end, or 3-4 left end. Poe can squat up to 700 pounds. The Dallas Cowboys may decide to draft Poe here with all of their draft options up in the air at this point.
Previous Pick David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshrit
Other Options
David DeCastro RG Stanford DeCastro is a right guard only. Anyone who drafts him as a left guard will not get the production they expect. DeCastro can pass block and run block effectively. Stanford’s guard is a 3 year starter at right guard. Teams often bring their better pass rushing DT’s or 3-4 DE’s towards the left guard. You do not know how DeCastro will translate to left guard. Dallas can put Kyle Kosier back in at left guard after playing right guard in 2011 and move David Arkin to the right guard spot. Dallas could add DeCastro as a right guard next to Kosier if their not sold on Arkin starting.
Janoris Jenkins CB Northern Alabama Janoris Jenkins has really stepped up in 2011. Jenkins has cleaned up his off the field act. Jenkins had success stopping AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Alshon Jeffery when he was at Florida before transferring to Northern Alabama. Jenkins deserves a shot on Dallas despite his so called character issues.
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama Dallas may prefer Dre Kirkpatrick over Janoris Jenkins. I like Jenkins better. Jenkins and Kirkpatrick are 2A and 2B at this point. Kirkpatrick recently got a pot charge. The charge got dropped. The combine will decide who is better between Jenkins and Kirkpatrick.
Courtney Upshaw 3-4 LOLB Alabama Upshaw can play 3-4 outside linebacker on either side. Upshaw can also play 3-4 middle linebacker. Dallas may opt for Courtney Upshaw with this pick.
Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M I think drafting Ryan Tannehill would be really foolish here. Jerry Jones loves quarterbacks with size. I would not rule out the possibility of Jones drafting Tannehill here. He considered Cam Newton in 2011 and wanted Landry Jones this year. I think Dallas is more likely to wait until 2013 when Matt Bakley, Landry Jones, and Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson are all seniors to get a quarterback. Jerry Jones attended Arkansas as a former Razorback. As crazy as it sounds waiting a year is in Dallas’s best interest. Some players like Collin Klein of Kansas State and Alex Carder of Western Michigan could provide great value on day 2 in 2013. Dallas may take Ryan Tannehill if they feel like just rebuilding for the future.
Trade Up Or Down Dallas is a team that has had a tendency for wheeling and dealing picks in the past. 2010 the Dallas Cowboys move up for Dez Bryant. 2009 they trade a first rounder for Roy Williams. 2007 the Cowboys trade to Cleveland for a 2008 first rounder and then move up for a 2007 first round pick. Dallas has gained a reputation for trading on draft day.
15. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Luke Kuechly Middle Linebacker Boston College Junior The Eagles need a 4-3 middle linebacker. Kuechly is a beast at 4-3 middle linebacker with over 100+ tackles in 3 straight seasons at Boston College.
Previous Pick Alshon Jeffery Wide Receiver South Carolina Junior
Other Options
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame The Eagles could also target Michael Floyd here. I just get the feeling that Luke Kuechly is far more valuable at this spot. Kuechly had 3 straight seasons of 100+ tackles plus DeSean Jackson may return.
16. New York Jets 8-8 Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior The New York Jets just have to get Michael Floyd if he slips this far. I really believe that Floyd could be the Randy Moss of the 2012 NFL Draft. I would much rather have Floyd at 15 or 16 than Justin Blackmon with a top 5 pick. Not only am I saving cap space, I may be getting better overall value long term with Floyd.
Previous Pick Riley Reiff Right Tackle Iowa Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Courtney Upshaw 3-4 ROLB Alabama Courtney Upshaw is a player Rex Ryan may really take a liking to.
Nick Perry 3-4 ROLB USC I have Perry graded out as my highest ranked pass rusher at this point.
17. Cincinnati Bengals from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior Janoris Jenkins can be a #1 field cornerback. Leon Hall may be out until 2013. The Bengals need someone who can step in right away as a field cornerback who would allow Hall to move back to the boundary cornerback.
Leon Hall began his career as a boundary corner next to Jonathan Joseph. Leon Hall needs to recover from his injury and try moving back to his original role before earning a chance to become the Bengals #1 field cornerback.
Jenkins managed to keep AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Alshon Jeffery in check. Jeffery deserves a chance to clean up their act.
Previous Pick Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior
Other Options
Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama The Bengals could go with Dre Kirkpatrick. I really believe its a toss up between Janoris Jenkins and Dre Kirkpatrick at this point. Jenkins gets the edge over Kirkpatrick at this point because I believe he has the better long term skill set. Kirkpatrick has struggled against receivers with massive size and blazing speed in the past. This is one huge knock on Dre Kirkpatrick that needs to be accounted for despite his amazing skill set as a coverage cornerback.
18. San Diego Chargers 8-8 David DeCastro Right Guard Stanford Junior Redshirt The Chargers may not be able to add an offensive lineman. San Diego needs to consider any offensive lineman available at this spot though.
Marcus McNeil is set to be released at left tackle. Right tackle Jerome Clary is overpaid. Backup offensive tackle Jared Gaither can contribute at times. Gaither is a liability due to back issues. Left guard Kris Dielman can be effective. Dielman is coming off a season ending injury. Nick Hardwick is a free agent at center. Right guard Louis Vasquez can be an above average starter and a great rotational guard.
Essentially, San Diego needs offensive line upgrades everywhere. An upgrade over Louis Vasquez at right guard would help the Chargers greatly. With Kris Dielman and David DeCastro, San Diego would have two guards on the interior offensive line.
There is no question the San Diego Chargers have had one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines when healthy the past few seasons. The Chargers offensive line may be in for a complete makeover. David DeCastro provides tremendous value as a starting right guard with the 18th overall pick. DeCastro is a right guard only so he makes complete sense here.
Previous Pick Nick Perry 3-4 Right Outside Linbacker USC Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Nick Perry 3-4 ROLB USC Nick Perry is a hometown pass rushing prospect from USC. Perry could be the 18th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.
19. Chicago Bears 8-8 Cordy Glenn Left Guard Georgia Senior Cordy Glenn is best suited as a run blocking left guard. Chicago needs upgrades everywhere on their interior offensive line. Chicago would definitely be an intriguing scenario for Cordy Glenn.
Gabe Carimi could start 2012 at left tackle with Cordy Glenn complimenting Carimi as a bookend right tackle. That’s how dire the Chicago Bears situation is on the offensive line really is. If Carimi and Glenn both pan out at offensive tackle then Chicago has their bookend tackles for the next decade. You can get a blue chip left tackle in 2013, move Carimi back to right tackle, and kick Cordy Glenn inside to let guard if Cutler’s protection does not improve in 2012. Doing all of that would finally solidify the Bears offensive line.
At the end of the day, I see the Bears keeping Webb and Carimi as their offensive tackle tandem while focusing on the interior offensive line.
Previous Pick Michael Floyd Wide Receiver Notre Dame Senior
Other Options
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame Floyd will be the no brainer selection if he falls this low.
Mike Adams RT Ohio State The Bears may want a true bookend for Gabe Carimi. I could also see Mike Adams being the pick here.
20. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Nick Perry Right End USC Junior Redshirt The Titans need a disruptive pass rusher. Adding a player like Nick Perry makes a lot of sense here. Perry can pass rush, run stuff, play in a 4-3 or a 3-4. Perry is exactly what the doctor ordered in Tennessee.
Previous Pick Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Andre Branch RE Clemson Andre Branch commanded lots of double teams at Clemson. Branch is an underrated 4-3 pass rusher who commands double teams at right end. Branch’s double teams created chances for DaQuan Bowers at Clemson last season.
Whitney Mercilus RE Illinois Mercilus can play 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker on either side. Mercilus can stop the run or get to the quarterback. Mercilus led the nation in sacks in 2011.
21. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Andre Branch Right End Clemson Senior Redshirt Clemson right end Andre Branch recorded double digit sacks for Clemson after DaQuan Bowers left. Branch commanded double teams by opposing left tackles and left guards which really opened up things for Bowers last season at Clemson. The Bengals have tons of quality pass rushers like Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap.
The Bengals lack a double digit sack artist. Starting right end Frostee Rucker is a free agent. The Bengals need to go out and get a right end with Andre Branch. Lamar Miller is a 2nd round talent that is sort of a reach at this point. The Bengals need a running back, but they may have to wait.
Previous Pick Cordy Glenn Left Guard Georgia Senior
Other Options None
22. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Mike Adams Right Tackle Ohio State Senior The Cleveland Browns seem intent on getting a right tackle to fortify the offensive line with this pick. Mike Adams is an outstanding run blocker at 6 foot 8 320 pounds. Adams has illustrated some ability to play left tackle in the NFL during senior bowl week showing major improvements with pass protection.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens are also interested in Adams. Cleveland can keep Pittsburgh or Baltimore from getting Mike Adams by using their second first round pick on Adams.
Left Tackle Joe Thomas
Left Guard Eric Steinbach with backup Jason Pinkston
Center Alex Mack
Right Guard Jason Pinkston with backup Shawn Lauvao
Right Tackle Mike Adams with backup Tony Pashos
Tony Pashos is in a contract year. I feel like the Browns will make an upgrade over Pashos. If Kendall Wright dominates with a killer 40 time then I will change this pick.
With this offensive line, Robert Griffin III will have tons of time to throw the football. The Cleveland Browns will need to continue to build around Griffin though.
Other Options
Kendall Wright WR Baylor The Browns may get Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright here. The Browns could also add a target in free agency. The Steelers and Ravens have both spoke to Mike Adams extensively. The Browns have also been in major contact with Adams. I think the Browns could go either way with this pick.
Our Browns writer, Robert Cobb wrote a great piece on some free agents that the Browns may target leading up to the NFL Draft. I strongly recommend you check this piece out if you are a Cleveland Browns fan.
http://www.rantsports.com/blog/2012/02/11/cleveland-browns-top-5-targets-to-consider-in-free-agency/
23. Detroit Lions 10-6 Dre Kirkpatrick Cornerback Alabama Junior Dre Kirkpatrick provides great value with the 23rd pick. Dre Kirkpatrick was once graded out as the top cornerback in this entire draft. I even put Dre Kirkpatrick in my top 5 overall back in my first mock draft.
Kirkpatrick has been exploited against receivers with massive size and blazing speed at Alabama. Plus there are some off the field concerns with Kirkpatrick which is the main reason Dre Kirkpatrick slides to 23rd overall in this mock draft.
Janoris Jenkins was a boundary cornerback at Florida across from Joe Haden. In 2010, Janoris Jenkins became the field cornerback at Florida after Haden went pro to Cleveland. Jenkins became the Gators #1 cornerback at Florida.
Jenkins managed to keep AJ Green, Julio Jones, and Alshon Jeffery in check during his one season as Florida’s field cornerback. Jenkins got kicked off of Florida and transferred to Northern Alabama. Jenkins got ejected from a Northern Alabama game for punching another player which cost Northern Alabama a critical win in an overtime loss.
Previous Pick Janoris Jenkins Cornerback Northern Alabama Senior
Other Options
Janoris Jenkins CB Northern Alabama The Lions could take Janoris Jenkins at cornerback if he slips to this pick. I believe the Bengals will take Jenkins or Kirkpatrick at #17 with the other corner slipping to the Lions here. Right now Jenkins and Kirkpatrick are 2A and 2B. Jenkins has a slight edge over Kirkpatrick at the moment.
Peter Konz C Wisconsin The Lions may want to add a center for the future. Peter Konz is one of the top prospects at this point. Konz could be the Lions first round pick here.
Mike Adams LT Ohio State The Detroit Lions may need to groom a left tackle for the future. Mike Adams could be an option for Detroit at this point.
Vontaze Burfict LOLB Arizona State Burfict can play 4-3 ROLB, 4-3 MLB, 4-3 LOLB, or 3-4 MLB. Burfict could be an option for the Lions if they want to make upgrades at linebacker.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Vontaze Burfict 3-4 Middle Linebacker Arizona State Junior Vontaze Burfict is 6 foot 4 250 pounds. Burfict can play anywhere at linebacker. Burfict can be play anywhere in a 4-3 scheme or play on the inside in a 3-4 scheme.
Burfict is the complete package at linebacker. Burfict was inconsistent in 2011 due to penalties and anger. James Farrior has no intention on retiring. Grooming Burfict to be Farrior’s successor might not be such a bad idea if Burfict can channel his anger.
Other Options
Dontari Poe NT Memphis Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe is a 6 foot 5 350 pound nose tackle who can be used as a 3-4 right end, 3-4 left end, or 3-4 nose tackle. Poe can squat over 700 pounds. Chris Hoke retired and Casey Hampton may be released to save cap room. Poe could be an option for Pittsburgh. Adding Poe solidifies Pittsburgh’s defensive line for the next decade. Cameron Heyward, Dontari Poe, and Evander “Ziggy” Hood could give the Steelers defensive line some youth up front. I really doubt Poe slides this far.
Mike Adams LT Ohio State Mike Adams has to be the pick if he falls to 24 overall. Pittsburgh has a dire need at left tackle. Best case scenario Willie Colon plays left tackle and Marcus Gilbert plays right tackle for 16 games. I have a hard time envisioning that happening since the Steelers believe Gilbert can transition to left tackle. The Steelers need upgrades over both Gilbert and Colon at left tackle.
Courtney Upshaw 3-4 MLB Alabama The Steelers may pursue a pure 3-4 linebacker who can play on the outside or the inside like Upshaw.
Kendall Wright WR Baylor Kendall Wright becomes an option as a #2 target next to Antonio Brown in the rare event that Mike Wallace and Hines Ward both leave Pittsburgh. I seriously doubt this happens.
25. Denver Broncos 8-8 Kendall Wright Wide Receiver Baylor Senior The Denver Broncos may need an additional playmaker wide receiver for Tim Tebow to throw to. Kendall Wright is the top receiver prospect at this point.
Previous Pick Melvin Ingram Defensive Tackle South Carolina Senior Redshirt
Other Options
Brandon Thompson DT Clemson Thompson is the best DT available at this spot. Thompson is underrated as a defensive tackle compared to Penn State’s Devon Still. Still is being listed way too high on draft boards.
26. Houston Texans 10-6 Peter Konz Center Wisconsin Junior Redshirt Houston may need a new center. The Texans have to take Peter Konz if he slips this far. Konz is the only center worth a first round flyer at this point. Houston took JJ Watt out of Wisconsin in 2011.
Previous Pick Kendall Wright Wide Receiver Baylor Senior
Other Options
Kendall Wright WR Baylor The Texans need a second wide receiver to pair up with Andre Johnson
27. New England Patriots from New Orleans Saints 13-3 Brandon Thompson Defensive Tackle Clemson Senior Brandon Thompson is one of my favorite defensive tackles. Thompson can be used as a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end. Thompson has been a huge part of the New England Patriots defense over the past few years.
Thompson has a better work ethic and attitude than Penn State’s Devon Still. Still has potential to develop into a pro bowler. I like Thompson better because Thompson showcases great tape. Still struggled in big games down the stretch when it counted most despite the mind boggling statistics.
Previous Pick Peter Konz Center Wisconsin Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Whitney Mercilus RE Illinois Mercilus can play 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker on either side. Bill Belicheck may be enticed by the versatility of Whitney Mercilus.
28. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Courtney Upshaw 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The Packers need a 3-4 pass rusher next to Clay Mathews. Upshaw can be used as a 3-4 outside or 3-4 middle linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The Green Bay Packers simply have to take Courtney Upshaw with this pick in the event that Upshaw slips this far.
Previous Pick Whitney Mercilus 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Illinois Junior Redshirt
Other Options
Whitney Mercilus 3-4 ROLB Illinois The Packers need a 3-4 pass rusher. Mercilus led the nation in sacks. The Packers could target Mercilus here if he slips this far. Mercilus is also a good run stuffer. Mercilus will be considered a 2nd round talent if he bombs the combine.
Brandon Thompson 3-4 RE Clemson The Packers may need a 3-4 right end to replace Cullen Jenkins. Brandon Thompson could be a target at this point.
29. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Dont’a Hightower 3-4 Middle Linebacker Alabama Junior Redshirt The Ravens should have Ray Lewis back next season. The Ravens could afford to groom a successor for Ray Lewis. Hightower would make a great fit with the 29th overall pick.
Ray Lewis should return in 2012. Adding Hightower as a backup who could succeed Ray Lewis would only help the Ravens long term.
Other Options None
30. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Melvin Ingram 3-4 Left End South Carolina Senior Redshirt The 49ers need a 3-4 defensive end who can play next to Justin Smith.
Previous Pick Marvin McNutt Wide Receiver Iowa Senior Redshirt
Other Options None
TRADE ALERT The Chiefs trade their 2012 2nd round pick 44th overall 2012 5th round pick 138th overall, and a 2013 1st round pick for the New England Patriots 2012 1st Round Pick 31st overall
Why It Makes Sense For The Kansas City Chiefs? Romeo Crennel knows Matt Cassel better than anyone. The Chiefs could make a deal and move up for Tannehill if he slips this far. Romeo knows that Cassel is not a long term answer for the Chiefs at quarterback. Tannehill can sit behind Cassel for 2 years and become their quarterback.
Crennel tried drafting Charlie Frye out of Akron in 2005. 2 years later Crennell moved back into round 1 for Brady Quinn. Crennell gets his quarterback with Ryan Tannehill by moving up to this spot.
Why It Makes Sense For The New England Patriots? New England moves down for more players and more picks each year. New England has no picks after the 4th round. Adding more picks could give New England more long term options.
31. Kansas City Chiefs from New England Patriots Ryan Tannehill Quarterback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt Romeo Crennel may realize that Matt Cassel is not a long term answer. Ryan Tannehill is going to go in round 1 due to the demand of quarterbacks even if he is not a quarterback with pro bowl potential. The Chiefs could move up for Tannehill if he slips here.
Tannehill missed the 2012 Senior Bowl due to injuries. Tannehill misses the 2012 Combine due to injuries as well.
A strong combine by Brock Osweiler or Nick Foles may tempt a team to reach for them. Tannehill could slip to this pick and the Chiefs would take him. Osweiler and Foles are projects, but both quarterbacks project to have more long term potential than Ryan Tannehill when I watch the tape. Tannehill is just a safer bet than either quarterback at this point.
Stanford quarterback Anderew Luck, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, and Ryan Tannehill are listed as the top 3 quarterback prospects among the consensus. None are throwing at the combine. Below is a list of first round quarterbacks that did not do the throwing drills since 1998.
Ryan Leaf QB Washington State 1998 biggest NFL Draft bust
Tim Couch QB Kentucky 1999 #1 pick that never amounted in Cleveland due to bad supporting cast
David Carr QB Fresno State 2002 #1 pick that never amounted in Houston due to bad supporting cast
Joey Harrington QB Oregon 2002 Harrington just never reached his potential after being so highly touted at Oregon
Matt Leinart QB USC 2006 Leinart lacked the work ethic in Arizona.
Matt Ryan QB Boston College 2008 Matt Ryan is 0-3 in the playoffs as Atlanta’s starter.
Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma 2010 Bradford is extremely accurate, but extremely injury prone.
Tim Tebow QB Florida 2010 1-1 in the playoffs despite not having the greatest stats on paper.
Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame 2010 Clausen didn’t have the attitude to play quarterback.
Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri 2011 Gabbert just does not have the football IQ to play quarterback unless he gets a great supporting cast.
Those 10 quarterbacks have combined for 1 playoff win which came on Tim Tebow’s playoff win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pretty amazing huh? If Luck, RGIII, or Tannehill turns out to be a huge bust then we can look back and add them to the list of quarterbacks that skipped the NFL Combine since 1998. Can Andrew Luck end the bad luck of quarterbacks skipping the combine?
This years combine with the quarterbacks will be a bigger letdown than 2010 when Bradford, Tebow, Clausen, and McCoy all opted not to throw at the Combine.
Other Options None
32. New York Giants 9-7 Dwayne Allen Tight End Clemson Junior Redshirt Dwayne Allen could provide a huge upgrade over Jake Ballard. The Giants usually go best player available player here. Dwayne Allen is clearly the best player worth taking at this point.
Other Options
None Dwayne Allen is the final player that I have graded out as a first round talent.
Round 2
33. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Stephon Gilmore Cornerback South Carolina Junior Prediction, the Rams will be real active in free agency. I would not be shocked if the Rams got Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, and Chris Hope 3 former Titans who played for Jeff Fisher. Then the Rams could add the final piece to their secondary with this pick.
Stephon Gilmore went up against Alshon Jeffery in one on one battles during practice sessions at South Carolina.
Stephon Gilmore can play man coverage, zone coverage, and blitz well off of the snap. One thing Gilmore needs to work on is his press coverage. South Carolina allowed 14 passing touchdowns so Gilmore’s press coverage could use some tuning.
Gilmore is 6 foot 195 pounds he has good size and footwork for a cornerback. I think Gilmore has the ability to move up with a good combine.
South Carolina had the 3rd ranked pass defense entering the Bowl games. South Carolina finished the season 2nd in overall pass defense out of 120 teams. The only team to rank ahead of South Carolina in pass defense this season was Alabama.
The reality is Gilmore needs to get drafted in the first round. Gilmore may fall to the top of the second round because some NFL scouts who have watched South Carolina play haven’t been overly impressed with Gilmore.
South Carolina’s pass defense allowed 131.69 passing yards per game. Only Alabama allowed fewer passing yards. South Carolina allowed 1,712 passing yards per game. Teams have only completed 50.29 percent of their passes against this South Carolina pass defense.
As a New England Patriots fan, I hope we get Gilmore with one of the two first round picks if Belicheck decides to add a cornerback in the late first round.
Fans of teams like the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots should be pumped up if their team lands Gilmore in the late portion of round 1.
34. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Kevin Zeitler Center Wisconsin Senior The Indianapolis Colts have two bookend tackles with left tackle Anthony Costanzo and right tackle Ben Ijalana. Now the Colts need an interior offensive lineman.
The Colts could use upgrades at both starting guard spots, a successor to Jeff Saturday at center, and an right tackle for depth with the versatility to move to the inside on the interior offensive line.
Kevin Zeitler was mainly a pure right guard when I first watched him. Zeitler has showcased the ability to play left guard, center, or right guard on the interior offensive line during Senior Bowl week. The Colts need an interior offensive lineman like Zeitler who can play at left guard, center, or right guard.
Saturday has an expiring deal. I think Saturday gets a 1 year deal to return to the Colts. Mike Pollack has an expiring deal along with Ryan Diem. The Colts will part ways with Diem and may bring Pollack back. Linkenbach could move from right tackle to right guard. The Colts may opt for Zeitler and make him the Colts new center.
The Colts could also use a primary flanker receiver for Luck or Manning to throw to, a pass rusher who can intimidate left tackles playing in a 3-4 scheme, a field cornerback, and a boundary cornerback. The Colts have a lot of problems even if their offensive line gets patched up.
35. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Andrew Datko Left Tackle Florida State Senior Andrew Datko was Christian Ponder’s blindside at Florida State. Datko has the chance to be Ponder’s blindside in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Everyone is calling Zebrie Sanders the safe pick. Datko has more potential if he can stay healthy which is why I gave Datko the edge over Sanders at this point.
36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior Mohammed Sanu is 6 foot 2 215 pounds. Sanu had 115 receptions, 1,206 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 2011. Sanu has the work ethic to become Freeman’s #1 target. Mike Williams is a #2 target plus Arrellious Benn has really struggled to pan out as a 2010 draft pick doing worse than 2010 4th round pick Mike Williams.
Previous Pick Lamar Miller Running Back Miami FL Sophomore Redshirt
37. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Chase Minnifield Cornerback Virginia Senior Redshirt Chase Minnifield is the son of Browns pro bowl cornerback Frank Minnifield. Frank Minnifield was a shutdown cornerback on the Browns in their 1980′s teams. Essentially, Frank Minnifield was Primetime before Deion Sanders “Primetime” arrived in the NFL.
The Browns have one of the leagues best pass defenses. Dimitri Patterson has an expiring deal. The Browns dime corner will likely become a free agent.
Boundary corner Sheldon Brown is effective. Brown is also expendable to a certain extent. 2011 5th round pick Buster Skryne can develop his skills more. Skyrne is a 5th round pick out of Tennessee Chattanooga.
If the Cleveland Browns really want a boundary corner who can disable #2 receivers you got to go with Chase Minnifield here. A cornerback tandem featuring Joe Haden and Chase Minnifield would give the Browns one of the NFL’s best cornerback tandems. The Browns would also have depth players with Sheldon Brown and Buster Skryne as depth cornerbacks.
38. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Marvin McNutt Wide Receiver Iowa Senior Redshirt Marvin McNutt posted better stats than Alshon Jeffery in 2011. McNutt is a secondary receiver who could compliment Jeffery real well in Jacksonville.
Jeffery weighs 6 foot 4 229 pounds. McNutt weighs 6 foot 4 215 pounds. Jeffery could boost his stock with a monster combine, while McNutt has the route running to be an effective #2 target.
Blaine Gabbert will have Alshon Jeffery, Marvin McNutt, and tight end Marcedes Lewis to throw to in 2012 if my mock draft picks become a reality.
Previous Pick Mohammed Sanu Wide Receiver Rutgers Junior
39. Washington Redskins 5-11 Nick Toon Wide Receiver Wisconsin Senior Redshirt Washington needs a flanker target. Nick Toon is the son of Al Toon the Jets pro bowl receiver. Nick Toon is a 6 foot 3 220 pound receiver from Wisconsin who caught 10 receiving touchdowns for the Badgers in 2011. Nick Toon displays deadly ability in the red zone.
The Redskins will need a #1 target for Brock Osweiler. Nick Toon may be just what the doctor ordered in Washington.
40. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Zebrie Sanders Right Tackle Florida State Senior Carolina Panthers right tackle Jeff Otah has only played 4 games over the last two seasons. Zebrie Sanders provides good value for depth in round 2 if the Panthers are looking to make an upgrade at right tackle.
Sanders could also play left tackle on pass blocking situations on 3rd and long moving Jordan Gross to right tackle so Newton would have more time.
Its safe to say that Zebrie Sanders would make an effective starter at offensive tackle for the Panthers regardless of whether he starts at left tackle or right tackle.
Sanders could sit out and learn the playbook if both Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah learn the playbook.
The Panthers realize they probably will not be picking this high to obtain an offensive tackle again. Carolina will probably take an offensive lineman with this pick and hope he grooms himself into a future starter.
41. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Vinny Curry Left End Marshall Senior Vinny Curry, Cam Johnson, and Whitney Mercilus have convinced me their overrated 4-3 left end prospects compared to a pass rusher like Quinton Coples at this point. Vinny Curry joins Coples as a bookend pass rusher in Buffalo in this mock draft.
Curry is fantastic in terms of production and physical skill set. I am uncertain about Curry’s mental attributes translating which is why I see a rotational left end at best right now.
Curry’s production literally speaks for itself though. In 2011, Curry had 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and a second best 21.5 tackles for a loss. Vinny Curry accumulated 94 total stops and 12 sacks in 2010 as a junior at Marshall.
Curry has the consistency and production of an elite pass rusher. It all comes down to whether a team believes Curry can translate his skill set at the NFL level.
Previous Pick Cordarro Law 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Southern Miss Senior Redshirt
42. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Cam Johnson Left End Virginia Senior The Miami Dolphins will need a 4-3 left end to compliment Cameron Wake. Cam Johnson can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme on either side.
Johnson recorded 6.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for a loss, notched 53 total tackles, while swatting 4 passes. Johnson is one of the more underrated 4-3 left ends in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Previous Pick Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Sophomore Redshirt
43. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Orson Charles Tight End Georgia Junior John Carlson turns 28 and is a free agent. Zach Miller only caught 25 receptions for 233 receiving yards in 2011.
Personally, I believe Orson Charles is overrated as a prospect. Coby Fleener is not running at the Combine and that left me with the wrong impression. Charles has a chance to convince me why he’s the best tight end after Dwayne Allen with his 40 time.
I gave Seattle a quarterback in the first round. Teams tend to use those 2nd round picks to build around their quarterbacks.
Previous Pick Brock Osweiler Quarterback Arizona State Junior Redshirt
44. New England Patriots from Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Whitney Mercilus Left End Illinois Junior Redshirt New England will need a right end in case Andre Carter leaves and a left end in case Mark Anderson leaves. I think New England gets Mario Williams at right end during free agency. Whitney Mercilus could compliment Williams at left end.
Whitney Mercilus led the nation in sacks. Mercilus could slide in DaQuan Bowers type fashion with a poor combine.
Mercilus had a nations best 13.5 sacks. DaQuan Bowers led the nation in sacks in 2010 and he slipped to Tampa Bay. It could very well happen once again with Mercilus in 2012.
Mercilus can play right end or left end in a 4-3 scheme. Mercilus also has the size to be a 3-4 outside linebacker on either side. Mercilus can give left tackles or right tackles fits when pass rushing or run stuffing. Bill Belichick loves players with the versatility that Mercilus displays.
Previous Pick Mark Barron Free Safety Alabama Senior
45. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior Casey Heyward may just be a nickel corner at best in terms of potential. Heyward is the top cornerback available. The only other 2nd round talent at cornerback is Jayron Hosley. Hosley is undersized at 5 foot 10.
Dallas can either take a cornerback who anchored the 33rd ranked pass defense with Vanderbilt or the 41st ranked pass defense at Virginia Tech. Hosley was a boundary cornerback next to Rashad Carmichael prior to this season.
I had Hosley graded ahead of Heyward. After careful deliberation, I have decided to move Heyward ahead of Hosley.
Previous Pick Nick Foles Quarterback Arizona Senior Redshirt
46. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Zach Brown Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina Senior Some Draft Scouts believe Zach Brown has questions about maturity. The Eagles won’t care. Andy Reid and the Eagles front office will snag Brown by taking the best player available if he slips to the 2nd round.
A linebacking core featuring Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker and Zach Brown at right outside linebacker will make the Eagles linebackers much more dangerous.
47. New York Jets 8-8 Mark Barron Strong Safety Alabama Senior The New York Jets have been considering Mark Barron in round 1 of some mock drafts. The Jets would be getting excellent value if they obtained Barron in round 2.
Previous Pick Jerry Franklin 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Arkansas Senior Redshirt
48. New England Patriots from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Markelle Martin Strong Safety Oklahoma State Senior Markelle Martin is the top safety available. Martin has the versatility to play strong safety or free safety. This may intrigue New England with their 2nd round pick.
49. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Lamar Miller Running Back Miami FL Sophomore Redshirt Ryan Matthews is too injury prone plus Mike Tolbert is a free agent. Lamar Miller is nearly a steal at this point.
Previous Pick Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior
50. Chicago Bears 8-8 Harrison Smith Free Safety Notre Dame Senior The Chicago Bears will need a major free safety upgrade over Major Wright. The Bears may be sold on Harrison Smith being that key player in round 2.
Previous Pick Casey Heyward Cornerback Vanderbilt Senior
51. Philadelphia Eagles from Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Devon Still Defensive Tackle Penn State Senior Redshirt Penn State’s run defense ranks higher than Mississippi State’s. Still’s production as a player is also underrated.
Still got off to a hot start before sluggish play to end the season. Devon Still is the top defensive tackle option available for the Eagles at this spot. Some people have Devon Still going in the top 10, but that is a major exaggeration at this point. Still has to blow up the NFL Combine to earn a spot in the top 10.
Previous Pick Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Junior
52. Tennessee Titans 8-8 Kendall Reyes Defensive Tackle Connecticut Senior Redshirt There are only 3 players left with 2nd round talent. Two of those 3 players are defensive tackles. Bringing in Kendall Reyes who can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 right end in the event that you switch to a 3-4 scheme really helps personnel wise.
Reyes is an incredible run stuffer. Connecticut was ranked 4th overall in run defense.
Previous Pick Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt
53. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Fletcher Cox Defensive Tackle Mississippi State Junior Pat Simms and Jonathan Fanene are about to become free agents. Depth behind Domata Peko and Geno Atkins will be needed in Cincinnati.
Fletcher Cox of Mississippi State was once a late first round prospect. Mississippi State ranked 68th in run defense out of 120 FBS teams. Fletcher Cox has struggled against run stuffing teams. Fletcher Cox is a #2 complimentary defensive tackle on a starting lineup rather than a #1 defensive tackle like Suh.
Putting Fletcher Cox in this situation is perfect because Cox does not have to worry about being a starting defensive tackle right off the get go.
Previous Pick Kendall Reyes Defensive Tackle Senior Redshirt
54. Detroit Lions 10-6 Jayron Hosley Cornerback Virginia Tech Junior Jayron Hosley has the skill set and zone coverage ability to be an interception machine. Hosley is the only player left graded out as a 2nd round talent. Hosley adds one more cornerback to the Lions.
Dre Kirkpatrick and Jayron Hosley were the preseason top 2 cornerbacks by some. Ironically enough, both Kirkpatrick and Hosley end up on the Lions in the first 2 rounds of this mock draft.
Previous Pick Tank Carder Left Outside Linebacker TCU Senior Redshirt
55. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Brandon Mosley Left Tackle Auburn Senior There are no more second round talents available. Thanks to trading their 2012 first round pick to Cleveland for Julio Jones, the Falcons end up with a 3rd round talent late in round 2.
The Atlanta Falcons need a left tackle upgrade over Sam Baker. Brandon Mosley is a 6 foot 6 310 pound left tackle out of Auburn.
Mosley was a 2 year junior college player before transferring to Auburn. Mosley started out as a backup tackle before earning the right tackle job in 2010. Mosley was great at run blocking paving the way for 3 different Auburn running backs including Mario Fannin, Michael Dyer, and Ontario McCalebb in 2010. Mosley managed to pass protect well as a bookend right tackle on an offensive line that only allowed a sack on 1 out of every 16 plays.
In 2011 Auburn left tackle Lee Ziemba and running back Mario Fannin left the team due to graduation. Mosley moved to left tackle and became an elite blindside protector as a senior.
Previous Pick Vinny Curry Right End Marshall Senior
56. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Alameda Ta’amu Nose Tackle Washington Senior Alameda Ta’amu is a 6 foot 3 337 pound defensive tackle for the Washington Huskies. Ta’amu can be used as a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 nose tackle.
Casey Hampton is attempting to recover from a torn ACL at age 35. Hampton is also a cap casualty at taking up over 8 million in cap space. Backup nose tackle Chris Hoke announced his retirement.
Alameda Ta’amu can play the 0 technique, the 1 technique, the 2 technique, or the 3 technique.
Ta’amu can give the Steelers some youth on defense and a plug and play kind of starter with this draft selection. Ta’amu is graded out as a 3rd round prospect and is the best nose tackle available after Memphis nose tackle Dontari Poe.
Previous Pick Cam Johnson 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Virginia Senior
57. Denver Broncos 8-8 Kirk Cousins Quarterback Michigan State Senior Redshirt Kirk Cousins is a 3rd round talent. A team may reach for Cousins in the late 2nd. I get the impression that Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins could be that quarterback with all the controversy going on in Denver.
58. Houston Texans 10-6 Brandon Washington Left Guard Miami FL Junior The Texans love adding players from Miami FL. Brandon Washington could start at left guard with Wade Smith moving to right guard.
Wade Smith was an abomination at left guard this season and he may make a better right guard. Smith would probably be better off as a backup left guard to Brandon Washington. Mike Brisiel has an expiring deal at right guard so Smith could move to that right guard spot.
Having an interior offensive line with Brandon Washington at left guard, Peter Konz at center, and Wade Smith at right guard may help Arian Foster’s fantasy numbers short term, but it may lead to a Texans Super Bowl win long term.
Previous Pick Ben Jones Center Georgia Senior
59. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Sean Spence Right Outside Linebacker Miami FL Senior Sean Spence would give the Saints a right outside linebacker who could anchor the weak side as a WILL linebacker.
60. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior Like Nick Collins, Delano Howell has the versatility to play strong safety or free safety. The Packers need a new safety in case Nick Collins never recovers from his neck injury.
Previous Pick Josh Norman Cornerback Coastal Carolina Senior
61. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Ben Jones Center Georgia Senior Matt Birk will retire after this season. The Ravens need to find a new starter at center. Ben Jones is the top graded center available and he provides great value at this point.
Previous Pick Delano Howell Free Safety Stanford Senior
62. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Kelechi Osmele Right Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt Adam Snyder will be a free agent at right guard. Kelechi Osmele is a 6 foot 5 347 pound run blocking mauler. Osmele lacks the footwork to play either side on tackle. Osmele will have to move inside to guard.
The 49ers had great starters everywhere on the offensive line except right guard. Osmele gives the 49ers an immediate starter at right guard. If left tackle Joe Staley gets injured Anthony Davis can play left tackle with Osmele moving to right tackle. Osmele could also play right tackle if Davis gets injured. Osmele would move from right guard to left guard in the event that Mike Iupati got injured.
Joe Staley at left tackle, Mike Iupati at left guard, Jonathan Goodwin at center, Kelechi Osmele at right guard, and Anthony Davis at right tackle gives the 49ers a stable offensive line.
Previous Pick Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior
TRADE ALERT The New York Jets trade their 2012 3rd round pick 78th overall and their 2013 2nd round pick to the New England Patriots for the Patriots 2nd round 63rd overall pick.
Why it makes sense for the New York Jets? The Miami Dolphins would land Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden in round 3 if Weeden just slipped. The Jets may want to bring in competition for Mark Sanchez. Brandon Weeden provides good value at 63 overall despite being 28 years old and turning 29 in January.
Weeden could start out as a backup to Sanchez. Weeden could become the Jets starter for a 2 to 5 year period if Sanchez does not improve.
The Jets would only be giving up a 2013 2nd round pick rather than a 2013 first round pick. There would be less on the line with giving up a 2nd rather than a first round pick.
Tyler Bray, Sean Manihon, Terry Bridgewater, and Bryn Renner could be 2014 draft options in round 1 if both Mark Sanchez and Brandon Weeden flop. Weeden gives the Jets 2 year insurance.
Greg McElroy may be right about the Jets being a selfish team. That does not mean McElroy will remain on the roster. If anything, McElroy gets cut from the team.
Why it makes sense for the New England Patriots? The Patriots love moving down and stockpiling picks each year. I gave the Patriots a Chiefs 2012 2nd, 2012 5th, and 2013 first in round 1 when I had the Chiefs move up for Ryan Tannehill at 31 if he slips that far. The Dolphins and Jets would both want Brandon Weeden.
Weeden would start out as a 3rd stringer behind Matt Moore and Matt Flynn in Miami. The Jets giving up more picks gives New England 2 2012 3rd round picks and an additional 2013 2nd round pick to use. Moving down once again makes too much sense for New England. Belicheck will probably add a 3rd 2013 first round pick by dealing Ryan Mallett to another team if he is not happy with his progress after 2012.
Belichick wants a 4th Super Bowl ring. I really believe that if Brady does not win the big game in 2013 that the Patriots may draft a quarterback in the first round to groom for Brady’s departure if their unhappy with Ryan Mallett’s progress. Tom Brady turns 35 in August and would be 36 years old before the 2013 NFL Season. Belichick will realize that its time to plan for life without Brady if Andrew Luck does succeed Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley may have gone ahead of RGIII in 2012 if he declared for the NFL Draft. Matt Barkley will lose Matt Kalil at left tackle, but will have an array of playmakers to throw to plus he has a pretty experienced offensive line with a junior redshirt left tackle and some players who started on USC’s offensive line in 2011-2012.
The Patriots would have 2 2013 first round picks, 2 2013 2nd round picks, and Mallett as trade bait to move up for Matt Barkley if they wanted Barkley to succeed Tom Brady in New England.
Besides Matthew Stafford only 1 highly recruited quarterback out of high school was projected to go #1 overall by Mel Kiper Jr. That quarterback was USC’s Matt Barkley. Barkley could have transferred after Pete Carroll left and USC got their 2 year bowl ban. Barkley endured the thick and thin at USC.
Barkley threw 15 touchdowns and 14 picks as a true freshman after beating out Aaron Corp for the starting job while taking 17 sacks. Barkley had 26 touchdowns and 12 picks as a sophomroe while taking 16 sacks. Barkley threw 39 touchdowns and 7 interceptions as a junior taking only 8 sacks.
Some people thought Barkley did better than Andrew Luck at times this season. That’s only because Barkley had Matt Kalil at left tackle. Peyton Manning is 35 years old and turns 36 on March 24, 2012. One month later Andrew Luck arrives to be the Colts new signal caller.
The bottom line is New England will make some moves to move down for more draft picks. The Patriots pull this schtick every year on draft day. Brady is turning 35 in August and will be 36 years old when the 2013 season rolls around. I am not sold on Mallett being the long term starter. If Luck succeeds Peyton Manning than Belichick will probably get his successor to Tom Brady with USC quarterback Matt Barkley in 2013 by packaging a bunch of picks.
63. New York Jets from New England Patriots Brandon Weeden Quarterback Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The 28 year old Brandon Weeden turns 29 years old. Weeden plays in a shotgun spread offense. Weeden had all the physical tools and production in the world.
Weeden had the gunslinger arm, durability, and 6 foot 4 218 pound frame with Weeden’s size. Weeden threw 4,727 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in a shotgun spread no huddle offense at Oklahoma State.
There were questions about Weeden’s accuracy and intangibles. Weeden answered those questions at the Senior Bowl and illustrated that he can make all the throws.
My only 2 red flag concerns with Weeden are how he adapts from a shotgun spread offense to a pro style offense along with the age. Weeden is currently 28 years old and 45 days older than Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
64. New York Giants Nick Jean Baptiste Defensive Tackle Baylor Senior Redshirt Nick Jean Baptiste can play 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 nose tackle. Nick Jean Baptiste succeeded Phil Taylor at nose tackle for Baylor. Taylor was the Cleveland Browns 2011 first round pick.
Previous Pick Alameda Ta’amu Defensive Tackle Washington Senior
Round 3
65. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Brian Quick Wide Receiver Appalachin State Senior Redshirt Brian Quick is a 6 foot 5 220 pound flanker receiver from Appalachin State. Quick is a crisp route runner with the physical skill set that teams covet.
Quick recorded 71 receptions, 1,096 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns for Appalachin State in 2011. The Colts have shown that they are not afraid of taking small school prospects in years past. The Colts took small school players like Villanova’s Ben Ijalana and Mt. Union’s Pierre Garcon in years past.
Andrew Luck needs a flanker target. Reggie Wayne is a secondary target at best even if he gets brought back. Pierre Garcon is a slot receiver playing a secondary receiver role. The Colts have an effective slot receiver with Austin Collie who will be back next season.
The Indianapolis Colts are losing 3 of their 4 receivers with Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie all set to become free agents. After quarterback and left tackle flanker receiver is the most important position on offense period. The Colts got to get that game changing flanker target here at the top of round 3.
66. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt Chris Polk could develop into a successor behind Steven Jackson. Brian Schottenheimer ran a two back system with Thomas Jones and Shonn Green before making that two back system revolve around Tomlinson and Green. I think the Rams bring in a second back here. Chris Polk is graded out as my top ranked running back after Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller at this point.
Previous Pick Bernard Pierce Running Back Temple Junior
67. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Josh Norman Cornerback Coastal Carolina Senior Josh Norman is a 6 foot 3 215 pound cornerback that dominated the East West Shrine game. Norman is my top graded cornerback at this point in the 3rd round.
Josh Norman will be the Vikings 3rd round choice if Minnesota opts for offensive players like Justin Blackmon and Andrew Datko with their first two picks.
Previous Pick Rueben Randle Wide Receiver LSU Junior
68. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Rueben Randle Wide Receiver LSU Junior Robert Griffin III will need a #1 flanker receiver to throw to. Rueben Randle may be an option in the 3rd round if he slips to Cleveland. Randle has the size and tools to become a #1 target.
Previous Pick Isaiah Pead Running Back Cincinnati Senior
69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Alfonzo Dennard Cornerback Nebraska Senior Tampa Bay’s scouting department practically has a man crush on Dennard. The Buccaneers would grab Dennard and pair him up with LSU’s Morris Claiborne in the event that Dennard slips to this pick. Doing that would give the Buccaneers a very formidable pass defense.
Previous Pick Nigel Bradham Right Outside Linebacker Florida State Senior
70. Washington Redskins 5-11 Senio Kelemete Right Tackle Washington Senior The Redskins need offensive tackle depth. Senio Kelemete may be an option for Washington in round 3. Kelemete can play tackle or guard on either side of the offensive line. Kelemete was a run blocking left tackle at Washington that can also operate a zone blocking scheme.
Previous Pick Amini Silatalu Left Guard Midwestern State Senior Redshirt
71. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Cordarro Law Right End Southern Miss Senior Redshirt Cordarro Law can play right end or left end in a 4-3 scheme. Law can also be used as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Law had 47 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, and 6 sacks at Southern Miss in 2011. Law’s current favorite player to watch is Lamaar Woodley. Law reminds me more of James Harrison coming out of Kent State though.
The undefeated Houston Cougars fought the Law in the 2011 Conference USA Championship before the Law won. Southern Miss’s upset win kept Houston from receiving a BCS invite.
Cordarro Law has the work ethic that GMs look for. Law is determined to make something out of himself and will be a good late day 2 pick.
Previous Pick Josh Robinson Cornerback Central Florida Junior
72. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Travis Lewis Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Redshirt The Buffalo Bills need a 4-3 right outside linebacker for their 4-3 defense. Travis Lewis may be an option at this spot.
Previous Pick Audie Cole 3-4 Middle Linebacker North Carolina State Senior Redshirt
73. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Ronnell Lewis Left Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Junior Ronnell Lewis would make an outstanding 4-3 left outside linebacker. Lewis could rush the quarterback from the strong side sort of like how Von Miller does with the Broncos. Ronnell does not have the skill set that Von Miller has.
Lewis would make a good pick for the Miami Dolphins at this point. Miami adds a piece to their 4-3 defense with this selection.
Previous Pick Coby Fleener Tight End Stanford Senior Redshirt
74. Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers 6-10 Shea McClellin Left End Boise State Senior I originally had McClellin graded out as a 6th round sleeper in August. McClellin has come a long way since that point. I moved McClellin up to the 4th round two weeks ago and moved him up to the 3rd round after Senior Bowl practices.
The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers scouts have both spoke extensively with McClellin. Julius Peppers is 32 years old. Israel Idonije turns 32 in November. McClellin is a player who can develop into a pro bowl talent. Maybe the Bears should take McClellin here to add some youth at pass rusher to groom for the future.
McClellin was a right end only heading into this season. McClellin had 9.5 sacks in 2010. McClellin focused more on his ability to improve run stuffing in 2011. McClellin showed more versatility during Senior Bowl week showing ability to play on either side as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Chicago has Corey Wootton as their successor to Julius Peppers. Chicago needs to find a successor to Idonije at left end in their 4-3 scheme.
75. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Marvin Jones Wide Receiver California Senior Marvin Jones saw limited action in 2011 with 62 receptions, 846 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns. Jones would make an excellent slot receiver, a great secondary option, and an above average flanker receiver.
Jones weighs in a 6 foot 3 202 pounds. Jones dominated the Senior Bowl which is why he is in this part of round 3. If the Chiefs move back into the first round to draft a quarterback after drafting Trent Richardson at running back with the 11th pick then this pick could be used on a wide receiver.
No offensive lineman are available at this point. The Chiefs would have to use this pick on a wide receiver. Marvin Jones is my top graded receiver.
Previous Pick Brandon Washington Right Tackle Miami FL Junior
76. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Terrell Manning Right Outside Linebacker North Carolina State Junior Redshirt KJ Wright did a solid job at right outside linebacker. Wright would be much more effective on at left outside linebacker playing a SAM role on the strong side.
Leroy Hill has been injury prone. Hill has an expiring deal. Why not draft for value by bringing in Manning here?
77. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Audie Cole Left Outside Linebacker North Carolina State Senior Redshirt The Philadelphia Eagles opt for Audie Cole with this pick. Cole can play the strong side.
The Eagles solidify their linebacker core with 3 all pro ACC linebackers. Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker, Zach Brown at right outside linebacker, and Audie Cole at left outside linebacker.
Previous Pick Leonard Johnson Cornerback Iowa State Senior
78. New England Patriots from New York Jets 8-8 Shaun Prater Cornerback Iowa Senior The New England Patriots scouting department has sent their team of scouts to a few Iowa games in 2011. Shaun Prater is a dime cornerback who could add some depth to the Patriots roster.
New England has their field cornerback with McCourty, Arrington can play boundary corner, Ras I Dowling can be a nickel corner who competes with Arrington for the boundary spot, and the Patriots lack a dime corner in case injuries occur.
Arrington is horrible in man coverage as a #2 corner. Ras I Dowling is injury prone. Ras I Dowling got injured as a senior at Virginia and suffered a season ending injury as a rookie.
The Patriots take a cornerback in the top 100 nearly every year now. Did you know New England has drafted a cornerback in the first two rounds every year since 2008?
Previous Pick Orson Charles Tight End Georgia Junior
79. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Mike Martin Nose Tackle Michigan Senior The Chargers will need a new nose tackle. Mike Martin may be the best player available at nose tackle here.
Previous Pick Nick Jean Baptiste Nose Tackle Baylor Senior Redshirt
80. Chicago Bears 8-8 Coby Fleener Tight End Stanford Senior Redshirt Coby Fleener will not be running at the NFL Combine. This may hurt his draft stock and cause him to fall to this pick. Fleener would be an upgrade over what the Chicago Bears currently have at tight end.
Previous Pick Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior
81. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Tank Carder 3-4 Middle Linebacker TCU Senior Redshirt The Cardinals will make an upgrade over Stewart Bradley at 3-4 middle linebacker. The Cardinals already have a 3-4 middle linebacker from TCU with Daryl Washington. The Cardinals may add another one with Tank Carder.
Previous Pick Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior
82. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Bernard Pierce Running Back Temple Junior Bernard Pierce could start out as a 3rd string back behind DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones. Pierce could get his chance to start if injuries occur.
Dallas has a good run blocking unit with tackles Doug Free and Tyron Smith. Kyle Kosier and David Arkin could start at guard in 2012.
There are no players based on draft need that Dallas could target here. I have Dallas going with Pierce.
Previous Pick Mike Martin Nose Tackle Michigan Senior
83. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Lavonte David Strong Safety Nebraska Senior I’ve seen Lavonte David mocked as high as 36 to Tampa Bay. Anyone who takes David that high is nuts. David would provide good value in round 3 to a team needing a strong safety upgrade like the Titans.
Previous Pick Kelechi Osmele Left Guard Iowa State Senior Redshirt
84. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Isaiah Pead Running Back Cincinnati Senior The Bengals get the hometown prospect and 2012 Senior Bowl MVP as their feature back. Pead had 2 big games on the road against the Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers in loud crowds.
Pead invaded Heinz Field at the college level. Now Pead gets a chance to do the same with the Bengals in the pros.
Previous Pick David Wilson Running Back Virginia Tech Junior
85. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Tyrone Crawford Left End Boise State Senior The Falcons will likely move Ray Edwards to right end and draft a new starting left end. Jonathan Abraham made most of his big plays when pass rushing at left end in 2011 down the stretch. Crawford is my top ranked left end.
Previous Pick David Paulson Tight End Oregon Senior Redshirt
86. Detroit Lions 10-6 Jonathan Massaquoi Left End Troy Sophomore Redshirt The Lions may add some depth at defensive end. Kyle Vaden Bosch is nearing retirement at right end. Left end Cliff Avril has an expiring deal in Detroit.
Previous Pick Jake Bequette Left End Arkansas Senior Redshirt
87. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 David Wilson Running Back Virginia Tech Junior There are no 3rd round prospects on the offensive line worth taking. Mendenhall is likely done in Pittsburgh. Issac Redman put up a great show against Denver. Pittsburgh likes to run up the middle and ran against a run defense that lacked a defensive tackle or a middle linebacker.
David Wilson is being mocked to the Bengals in some mock drafts with the 21st overall pick. Wilson is my best running back available here. There are no long term starters at wide receiver, corner, or offensive line at this spot. All of the offensive lineman that were graded as 3rd round talents went earlier than expected in this mock draft. Pittsburgh is forced to take Virginia Tech’s David Wilson here.
Rashard Mendenhall should miss the majority of the season and will enter the year on the PUP list. Mendenhall is in a contract year. I am left with the impression that Pittsburgh and Rashard Mendenhall part ways in 2013 when Mendenhall’s contract is up.
Besides Mendenhall, no one on the roster has the potential to develop into a #1 back. Redman is a #2 back. John Clay split carries with Wisconsin’s Montee Ball, Jonathan Dwyer is overrated compared to Yellow Jacket teammate Anthony Allen, and Baron Batch is just a special teams player.
David Wilson could be even better than his predecessors at Virginia Tech. Ryan Williams and Darren Evans were both ranked ahead of Wilson on the Hokies depth chart in 2010.
In 2011, Wilson took the nation by storm and ranked 4th in the FBS in rushing yards. Wilson finished the 2011 season with 1,709 rushing yards.
Previous Pick Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt
88. Denver Broncos 8-8 Doug Martin Running Back Boise State Senior Redshirt The Broncos do need another running back for depth. Doug Martin has been impressive at the Senior Bowl. I could see Denver taking a flyer on Doug Martin with this pick.
Previous Pick Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt
89. Houston Texans 10-6 Josh Chapman Nose Tackle Alabama Senior Redshirt Josh Chapman seems like the nose tackle that the Houston Texans would take a huge liking to. Houston usually targets slightly undersized nose tackles who play football in the Southern region.
90. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Jerel Worthy Defensive Tackle Michigan State Junior Redshirt The Saints add more defensive tackle depth with Jerel Worthy. Worthy was one of my most overrated prospects heading into the preseason. Mike Mayock thinks Worthy is underrated as a prospect. That does not sway my original impression on Worthy.
Worthy did not live up to the hype of being a top 10 pick and struggled against other Big 10 offensive lineman. Worthy may make something of himself in New Orleans.
Previous Pick Jaye Howard Defensive Tackle Florida Senior Redshirt
91. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Jaye Howard 3-4 Right End Florida Senior Redshirt The Packers may find a short term replacement for Cullen Jenkins at 5 technique with a depth player for the 3-4 scheme with Jaye Howard.
Previous Pick Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Senior Redshirt
92. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Billy Winn 3-4 Left End Boise State Cory Redding will be gone. The Ravens may use this pick on a 3-4 left end for depth. Billy Winn could be an option in round 3.
Previous Pick Lavonte David Strong Safety Nebraska Senior
93. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Josh Robinson Cornerback Central Florida Junior Josh Robinson can make an immediate impact. I feel like his potential has already maxed out despite his productivity at Central Florida. Robinson did keep AJ Green in check in a Central Florida bowl upset over Georgia. Maybe Robinson is worth taking a 3rd round flyer on.
Previous Pick Brandon Brooks Right Guard Miami Ohio Senior
94. New England Patriots 13-3 Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior The Patriots may add a #4 receiver for depth at some point. Welker, Brandon Lloyd, and Branch or Ochocinco playing slot should be the lineup heading into 2012.
Juron Criner is an excellent route runner with soft hands. Criner is 6 foot 4 215 pounds. Criner’s production declined in 2011.
The 6 foot 4 215 pound Juron Criner made a ridiculous catch coverage during day 2 of Tuesday’s Senior Bowl drills.
Criner had 75 receptions, 956 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2011 as Foles #1 target. Criner had 82 receptions, 1,233 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns in 2010.
Previous Pick Chandler Jones Right End Junior Redshirt
95. New York Giants 9-7 James Michael Johnson Middle Linebacker Nevada Senior James Michael Johnson probably does provide somewhat of an upgrade over Chase Blackburn. James Michael Johnson provides outstanding value in the late 3rd round as he recorded 95 total tackles in 2011 for the Nevada Wolfpack.
Heading into round 4 I have 5 players graded out as 3rd round talents. After that I will list multiple players that each team could target depending on need. These 5 players will round out the top 100.
LaMichael James Running Back Oregon
Jarius Wright Wide Receiver
David Paulson Tight End Oregon
Bobby Wagner Left Outside Linebacker Utah State
Leonard Johnson Cornerback Iowa State
Round 4
96. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Bobby Wagner Left Outside Linebacker Utah State Senior The Rams will need two outside linebackers. The Rams can get Wesley Woodard or Rocky McKintosh in free agency to play right outside linebacker on the weak side. After that, you can add a left outside linebacker like Utah State’s Bobby Wagner.
Wagner had 10 or more tackles in all, but 3 of his games. Wagner performs at a high level and has great intangibles. Wagner could rise up draft boards if he showcases his physical skill set.
Previous Pick Juron Criner Wide Receiver Arizona Senior
97. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Jarius Wright Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior Arkansas has 3 receivers that could get drafted. Joe Adams the flanker target who is my favorite of the 3. Jarius Wright had the best statistical season. Wrapping up the Razorbacks 3 receivers is Greg Childs. Childs entered his senior season with a huge demand and just has not delivered.
Wright is the highest graded wide receiver prospect even though I like Adams better. Jarius Wright recorded 66 receptions, 1,117 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns for the Razorbacks in 2011.
The Colts are losing Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Anthony Gonzalez to free agency. Even if one of these receivers returns, I feel like the Colts may spend multiple picks on wide receivers.
I gave the Colts a flanker receiver with size like Brian Quick in round 3 as Andrew Luck’s go to target. In round 4 I plan on giving the Colts a speedy route running receiver that can be utilized as a secondary target or a slot receiver.
98. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 David Paulson Tight End Oregon Senior Redshirt The Minnesota Vikings may need a #2 tight end to pair up next to Kyle Rudolph. Visanthe Shiancoe will be a free agent this offseason.
Kyle Rudolph was injury prone at Notre Dame. The Vikings need to find a #2 tight end in case Rudolph gets injured. Rudolph can perform at a pro bowl level when healthy. New England has shown us that its okay to have a pro bowl caliber tight end.
Previous Pick Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt
99. Philadelphia Eagles from Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Leonard Johnson Cornerback Iowa State Senior The Eagles need to add a cornerback for depth at some point. Leonard Johnson provides tremendous value if he slips this far.
Previous Pick Micanor Regis Defensive Tackle Miami FL Senior
100. Cleveland Browns 4-12 LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt The Cleveland Browns will need a new feature back if Peyton Hillis is not resigned. LaMichael James provides great value at the top of round 4 for Cleveland.
James struggled against the nations best run defenses in the SEC. I still feel like James could be a good value pick at #100 overall with all the needs Cleveland has to address in 2012.
Previous Pick Kyle Wilber Right Outside Linebacker Wake Forest Senior Redshirt
101. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Cameron Chism Cornerback Maryland Senior The Jaguars have a few options at this point in round 4. The Jaguars can either go with an underclassmen right tackle like Bobbie Massie or pursue a field cornerback.
Cameron Chism went up against Torrey Smith in one on one drills at Maryland. Another corner the Jaguars could target in round 4 is D’Anton Lynn.
Previous Pick Doug Martin Running Back Boise State Senior Redshirt
102. Washington Redskins 5-11 Keenan Robinson 3-4 Middle Linebacker Texas Senior Redshirt Washington needs to go with a 3-4 middle linebacker at this spot if they intend on spending their first 2 days of draft picks on offensive players.
The Washington Redskins should bring back London Fletcher and add a 3-4 middle linebacker to replace Rocky McKintosh. Washington will have multiple options at 3-4 middle linebacker.
Keenan Robinson, Jerry Franklin, Chris Galippo, and Korey Williams will all be round 4 options. Keenan Robinson is by far my favorite among these 4 linebacker options.
Previous Pick LaDarius Green Tight End Louisiana Lafayette Senior
103. Miami Dolphins 6-10 LaDarius Green Tight End Louisiana Lafayette Senior The Dolphins will probably add Matt Flynn in free agency and retain Matt Moore. Miami gets their future starter at tight end here and waits until round 5 to add a quarterback.
Previous Pick Senio Kelemete Right Tackle Washington Senior
104. Carolina Panthers 6-10 D’Anton Lynn Cornerback Penn State Senior There are no more 3rd round talents on the board. Cornerback is the biggest position the Carolina Panthers need to address in round 4 after I gave Carolina Michael Brockers and Zebrie Sanders with their first two picks.
Cameron Chism, D’Anton Lynn, DeQuan Menzie, Keith Tandy, and Dwight Bentley are all graded out as 4th round cornerbacks on my draft board.
Lynn has the coverage tools to be a #1 lockdown corner. Lynn struggles in run support and will also have difficulty executing tackles. Lynn could develop into a pro bowl corner if you can correct those areas of his game.
Previous Pick Cameron Chism Cornerback Maryland Senior
105. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Joe Adams Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior There are at least 14 wide receivers that I would consider a 4th round talent. The Only 4 of those receivers are targets that I could see having an immediate impact as a starter.
Joe Adams, Dwight Jones, Gerrell Robinson, and Marvin Jones are those 4 targets. I think Adams has the best chance of the 4 to become a quarterbacks favorite target playing the flanker.
Also do not forget, that the Bills have an extra 4th round pick from Baltimore if Johnson is not resigned from the Lee Evans trade.
106. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 DaJohn Harris Defensive Tackle USC Senior Redshirt USC had 2 defensive tackles with the ability to play 4-3 defensive tackle or anywhere in a 3-4 defense. USC’s DaJohn Harris is the first of these two Trojan defensive tackles.
Seattle needs multiple defensive tackles. Seattle could go with DaJohn Harris here.
Previous Pick Chris Polk Running Back Washington Junior Redshirt
107. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Jeff Adams Left Tackle Columbia Senior Lets recap what I did with the Chiefs day 1 and day 2 picks. I gave the Chiefs offense, offense, and yes more offense. I gave the Chiefs Alabama running back Trent Richardson at #11. I decided to have Tannehill slip to 31 with Osweiler going 6th and Foles going 12th which was the major curveball in this draft. Then I gave the Chiefs a wide receiver like Marvin Jones in round 3.
Round 4 was tough. The Chiefs need a left tackle so they can move Branden Albert over to right tackle. Jeff Adams out of Columbia is my top graded left tackle at this point. Adams is a blue chip left tackle for the Ivy League who could provide great value on day 3.
Jeff Adams was a starting run blocking left tackle for the Lions dating back to 2009. Make that the Columbia Lions in the Ivy League. Adams is one of the top small school prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft.
The 6 foot 7 305 pound blindside has started every game at left tackle dating back to his sophomore season at Columbia. Adams is extremely underrated as a small school prospect.
Previous Pick Keenan Robinson 3-4 Middle Linebacker Texas Senior Redshirt
108. New York Jets 8-8 Bobbie Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior The Jets really need an answer at right tackle. Neither Wayne Hunter or Vladimir Ducasse. Former Jets right tackle Damien Woody can deny it all he wants, but the Jets offensive line is a doormat without him at right tackle.
Previous Pick Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin Senior Redshirt
109. Washington Redskins from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Winston Guy Jr. Strong Safety Kentucky Senior Washington could add a strong safety here. There is one safety in this draft who blitzes in similar fashion to Troy Polamalu. That is Kentucky safety Winston Guy Jr.
Laron Landry has an expiring deal. Landry has only played 17 games dating back to 2010. Landry could miss more time. The 2000′s decade was very friendly to Landry. Then the 2010′s occurred and that’s when the injury bug struck Laron Landry.
Kentucky strong safety Winston Guy Jr. reminds me a lot of Bob Sanders with less size and better durability. Laron Landry has only played 17 games over two seasons at strong safety. Landry has an expiring deal. Even if Landry is retained for coverage situations, having a Bob Sanders/Troy Polamalu like blitzer in Winston Guy Jr. for depth would only help the Washington Redskins.
110. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Jerry Franklin 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Arkansas Senior Redshirt The San Diego Chargers need a 3-4 pass rusher. Jerry Franklin can be a 3-4 right outside linebacker. Franklin can play on the outside at first. If things do not work out, then Franklin can move to the middle with San Diego adding a pass rusher in 2013.
Previous Pick Johnnie Troutman Left Guard Penn State Senior
111. Chicago Bears 8-8 Michael Brewster Center Ohio State Senior The Chicago Bears need a center so they can move Roberto Garza back to right guard. Brewster is the best center available at this point.
Previous Pick Bobbie Massie Right Tackle Ole Miss Junior
112. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Jerrell Harris 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Alabama Senior The Cardinals opt for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Harris can run stuff and cover. Harris could be used as a rotational 3-4 outside linebacker in Arizona on passing situations.
Previous Pick Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior
113. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Bruce Irvin 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker West Virginia Senior West Virginia pass rusher Bruce Irvin is similar to his video game counterpart Bruce Irvin from the fictional video game Tekken. Irvin uses kickboxing moves in the famous fighting series to win fights. In real life Bruce Irvin uses rip and swim moves to get to opposing quarterbacks.
One thing real life Bruce Irvin and fictional Bruce Irvin have in common is taking pleasure in unleashing everything when competing in their respective sports.
Bruce Irvin seems like a 3-4 fit only. This is a perfect upgrade over Anthony Spencer plus your getting great value with Irvin midway through round 4.
Previous Pick Kheeston Randle 3-4 Right End Texas Senior
114. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Russell Wilson Quarterback Wisconsin Senior Redshirt The Eagles need to bring in quarterback competition for Mike Kafka. I could see Russell Wilson coming into Philadelphia as a successor to Michael Vick at quarterback if the Eagles groom him properly.
Previous Pick Bradie Ewing Fullback Wisconsin Senior
115. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Johnnie Troutman Left Guard Penn State Senior The Titans need to address their offensive needs after using the first 3 days of the draft to address defensive issues. The Titans biggest offensive need is the interior offensive line. Johnnie Troutman a Penn State left guard is the top left guard prospect available at this point.
116. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Emmanuel Acho Left Outside Linebacker Texas Senior Emmanuel Acho is the best left outside linebacker at this point in the 2012 NFL Draft. I have to give the Bengals a left outside linebacker here considering its the Bengals biggest need. USC’s Chris Gallipo who can play anywhere at linebacker and Utah State’s Bobby Wagner could also be options for the Bengals.
Wagner is a 4th round talent who a team may reach for on day 2. I like Acho the best between him Gallipo and Wagner. I understand if you disagree though because Wagner was dominant in his Senior Bowl game yesterday with the pick he caused along with the pass Wagner swatted.
117. Detroit Lions 10-6 Robert Turbin Running Back Utah State Junior Redshirt The Lions talked about potentially adding another running back during Senior Bowl week. Seven of the top 10 running backs in this draft are underclassmen. I think the Lions will spend a day 3 pick on a running back at some point.
Previous Pick Jeff Adams Left Tackle Columbia Senior
118. Cleveland Browns from Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Brandon Lindsey Right End Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt Lindsey reunites with Jabaal Sheard in Cleveland. Lindsey generated 10 sacks as a 4-3 right end at Pittsburgh when stepping in for an injured Greg Romeus.
Lindsey and Sheard go from playing college ball at Heinz Field to pass rushers who invade Heinz Field by getting constant pressure on Roethlisberger.
Previous Pick Gerrell Robinson Wide Receiver Arizona State Senior
119. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Amini Silatalu Left Guard Midwestern State Senior Redshirt Silatalu is the left tackle for Midwestern State. Silatalu is 6 foot 3 320 pounds. His short height and arm length may kick him inside on the interior to left guard though.
Silatalu does not have the best pass blocking footwork which limits his left tackle ability which will also move him to left guard. Silatalu has the nimble feet you look for when it comes to looking for a blue collar run blocking mauler which is what Pittsburgh looks for when evaluating their offensive lineman.
Pittsburgh’s mentality when drafting offensive lineman in years past, has usually been to go with run blocking maulers who display the size and weight while executing properly in a run blocking scheme.
I felt like Chris Kemoatu was expendable for the past few years. I reserved my judgement on Kemoatu because Pittsburgh was younger and had some luxury of taking the best players available dating back to Super Bowl 43 in 2009. Kemoatu managed to stay healthy without getting benched prior to this season which is another huge element that needs to be accounted for.
Besides wide receivers Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and all pro center Maurkice Pouncey who I mocked to Pittsburgh on my youtube channel in 2010, this team hasn’t really aced any draft picks. I’m still up in the air on Evander “Ziggy” Hood and its too early to pass judgement onto the 2011 draft class. I have mixed feelings about Cameron Heyward and Marcus Gilbert is a right tackle at best even though Pittsburgh is comfortable with moving him to left tackle. I was not completely impressed by the Steelers late round choices the last few years. Emmanuel Sanders can contribute. He’s not as good as Antonio Brown though.
Kemoatu will be due 3.5 million in 2012 plus he was benched multiple times in 2011. Kemoatu was Pittsburgh’s best pass blocker on the interior offensive line at left guard when Maurkice Pouncey was not healthy.
The problem is Kemoatu had a combination of holding penalties, poor run blocking at times, and missed time with injuries, along with missed blocking assignments on certain passing plays when Ben holds onto the ball too long. All that plus, a 3.5 million dollar signing bonus may lead to Kemoatu’s departure in the Steel City.
Silatalu was a 3rd round prospect. Silatalu missed the Senior Bowl with an injury which could drop him to Pittsburgh in round 4. Silatalu is the top small school prospect on the offensive line in 2012.
Pittsburgh is confident with Gilbert at left tackle and Colon at right tackle. Silatalu should be the next big acquisition on Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
120. Denver Broncos 8-8 DeQuan Menzie Cornerback Alabama Senior Denver needs to bring in a nickel cornerback that can develop into a boundary cornerback across from Champ Bailey.
Andre Goodman got torched in coverage during the wild card game against Pittsburgh. Goodman’s age is beginning to catch up to him. Menzie has potential to become a #2 boundary corner even though most list him as a nickel.
Menzie provides the right value at this point late in round 4. Menzie can start at nickel behind Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman and develop into a #2 corner.
Previous Pick Marvin Jones Wide Receiver California Senior
121. Houston Texans 10-6 Dwight Jones Wide Receiver North Carolina Senior This pick would be a major steal if Dwight Jones slipped to the 4th round. Jones could step in as a rookie and become a #2 receiver next to Andre Johnson.
Dwight Jones has the talent to beat out Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones for a starting receiver job.
Previous Pick T.Y. Hilton Wide Receiver Florida International Senior
122. New Orleans Saints 13-3 James Brown Right Tackle Troy Senior Charles Brown, a 2010 2nd round pick out of USC could not beat out the overpaid Zach Streif for a right tackle job. Charles Brown played left tackle at USC. Maybe Brown needs to move back to left tackle for depth.
Streif is signed through 2014, and he has no business starting. Adding an upgrade at offensive tackle like James Brown to be the Saints new right tackle would really help New Orleans moving forward.
James Brown is the only 4th round talent at offensive tackle that I see developing into a starter.
123. Green Bay Packers 15-1 David Molk Center Michigan Senior Redshirt The Packers are strongly considering parting ways with all pro center Scott Wells. A center has to be brought in if Wells is not resigned.
124. Buffalo Bills from Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Gerrell Robinson Wide Receiver Arizona State Senior The Bills will need a secondary target if Stevie Johnson is not resigned. Gerrell Robinson is the top wide receiver available at this point.
Previous Pick George Bryan Tight End North Carolina State Senior Redshirt
125. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Eddie Whitley Free Safety Virginia Tech Senior The 49ers need to bring in a free safety for depth behind Dashon Goldson. Whitley can be effective in zone coverage. Whitley needs work with run stuffing and tackling. Those two areas are specialties of Goldson’s.
Previous Pick D’Anton Lynn Cornerback Penn State Senior
126. New England Patriots 13-3 Mitchell Schwartz Right Tackle California Senior Redshirt Matt Light is considring retirement at left tackle. Nate Solder would move to left tackle when Light retires. The Patriots spent their 2011 first round pick on Nate Solder knowing he would be the Patriots left tackle of the future.
Sebastian Vulmer really struggled in limited action at right tackle in 2011. Bringing in a right tackle sleeper who could take Vulmer’s job down the line like Mitchell Schwartz could really help.
Schwartz did a great job run blocking for Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen at right tackle for the California Golden Bears. Schwartz also displays the versatility to play left tackle. Schwartz really improved his pass protection over the past two seasons at California.
Previous Pick Brandon Lindsey Left End Pittsburgh Senior Redshirt
127. New York Giants Keith Tandy Cornerback West Virginia Senior Redshirt The Giants may need a nickel cornerback. Corey Webster can be a field cornerback with Prince Amukamara being a boundary cornerback. A nickel corner behind the two to replace Aaron Ross will be needed. Keith Tandy could be a late round option.
Previous Pick Mitchell Schwartz Right Tackle California Senior Redshirt
Round 5
128. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Nate Potter Right Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt The Colts may not resign Jeff Saturday. Zeitler can play left guard, center, or right guard. Nate Potter can be used as a backup right tackle and a starting right guard on the Colts offensive line.
Nate Potter may be the worst run blocker in the entire 2012 NFL Draft. Potter’s pass blocking is just potentially better than Iowa left tackle Riley Reiff’s pass protection skills.
Potter played left tackle at Boise State. Potter would likely move inside to guard due to previous struggles. The Colts used a pass blocking scheme around Peyton Manning. The Colts should opt to do the same with Andrew Luck.
Nate Potter can play either offensive tackle or guard spot. Potter is a pass blocker so he may be better off at left guard. Here is what the Colts offensive line looks like without Jeff Saturday
Left Tackle Anthony Costanzo
Left Guard Nate Potter
Center Kevin Zeitler
Right Guard Jeffery Linkenbach
Right Tackle Ben Ijalana
Previous Pick Tony Berstrom Right Tackle Utah Senior
129. Denver Broncos from St.Louis Rams 2-14 Christian Tupou Defensive Tackle USC Senior Redshirt Christian Tupou could be a late round prospect. The Broncos need to find a defensive tackle at some point. Tupou could be a great fit for the Denver Broncos.
Previous Pick Robert Turbin Running Back Utah State Junior Redshirt
130. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle North Carolina Senior The Vikings need a defensive tackle. Tydreke Powell is a very good run stuffer. Powell may be raw. At the end of the day, I see Powell having the potential to fill the shoes of former Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams.
Previous Pick LaMichael James Running Back Oregon Junior Redshirt
131. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Chris Galippo Right Outside Linebacker USC Senior Redshirt Chris Gallipo could be an option if the Browns want to turn to the defensive side of the football. Gallipo has the versatility to play linebacker anywhere in a 4-3 scheme.
The Browns have Chris GoCong, Scott Schanle, and D Qwell Jackson at linebacker. Linebacker depth is needed though. Galippo provides linebacker depth with his versatility to play everywhere on defense at linebacker. Galippo can be used as the backup right outside linebacker for now.
Previous Pick Jermaine Kearse Wide Receiver Washington Senior
132. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Nigel Bradham Right Outside Linebacker Florida State Senior I really believe Nigel Bradham is underrated. The Buccaneers could get Bradham with this pick in round 5. Tampa Bay’s scouting department loves players in the Southern to Midwest region.
Bradham can play right outside linebacker, middle linebacker, or left outside linebacker. Bradham can play a WILL, MIKE, or SAM role.
Mason Foster played right outside linebacker at Washington. Tampa Bay moved him to a middle linebacker role. Now Foster may move to left outside linebacker opening up the chance for a new middle linebacker. Bradham can play anywhere at linebacker.
Previous Pick Chris Galippo Right Outside Linebacker USC Senior Redshirt
133. Washington Redskins 5-11 Dwight Bentley Cornerback Louisiana Lafayette Senior Dwight Bentley could provide a good depth corner with this pick. Bentley was one of the corners that impressed scouts during Senior Bowl week.
Previous Pick DeQuan Menzie Cornerback Alabama Senior
134. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Tony Bergstrom Right Tackle Utah Senior The Jaguars need a right tackle. Eben Britton is going to move inside to left guard in 2012.
Previous Pick Nate Potter Right Guard Boise State Senior Redshirt
135. Carolina Panthers 6-10 DeAngelo Peterson Tight End LSU Senior Jeremy Shockey will be gone. The Panthers will need a #2 tight end with Shockey gone. DeAngelo Peterson from LSU could be an option in round 5.
Previous Pick Bobby Wagner Left Outside Linebacker Utah State Senior
136. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Ryan Lindley Quarterback San Diego State Senior Redshirt The Bills need a quarterback with the size to groom behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Lindley could develop into a borderline starter. Lindley would be best served as a backup behind Ryan Fitzpatrick at this point.
137. Miami Dolphins 6-10 BJ Coleman Quarterback Tennessee Chattanooga Senior Redshirt The Dolphins add a backup quarterback prospect with the physical tools. BJ Coleman has freakish physical tools even though the mental aspects of his game are a major work in progress.
Previous Pick Keith Tandy Cornerback West Virginia Senior Redshirt
138. New England Patriots from Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Cory Harkey Tight End UCLA Senior Cory Harkey is a 6 foot 5 270 pound all pro blocking tight end out of UCLA. Harkey could work his way into the day 2 portion of the draft if he excels in the catching drills at the NFL combine.
New England loves blocking tight ends. The Patriots may want Harkey with this pick for a #3 tight end even though they already have Gronkowski and Hernandez.
139. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Ryan Steed Cornerback Furman Senior Ryan Steed seems like the small cornerback that Pete Carroll would draft with a late round pick.
140. Oakland Raiders 8-8 Trumaine Johnson Cornerback Montana Senior Trumaine Johnson has the versatility to play cornerback or safety. The Oakland Raiders may be really intrigued with the 6 foot 2 215 pound corner/free safety as a replacement to Nnamdi Asomugha.
141. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Bradie Ewing Fullback Wisconsin Senior Jacob Hester has an expiring deal. The Chargers need a fullback if Hester leaves. Bradie Ewing has really
Previous Pick Chad Diehl Fullback Clemson Senior Redshirt
142. Chicago Bears 8-8 Joe Suhey Fullback Penn State Senior Redshirt Matt Suhey got to block for Walter Payton in Chicago. Now Matt’s son Joe, gets to do the same for Matt Forte.
143. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 AJ Jenkins Wide Receiver Illinois Senior AJ Jenkins is a #5 receiver. Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts, Early Doucet, and DeMarco Sampson would all rank ahead of AJ Jenkins on the Cardinals depth chart.
Previous Pick Jared Crick 3-4 Right End Nebraska Senior Redshirt
144. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior Redshirt Nate Solder got the Patriots to the Super Bowl at right tackle. Solder was originally the top ranked offensive tackle prior to the NFL Combine.
Kyle Kosier moved to right guard in 2011. Kosier will likely move back to left guard with a right guard job up for grabs between David Arkin and Ryan Miller.
Previous Pick David Molk Center Michigan Senior Redshirt
145. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Jermaine Kearse Wide Receiver Washington Senior Jermaine Kearse is a #5 receiver on a depth chart. The Eagles will need a #5 wide receiver for depth. Kearse was Jake Locker’s favorite target to throw to at Washington before Locker went 8th overall to the Tennessee Titans in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Previous Pick BJ Coleman Quarterback Tennessee Chattanooga Senior Redshirt
146. New York Jets 8-8 Ryan Broyles Wide Receiver Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Broyles is a 4th round talent. Injuries could cause Broyles to fall this far to round 5. This would not be the worst case scenario for Ryan Broyles. Ryan Broyles is a #5 receiver who can execute precise routes.
Michael Floyd, Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Kerely, and a #5 receiver who could develop into a receiver that competes with Kerely to be a slot guy could be an effective pick.
147. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Charles Brown Cornerback North Carolina Senior Charles Brown could compete with Alteraun Verner for a #2 boundary corner spot with the loser moving to a nickel role. Jason McCourty will become the #1 field cornerback if Cortland Finnegan is not resigned.
Previous Pick George Iloka Strong Safety Boise State Senior
148. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 George Iloka Free Safety Boise State Senior George Iloka can play strong safety or free safety. Iloka has great size. Iloka is poor in coverage. Iloka has great size at 6 foot 3 213 pounds. Iloka can stuff the run effectively, blitz, and rarely misses his tackles. Iloka is considered a 4th round talent.
Previous Pick Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior
149. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Chandler Jones Right End Syracuse Junior Redshirt Atlanta may need multiple defensive ends in this draft if Jonathan Abraham is not retained. Chandler Jones is a run stuffer at 4-3 right end. Jones is the best available player.
Previous Pick Matt Reynolds Left Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt
150. Detroit Lions 10-6 Lucas Nix Right Tackle Pittsburgh Senior Lucas Nix entered Pittsburgh’s training camp as a backup right guard. Before the season was over, Nix was starting at left tackle for the Pittsburgh Panthers. That says a lot about his work ethic.
Detroit drafted left tackle Jason Fox in the 4th round as a successor to Jeff Backus. Fox is injury prone and Nix can move to left tackle if Fox gets injured for a 3rd straight season. Adding Lucas Nix and keeping Jason Fox healthy would give Detroit lots of depth at offensive tackle.
Previous Pick Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior Redshirt
151. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Quentin Saulsberry Right Guard Mississippi State Senior Quentin Saulsberry can play left guard, center, or right guard on the offensive line. Saulsberry could be added as a starting right guard in round 5.
Saulsberry is a sleeper. Even if he does not start he will provide great depth on the offensive line if injuries occur again.
Previous Pick Brandon Mosley Left Tackle Auburn Senior
152. Denver Broncos 8-8 Carmen Messina Middle Linebacker New Mexico Senior Redshirt Carmen Messina reminds me a former New Mexico middle linebacker drafted back in 2000. Denver should really look into taking Messina here. An upgrade over Joe Mays is needed and Nate Irving has not stepped up to the plate to beat out Mays for the starting job.
153. Houston Texans 8-8 Sean Cattouse Strong Safety California Senior Redshirt The Texans need strong safety depth. Sean Cattouse could make a good strong safety for depth late in round 5.
Previous Pick Levy Adcock Left Guard Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt
154. New Orleans Saints 13-3 Will Blackwell Left Guard LSU Senior Redshirt Carl Nicks is a free agent at left guard. The Saints paid Jahri Evans a boatload of cash last season. The Saints may part ways with Carl Nicks.
Will Blackwell is a hometown prospect from LSU that can play left guard or right guard. The Saints may take a liking to Blackwell with this pick.
Previous Pick Chris Owusu Wide Receiver Stanford Senior
155. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Omar Bolden Cornerback Arizona State Senior Redshirt Omar Bolden is a boundary cornerback. Bolden can be a #1 cornerback, but durability concerns may limit his potential. Green Bay is loaded at cornerback depth. The Packers can take a flyer on Bolden here.
Previous Pick Ryan Miller Right Guard Colorado Senior Redshirt
156. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Jeff Fuller Wide Receiver Texas A&M Senior The Ravens take a chance on Jeff Fuller and hope to add another receiver target for Joe Flacco.
Previous Pick William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt
157. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Chris Owusu Wide Receiver Stanford Senior Harbaugh gets Owusu with this pick. Andrew Luck’s favorite wide receiver target at Stanford was Chris Owusu before injuries occurred with Stanford receiver Chris Owusu.
Previous Pick Derek Wolfe 3-4 Right End Cincinnati Senior
158. Cincinnati Bengals from New England Patriots Stephen Hill Wide Receiver Georgia Tech Junior Stephen Hill may go as early as round 3. Hill is the best receiver available at this point. Hill is 6 foot 5 206 pounds. Hill was 6 foot 3 191 as a freshman. Hill has really bulked up the last few years.
Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell both have expiring deals. Can you really blame the Bengals for adding Stephen Hill here this late in round 5?
159. New York Giants Matt Reynolds Right Tackle BYU Senior Redshirt Kareem McKenzie is going to be a free agent at right tackle. James Brewer suffered leg injuries as a rookie. A competition between Matt Reynolds and James Brewer with the loser being a backup right tackle for depth may not hurt the New York Giants.
Previous Pick Lucas Nix Right Guard Pittsburgh Senior
Round 6
160. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Chris Givens Wide Receiver Wake Forest Junior Redshirt Chris Givens had 83 receptions, 1,330 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns in 2011. Givens gives the Rams one more wide receiver for depth.
Previous Pick Tydreke Powell Defensive Tackle Stanford
161. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 Jared Crick 3-4 Right End Nebraska Senior Redshirt The Colts have faith in their 3-4 linebackers. The Colts will use a late round pick on a 3-4 right end to patch up the defensive line. Jared Crick may be a late round option for the Colts.
Previous Pick Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior
162. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 T.Y. Hilton Wide Receiver Florida International Senior The Vikings are so thin at wide out, that they may need a slot receiver. T.Y. Hilton could be a late round option on day 3.
Previous Pick Kevious Watkins Right Guard South Carolina Senior Redshirt
163. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Bobby Rainey Running Back Western Kentucky Senior Redshirt Only LSU and Arkansas State kept Bobby Rainey from gaining 100 rushing yards. Both LSU and Arkansas State ranked in the top 15 in run defense. Rainey is worth a late round flyer at this point.
Previous Pick Greg McCoy Cornerback TCU Senior Redshirt
164. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Chris Marve Middle Linebacker Vanderbilt Senior Redshirt Chris Marve can play middle linebacker for the Browns in the event that D Qwell Jackson is not resigned. Jackson has been injured in the past so getting another inside linebacker to play a MIKE linebacker role would only help the Browns long term.
Previous Pick Frank Alexander Right End Oklahoma Senior Redshirt
165. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Janzen Jackson Free Safety McNesse State Junior Janzen Jackson was a former Tennessee Volunteer before he transferred to McNesse State. There was a point where Jackson convinced scouts he had first round talent as a 5 star recruit out of high school. Jackson can go to Jacksonville in round 6 hoping to be the Jaguars long term answer at free safety.
Previous Pick Blake Gideon Free Safety Texas Senior
166. New Orleans Saints from Washington Redskins 5-11 Jordan White Wide Receiver Western Michigan Marques Colston and Robert Meachem are both free agents. The Saints will need to draft a wide receiver at some point.
Previous Pick Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt
167. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Micah Pellerin Cornerback Hampton Senior Redshirt The Buffalo Bills need cornerback depth. Micah Pellerin is one of the top small school cornerback prospects. Pellerin has the skill set to develop into a #2 boundary cornerback that contains #2 wide receivers.
Previous Pick Chris Givens Wide Receiver Wake Forest Junior Redshirt
168. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Marcus Forston Defensive Tackle Miami FL Junior Redshirt The Dolphins will need a new defensive tackle with Paul Soliai hitting free agency. Miami is switching to a 4-3 so maybe the Dolphins are not sold on Soliai’s ability to translate to a 4-3 scheme.
Previous PIck T.Y. Hilton Wide Receiver Florida International Senior
169. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Tim Benford Wide Receiver Tennessee Tech Senior Tim Benford is a small school receiver from Tennessee Tech. Benford is 6 foot 1 195 pounds. Benford had 67 receptions, 765 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns in 2011. Benford could develop into a #2 receiver in Carolina.
Steve Smith, David Gettis, and Brandon LaFell will be Cam Newton’s top 3 targets. Benford can come in as a #4 target and try to develop into a slot receiver for when Steve Smith leaves.
Previous Pick Jordan White Wide Receiver Western Michigan Senior
170. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Micanor Regis Defensive Tackle Miami FL Senior The Seahawks need multiple defensive tackles in this draft. Micanor Regis is the best defensive tackle available at this point.
Previous Pick Chris Marve Middle Linebacker Vanderbilt Senior Redshirt
171. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Justin Bethel Free Safety Presbyterian Senior Justin Bethel is a 6 foot 190 pound cornerback from Presbyterian. Bethel is projected to run a 4.31 40 time at the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.
Bethel can play cornerback, strong safety, free safety, or special teams as a return man. Bethel is one of the more underrated small school players. Someone will take a liking to Bethel.
The Chiefs need a starting free safety to play next to Eric Berry. The Chiefs may just take a flyer on Justin Bethel.
Previous Pick Tommy Streeter Wide Receiver Miami FL Junior Redshirt
172. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Donnie Fletcher Cornerback Boston College Senior Quentin Jammer will likely move to strong safety to replace Bob Sanders. Jammer turns 33 and Sanders has an expiring deal.
Antoine Cason a 2008 first round pick would become the Chargers field cornerback with Marcus Gilchrist moving from a nickel cornerback to a boundary cornerback role. This means a nickel cornerback has to be added. Donnie Fletcher is my top ranked cornerback at this spot. There are some who will argue that Fletcher should have gone a lot earlier than this.
Previous Pick Bobby Rainey Running Back Western Kentucky Senior Redshirt
173. Chicago Bears 8-8 Marquis Maze Wide Receiver Alabama Senior Chicago adds a receiver for depth. The Bears really need a #1 receiver. I waited until now to give them one.
Previous Pick Case Keenum Quarterback Houston Senior Redshirt
174. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Darius Hanks Wide Receiver Alabama Senior Redshirt Adding one more receiver for depth like Darius Hanks in round 6 really would not hurt the Arizona Cardinals.
Previous Pick Jaymes Brooks Right Guard Virginia Tech Senior Redshirt
175. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Kheeston Randall 3-4 Right End Texas Senior Kheeston Randall once entered the season as a first round prospect. Randall provides amazing value in round 6 as a depth player.
Previous Pick Jacquies Smith 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker Missouri Senior Redshirt
176. Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Mike Ryan Left Tackle Connecticut Senior Redshirt Mike Ryan was a run blocking blindside for Connecticut the last two seasons at Connecticut. Ryan can pass block effectively as well.
The Eagles will need some offensive tackle depth in the late rounds. Mike Ryan would help in this area.
Previous Pick DaJohn Harris Defensive Tackle USC Senior Redshirt
177. New York Jets 8-8 Brad Smelley Tight End Alabama Senior The Jets get a blocking tight end like Brad Smelley to compliment Dustin Keller.
Previous Pick Marquis Maze Wide Receiver Alabama Senior
178. Oakland Raiders 8-8 Frank Alexander 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Oklahoma Senior Oakland gets a starting pass rusher for their 3-4 defense. With Alexander the first piece to a new 3-4 defense is in place.
Previous Pick Devier Posey Wide Receiver Ohio State Senior
179. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Kyle Wilber Right Outside Linebacker Wake Forest Senior Redshirt The Titans may need a right outside linebacker for depth behind Will Witherspoon. Kyle Wilber is the best right outside linebacker available.
Previous Pick Jarrett Boykin Wide Receiver Virginia Tech Senior
180. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior Leon Hall will not be back until 2013. Nate Clements contract expires in 2013. You sort of get the feeling that the Bengals will need a nickel corner to turn to. Cliff Harris might be able to become that nickel corner if he cleans up his character issues. The Bengals have looked past players with character concerns in the past. Cincinnati could easily end up with Cliff Harris on draft day.
Previous Pick Al Netter Left Tackle Northewestern Senior Redshirt
181. Detroit Lions 10-6 Brandon Taylor Strong Safety LSU Senior Brandon Taylor is very underrated at strong safety. Taylor could provide some competition for Amari Spivey in Lions training camp as a rookie.
Previous Pick Daniel “Boom” Heron Running Back Ohio State Senior Redshirt
182. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Rhett Ellison Tight End USC Senior Rhett Ellison was one of Matt Barkley’s many targets to throw to at USC last season. Atlanta can draft Rhett Ellison and use him as a tight end to groom behind Tony Gonzalez.
Previous Pick Garth Gerhart Center Arizona State Senior Redshirt
183. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Jeff Allen Left Tackle Illinois Senior Jeff Allen is pure left tackle at Illinois. Allen can pass block or run block effectively. Allen is an upgrade over Marcus Gilbert or Willie Colon at left tackle.
Pittsburgh got a wide receiver from Central Michigan in round 6 that I thought would be their best pick outside of Maurkice Pouncey with Antonio Brown. Adding Allen could allow Gilbert to remain at right tackle with Colon being used as a substitute.
Or Pittsburgh could keep Allen at his natural role at left tackle. Allen could be used as a substitute behind Marcus Gilbert while Colon plays right tackle. You could move Gilbert back to right tackle and start Allen at left tackle if Colon gets injured.
While Steelers fans probably would prefer a blue chip left tackle in round 1, there will be a few options that Pittsburgh can add on day 3 of the NFL Draft. Here is what their offensive line looks like now after this mock draft.
Left Tackle Jeff Allen 2012 6th round pick and backup Marcus Gilbert
Left Guard Amini Silatalu 2012 4th round pick and backup Ramon Foster
Center Maurkice Pouncey 2010 first round pick and backup Doug Legursky
Right Guard Quentin Saulsberry 2012 5th round pick and backup Doug Legursky
Right Tackle Marcus Gilbert 2011 2nd round pick and backup Willie Colon
This offensive line would provide much more stability than what Pittsburgh currently has.
Previous Pick TaShaun Gibson Cornerback Wyoming Senior
184. Philadelphia Eagles frorm Denver Broncos 8-8 Garth Gerhart Center Arizona State Senior Redshirt Garth Gehart is the brother of Toby Gerhart. Adding Gerhart to the Eagles offensive line may help the Eagles out.
Previous Pick Christian Scott Strong Safety Texas Senior Redshirt
185. Houston Texans Brandon Brooks Right Guard Miami Ohio Senior Redshirt Some believe Brandon Brooks could go in the 3rd or 4th round. Brooks is not getting an invite to the combine. Brooks can play offensive tackle or guard on either side. This is what Houston’s offensive line looks like with losing their interior lineman to free agency while drafting after 6 rounds.
Left Tackle Duane Brown 2008 1st round pick and backup Brandon Brooks
Left Guard Brandon Washington 2012 2nd round pick and backup Wade Smith
Center Peter Konz 2012 1st round pick
Right Guard Antoine Caldwell and backup Brandon Brooks 2012 6th Round Pick
Right Tackle Eric Winston and backup Brandon Brooks
Houston is losing center Chris Meyers and right guard Mike Brisiel to free agency. Adding some interior offensive lineman in the early rounds may be a good idea if Houston wants to make big plays for players with expiring deals like Arian Foster and Mario Williams.
Previous Pick Elvis Fisher Left Tackle Missouri Senior Redshirt
186. Miami Dolphins from New Orleans Saints 13-3 Aaron Henry Free Safety Wisconsin Senior Redshirt Miami needs a new starting free safety. Aaron Henry may be a backup safety at best. Miami is giving up little for Aaron Henry who will not work out at the combine. The Dolphins have nothing to lose and everything to gain by spending a 6th round pick on Aaron Henry.
Previous Pick Brandon Taylor Strong Safety LSU Senior
187. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Case Keenum Quarterback Houston Senior Redshirt Matt Flynn will be gone. The Packers may bring in a backup like Case Keenum to develop. Tom Clement is one of the leagues best quarterback coaches. He got promoted to offensive coordinator recently after Philbin left for the Dolphins.
Clement can groom Keenum to be the backup of Aaron Rodgers.
Previous Pick Lance Mitchell Free Safety Oregon State Senior Redshirt
188. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Austin Davis Quarterback Southern Miss Senior Redshirt The Ravens need a backup for depth behind Joe Flacco. I am not completely sold on Virginia Tech’s Tyrod Taylor as that player yet.
Austin Davis broke all of Brett Favre’s records at Southern Miss. The Ravens scouts spoke extensively with Davis during the East West Shrine Game. Davis could realistically go to Baltimore here.
189. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Donte Paige Moss 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Junior Donte Paige Moss could provide some depth on the 49ers already amazing front 7. If one coach can channel Donte Paige Moss that coach may be Jim Harbaugh.
Previous Pick Jack Crawford 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Penn State Senior
190. Philadelphia Eagles from New England Patriots 13-3 Jack Crawford Right End Senior The Eagles add another pass rusher in the late rounds. I realize the Eagles are already loaded in this area. Brandon Graham is too injury prone to play right end. He should move to left end allowing the Eagles to obtain one more pass rusher.
Previous Pick Phillip Blake Center Baylor Senior Redshirt
191. New York Giants Grant Garner Center Oklahoma State Senior Redshirt The New York Giants need an upgrade over David Baas at center. Grant Garner provides good value at the end of round 6.
Previous Pick Coryell Judie Cornerback Texas A&M Senior Redshirt
Round 7
192. Indianapolis Colts 2-14 DeAngelo Tyson 3-4 Left End Georgia Senior The Colts need 2 3-4 defensive ends. Adding a sleeper like DeAngelo Tyson will help solidify the Colts depth chart.
Previous Pick Darius Fleming 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Senior
193. St. Louis Rams 2-14 Danny Trevathian Right Outside Linebacker Kentucky Senior The Rams add a right outside linebacker for depth behind a big name free agent veteran like Wesley Woodard or Rocky McKintosh in round 7.
Previous Pick Nathan Stupar Left Outside Linebacker Penn State Senior
194. Minnesota Vikings 3-13 Lance Mitchell Free Safety Oregon State Senior Redshirt The Vikings get their first of two potential starting safeties. Lance Mitchell is the best safety available.
Previous Pick Danny Trevathan Right Outside Linebacker Kentucky Senior
195. Cleveland Browns 4-12 Neiko Thorpe Free Safety Auburn Senior The Browns may add a free safety in the late rounds.
196. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 Chad Diehl Fullback Clemson Senior Redshirt Earnest Graham turns 32 years old. Its time for a new fullback in Tampa Bay. Diehl may be the best fullback available.
Previous Pick Cliff Harris Cornerback Oregon Junior
197. Washington Redskins 5-11 Korey Williams 3-4 Middle Linebacker Southern Miss Senior Redshirt The Washington Redskins need to obtain a 3-4 middle linebacker to who can sit behind London Fletcher and potentially succeed him.
Previous Pick Montel Harris Running Back Boston College Senior Redshirt
198. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11 Michael Egnew Tight End Missouri Senior The Jaguars have no depth behind Marcedes Lewis at tight end. Michael Egnew had his best days at Missouri when Blaine Gabbert threw him the football.
Previous Pick Chandler Harnish Quarterback Northern Illinois Senior Redshirt
199. Miami Dolphins 6-10 Sean Richardson Strong Safety Vanderbilt Senior Sean Robinson plays next to Casey Heyward on Vanderbilt’s secondary. Richardson is very underrated as a strong safety. I am inclined to believe that he makes Casey Heyward look better than he actually is.
Previous Pick Trenton Robinson Free Safety Michigan State Senior
200. Carolina Panthers 6-10 Antoine McClain Right Guard Clemson Senior Carolina gets a right guard in round 7. Antoine McClain is a 6th round talent who provides great overall value at this point. McClain was one of the better run blockers on Clemson’s offensive line the past few seasons.
201. Buffalo Bills 6-10 Josh Oglesby Right Tackle Wisconsin Senior Redshirt Chris Hairston can play left tackle if Demetrius Bell leaves. A right tackle has to be added though. Josh Oglesby is the best player available in round 7.
Previous Pick Jamell Flemming Cornerback Oklahoma Senior Redshirt
202. Seattle Seahawks 7-9 Oliver Vernon Right End Miami FL Junior Oliver Vernon falls to the 7th round like Greg Romeus. Seattle takes a flyer on Vernon here and it may pay off.
203. Kansas City Chiefs 7-9 Chigbo Anunoby Nose Tackle Morehouse Senior Jerrell Powe will need a nose tackle to rotate in the lineup to compliment his play. Anunoby provides great late round value as a small school prospect.
Anunoby was 6 foot 6 300 pounds. Anunoby is now projected to weigh in at 337. Anunoby lacks the mental skill set to start.
Previous Pick Kellen Moore Quarterback Boise State Senior Redshirt
204. Chicago Bears 8-8 RJ Blanton Cornerback Notre Dame Senior Chicago decides to add a cornerback with this draft pick. RJ Blanton is a hometown prospect from Notre Dame. Blanton makes a lot of sense for Chicago.
Previous Pick Evan Rodriquez Tight End Temple Senior Redshirt
205. Arizona Cardinals 8-8 Jamell Flemming Cornerback Oklahoma Senior Redshirt Arizona decides to add a cornerback for depth in round 7. Flemming is the final cornerback that I have graded out as a 6th round talent.
Previous Pick Chase Ford Tight End Miami FL Senior
206. Dallas Cowboys 8-8 Jarrett Boykin Wide Receiver Virginia Tech Senior Dallas will need a slot receiver if Laurent Robinson leaves. Jarrett Boykin may be the answer.
Previous Pick Brandon Boykin Cornerback Georgia Senior Redshirt
207. Minnesota Vikings from New England Patriots via Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 Eddie Pleasent Strong Safety Oregon Senior Redshirt Eddie Pleasent is the poor mans Patrick Chung. Pleasent presents the blitzing skill set that Chung has.
Pleasent presents problems at times missing tackles and blowing assignments in coverage. Pleasent has potential to start despite being a huge project.
Previous Pick Kevin Koger Tight End Michigan Senior
208. New York Jets 8-8 Darius Fleming 3-4 Right Outside Linebacker Notre Dame Senior The Jets finally add a 3-4 pass rusher to their defense with this late round pick.
Previous Pick Mychal Kendricks 3-4 Left Outside Linebacker California Senior
209. Seattle Seahawks from Oakland Raiders 8-8 Adewale Ojomo Left End Miami FL Senior Redshirt The Seahawks get another 4-3 defensive end. Ojomo is the best defensive end available at this point.
210. San Diego Chargers 8-8 Matt McCants Left Tackle UAB Senior Redshirt Matt McCants has the footwork and pass blocking to be a left tackle. McCants is 6 foot 6 295. McCants needs to bulk up. McCants could be a draft steal if he can add 20 pounds after his rookie season.
Marcus McNeil has an expiring deal at left tackle and
Previous Pick Mark Asper Right Guard Oregon Senior Redshirt
211. Tennessee Titans 9-7 Daniel “Boom” Herron Running Back Ohio State Senior Redshirt The Titans spend a late round pick on an additional running back for depth.
Previous Pick Ronnie Hillman Running Back San Diego State Sophomore Redshirt
212. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 Chandler Harnish Quarterback Northern Illinois Senior Redshirt Chandler Harnish could be used as a backup behind Andy Dalton.
Previous Pick Vince Browne Right End Northwestern Senior Redshirt
213. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 Phelon Jones Cornerback Alabama Senior Redshirt Phelon Jones was a dime cornerback on Alabama’s depth chart. Jones would be a #2 boundary cornerback on most FBS depth charts. Jones has a chance to be a late round pick.
Previous Pick Alfred McCullough Right Guard Alabama Senior Redshirt
214. Detroit Lions 10-6 Kellen Moore Quarterback Boise State Senior Redshirt Matthew Stafford is the Lions starter. That won’t change. Stafford stayed healthy in 2011 after poor offensive line play caused Stafford to get injured in 2009 and 2010.
The Lions have 2 backups with Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton that have expiring deals. The Lions can save a ton of cap room by cutting ties with both quarterbacks to draft Kellen Moore.
In 2011 Kellen Moore lost Titus Young and Austin Pettis which were Moore’s 2 deep threats. Moore finished the 2011 season with 3,800 passing yards, 43 passing touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
Kellen Moore weighs 6 foot 1 191 pounds. Moore is a quarterback with the size of a cornerback. Moore has the heart and mental skill set to play quarterback. Moore would make a great game manager and backup in the NFL.
Moore threw 63 touchdowns and 7 picks during his senior year of high school. Kellen Moore ended his career at Boise State with 142 passing touchdowns and 28 interceptions.
Moore would be re united with Titus Young in Detroit. Moore would be a backup to Matthew Stafford.
Previous Pick Sean Baker Strong Safety Ball State Senior Redshirt
215. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4 Danny Coale Wide Receiver Virginia Tech Senior Redshirt Danny Coale is a #4 receiver target that could develop into a slot receiver.
Coale was the Virginia Techs secondary receiver next to Jarrett Boykin. Some people including Todd McShay like Coale better than Boykin as a sleeper.
Previous Pick Jordan Jefferson Quarterback LSU Senior Redshirt
216. Denver Broncos 8-8 Eric Page Wide Receiver Toledo Junior Eric Page is a 5th round talent at wide receiver who provides great value at this point. Denver does have some luxury with their late round picks by adding another wide receiver here.
217. Houston Texans 10-6 DJ Holt 3-4 Middle Linebacker California Senior Redshirt Adding depth behind DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing would not hurt. Holt can be an effective backup at 3-4 middle linebacker. Holt could go as early as the 5th round. Adrien Cole of Louisiana Tech is the only other 3-4 middle linebacker option over Holt at this point.
218. New Orleans Saints 13-3 William Vlachos Center Alabama Senior Redshirt The Saints get a center who could provide good pass blocking. Vlachos has the skill set to start at center. The big concern with Vlachos is he lacks the size at center.
Previous Pick Emmanuel Davis Cornerback East Carolina Senior Redshirt
219. Green Bay Packers 15-1 Joel Foreman Left Guard Michigan State Senior Redshirt Evan Dietrich Smith cannot be given a chance to start at left guard for Green Bay. I do not see Green Bay’s offensive line being that injury prone. Joel Foreman is a good option at left guard.
Previous Pick Dominique Davis Quarterback East Carolina Senior Redshirt
220. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 Blake DeChristopher Right Tackle Virginia Tech Senior Redshirt Baltimore may need a bookend tackle if Michael Oher moves back to left tackle.
Previous Pick Matt McCants Left Tackle UAB Senior Redshirt
221. San Francisco 49ers 13-3 Landon Walker Right Tackle Clemson Senior The 49ers get a right tackle for depth behind Anthony Davis. Landon Walker could provide great depth behind Anthony Davis. Walker may even develop into a starter one day.
Landon Walker was a bookend to Chris Hairston at Clemson. Chris Hairston opened up running lanes for CJ Spiller at Clemson before reuniting with Spiller in Buffalo.
222. Kansas City Chiefs from New England Patriots 13-3 Greg Childs Wide Receiver Arkansas Senior The Chiefs will add a wide receiver at some point if they lose Dwayne Bowe. Greg Childs could be this years Mr Irrelevant.
223. New York Giants James Rodgers Wide Receiver Oregon State Senior The Giants go with James Rodgers here in case they lose Mario Manningham. JacQuizz Rodgers is a backup on the Falcons. It feels sort of fitting to mock James Rodgers to the Giants.
Previous Pick Darron Thomas Quarterback Oregon Junior Redshirt
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