This is my first mock for the 2012 draft.  I did one last year, and I did alright so I figured I might as well do another one.

The draft is order is based on the current standings (win %), and point differential is the tiebreaker. 

 

TRADES

1:  ST LOUIS trades #1 Overall TO INDY for #2 and #34 Overall

2:  CAROLINA trades #6 Overall and 5th round pick TO SEATTLE for #11 overall and #43 Overall

3:   TENNESSEE trades #18 Overall TO CINCINNATI for #22 and 3rd round pick

 

Round 1

 

1.  Indianapolis-  FROM ST LOUIS-  Andrew Luck QB Stanford

The Rams have invested far too much into Sam Bradford, who has been decent but just hasn't had any receivers.  They listen to offers, and decide that the one they get from Indy is the best, because they only move down one spot so they get the WR they want.  Indy still has Manning, but he's old and coming off 3 neck surgeries.  They hope Manning can play 1 or 2 more seasons, and then Luck can step in and they will be good for atleast 10 more years.

 

2.  St. Louis-  FROM INDY-  Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

This pick is between Jeffery and Blackmon, but they go with Jeffery, who looks a bit like Calvin Johnson.  Jeffery is hurt by not having a solid QB to throw to him, yet he continues to be unguardable and produce numbers. 

 

3.  Miami-  Landry Jones QB Oklahoma

The Dolphins get a new GM and Head Coach, and they immediately go for a franchise Quarterback because Matt Moore clearly isn't the guy.  Jones leads one of the FBS' best offenses.

 

                               
                          The Dolphins start fresh with a new coach, GM, and Quarterback in Landry Jones.

 

4.  Jacksonville-  Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

Jacksonville has their Quarterback in Gabbert, but they seriously need to get him somebody to throw to.  Blackmon is arguably the best receiver in college football and should be the Jags' #1 receiver from day one in Jacksonville.

 

5.  Seattle-  FROM CAROLINA-  Matt Barkley QB USC

Pete Carroll makes sure he gets his guy, and Carolina trades down to get some extra selections so they can address alot of holes.  Barkley played for Carroll at USC, and he's really come on as a Junior and should be considered one of the top QB prospects.

 

6.  Minnesota-  Matt Kalil OT USC

With both of the Top receivers off the board, nabbing the top tackle in the draft is a good move for the Vikings.

 

7. Denver-  Brandon Thompson DT Clemson

Defensive Line was considered a big need for the Broncos last year, who were considering drafting Marcell Dareus.  This year they get a slightly lesser Dareus (as far as draft hype/ratings go) to help out their ailing rush defense.

                                
                                  The Broncos get an elite Defensive Line prospect in Thompson (98). 

 

8.  Arizona-  Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

Kolb has been criticized for getting 'happy feet' in the pocket and looking to escape too early, but there has been alot of pressure on him, and partly because the tackles aren't doing their jobs.  Martin can help.

 

9.  Philadelphia-  Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona State

The Eagles have been really bad against the run, and it's partly because of their small, unathletic group on linebackers.  Enter Vontaze (a pretty awesome name), who has the size, athleticism, and instincts to be a playmaking linebacker at the next level.

 

10.  Kansas City-  Quinton Coples DE North Carolina

Kansas City's pass rushing has been so awful, it's unbearable.  They have 5 sacks through 5 games (do the math, it's 1 sack per game), and one guy, Tamba Hali, has 4 of those.  Coples seems like he could fit as a 5-tech, with his size (6'6" 285) and the fact that he's more of a power rusher than speed rusher.

 

11.  Carolina-  FROM SEATTLE-  Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State

Due to them starting two rookies at DT (neither of whom were picked until Day 3 of the draft), the Panthers run defense has been pretty bad, ranking 31st in the league.  Worthy anchors MSU's stellar defense.

 

12.  Cleveland-  Zach Brown OLB North Carolina

Brown is one of the best athletes in the draft.  He needs to add some bulk to his 230-235 lbs frame, but that shouldn't be an issue. 

                                        

Brown's athleticism is comparable to Aaron Curry coming out of Wake.  Hopefully, that's the only way they are comparable.

13.  Dallas-  Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

Jerry Jones passes on Amukamara last year.  Kirkpatrick is just as good a prospect, and he's a good value pick here.

 

14.  Cleveland-  FROM ATL-  Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame

Floyd has had achohol issues in the past that are a yellow flag, but a team who is forced to use Josh Cribbs as a big part of the offense needs to overlook the flag and take the guy.  Floyd will be McCoy's best target from day one.

 

15.  Chicago-  Riley Reiff OT Iowa

A good Big Ten tackle is an obvious pick for a team who has been awful at protecting Cutler (19 sacks, 6 games).

 

16.  New York Jets-  Courtney Upshaw DE/LB Alabama

The Jets are doing good pressuring the QB this season, but some of their linebackers are old.  Upshaw can play any of the linebacker spots in the 3-4.

 

17.  Houston-  Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma

Broyles is one of the most dominant receivers in college football, and is the top target for Landry Jones.  Broyles would finally give the Texans a WR threat besides Andre' Johnson.  Despite having a lacking defense, they can afford to do this because they spent all but one selection last year on defense.

 

                        
                                           Houston finally gets a WR to compliment Andre' Johnson.

 

18.  Cincinnati-  FROM TENNESSEE-  Trent Richardson RB Alabama

The Bengals see the best back in the draft fall a long ways, and instead of waiting any longer they go up and get him.  Benson has hit a plateau and just got suspended again, plus will be a FA.

 

19.  Washington-  Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

Rex Grossman + John Beck = Shaky QB situation.  Simple math.  Griffin has problem solving skills, and will solve Shanahan's QB problems.  Griffin's elite mobility is useful in the West Coast offense, and he has better-than-advertised passing abilities.

 

20.  Tampa Bay-  Morris Clairborne CB LSU

You can't go wrong picking a player off a defense like LSU's.  Clairborne is a lockdown corner with good size, but needs to add a bit of weight (177).

 

21.  New York Giants-  Manti Te'o LB Notre Dame

This is a popular pick, but it's easy to see why.  The Giants don't have alot of playmakers at LB, and rookie Greg Jones is currently manning the middle.  They are 25th in rush yards allowed, and Te'o will help fix that.

 

22.  Tennessee-  FROM CINCINNATI (FROM OAK)-  Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia

Glenn projects more as a guard than tackle.  The Titans do an awful job of run blocking for Chris Johnson, so I would imagine CJ would be happy with the Titans picking a great run blocker.

 

23.  Pittsburgh-  Almeda Ta'amu DT/NT Washington

The Steelers know that the effectiveness of their defense starts up front, and having a run-stuffing NT is very important.  Ta'amu is the perfect size to play the nose, and he possesses strength and explosiveness to demand double teams against the run, and push the pocket against the pass.

 

24.  Cincinnati-  Chase Minniefield CB Virginia

Minniefield is one of the best cover corners in the nation, and the Bengals like the value of him at this pick.  Their pass D is doing ver well, but they need to look towards the future with Clements old.

 

25.  New England- FROM NEW ORLEANS-  Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers

I think the Pats should go for a pass rushing 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE, but they didn't use 1 of their 15 or so picks on one last year, and let TBC leave in free agency.  Furthermore, Sanu is a dominant receiver in the Big East, and the Pat know they shouldn't be counting on Ochocinco and Branch much longer.

 

26.  Buffalo-  Vinny Curry DE/OLB Marshall

The Bills and their dead last ranked pass rush shouldn't hesitate to grab a player like Curry.  He has good PR skills and is a good fit for their 3-4 scheme as a OLB.

 

27.  San Diego-  Dont'a Hightower LB Alabama

Hightower marks the 5th Crimson Tide to be selected in the 1st round, and this one is just as good as the previous ones.  The Chargers have one of the oldest LB groups in the league, with 3 of their 4 starters 30+ years old, and their backups are old too.

 

                          
                                                 If I were the QB, I'd be scared in this situation.

 

28.  Baltimore-  Ray Ray Armstrong S Miami (FL)

Armstrong is a pure athlete, with elite size and alot of potential.  He isn't polished as a safety, but with Reed old and Pollard simply not very good, they will be glad to work with Armstrong so he can replace Reed.

 

29.  New England-  Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

The Patriots, statisctically, have the worst pass defense in the NFL.  They will certainly do something about it, and even with the risk, Jenkins is a prospect they could take a chance on.

 

30.  Detroit-  Peter Konz C Wisconsin

Konz is considered the best Center prospect in the league by many.  The Lions need a center, and they have struggled run blocking, which is Konz' specialty.

 

31.  San Francisco-  Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska

Dennard is a very good cover corner, who has played pretty well this season but not great.  Should be a good fit with the 49ers.

 

32.  Green Bay-  Brandon Jenkins DE/LB FSU

The Packers will be looking for a rush OLB to go across Clay Matthews.  Walden hasn't gotten it done, and Zombo is constantly injured and not that great anyways.  Jenkins is a great rusher who has the athleticism to play OLB.

Round 2

 

33.  St. Louis Rams-  Luke Keuchly LB Boston College

Keuchley is the BPA and helps their last-ranked rush defense. 

 

34.  St. Louis Rams-  FROM INDY-  Lamar Miller RB Miami (FL)

Jackson getting old and often injured, Miller is a good value here and has dynamic skills.

 

35.  Miami-  David DeCastro G Stanford

Miami gets someone to protect the franchise and run block for Daniel Thomas.

 

36.  Jacksonville-  Donte Paige-Moss DE North Carolina

A bit of a risky pick, but I expect him to get back on track this season, and Jags could look for a stout pass rusher.

 

37.  Carolina-  Nick Toon WR Wisconsin

Toon has a good mix of size and speed, and makes a good tandem with Smith until Smith retires.

 

38.  Minnesota- Dwight Jones WR North Carolina

The Vikings seriously need some receivers, especially with a new QB at the helm (Ponder).

 

39.  Denver-  Cliff Harris CB Oregon

Denver needs to strengthen pass D, and need a replacement for aging Champ Bailey.

                                           
                                         Harris has the speed and swagger to excel at the next level.

 

40.  Philadelphia-  FROM ARIZONA-  Jared Crick DT Nebraska

Better fit as a 5-tech, but has the size and strength to play 3-tech.  Too great of a value to pass up on.

 

41.  Philadelphia-  Brandon Washington T/G

Best fit for guard or RT, and Philly needs both so they can play him where he's strongest.

 

42.  Kansas City-  Travis Lewis LB Oklahoma

Helps the linebacker group, will probably play inside in the 3-4, but could go outside. 

 

43. Carolina-  FROM SEATTLE-   Ricky Wagner OT Wisconsin

Solid tackle prospect from Wisconsin, protect Cam Newton.

 

44.  Cleveland-  Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina

Their pass defense has been surprisingly good, but they still need another corner. 

 

45.  Dallas-  David Wilson RB Virginia Tech

Felix Jones proving he's not legit, and he's constantly injured.  Cowboys can get the running game right.

 

46.  Atlanta-  Andre Branch DE Clemson

Branch's stock is rising, and he would be a great replacement for John Abraham.

 

47.  Chicago-  Michael Brewster C Ohio State

Replaces Garza who is old and not performing very well.

 

48.  New York Jets-  Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M

A dissapointing season, especially on the offensive end led by Sanchez, lead to calls for a new QB.

 

49. Houston-  T.J. McDonald S USC

A great value to help in the secondary.

 

50.  Tennessee-  Dwyane Allen TE Clemson 

A seam-buster that should start right away and be a dynamic target for Hassellbeck/Locker.

                              
                                A legit, seam-busting TE is a no brainer for the Titans in the 2nd round.  

 

51.  Washington-  Nick Toon WR Wisconsin

The Redskins don't have enough receiving targets, and Moss is old.  Toon is big and fast, and his stock is rising.

 

52.  Tampa Bay-  LaMichael James RB Oregon

James is quick and electifying, and would serve as a 3rd down/ change of pace back, as well as return specialist.

 

53.  New York Giants-  Brandon Boykin CB Georgia

Boykin is a really dynamic player, who has all the tools to be a good corner.

 

54.  Cincinnati-  Kelechi Osmele OG Iowa

Monster-sized guard with good feet, helps a weak area.

 

55.  Pittsburgh-  Robert Lester S Alabama

Clark is 31 and Polomalu is 30 and a FA, they need a safety and Lester is a great value.

 

56.  New England-  FROM OAKLAND- Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin

Zeitler is a solid guard prospect who should add depth early on and eventually be a starter.

 

57.  New Orleans-  Keenan Robinson LB Texas

A young, stout linebacker is what NO needs on their defense.

 

58.  Buffalo-  Coby Fleener TE Stanford

The Bills don't have any type of dynamic TE receiving threat.  Fleener is just that.

 

59.  San Diego-  Mark Barron S Alabama

Well, Bob Sanders didn't last very long.

 

60.  Baltimore-  Andrew Datko OT FSU

Datko falls a bit because of his season-ending shoulder injury, but he should come back strong and perhaps be a steal here for the Ravens.

 

61.  New England-  Devin Taylor DE/OLB South Carolina

The Pats finally get their rush-OLB.  Taylor is a bit raw with his technique, but has great size and athleticism.

 

62. Detroit-  Coryell Judie CB Texas A&M

The Lions need another corner, Judie is a corner.

 

63.  San Francisco-  Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M

Another pass catcher is a must for the 49ers.

 

64.  Green Bay-  Jayron Hosely CB Virginia Tech

The Pass D is struggling this season, and Woodson is getting up there in years.

 

Round 3

 

65.  St. Louis Rams-  Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College

Alot of problems in the secondary.

 

66.  Indianapolis-  Matt Reynolds OT BYU

Need a RT, Ijilana is a guard.

 

                                   
                                           Should protect Luck's right side for years to come.

 

67.  Miami-  Kenny Tate S/LB Maryland

S/LB hyrbid plays like Yeremiah Bell, who is old.

 

68.  Jacksonville-  Greg Reid CB FSU

A good corner, they need one.

 

69.  Chicago-  FROM CAROLINA-  Juron Criner WR Arizona

Criner having a good season, Bears receivers are not.

 

70.  Minnesota-  Andre' Ellington RB Clemson

Peterson is overworked, Ellington would be great on 3rd downs, or if AP gets injured.

 

71.  Denver-  Tyler Wilson QB Arkansas

Tebow played OK, but they might look for their future in Wilson.

 

72.  Arizona-  Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State

Wilson and Rhodes both aging, Martin is FS so would replace Rhodes.

 

73.  Philadelphia-  Chris Owusu WR Stanford

They spent Jackson's contract on Babin, Asomugha, Jenkins, etc.  Good receiver who could be a solid 2nd option.

 

74.  Kansas City-  Nick Foles QB Arizona

Could develop into the starter, alot better than Stanzi.

 

75.  Seattle-  Chandler Jones DE Syracuse

Seahawks struggling pressuring the QB, Jones does that well and fits the scheme.

 

76.  Cleveland-  Geno Smith QB West Virgina

McCoy will have a chance in his 3rd season, but if he doesn't work, they have Smith.

 

77.  Dallas-  Brock Osweiler QB Az State

They need to start developing a QB.  Lindley is a project but he has potential.

 

78.  Atlanta-  David Paulsen TE Oregon

Gonzalez going to retire, Paulsen is his successor.

 

79.  Chicago-  Lavonte David LB Nebraksa

Urlacher and Briggs getting old.  David is small but he can still play.

                                  
                                                       Size matters.  David's heart is pretty big.

 

80.  New York Jets-  Zebrie Sanders OT FSU

Sanders should devlop into the RT that the Jets need.

 

81.  Houston-  Lucas Nix OG Pittsburgh

Interior line depth, that is all.

 

82.  Tennessee-  Tank Carder LB TCU

Looking for depth at LB.

 

83.  Washington-  Shayne Skov MLB Stanford

Fletchers' replacement in the middle.

 

84.  Tampa Bay-  Marcus Forston DT Miami(FL)

Awesome value here, for a 3-tech player.

 

85.  New York Giants-  George Bryan TE N.C State

Ballard looks OK, but Bryan can add depth and is an excellent blocker as opposed to Beckum.

 

86.  Oakland-  FORFEIT

This pick was used to get Terrelle Pryor.

 

87.  Pittsburgh-  Kevin Reddick ILB North Carolina

Some of their LBs are old, Reddick is a great athlete.

 

88. Tennessee- FROM CINCINNATI-  Kheeston Randall DT Texas

A big, powerful 3-tech to add depth or even start.

 

89.  New Orleans-  Xavier Nixon OT Florida

Should develop into a nice starting tackle.

 

90.  Buffalo-  Bruce Irvin DE/OLB West Virginia

They already got Curry, but they like the value Irvin presents here and take him.

 

91.  San Diego-  Ronnell Lewis DE/OLB Oklahoma

Lewis is fit for OLB in the 3-4, a very good pass rusher.

 

92.  Baltimore-  Montee Ball RB Wisconsin

Ricky Williams is on his last leg, Ball can compliment Rice.

 

                                 
                                                Montee Ball's biography includes alot of touchdowns.

 

93.  New England-  Billy Winn DE/DT Boise State

Winn, at 290, is the right size for a 5-tech, and has the power to hold his own.  Old d-line for the Pats.

 

94.  Detroit-  Kendall Wright WR Baylor

A great value, and Wright allows them to spread the field with 4 talented receivers.

 

95.  San Francisco- James-Michael Johnson ILB

Adds depth to the Front 7.

 

96.  Green Bay-  Isiah Pead RB Cincinnati

They'll let Grant go, Pead will be 3rd string or 3rd down back, best running back on the board.

 

Round 4

 

 

97.  St. Louis Rams-  Josh Chapman NT Alabama

Big, beefy man to put in the middle to stop that run.

 

98.  Indianapolis-  Nigel Bradham LB FSU

Linebacker depth, they are getting run over.

 

99.  New Orleans- FROM MIAMI-  Tony Dye S UCLA

Dye is a good sized, athletic safety.

 

100.  Jacksonville-  Ben Jones C/G Georgia

Will probably start at center in a few years, until then depth.

 

101.  Carolina-  Nate Potter OT Boise State

More bodies on the line, and maybe a future starting tackle.

 

102.  Minnesota-  Audie Cole LB North Carolina State

Old guys who won't be in Minny much longer are the current starters.

 

103.  Denver-  Cyrus Gray RB Texas A&M

McGahee old, Moreno an injury-prone bust, Gray should contribute early and often.

 

104.  Arizona-  Eric Page WR Toledo

Good 3rd/4th option receiver for Kolb.

 

105.  Philadelphia-  Russell Wilson QB Wisconsin

Young will be gone, Philly likes to develop QBs to trade later on.

 

106.  Kansas City-  Michael Egnew TE Missouri

Solid TE prospect who needs some work.

 

107.  Seattle-  Chris Polk RB Washington

How did he fall this far?  Not sure. 

 

108.  Cleveland-  Barrett Jones OT Alabama

Thomas mans the left side, but they need someone for the right.

 

109.  Dallas-  Kendall Reyes DT Connecticut

Can play 5-tech on the defensive line.

 

110.  Cleveland- FROM ATLANTA-  Kenjon Barner RB Oregon

If they let Hillis walk, Hardesty would be all they have.  Now, they have Barner.

 

                    
                                       #41 should probably just give up.  Barner is fast.

111.  Chicago-  Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt

Solid cover corner playing at the highest college level.

 

112.  New York Jets-  Greg Childs WR Arkansas

Not producing as much this season, but still, in the 4th round he's a good selection.

 

113.  Houston-  Devin Still NT Penn State

Run defense starts with the nose.

 

114.  Tennessee-  T.Y. Hilton WR FIU

Nice receiver, small but really quick with good hands.

 

115.  Washington-  Larry Warford G Kentucky

Interior line depth.

 

116.  Philadephia- FROM TAMPA-  Sean Spence OLB Miami

Spence is undersized, but is great on passing downs.

 

117.  New York Giants-  DeVier Posey WR Ohio State

Manningham a FA, Smith gone, Hixon's ACL in flux, Posey is a good pick.

 

118.  Washington- FROM OAKLAND-  Jacquies Smith DE/OLB Missouri

One of the best players on the board, and fits the scheme.

 

119.  Pittsburgh-  Stephen Good OG Oklahoma

They need guards, last tieme I checked Good is a guard.

 

120.  San Francisco- FROM CINCINNATI- Kawann Short DT Purdue

More depth on the D-line is always necessary.

 

121.  New Orleans-  Marquis Maze WR Alabama

Henderson up there in years, Colston seemingly banged up alot, Maze a good player.

 

122.  Buffalo-  Kellen Moore QB Boise State

Thigpen isn't good backup, and no 3rd stringer.  Moore should be a solid backup.

 

123.  San Diego- LaDarius Green TE Lou-LaFayette

Good situation for Green taking over for Gates/McMichael.

 

124. Buffalo FROM BALTIMORE- Ryan Miller OG Colorado

Interior line depth.

 

125.  New England-  Omar Bolden CB AZ State

Good value late, could help in the secondary as a rookie if injuries happen.

 

126.  Detroit-  Case Keenum QB Houston

They should develop a QB in case Stafford's shoulder problems come back.

 

127.  San Francisco-  Jake Stoneburner TE Ohio State

One of the better TEs in this class, fell a long way.

 

128.  Green Bay-  Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State

Flynn leaving in free agency, more upside than Harrell.

 

Thanks for reading, I'll read your comments but don't be dumb, I don't know your team like you do because I'm not a fan of your team.