My Third NFL Mock Draft

Welcome to my third 2012 NFL mock draft. Note that the picks with the * marks have a chance of being flipped because of the coin toss at the NFL Scouting Combine. I do predict trades in my mock drafts.

1)    Colts- Andrew Luck QB Stan: Clear cut number one pick. Peyton Manning in due 28 million in March and the Colts are clearly moving on.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Rams trade the #2 overall pick to the Redskins for the #6 overall pick, #39 overall pick and 2013 second round pick.

2)    Redskins- Robert Griffin III QB Baylor: The Redskins trade up to number two to grab their future franchise QB. Giving up two second round picks to secure the future at QB is needed.

3)    Vikings- Matt Kalil OT USC: The Vikings need to keep QB Christian Ponder upright. Kalil is the top OT prospect in the draft.

4)    Browns- Justin Blackmon WR Okla St: Browns would consider QB Ryan Tannehill here but at four that’s too huge of a reach. Instead they take Blackmon and give whoever will be playing QB for the Browns in 2012 a number one WR target.

5)    Bucs- Trent Richardson RB Bama: Surprise Pick? Well yes and no. The bigger need is CB and Claiborne would be smart here but they have a lot of cap room in free agency and could add a CB then. Richardson is an all-around back that you rarely find in the NFL anymore. A 1-2 punch of Richardson and LaGarrette Blount would be great for the offense in Tampa Bay.

6)    Rams- Riley Reiff OT Iowa: The Rams trade down four spots, pick up two second round picks and still get the OT they need. Former number two overall pick OT Jason Smith can’t stay healthy and with a $10 million dollar paycheck coming his way this year, he is likely to be cut to say money.

7)    Jaguars- Kendall Wright WR Baylor: SURPRISE!! Well the Jaguars always surprise us. They reach and take Wright at number seven; reports say the Jaguars actually like Wright over Blackmon, which I think is crazy.

8)    *Panthers- Morris Claiborne CB LSU: The Panthers dreams come true. Claiborne (a top 5 talent) falls to them at eight. The Panthers needs a CB to play opposite of Chris Gamble and eventually take over for him. Steal for the Panthers at pick eight.

9)    *Dolphins- Melvin Ingram DE/OLB South Car: New Head Coach Joe Philbin said he wants to run some form of a flexible defense, meaning they can play either 3-4 or 4-3. Ingram played DE at South Carolina but he can play either 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE in the NFL.

10) Bills- Quinton Coples DE UNC: The Bills are switching back to a 4-3 defense after a short stint with the 3-4. I think the 4-3 is the better defense for the Bills. Problem is they need DEs to play in the 4-3. Coples is the top 4-3 DE in the draft.

11) *Chiefs- David DeCastro G Stan: The Chiefs offensive line is solid but an upgrade at guard is need. DeCastro is the best guard prospect in the draft and is a top 15 talent. Chiefs run game gets a big boost with the addition of DeCastro and his pull block skill set.

12) *Seahawks- Courtney Upshaw DE Bama: The Seahawks need some youth and talent at DE. Upshaw played both 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB at Alabama so starting at right end of the Seahawks won’t be anything new.

13) Cardinals- Jonathon Martin OT Stan: The Cardinals offensive line is horrible and if they want Peyton Manning to come play “toss and catch” with Larry Fitzgerald the Cardinals need to improve their offensive line.

14) Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick CB Bama: Starting CB Terrace Newman won’t return to the Cowboys making $6 million dollars. Even if he returns at a lower price the Cowboys need a new starter on the outside opposite of Mike Jenkins. Kirkpatrick stock has dropped a little cause of his off the field issues and his lack of play making ability but overall he is a solid corner who at 6’2” can cover bigger WRs.

15) Eagles- Luke Kuechly MLB BC: The Eagles linebackers couldn’t tackle to save their job so bring in Kuechly, who is a tackling machine. Kuechly nearly had 200 tackles last year at BC; an up and coming star at LB for years to come.

16) Jets- Michael Floyd WR Norte Dame: Plaxico Burress isn’t likely to return and the Jets will need his replacement. Floyd is a big red zone WR who can go up and go get it. Playing him opposite of the speedy Santonio Holmes would lower the number double teams on Holmes.

17) Bengals- Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama: Jenkins played his first three seasons at Florida before being kicked off the team for multiple arrests. He spent his senior year at division two North Alabama and while there he stayed mostly quiet off the field. Jenkins would be a top 10 player if it wasn’t for his off the field concerns but the Bengals don’t care about off the field issues, now do they?

TRADE ALERT!!! The Chargers trade the #18 overall pick to the Panthers for the #42 overall pick and a 2nd and 4th round picks in 2013.

18) Panthers- Michael Brockers DT LSU: The Panthers score again and grab another LSU defensive player. Brockers, a redshirt sophomore, has high potential. The Panthers would have selected Brockers at eight overall if Claiborne was off the board, watching Brockers slide this far the Panthers had to make a trade.

19) Bears- Dwayne Allen TE Clemson: The Bears gave away former first round pick Greg Olsen to the Panthers last season. Last season’s offensive coordinator Mike Martz is no longer in Chicago. Martz never understood to how to use a tight end so with him gone a TE is needed. Allen is a solid all-around TE and the best in the 2012 draft.

20) Titans- Mark Baron S Bama: The Titans could lose both starting safeties in free agency. Baron is the only safety with a first round grade and has the potential to be a pro bowl level player.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Bengals trade the #21 overall pick to the Giants for the #32 overall pick and the #64 overall pick.

21) Giants- Dont’a Hightower MLB Bama: The fifth Alabama player taken in the top 21 picks, Hightower is a force to reckon with, the Giants need a constant force at MLB. With little needs this offseason they can trade up and make sure they get the guy they want.

22) Browns- Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M: GM Mike Holmgren and Head Coach Pat Shurmur didn’t draft current starting QB Colt McCoy so they don’t have anything personally invested in him. McCoy was a third round pick in 2010 so to cut ties with him is even easier for Holmgren and Shurmur. The Browns are reportedly high on Tannehill and if they strike out on Griffin, Tannehill is their plan B.

23) Lions- Mike Adams OT Ohio St: Lions QB Matt Stafford stayed healthy last year for the first time in his career. But still Stafford could be a hit away from being done for the season or even his career. A new blindside protector is needed. Adams is a big body tackle who is rising up draft boards.

24) Steelers- Dontari Poe NT Memphis: Current starting NT Casey Hampton is due to make $5 million dollars this season and with the Steelers needing to cut some cap for this season Hampton is not likely back. Poe is a raw prospect but he can be a true NT for years to come.

25) Broncos- Coby Fleener TE Stan: A bit of a reach here but the Broncos need a TE who can go over the middle and give Tim Tebow another passing weapon. Fleener is an underrated blocker and at 6’6” he is a big target too.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Texans trade the #26 overall pick to the Vikings for the #35 overall pick and a 4th and 6th round pick.

26) Vikings- Devon Still DT Penn St: The Vikings trade back into the first round and select the sliding Still. The Vikings defensive tackles need a young upgrade and Still is a solid DT prospect.

27) Patriots- Chandler Jones OLB/DE Syracuse: Jones wasn’t notice much this year but he has great pass rush skills and is rising up draft boards after a great senior bowl week. The Patriots need to get some young pass rushing talent and Jones fits the bill.

28) Packers- Nick Perry OLB USC: The Packers pass defense was one of the worst ever last year. Most people want to blame the corners and safeties on the Packers roster. I give some blame to the pass rush, Clay Matthews had six sacks last year and outside of him facing double teams every play no one did much in pass rush. Perry is a raw prospect but given time and coaching the Packers could have a scary pass rush duo for years to come.

29) Ravens- Vontaze Burfict ILB ASU: Burfict is a top 15 talent but falls to 29 because of lack of emotional control. He loses his cool to easily on and off the field. Give Ray Lewis a year to teach him how to stay cool and Burfict will be able to step right into Lewis’ shoes in when he retires.

30) 49ers- Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia: The 49ers gave up 44 sacks this past season, which was seventh in the NFL. Something has to be done about that if the 49ers want to see the same success they had in 2011 happen again in 2012. Glenn can play either guard or right tackle.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Patriots trade the #31 overall pick to the Rams for the #34 overall pick and a 2013 3rd round pick.

31) Rams- Zach Brown OLB UNC: The Rams trade back into the first round and get the best 4-3 OLB in the draft. Brown is another solid LB prospect to come out of UNC in the past few years.

32) Bengals- Lamar Miller RB Miami: The Bengals current starter Cedric Benson is 29 years old and is a free agent so adding the redshirt sophomore Miller is a good selection at 32 overall.

33) Colts- Fletcher Cox DT Miss St: The Colts have ignored the DT position for years; they finally stop that and draft Cox.

34) Patriots- Rueben Randle WR LSU: The Patriots need a down field threat WR; Randle can be that but still play short and go over the middle. Look for the Patriots to go after Bills WR Steve Johnson big time. Johnson is a lot like Randle plus as an extra bonus, they steal a division rival’s best WR and Johnson gives Jets shut down CB Derrelle Revis trouble. Even if the Patriots add Johnson in free agency look for them to still consider Randle in the draft.

35) Texans- Alshon Jeffery WR South Car: Jeffery’s stock has slipped because he doesn’t have top end speed and he can’t separate very well. But at 6’4” he is a red zone target. The Texans need to add a receiver to keep defenses honest and away from double and triple teaming Andre Johnson.

36) Bucs- Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska: Since the Bucs didn’t take a CB in round one they take one in round two. Dennard’s stock has been dropping but he is still the fourth best CB in the draft.

37) Browns- David Wilson RB VT: The Browns continue the offensive make over. Madden 12 cover Peyton Hillis won’t be back so a new starter is needed.

38) Jaguars- Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois: The Jaguars have two major needs this offseason, WR and DE. The Jaguars drafter WR Wright in the first round and now get DE Mercilus in the second.

39) Rams- Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers: The Rams need some play makers on the outside for QB Sam Bradford to throw to. Sanu isn’t a top tier prospect but with good coaching could turn into a solid player for many years.

40) Dolphins- Brock Osweiler QB ASU: The Dolphins are the favorite to land former Packers back up QB Matt Flynn but if they don’t look for them to select a QB with this pick.

41) Bills- Zebrie Sanders OT Florida St: The Bills haven’t had a good left tackle since trading away Jason Peters to the Eagles a few years back. Sanders could turn into a blindside protecting tackle.

42) Chargers- Jerel Worthy DL Mich St: The Chargers need to add some big bodies to their defensive line. Worthy has slipped some since the season ended up he is still a top 50 prospect.

43) *Seahawks- Nick Foles QB Arizona: The Seahawks need to find an answer at QB, Foles has some trouble with accuracy in college but he is worth the pick here.

44) *Chiefs- Brandon Thompson NT Clemson: Last year’s starting NT; Kelly Gregg is 35 years old. A young NT is needed for the Chiefs 3-4 defense to take the next step.

45) Cowboys- Kelechi Osemele G/T Iowa St: The Cowboys need a new starting guard; Osemele can play guard and tackle. Versatility is always good when you are an offensive linemen.

46) Eagles- Harrison Smith S Norte Dame: While Safety isn’t a big need but some depth is needed at the safety spot for the Eagles.

47) Jets- Vinny Curry OLB Marshall: The Jets need some pass rush on the outside and Curry does just that.

48) Patriots- Andre Branch OLB/DE Clemson: Pass rush is such a need that the Patriots spend two of their first three picks on pass rushing OLB/DE players.

49) Chargers- Nick Toon WR Wisconsin: If Vincent Jackson leaves in free agency WR becomes the team’s top need but even if he stays depth is needed.

50) Bears- Peter Konz C Wisconsin: The Bears need to add a young center to their offensive line; Konz is the number one center prospect in the draft.

51) Eagles- Terrell Manning OLB NC State: A reach at 51 overall but he has potential to be great, pair him with first round pick MLB Kuechly, you could have two great young linebackers for years to come.

52) Titans- Trumaine Johnson CB Montana: The Titans are likely to lose CB Cortland Finnegan in free agency so a replacement is needed.

53) Bengals- Markelle Marin S Okla St: The Bengals may lose starting safety Reggie Nelson in free agency, a replacement may be needed.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Lions trade the #54 overall pick to the Bears for a 2013 first round pick.

54) Bears- Bobby Wagner MLB Utah St: Star MLB Brain Urlacher is 33 years old and a replacement will be needed at some point. Wagner is a top 40 player and the Bears jump back in the second round to get him. The best part is Wagner also played OLB at Utah St so the versatility is a plus.

55) Falcons- Bobby Massie OT Ole Miss: OT Sam Baker hasn’t turned into the Left Tackle the Falcons had hope he turn into so finding his replacement is needed.

56) Steelers- Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt: The Steelers need to add young depth at corner and safety. Hayward is a solid nickel corner.

57) Broncos- LaMichael James RB Oregon: The Broncos need to add a young RB; James gives Tebow another offensive weapon to work with.

58) Texans- Michael Brewster C Ohio St: Starting center Chris Myers is a free agent and because the Texans are up against the cap line and want to keep Mario Williams, Myers may have to be let go. Brewster was a great starter at Ohio St and could start from day one if asked.

59) Saints- Cam Johnson DE Virginia: The Saints need pass rush from their defensive ends. Johnson teams up with last year’s first round pick, Cameron Jordan, and creates a young DE duo.

60) Packers- Doug Martin RB Boise St: The Packers don’t need a RB but Martin is the best talent on the board and you can never have too many good RBs.

61) Ravens- Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin: Starting guard Ben Grubbs is a free agent and could leave so his replacement could be needed.

TRADE ALERT!!! The 49ers trade the #62 overall pick to the Bills for a 3rd and 5th round picks.

62) Bills- Brandon Weeden QB Okla St: The Bills add a rookie QB to their roster, but a 28 year old rookie. Weeden is worth the risk here cause if Ryan Fitzpatrick gets hurt or becomes even worst then he was after he got his overpaid contract, Weeden can step in.

63) Patriots- David Molk C Michigan: The Patriots need offensive line depth; Molk could start as a rookie if needed.

TRADE ALERT!!! The Bengals trade the #64 overall pick to the Giants for a 3rd and 4th round picks and a 2013 3rd round pick.

64) Giants- Orson Charles TE Georgia: SURPRISE!! The Giants get back the pick they trade away to move up and get Hightower in the first round. The Giants don’t really have a good TE on their roster and with TE Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum both likely to be on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list at the start of the season so a TE is needed.