The offseason starts today for the four teams that lost in the NFL Divisional Playoffs. With a clearer picture of the draft order and prospect all-star games right around the corner, it's time to revise our 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
Jan 17, 2012 - Another four teams were sent home from the playoffs this weekend, which cements another four spots in the 2012 NFL Draft. A clearer picture of the draft order also means another chance to piss off fans of all stripes with our new 2012 NFL mock draft.
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft passed on Sunday, Jan. 15, adding even more clarity to the draft picture. There were few surprises among the prospects declaring, but the entrance of LSU redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers was the biggest surprise among underclassmen. He was swayed by potential first round possibilities from the draft advisory board, and that's where you'll find him in this mock.
We're getting into the thick of the draft season. The East-West Shrine game is Saturday, following a week of practices. The Senior Bowl is the week after that. Prospect all-star games and practices always vault a few players up draft boards, or down. Christian Ponder was last year's Senior Bowl poster boy. I've inserted a few predictions based on the next two weeks of activity in this mock draft.
As always, I expect this to inflame certain passions among the partisans. I'll be around the comments to take your arrows.
There is absolutely no suspense around who the first pick in the draft will be, unless you're just getting out of a Turkish prison after the last 13 years. In that case, welcome back; need the number for my psychoanalyst? This pick is already creating considerable intrigue as speculation runs wild about what the Colts will do with Peyton Manning.
This is where the drama starts in the draft this year. Some other team will most likely be picking Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III in this spot, giving Jeff Fisher and the Rams a boatload of picks to fill out a woeful roster. They hope. St. Louis really needs a receiver, but they also need an offensive tackle. Blackmon might be the better pick for need, but Kalil should be closer to the top of any draft board.
The Vikings corners are bad. Really bad. Chris Cook heads to trial for domestic abuse charges in March. Antoine Winfield will be 35 in June. Cedric Griffin is a candidate for release owed $4+ million in 2012 and having spent plenty of time on the bench in 2011. Put aside the absurd suggestions that they should draft Robert Griffin III. They can't say no to the best cornerback in draft.
They're the most logical trading partner to move up for Robert Griffin III, with the need and two first-round picks to make it happen. Don't be surprised if they forego that opportunity ... or get outbid. I actually wonder if Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur think that Colt McCoy will be fine. Maybe they just feel bad about that whole concussion thing. Either way, I think he gets another chance, and they'll try to help him out by giving him a weapon like Blackmon ... and a better helmet.
Josh Freeman needs help, lots of it. Tampa's two starting tackles, Donald Penn on the left and Jeremy Trueblood on the right, allowed 13 sacks and almost 80 pressures according to the stats at Pro Football Focus. The re-signed Penn last season. Drafting Reiff gives them a better pair and insurance in case Penn underwhelms as he did in 2010.
Mock drafts in January are pretty implausible to begin with; mock drafts in which RG3 gets picked sixth are fantasy, pure fantasy. Of course, the very real possibility exists that Washington makes the move up for Griffin. Or they could also find a veteran free agent. Peyton Manning is already getting kicked around the rumor mill, and Matt Flynn could be an option as well. If they do that, look for Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick to be an option here.
The Jaguars really, really need a wide receiver. Alshon Jeffery (mocked here last time), Michael Floyd and Kendall Wright could all be in play here with a good pre-draft season. For now, they go with Kirkpatrick. Rashean Mathis tore his ACL in 2011, and he's 31. William Middleton, who showed some promise in six starts, landed on IR in December. They need help, Kirkpatrick could beef up a secondary with Derek Cox and a healthy Middleton, assuming they keep the RFA, in 2012.
Carolina's run defense bleed yards in buckets. This is a thin class of defensive tackles, and Still is the top player at the position ... for now. The Penn State product has the strength to bolster a soft middle for the Panthers.
It's too bad that Tannehill will miss the Senior Bowl. He could have followed Christian Ponder's path, raising his draft stock significantly with a big week in Mobile, AL. Right now, it looks as though he could throw again before the draft. Miami can grab him to sit behind Matt Moore, spend some time learning the ropes.
Upshaw got big boost ahead of the draft with his MVP performance in the BCS National Championship [insert comment about BCS sham here]. The Bills really need a pass rusher after posting one of the league's worst sack rates in 2011.
Seattle's defense played well this season, but they had a worse sack rate than the Bills. Coples is a versatile pass rusher who can play on the inside or the outside. Coples comes with some questions about his attitude, but it's nothing that Pete Carroll can't handle.
Once regarded as one of the country's top tackle prospects, Adams stock fell amid all the shenanigans at Ohio State. I think he's a prime candidate to rise up draft boards after the Senior Bowl. The Chiefs can unceremoniously dump Barry Richarson.
Arizona has bits and pieces here and there on their defensive roster. What they lack is a linchpin inside linebacker. Stewart Bradley was not that guy; Kuechly is. In a year or two, he could rival Patrick Willis and James Laurinaitis for the best inside linebacker in the NFC West.
Finally, some attitude and meanness to the Cowboys interior line. DeCastro should probably be a top ten pick; he is that good. Derrick Dockery will be a free agent after spending the better part of the season injured.
Where Hightower would play in Philly's defense remains to be seen. His best fit might be on the strong side in their 4-3, but he might be able to play well in the middle. Wherever he plays, the Eagles defense lacked anyone with his instincts and power among their linebackers.
Despite his contract, it will be hard for the Jets to justify keeping Santonio Holmes. Drafting Jeffery gives Mark Sanchez a receiver who could actually help him, rather than complain about the offense. The Jets could think about Trent Richardson here or a pass rusher.
Cedric Benson is a free agent. They could re-sign him, but they could draft a much better running back with Richardson. The Alabama product would come cheaper too.
Curry is a late arrival to the first round mock drafts. His draft stock should continue to rise through the Combine and pre-draft workouts. Curry adds some needed pass rushing ability to the Chargers defense.
There's already talk of Wright as the top receiver in the draft, above Blackmon in some quarters. Maybe. His speed will definitely impress teams in Indianapolis.He also has the kind of hands that will make Jay Cutler very happy.
Tennessee is another team in desperate need of pass rushers. They picked up just 28 sacks in 2011, second-lowest total in the league. Perry's stock took a tumble after his 2011 season, but he still possesses the fundamental ability desirable among pass rushers.
Watching Johnathan Joseph help turn the Texans' fortunes around had to be bittersweet for the Bengals who let him walk in free agency. They need help in the secondary. Pacman Jones is a free agent, and Dennard represents like a solid upgrade.
Cleveland needs many things, including football players. Miller gives them a speedster to replace the more bruising style of Peyton Hillis. They ought to think about Cordy Glenn here to address a need at guard, but if they're really committed to Colt McCoy, getting the offensive playmakers available will hide his limitations.
Jeff Backus, 34, is a free agent. Detroit could stand to upgrade their offensive line as it is, and drafting Martin strengthens the outside, helping put Matthew Stafford one step closer to elite status.
Pittsburgh needs to get younger all over the defensive side of their roster. Casey Hampton tore an ACL in their playoff loss to the Broncos. He'll be 35 in September, and will count $8.1 million against the salary cap. Even if he does stick around on a restructured contract, the Steelers have to start thinking about a long term replacement.
Brian Dawkins, 38, has a severe neck injury that might put his career in jeopardy. Even if it doesn't, the Broncos need to think about upgrading the position since Dawkins' playing days are clearly numbered. Barron replaces Dawkins' hitting ability in the secondary.
Andre Johnson's absence during the regular season hurt the Texans, especially with T.J. Yates at quarterback. Adding Floyd diversifies an offense that couldn't get the points it needed in Sunday's loss to the Ravens.
After Saturday's game, I can imagine the Saints wish they still had this pick. Maybe the Patriots will swap it back to them so they can get some defensive help. If not, New England would be more than happy to have a five-technique guy like Brockers, who'll be racing up draft boards as April gets closer. Long and strong, he can stop the run and get to the passer. 4-3 teams will consider him as well based on his ability to play inside or out.
The Packers defense was terrible in Sunday's upset loss to the Giants. Among the many places they need help is up front. Crick gives them some strength at defensive end in their three-man front, helping compensate for a sub-par B.J. Raji. They'll draft Crick hoping he's this year's J.J. Watt.
Remember this time last year when everybody thought the 49ers would be in the running for Andrew Luck? Now, they need to think about adding some offensive weapons for Alex Smith. Sanu has the size and hands to impress, but he lacks the speed to be drafted higher. No need. His ability to get yards after the catch are a perfect complement to Smith.
Baltimore's line struggled against Houston's stout defensive front on Sunday. Matt Birk is getting older, and Ben Grubbs is set for free agency. Konz replenishes the interior line, making life easier for both Ray Rice and Joe Flacco.
The Giants could go in a few directions here. They need to get younger and better on the inside. Glenn is a tough blocker whose stock should get a nice boost at the Senior Bowl later this month. Drafting him gives the Giants options on the line; they could even clear some cap space.
The Patriots' defense is not where they would like it be, with needs in both the front and the back of the unit. The can't pass up Gilmore with this pick, which will probably be traded as well. If not, Gilmore could help a defense that allowed an average of 300 yards per game in 2011. Gilmore will be attractive here because he's a smart player who understands how the game works and his place in it.
29 comments
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Looks Good
As good a job as any I’ve seen thus far. Great work. Linked at www.thepowerwire.com
by ThePowerWire on Jan 17, 2012 9:17 AM EST reply actions
What about Brockers? DT from LSU?
You don’t have him picked in the 1st round
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by Blacmomba on Jan 17, 2012 9:39 AM EST reply actions
he's in there
the Pats’ first pick, #27
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by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 17, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
If the Vikings don't trade down for more picks,
I’d be surprised. They need warm bodies, and especially if somebody out there really wants to make sure they can snag RGIII at #3 they might have the luxury of fielding more than one offer for the slot.
by Jesse on Jan 17, 2012 9:41 AM EST reply actions
Completely hate the Bucs pick
Not only is #5 way too early for a right tackle, he isn’t even the best one on the board. That would be Martin, who I also don’t want us to take with the #5 pick. And Penn had a fine season other than a few games at the end. Trueblood is a real problem though.
by aakks on Jan 17, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions
And Mike Adams before Martin?
My mind boggles…
by aakks on Jan 17, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
I think Adams' stock will get a boost at the Senior Bowl
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by Ryan Van Bibber on Jan 17, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Have you watched him pass protect?
There is no chance he goes that early even if he has the best senior bowl performance ever.
by aakks on Jan 17, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
His senior bowl won't overshadow his character concerns
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by John Stephens on Jan 17, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
not too sure about a safety for the broncos
they have 2 young safeties, one in Quinton Carter that they love. There are other defensive needs to be addressed here, namely cornerback or D-Line
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by Lt. Philip Nolan on Jan 17, 2012 10:11 AM EST reply actions
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE #1 PICK NOW
That they’ve retained Caldwell
by STARCHILD66 on Jan 17, 2012 10:41 AM EST reply actions
Scratch that...
They just dumped Caldwell.
by Nathan Albright on Jan 18, 2012 7:48 AM EST up reply actions
Matthew Stafford is already at elite. How do so few people see that?
"You simply cannot escape it. It's everywhere. There is a feeling the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. Emotions are high. Morale is climbing. People, once again, have something to talk about other than how disastrous our financial situation is and the collapsing of modern society." - Yahoo sports blogger.
by Lionsfan8 on Jan 17, 2012 11:14 AM EST reply actions
cause hes fat.
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by Lt. Philip Nolan on Jan 17, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
^ Maturity ladies and gentlemen, at its highest form.
"You simply cannot escape it. It's everywhere. There is a feeling the likes of which we haven't seen in decades. Emotions are high. Morale is climbing. People, once again, have something to talk about other than how disastrous our financial situation is and the collapsing of modern society." - Yahoo sports blogger.
by Lionsfan8 on Jan 17, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
I just think people want to see him perform for more than 1 season.
He had a great year, but to be elite that great performance needs to be duplicated. If he can stay healthy next season and put up great numbers again, you’ll see people throw him into the conversation.
by Jesse on Jan 17, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
They will see soon enough
Stafford is going to be a STUD!
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by detroit_fan on Jan 17, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
I'm preferring Brockers over Devon Still at #8-9 for the Panthers
I think once the combine happens he will shoot up given his size and potential
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by Jaxon on Jan 17, 2012 11:43 AM EST reply actions
I like this mock draft. I'd prefer the Dolphins trade back into the first round to get Ryan Tannehill, though
I think the Dolphins will be unable to resist taking Courtney Upshaw at No. 9. Miami desperately needs a 3-4 OLB opposite Cameron Wake, and Upshaw is pretty much the total package at that position.
2012: Whitney Mercilus or Courtney Upshaw in the first round; Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill in the second round.
by kmb8488 on Jan 17, 2012 12:30 PM EST reply actions
Um No!
Your Board is counterintuitive. RG3 goes third, no matter who takes him. Teams know that the Rams won’t take RG3 with Bradford on the roster and although it is HIGHLY unlikely that the Vikes would with taking Ponder last year, they won’t take that chance. Look for the Browns to trade up for the Vikes pick and for the Vikes to take Kalil #4 if the rams pass on him or to trade down further if he is gone. They won’t take Claiborne. They can trade up late in the first to take Barron or Gilmore for better value.
by chatter on Jan 17, 2012 1:15 PM EST reply actions
Steelers
I don’t think any of the DTs are worth taking at 24. I’d much rather go with Glenn or Conz there since G is just as big a need.
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by John Stephens on Jan 17, 2012 1:55 PM EST reply actions
Konz rather
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by John Stephens on Jan 17, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Ryan, nice work but ...
aside from the fact that we ALL know it’s not going down like this, I cannot imagine the Chiefs taking Adams, a guy who’s been falling on almost every board and most lately
more likely they’d take Martin (and most mocks do have the Chiefs taking Martin) … no disrespect to the guy, but a lot of us at Arrowhead Pride are drooling over DeCastro … they guy has Top Ten talent and solidifies the interior of the OLine along with Hudson and Asamoah for the next 10 years
ah well, we shall see what we shall see
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by upamtn on Jan 17, 2012 10:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Idk if the charges on Kirkpatrick will keep him up in the 1st round.
Teams look at that as something that can become problematic, see Pacman Jones.
As for the Titans, I’d rather get the Top C in Konz to push Amaneo back to guard where he played better at. Or the top S which is Barron because both Griffin and Hope will be gone in FA, Babs is likely to be resigned to keep someone that knows the D at a S spot.
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by Titans_Firefighter on Jan 17, 2012 10:52 PM EST reply actions
Crick to GB = win.
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by Omaha Sun on Jan 18, 2012 1:39 AM EST reply actions
Not bad but I feel it would be better suited if the Broncos and Patriots swap players
After drafting 2 SAF in last yrs draft I doubt the broncos pick one again especially in the first round (Regardless if Dawkins leaves) and Bailey can’t play forever. Also, though the Patriots defensive backfield suck a big one this yr Arrington is still a good CB along with McCourty and both are young…I think with the injury history and lack of depth at the SAF position in NE they are better suited for the top guy in Barron. IDK if Barron falls that far but with two picks in the 1st and with trading history i’m sure the Pats can figure something out.
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by SMASH44 on Jan 18, 2012 2:47 AM EST reply actions
Bears Pick Will Depend on New GM
Who Ted Phillips hires as GM will determine who the pick is – if the new guy listens to Tice, it’s big play WR (he invented the “Moss Ratio”), but they’d take Floyd over the Baylor kid. Lovie would draft a pass rusher or Barron, the Bama safety.
Hopefully they hire a guy smart enough to see how bad the line is. Jonathan Martin would look awfully good on the left side.
by taketheunder on Jan 18, 2012 2:46 PM EST reply actions
Browns Pick... Wise or Dumb
I believe the Browns would be foolish to a QB…their needs are else where Mccoy is a young pup with a huge upside…RG3 would be a nice piece but I would chose a RB Richardson would be a nice upgrade and help the running game with so many teams reloading on defense with CB’s and etc…another wise pick could be Justin Blackman of OKLA.ST…WHICH I AGREE with SB NATION on the pick if Richardson is not there
by joker029 on Jan 18, 2012 10:15 PM EST reply actions
first im a cleveland fan but the browns are not going to draft justin blackmon they should get trent richardson if we lose hillis and then look for either micheal floyd or alshon jeffery that right there would be a good draft but the browns arent smart i hate to say it we will prob give up both first round picks to get move to second n get rg3
by Figgz8 on Jan 22, 2012 1:14 AM EST reply actions
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