Welcome to my seventh 2012 NFL
mock draft. This is my second three round mock draft. I predict trades in my
mock drafts, because that’s what makes this so much fun! But in this draft I
will explain some of the trades I have executed.
1) Colts- Andrew Luck QB Stanford: Been the same since day one. NEXT!
2) Redskins- Robert Griffin III QB Baylor:
The trade means one thing, RGIII welcome to DC.
3) Vikings- Justin Blackmon WR Okla St:
Reports are saying the Vikings haven’t decided that OT Matt Kalil is the
grantee pick yet so Blackmon could push his way into the third pick.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Browns trade the #4 and #68 overall picks to the Bills for the #10, #41,
#72 overall picks and 2013 first and fourth round picks.
Explanation: The Bills seem serious this
offseason about making it back to the playoffs. They added Mario Williams and
Mark Anderson in free agency to give them a great front four. Now they need to
add a franchise left tackle. The Browns reportedly willing to trade down to as
low as number eight but considering they are getting an extra second round pick
this year and a first and fourth round picks in next year’s draft, dropping to
ten is ok.
4) Bills- Matt Kalil OT USC: The Bills got
there pass rush fixed in free agency now it’s time to get that franchise left
tackle they been looking for since they traded away Jason Peters.
5) Buccaneers- Trent Richardson RB Bama:
Head coach Greg Schiano recently told starting running back LeGarrette Blount
that if he fumbles he is going to be bench. That makes me think he is thinking
RB at number five. Richardson played with Saints last year’s first round pick
Mark Ingram at Alabama so he knows how to share the carries. Richardson is the
best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson in 2007.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Rams trade the #6, #66 overall picks and a fourth round pick in 2013 to the
Bengals for the #17, #21, #85 overall picks and a 2013 third round pick.
Explanation: The Bengals probably put the
most value into drafting a CB in the first round. With Claiborne falling to
number six and the Rams looking to move down possibly the Bengals give up both
first round picks to get the superstar CB.
6) Bengals- Morris Claiborne CB LSU: The
Bengals lost Jonathon Joseph last offseason and that really hurt the team.
Adding Claiborne gives the Bengals a great young CB duo again with him and Leon
Hall.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Jaguars trade the #7 to the Chiefs for the #11, #75 overall picks and 2013
third and fifth round picks.
Explanation: The Chiefs were in the Peyton
Manning chase and missed out and Matt Cassel is a decent QB but not a franchise
guy. New head coach Romeo Crennel is going to want “his guy” at QB. While
Cassel may start for another year he isn’t the long term answer at QB. The
Jaguars are the in the perfect spot for a team that wants QB Ryan Tannehill
because if he is there at number eight the Dolphins will take him in a
heartbeat.
7) Chiefs- Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M:
The Chiefs need a franchise QB and while not everyone is sold that Tannehill
can be one (myself included) he has the potential to be one. The Chiefs take
the risk and hope a year or two sitting and learning will help.
8) Dolphins- Quinton Coples DE UNC: The
Dolphins are switching to a 4-3 defense and are going to need a big physical
DE. Coples at 6’6” 280lbs can be that force if he can keep his motor up.
9) Panthers- Stephon Gilmore CB South
Carolina: No player in recent years has jumped up draft boards like Gilmore
has. Two months ago he was the fifth or sixth best corner in the draft and a
likely late second to early third round pick. He now is considered a top 12
pick and by most the second best CB in the draft (a close second) and even by
some better than Claiborne. Gilmore gives the Panthers what they truly need, a
big physical long armed CB to be the number one CB for years to come.
10) Browns- Michael Floyd WR Norte Dame:
The Browns missed on getting Blackmon, which is the player they really want
according to reports, but instead get Michael Floyd. Floyd is a big physical
receiver who could turn into a number one option at WR.
11) Jaguars- Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina:
The Jaguars have missed on young DEs in the draft more than anyone ever thought
they could. They again go to the draft and select another DE. Unlike all the
other DEs they have drafted Ingram is an athletic freak who could even play OLB
on third downs in the Jaguars 4-3 defense.
12) Seahawks- Luke Kuechly MLB BC: The
Seahawks think they have their franchise QB in Matt Flynn now they need to find
their QB on defense. Kuechly is probably the best MLB prospect to come out
since Patrick Willis.
13) Cardinals- Riley Reiff OT Iowa: The
Cardinals have to find a franchise left tackle, while Reiff is nowhere near the
talent that Kalil is, he still is a solid physical left tackle.
14) Cowboys- Dontari Poe NT Memphis: The
Cowboys are considering moving current NT Jay Ratliff to DE in their 3-4
defense. If they do another NT will be needed to replace him.
15) Eagles- Michael Brockers DT LSU: The
Eagles need a big body DT to help against the run in their “wide-9” defensive
style. Brockers at 6’5” 320lbs is perfect.
16) Jets- Mark Baron S Bama: If Baron last
till #16 I think Rex Ryan might have a heart attack, granted that might be from
all the fast food, but Baron is the guy the Jets want, if he is gone look for
them to grab a pass rusher at OLB.
17) Rams- Jonathan Martin OT Stanford: The
Rams need an offensive tackle to pair with Rodger Saffold. Martin may need to
start at right tackle but given a year he could be the future franchise left
tackle for the Rams.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Chargers trade the #18 overall pick to the Ravens for the #29 and #61
overall picks.
18) Ravens- David DeCastro G Stanford: The
Ravens lost guard Ben Grubbs to the Saints in free agency. DeCastro is the best
guard prospect in years and run blocks better than any offensive linemen in
this draft, that’s good considering that the Ravens love to run the ball.
19) Bears- Dre Kirkpatrick CB Bama: The
Bears got the number one WR they needed in the offseason by acquiring Brandon
Marshall from the Dolphins. Now they need to add some youth to that defense.
They lost CB Zack Bowman to the Vikings in free agency so adding another corner
is a priority.
20) Titans- Fletcher Cox DT Miss St: The
Titans lose Jason Jones in free agency and defensive tackle was an area of need
before his lost. Cox is a top 15 prospect but falls in the Titans lap at #20.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Rams trade the #21 overall pick and a fifth round pick to the Texans for
the #26, #77 overall picks and both their fourth round picks (theirs and the
Eagles).
Explanation: The Texans really like Kendall
Wright and with teams like Browns, Steelers and Broncos picking before the Texans
do at #26 they trade up to insure they get Wright. The Rams (who are also
looking for a WR) agree to trade back in order to pick up three extra picks in
the draft (a third and two fourth round picks).
21) Texans- Kendall Wright WR Baylor: The
Texans really want Wright and should be willing to give up three extra picks to
make sure they get their guy.
22) Browns- Courtney Upshaw DE Bama: The
Browns really should spend both their first round picks to improve a horrible
offense but with Upshaw sitting there at #22 they add him to pair with last
year’s second round pick DE Jabaal Sheard.
23) Lions- Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama:
With the Lions resigning left tackle Jeff Backus they can wait till round two to
draft a tackle. They need to find starting caliber corners and Jenkins is a
first round talent who could go higher if it wasn’t for all the red flags.
24) Steelers- Cordy Glenn G/T Georgia: The
Steelers are planning on sliding right tackle Marcus Gilbert to the left side
so to add Glenn who can play three spots on the offensive line including right
tackle is a smart move the Steelers make.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Broncos trade the #25 and #89 overall picks to the Dolphins for the #42,
#73, #81 overall picks and a 2013 second round pick plus both their 2013 third
round picks (theirs and the Bears).
Explanation: The Dolphins need to find an
answer at QB and like the Dolphins have done this offseason they have made
questionable moves left and right so here they trade away two second round
picks and two third rounds to move up and draft a QB.
25) Dolphins- Brandon Weeden QB Okla St:
The Dolphins are going in the wrong direction, they traded away Brandon
Marshall for basically trash and they lost out of many free agents they wanted,
like Manning. So they give up a lot of a 29 year old rookie and hope is he the
answer at QB.
26) Rams- Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech: The
Rams know they aren’t going to become super bowl contenders in one year. They
have two first round picks in each of the next two drafts so they are clearly
building for the future. Hill is raw and needs a lot of work but we could look
back in five years and say Hill was the best WR in the draft. Pairing him with
QB Sam Bradford could turn them into a great QB-WR duo for the next ten years.
27) Patriots- Dont’a Hightower MLB Bama:
The Patriots don’t need a MLB but Hightower is more than that. He is mister do
it all. He played OLB and DE at Alabama at times. Give the Patriots a defensive
weapon like Hightower and everyone in the AFC East…. Watch out!
28) Packers- Whitney Mercilus OLB Illinois:
The Packers still haven’t found their book end OLB to pair with Clay Matthews.
Mercilus gives the Packers more pass rush from the OLB spot.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Chargers trade the #29 overall pick to the Giants for the #32 and #96
overall picks.
The Chargers trade down three spots and pick
up an extra third round pick. The Giants give up the third round pick to jump
over the 49ers, who will be looking to add an offensive linemen.
29) Giants- Mike Adams OT Ohio St: The Giants
have been looking to add a young tackle to their roster. Adams may not start
from day one but he will sooner rather than later.
30) 49ers- Jerel Worthy DE Mich St: The
49ers are looking to add some young depth to their defensive line. Worthy
played DT at Michigan St but will be play DE in the 49ers 3-4 defense.
31) Patriots- Nick Perry DE USC: The
Patriots need to add pass rush to this defense. They lost Mark Anderson to the
Bills in free agency and haven’t added anyone so adding Perry is a need.
32) Chargers- Harrison Smith S Norte Dame:
Smith is a borderline first round prospect and the Chargers are looking for
find a safety to pair with star safety Eric Weddle.
33) Colts Peter Konz C Wisconsin: With
Peyton Manning and longtime center Jeff Saturday are both gone so to start over
with Luck and Konz at QB and center.
34) Rams- Rueben Randle WR LSU: The Rams
are serious!! Yes they did just take WR Hill a few picks ago but the Rams need
to give Bradford as many weapons as possible.
35) Vikings- Bobby Massie OT Ole Miss: The
Vikings still need a left tackle; Massie is one of the more underrated players
in the draft.
TRADE ALERT!!!
The Buccaneers trade the #36 overall pick to the Broncos for the #42 overall
pick and the fourth round pick from the Jets.
Explanation: The Broncos lost starting DT
Brodrick Bunkley in free agency to the Saints. A replacement is needed; they
trade up six spots to jump over teams like the Jaguars and Rams who also are
looking to add a DT.
36) Broncos- Kendall Reyes DT UConn: The
Broncos need a new starting DT and Reyes has become a border line first round
pick. Reyes gives the Broncos an up the field pass rush at DT.
37) Browns- Doug Martin RB Boise St: The
Browns need a running back, Marin is the second best running back in the draft
and can be an every down back.
38) Jaguars- Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina:
The Jaguars need to add a WR threat for QB Blaine Gabbert. Jeffery had a solid
pro day but he still isn’t a first round WR.
39) Rams- Zach Brown OLB UNC: The Rams have
given Bradford a new tackle and two new WRs now they turn to adding another
piece to their defense. Brown is an athletic OLB who can cover TEs and RBs.
40) Panthers- Devon Still DT Penn St: The
Panthers got crushed against the run last year and had no pressure from the
interior defensive line. Still was a first round prospect before the combine
but now is a second round prospect.
41) Browns- Coby Fleener TE Stanford: The
Browns have made a true commitment to QB Colt McCoy. They added a WR, RB and
now a TE. Fleener gives McCoy a tall TE who can play on and off the line.
42) Buccaneers- Josh Robinson CB UCF: The
Bucs have three solid corners on their roster but in the NFC south if you don’t
have four or five solid corners you will be touched through the air. Robinson
is not Claiborne (who they could have taken at number five) but depth and youth
is a must.
43) Seahawks- Chandler Jones DE Syracuse:
The Seahawks need to add some pass rush from the DE spot opposite of Chris
Clemons.
44) Chiefs- Brandon Thompson NT Clemson:
The Chiefs have a solid young defense but need to add a big body NT to their
young defensive front line.
45) Cowboys- Andre Branch OLB Clemson: The
Cowboys don’t need a starter at OLB but adding a “swing OLB” to sub in and step
in as a starter in case of an injury is a good idea.
46) Eagles- Mychal Kendricks MLB California:
The Eagles traded for Demeco Ryans but still adding Kendricks isn’t a bad idea.
47) Jets- Vinny Curry OLB Marshall: The
Jets are likely to take an OLB at #16 but with Baron there they choose to pass
and wait till round two to get one.
48) Patriots- David Wilson RB VT: The
Patriots lost “The Law Firm” in free agency to the Bengals. While they may look
at their current roster for his replacement but adding Wilson at this spot is a
smart move.
49) Chargers- Dwayne Allen TE Clemson: The
Chargers don’t need a TE but it is time to find Antonio Gates eventual
replacement.
50) Bears- Cam Johnson DE Virginia: The
Bears have a great right defensive end with Julius Peppers but to add a big
physical run stopping left defensive end with Johnson is a good idea. The Bears
continue to add pieces to their defense.
51) Eagles- Lavonte David OLB Nebraska: The
Eagles keep adding young linebackers to their roster hoping their unit this
year is much better than last year’s.
52) Titans- Jayron Hosley CB VT: The Titans
let starting CB Cortland Finnegan walk in free agency so adding some depth is
needed.
53) Bengals- Lamar Miller RB Miami: Despite
adding “The Law Firm” in free agency the Bengals should draft a RB within the
first three rounds. Miller gives the Bengals a change of pass back.
54) Lions- Zebrie Sanders OT Florida St:
The Lions passed on an OT in the first round, so to add one in the second round
is a must.
55) Falcons- Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin: The
Falcons lost starting guard Harvey Dahl in free agency last year and never
recovered. Adding Zeitler gives them a replacement for Dahl.
56) Steelers- Alameda Ta’amu NT Washington:
The Steelers need to add a NT in this draft; Ta’amu is the biggest NT in the
draft.
57) Broncos- Kirk Cousins QB Mich St:
Manning signed a five year deal with the Broncos if he plays all five years
I’ll be amazed! So to add a young backup QB to develop and learn under Manning
is a smart move by John Elway and the Broncos.
58) Texans- Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers: Why
just add Kendall Wright? By adding Sanu it gives the Texans the down field
threat from Wright and the over the middle threat in Sanu. These two picks make
Andre Johnson a very happy man.
59) Saints- THE SAINTS FORFIET THIS PICK
DUE TO THE BOUNTY PROGRAM.
60) Packers- Ronnell Lewis OLB Oklahoma:
What wins in this league? Protecting your franchise QB and knocking around the
opponent’s QB. The Packers spend two picks to ensure they have plenty of pass
rush to complement Clay Matthews.
61) Chargers- Dwight Bently CB LA-Lafayette:
The Chargers continue to add talent and depth to their secondary.
62) 49ers- Jared Crick DE Nebraska: The
49ers continue to add youth and depth to their defensive line.
63) Patriots- Trumaine Johnson CB/S Montana:
The Patriots continue to build up their defense. Johnson can play either CB or
FS and gives the Patriots a big corner that can cover the tall receivers in the
NFL.
64) Giants- LaMichael James RB Oregon: The
Giants released Brandon Jacobs so to add another RB in the draft is a good
idea.
65) Colts- Orson Charles TE Georgia
66) Bengals- Amini Silatolu G Midwestern St
67) Vikings- Chase Minnifield CB/S Virginia
68) Bills- Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska
69) Buccaneers- Brandon Taylor S LSU
70) Redskins- Mitchell Schwartz OT California
71) Jaguars- Philip Blake C Baylor
72) Browns- Brock Osweiler QB ASU: The
Browns bring in Osweiler to push McCoy and replace him if he doesn’t improve
with all the weapons they added in the first two rounds.
73) Broncos- Nick Toon WR Wisconsin
74) Bears- Sean Spence OLB Miami
75) Jaguars- Donald Stephenson OT Oklahoma
76) Seahawks- Mike Martin DT Michigan
77) Rams- Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt
78) Jets- Joe Adams WR Arkansas
79) Raiders- USED THIS PICK ON TERELLE
PRYOR IN 2012 SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT
80) Chargers- Bruce Irvin OLB WVU
81) Broncos- Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati
82) Cardinals- Billy Winn DE Boise St
83) Cowboys- Jamell Fleming CB Oklahoma
84) Titans- Bobby Wagner OLB Utah St
85) Rams- Chris Polk RB Washington: Adding
some depth behind Steven Jackson is a good idea since he is going to be 29
years old at the start of the season.
86) Falcons- Brandon Mosley OT Auburn
87) Lions- Brandon Brooks G Miami (OH)
88) Steelers- Ladarius Green TE LA-Lafayette
89) Dolphins- Brain Cook WR App St
90) Eagles- Nick Foles QB Arizona: The
Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb way back when to be the eventual replacement to
Donavan McNabb. Foles could be the replacement to Michael Vick or they could
trade him like they did Kolb.
91) Saints- Chris Givens WR Wake Forest
92) Packers- Leonard Johnson CB Iowa St
93) Ravens- DeQuan Menzie S Bama
94) 49ers- Kelechi Osemele G/T Iowa St
95) Patriots- Demario Davis OLB Arkansas St
96) Chargers- Nate Potter OT Boise St
97) Raiders- Keenan Robinson MLB Texas
