Finhead's Mock Draft: Version 8
http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/3/5/28 ... -version-8
Finhead83 on Mar 5, 2012 5:00 AM EST in 2012 NFL Mock Drafts
He has been a one of the most debated prospects since the NFL combine. Has Malcom Floyd surpassed Justin Blackmon as the top WR prospect? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Paul Connors - AP
He has been a one of the most debated prospects since the NFL combine. Has Malcom Floyd surpassed Justin Blackmon as the top WR prospect? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Because we now know the Rams will trade the #2 overall pick, I will incorporate this move as the only trade in the 2012 NFL Draft. It's unlikely to be the only trade, but it should help the mock draft a little bit more realistic.
1) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: This is about as much of a lock as you can get. We already know the Colts are drafting a QB with this pick. It'd be a complete shock if they went with any other QB not named Luck.
2) Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB: The Redskins appear to be willing to pay more to get Griffin. Reports have been circulating that the Cleveland Browns are not willing to throw in their #22 pick in the first round to acquire Griffin. While I don't exactly think Cleveland will be cheap, I give a slight edge to the team that appears more desperate to get Griffin. The Redskins will finally have the QB they desperately need, but he won't come cheap.
Previous pick: Morris Claiborne, CB
3) Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT: He is easily the best OT prospect in the draft. The Vikings could use help at WR, but help keeping Christian Ponder upright will help him just as much.
Star-divide
4) Cleveland Browns - Justin Blackmon, WR: The Browns could go RB or WR here, but I give Blackmon the edge. No matter who their QB, the Browns will have to give them a receiving weapon. Blackmon may be the first of many prospects to face scrutiny over his value, in part because of the combine performances of other WR prospects, but he is still the top WR prospect in the draft.
Previous pick: Robert Griffin III, QB
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trent Richardson, RB: Greg Schiano will be looking to run the ball a lot and Richardson gives him a tremendous RB prospect to do it with. Richardson is a more versatile weapon than LaGarrette Blount and will help form a very good RB duo.
6) St. Louis Rams - Morris Claiborne, CB: The Rams have many holes to fill and while they lose on two of them with Kalil and Blackmon, but Claiborne will help fill a major hole in their defense. Getting a boatload of draft picks from the Redskins will help make up for the loss of getting the top WR or OT.
Previous pick: Justin Blackmon, WR
7) Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinton Coples, DE: Aaron Kampman is getting up there in age and may not return. Matt Roth is a free agent and wasn't the answer for Jacksonville's need for a pass rusher. The Jaguars will need to get to the QB in a division that will have Matt Schaub, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck as their rivals' QB's.
8) Miami Dolphins - Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB: The Dolphins said they would like to use elements of both the 3-4 and 4-3 defense, but I predict they will probably use more four-man fronts. Still, Ingram gives them the ability to run either defense as the kid is versatile and can play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB.
9) Carolina Panthers - Michael Brockers, DT: The Panthers had to resort to starting Frank Kearse and Jason Shirley at defensive tackle in 2011. While they need help at CB as well, a solid CB won't be able to do much if Carolina can't generate any pressure on the QB.
10) Buffalo Bills- Andre Branch, DE: Upshaw is still a possibility in the eyes of some, but I think Buffalo goes for a more traditional 4-3 DE with Branch. It's possible the Bills can also target a tackle here, but with a new shift in defensive schemes, the Bills need to find someone to fill their 4-3 DE need.
11) Kansas City Chiefs - Dontari Poe, NT: He was always the top NT prospect, but a spectacular combine performance has turned heads. While the Chiefs may have been interested in a player like Paul Soliai in free agency, they may turn their attention to Poe now that he's drawing serious comparisons to the likes of Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata.
Previous pick: Luke Kuechly, ILB
12) Seattle Seahawks- Riley Reiff, OT: The Seahawks would love to get their hands on someone like Ingram, but with some of the top pass rushers off the board, they may opt for a tremendous talent at tackle. Reiff would be an immediate starter and huge upgrade for Seattle as a LT.
13) Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT: The Cardinals will be happy to take one of the top three OTs or David DeCastro as they need help all over the offensive line. They could look Vontaze Burfict or Courtney Upshaw with this pick too if they're available.
14) Dallas Cowboys - Janoris Jenkins, CB: With a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, Jenkins overtakes Dennard in the draft. Jenkins could have been the #1 CB in the draft had he not had issues with the Gators. With Terrence Newman expected be out of Dallas this off-season, they will need all the help Dennard can provide.
15) Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Kuechly, MLB: The Eagles could go a number of directions with this pick, but Kuechly is exactly the player they need to help turn their defense around. Casey Matthews performed nothing like his brother and simply shouldn't be the starting MLB in 2012.
Previous pick: Fletcher Cox, DT
16) New York Jets - Mark Barron, S: Courtney Upshaw could also be an option if available. The Jets have holes at both safety positions and could use a man like Barron to help solidify their weaknesses covering TEs. Barron isn't very good in man coverage and may be a bit stiff in the hips, but he's great in zone coverage with his ability to read the QB. His closing speed will be able to make up for many of his mistakes when he's slow to turn and run with a receiver. He's aggressive in run support, but will overrun on the play at times.
17) Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB: Kirkpatrick was once considered as either the top or second best CB in the draft, but a strong showing by Jenkins during the Senior Bowl week helped him overtake Kirkpatrick. The Bengals have Leon Hall, but Nate Clements is 32 and has been inconsistent. Kirkpatrick and Hall could quickly become one of the better CB duos in the NFL.
18) San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB: The Chargers could also use David DeCastro, but the prospect of Courtney Upshaw is just too much for them to pass up. The Chargers need a lot of help at OLB as Larry English just hasn't developed as San Diego has hoped.
19) Chicago Bears - Mike Adams, OT: The Bears could really use someone like Michael Floyd at WR, but they really need help protecting Jay Cutler. While David DeCastro may be considered a better lineman, Adams plays a more critical role on the line.
20) Tennessee Titans - Whitney Mercilus, DE: Karl Klug has been the top pass rusher for the Titans with 7 and they need to get some help to get to the passer. With a bunch of young QB prospects in the AFC South, the Titans will need someone to rattle their cage. CB could be a hole if they don't resign Cortland Finnegan, but I already project the top CBs to be gone.
Previous pick: Nick Perry, DE
21) Cincinnati Bengals - Lamar Miller, RB: Cedric Benson hasn't been very effective despite his rushing yards and he's a free agent. Miller is a home run threat and is quick to hit the holes. Miller is also a tough runner to bring down. It's possible Cincy could go with a Guard or Center like Cordy Glenn or Peter Konz, but there is a thin market for RBs in free agency and the Bengals need an upgrade in the backfield more than they do on the line.
22) Cleveland Browns (via Falcons) - Ryan Tannehill, QB: This pick could easily change if the Browns sign Matt Flynn. This pick definitely won't take place if they trade up for Griffin. In this case, the Browns give Colt McCoy a weapon to help him succeed with Blackmon, but they later get the QB to replace him in case he doesn't improve.
Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR
23) Detroit Lions - David DeCastro, OG: The Lions, like many teams, need help on their offensive line and could also go with Peter Konz to place Dominic Raioila at center, but I think they'll try to milk another season out of their aging center while they address OG. Zach Brown could also be an option for the Lions if they wish to address LB.
24) Pittsburgh Steelers - Cordy Glenn, OG: The Steelers need to get younger on defense and would love to have Poe available at this position to help replace Casey Hampton. They could also target an ILB prospect as well, but their holes on the offensive line take priority. The Steelers want to get back to the running game and without Reshard Mendenhall, they're going to have to rely on a stout offensive line. The only problem is their line is a major concern. Glenn will quickly help solve that problem as he is versatile enough to start from his first day as a guard or a tackle.
Previous pick: Dontari Poe, NT
25) Denver Broncos - Devon Still, DT: Denver already has solid players on the outside for the future with Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, and Von Miller. Still could bring a solid presence in the middle to team with Broderick Bunkley to help solidify the middle of the field and strengthen Denver's run defense. Kendall Wright could be an option, but I think Denver likes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
26) Houston Texans - Rueben Randle, WR: Randle has a nice combination of talents and will be a terrific compliment to Andre Johnson. Houston fans don't want to hear this yet, but he could also be a nice successor in the future.
27) New England Patriots (via Saints) - Vinny Curry, DE/OLB: The best pass rusher left on the board. The Patriots desperately need help rushing the passer and after addressing their need for an outside WR with speed, they finally look to shore up their lacking pass rush. He doesn't have the explosiveness of some other pass rushers in this draft, but he may have the most violent hands. His hands, not his speed, will be what he uses to get by OTs.
Previous pick: Kendall Wright, WR
28) Green Bay Packers - Harrison Smith, S: The Packers could also use another pass rusher, but safety will be a huge hole if Nick Collins is unable to return. He is very good against the run and does well enough in coverage. He may not be the greatest athlete, but he is a very instinctive player.
Previous pick: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB
29) Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C: The Ravens need a center to take over for the aging Matt Birk. Konz, the best center in the class, would give the Ravens one of the best interior lines in the NFL if the Ravens can resign Ben Grubbs.
30) San Francisco 49ers - Kendall Wright, WR: Braylon Edwards didn't performed as good as San Francisco hoped and is now gone. The 49ers could test the free agent market, but if unable to land a WR, Wright would be the ideal fit. He didn't run fast at the combine, but scouts have no concern about Wright's speed and explosiveness.
Previous pick: Mohamed Sanu, WR
31) New England Patriots - Fletcher Cox, DT: He is solid against the rush and his bull-rushing can help collapse the pocket. He would be a great compliment to Wilfork for the next few years and could be his eventual successor.
Previous pick: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB
32) New York Giants - Zebrie Sanders: The Giants offensive line has been going through transition. Look the once dominant offensive line to try and speed up their recovery by drafting Sanders. They'd love to have Glenn available and may look for Dwayne Allen at TE, but they probably feel they have enough weapons.
http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/3/5/28 ... -version-8
Finhead83 on Mar 5, 2012 5:00 AM EST in 2012 NFL Mock Drafts
He has been a one of the most debated prospects since the NFL combine. Has Malcom Floyd surpassed Justin Blackmon as the top WR prospect? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Paul Connors - AP
He has been a one of the most debated prospects since the NFL combine. Has Malcom Floyd surpassed Justin Blackmon as the top WR prospect? (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Because we now know the Rams will trade the #2 overall pick, I will incorporate this move as the only trade in the 2012 NFL Draft. It's unlikely to be the only trade, but it should help the mock draft a little bit more realistic.
1) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: This is about as much of a lock as you can get. We already know the Colts are drafting a QB with this pick. It'd be a complete shock if they went with any other QB not named Luck.
2) Washington Redskins - Robert Griffin III, QB: The Redskins appear to be willing to pay more to get Griffin. Reports have been circulating that the Cleveland Browns are not willing to throw in their #22 pick in the first round to acquire Griffin. While I don't exactly think Cleveland will be cheap, I give a slight edge to the team that appears more desperate to get Griffin. The Redskins will finally have the QB they desperately need, but he won't come cheap.
Previous pick: Morris Claiborne, CB
3) Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT: He is easily the best OT prospect in the draft. The Vikings could use help at WR, but help keeping Christian Ponder upright will help him just as much.
Star-divide
4) Cleveland Browns - Justin Blackmon, WR: The Browns could go RB or WR here, but I give Blackmon the edge. No matter who their QB, the Browns will have to give them a receiving weapon. Blackmon may be the first of many prospects to face scrutiny over his value, in part because of the combine performances of other WR prospects, but he is still the top WR prospect in the draft.
Previous pick: Robert Griffin III, QB
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Trent Richardson, RB: Greg Schiano will be looking to run the ball a lot and Richardson gives him a tremendous RB prospect to do it with. Richardson is a more versatile weapon than LaGarrette Blount and will help form a very good RB duo.
6) St. Louis Rams - Morris Claiborne, CB: The Rams have many holes to fill and while they lose on two of them with Kalil and Blackmon, but Claiborne will help fill a major hole in their defense. Getting a boatload of draft picks from the Redskins will help make up for the loss of getting the top WR or OT.
Previous pick: Justin Blackmon, WR
7) Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinton Coples, DE: Aaron Kampman is getting up there in age and may not return. Matt Roth is a free agent and wasn't the answer for Jacksonville's need for a pass rusher. The Jaguars will need to get to the QB in a division that will have Matt Schaub, Jake Locker, and Andrew Luck as their rivals' QB's.
8) Miami Dolphins - Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB: The Dolphins said they would like to use elements of both the 3-4 and 4-3 defense, but I predict they will probably use more four-man fronts. Still, Ingram gives them the ability to run either defense as the kid is versatile and can play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB.
9) Carolina Panthers - Michael Brockers, DT: The Panthers had to resort to starting Frank Kearse and Jason Shirley at defensive tackle in 2011. While they need help at CB as well, a solid CB won't be able to do much if Carolina can't generate any pressure on the QB.
10) Buffalo Bills- Andre Branch, DE: Upshaw is still a possibility in the eyes of some, but I think Buffalo goes for a more traditional 4-3 DE with Branch. It's possible the Bills can also target a tackle here, but with a new shift in defensive schemes, the Bills need to find someone to fill their 4-3 DE need.
11) Kansas City Chiefs - Dontari Poe, NT: He was always the top NT prospect, but a spectacular combine performance has turned heads. While the Chiefs may have been interested in a player like Paul Soliai in free agency, they may turn their attention to Poe now that he's drawing serious comparisons to the likes of Vince Wilfork and Haloti Ngata.
Previous pick: Luke Kuechly, ILB
12) Seattle Seahawks- Riley Reiff, OT: The Seahawks would love to get their hands on someone like Ingram, but with some of the top pass rushers off the board, they may opt for a tremendous talent at tackle. Reiff would be an immediate starter and huge upgrade for Seattle as a LT.
13) Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT: The Cardinals will be happy to take one of the top three OTs or David DeCastro as they need help all over the offensive line. They could look Vontaze Burfict or Courtney Upshaw with this pick too if they're available.
14) Dallas Cowboys - Janoris Jenkins, CB: With a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, Jenkins overtakes Dennard in the draft. Jenkins could have been the #1 CB in the draft had he not had issues with the Gators. With Terrence Newman expected be out of Dallas this off-season, they will need all the help Dennard can provide.
15) Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Kuechly, MLB: The Eagles could go a number of directions with this pick, but Kuechly is exactly the player they need to help turn their defense around. Casey Matthews performed nothing like his brother and simply shouldn't be the starting MLB in 2012.
Previous pick: Fletcher Cox, DT
16) New York Jets - Mark Barron, S: Courtney Upshaw could also be an option if available. The Jets have holes at both safety positions and could use a man like Barron to help solidify their weaknesses covering TEs. Barron isn't very good in man coverage and may be a bit stiff in the hips, but he's great in zone coverage with his ability to read the QB. His closing speed will be able to make up for many of his mistakes when he's slow to turn and run with a receiver. He's aggressive in run support, but will overrun on the play at times.
17) Cincinnati Bengals - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB: Kirkpatrick was once considered as either the top or second best CB in the draft, but a strong showing by Jenkins during the Senior Bowl week helped him overtake Kirkpatrick. The Bengals have Leon Hall, but Nate Clements is 32 and has been inconsistent. Kirkpatrick and Hall could quickly become one of the better CB duos in the NFL.
18) San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB: The Chargers could also use David DeCastro, but the prospect of Courtney Upshaw is just too much for them to pass up. The Chargers need a lot of help at OLB as Larry English just hasn't developed as San Diego has hoped.
19) Chicago Bears - Mike Adams, OT: The Bears could really use someone like Michael Floyd at WR, but they really need help protecting Jay Cutler. While David DeCastro may be considered a better lineman, Adams plays a more critical role on the line.
20) Tennessee Titans - Whitney Mercilus, DE: Karl Klug has been the top pass rusher for the Titans with 7 and they need to get some help to get to the passer. With a bunch of young QB prospects in the AFC South, the Titans will need someone to rattle their cage. CB could be a hole if they don't resign Cortland Finnegan, but I already project the top CBs to be gone.
Previous pick: Nick Perry, DE
21) Cincinnati Bengals - Lamar Miller, RB: Cedric Benson hasn't been very effective despite his rushing yards and he's a free agent. Miller is a home run threat and is quick to hit the holes. Miller is also a tough runner to bring down. It's possible Cincy could go with a Guard or Center like Cordy Glenn or Peter Konz, but there is a thin market for RBs in free agency and the Bengals need an upgrade in the backfield more than they do on the line.
22) Cleveland Browns (via Falcons) - Ryan Tannehill, QB: This pick could easily change if the Browns sign Matt Flynn. This pick definitely won't take place if they trade up for Griffin. In this case, the Browns give Colt McCoy a weapon to help him succeed with Blackmon, but they later get the QB to replace him in case he doesn't improve.
Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR
23) Detroit Lions - David DeCastro, OG: The Lions, like many teams, need help on their offensive line and could also go with Peter Konz to place Dominic Raioila at center, but I think they'll try to milk another season out of their aging center while they address OG. Zach Brown could also be an option for the Lions if they wish to address LB.
24) Pittsburgh Steelers - Cordy Glenn, OG: The Steelers need to get younger on defense and would love to have Poe available at this position to help replace Casey Hampton. They could also target an ILB prospect as well, but their holes on the offensive line take priority. The Steelers want to get back to the running game and without Reshard Mendenhall, they're going to have to rely on a stout offensive line. The only problem is their line is a major concern. Glenn will quickly help solve that problem as he is versatile enough to start from his first day as a guard or a tackle.
Previous pick: Dontari Poe, NT
25) Denver Broncos - Devon Still, DT: Denver already has solid players on the outside for the future with Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, and Von Miller. Still could bring a solid presence in the middle to team with Broderick Bunkley to help solidify the middle of the field and strengthen Denver's run defense. Kendall Wright could be an option, but I think Denver likes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.
26) Houston Texans - Rueben Randle, WR: Randle has a nice combination of talents and will be a terrific compliment to Andre Johnson. Houston fans don't want to hear this yet, but he could also be a nice successor in the future.
27) New England Patriots (via Saints) - Vinny Curry, DE/OLB: The best pass rusher left on the board. The Patriots desperately need help rushing the passer and after addressing their need for an outside WR with speed, they finally look to shore up their lacking pass rush. He doesn't have the explosiveness of some other pass rushers in this draft, but he may have the most violent hands. His hands, not his speed, will be what he uses to get by OTs.
Previous pick: Kendall Wright, WR
28) Green Bay Packers - Harrison Smith, S: The Packers could also use another pass rusher, but safety will be a huge hole if Nick Collins is unable to return. He is very good against the run and does well enough in coverage. He may not be the greatest athlete, but he is a very instinctive player.
Previous pick: Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB
29) Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C: The Ravens need a center to take over for the aging Matt Birk. Konz, the best center in the class, would give the Ravens one of the best interior lines in the NFL if the Ravens can resign Ben Grubbs.
30) San Francisco 49ers - Kendall Wright, WR: Braylon Edwards didn't performed as good as San Francisco hoped and is now gone. The 49ers could test the free agent market, but if unable to land a WR, Wright would be the ideal fit. He didn't run fast at the combine, but scouts have no concern about Wright's speed and explosiveness.
Previous pick: Mohamed Sanu, WR
31) New England Patriots - Fletcher Cox, DT: He is solid against the rush and his bull-rushing can help collapse the pocket. He would be a great compliment to Wilfork for the next few years and could be his eventual successor.
Previous pick: Vinny Curry, DE/OLB
32) New York Giants - Zebrie Sanders: The Giants offensive line has been going through transition. Look the once dominant offensive line to try and speed up their recovery by drafting Sanders. They'd love to have Glenn available and may look for Dwayne Allen at TE, but they probably feel they have enough weapons.
