My first Mock Draft of 2012 has a bit of a shocker to many, but certainly not to me. Robert Griffin III is easily the #2 QB (depending if he declares) in the 2012 draft. I have, like most other mock drafts, admitted that “Suck for Luck” should be the mantra of a few teams as he really is as “can’t miss” as it gets. But having seen Griffen a few times already, he is a very good prospect in his own right.
Without further adieu:
1) Miami- Andrew Luck: Suck for Luck says it all. You can’t pass on him even if for some weird reason you don’t think he’s the best available option. In Miami’s case, their QB play has been very poor for quite some time. It’d be fun to see that team turn around quickly and adding Luck would do that within 2 years.
2) Indianapolis- Robert Griffin III: Hey, I’m in, Suck for Griffin. He is the fastest QB in college since Michael Vick and is more accurate with better arm strength than any other QB in college not named Luck. The Colts theoretically can sit him if, they hope, Peyton Manning comes back next season and restores the Colts to what they’re capable of.
3)St Louis- Justin Blackmon: The Rams are in desperate need of finding a go to WR and nothing makes more sense than taking an NFL ready WR who is a potential star in Blackmon. I really liked Sam Bradford’s accuracy and arm strength coming out of college, but this season has been rough on the second year player. I’ll be surprised if St. Louis doesn’t take Blackmon as this is about as no brainer as it gets.
4) Minnesota-Vontaze Burfict: Burfict might be the best ILB I’ve seen in the last ten years. He’s an absolute beast and has consistently stuffed 3rd and short running plays. He’s got ideal size and is quite fast enough for the position. Minnesota could go a few directions here, but they could just stack chips on what is already there best side of the ball with a player who, if he keeps his head on straight, will be a menace for the next decade.
5) Arizona- Matt Kalil: Arizona could go in a few directions here, their defense is pathetic to say the least, but I believe Kalil is an elite LT. To speak of his athleticism, he’s blocked a few kicks in his career too. Not a shabby skill to have at the next level in addition to being a great LT.
6) Jacksonville-Jonathan Martin: Jacksonville needs to secure it’s new investment, Gabbert, what better way to do that than infuse the offensive line with better talent. I could also see them grabbing Alshon Jeffrey here, but I’m a believer in ‘meat and potatoes’ before the candy and I’m not the biggest fan of any of the available WRs at this spot.
7)Denver-Trent Richardson: While Knowshon Moreno has shown flahses he hasn’t had the consistency of a first round pick. Richardson from day one will have the rock in his hands. He reminds me of Adrian Peterson, brute force with speed. Not much of a shifty player, he will wear down defenses with brutality. Denver still needs to upgrade it’s WR core but I believe you need star players and Richardson is a star.
Cleveland-Mante Teo: I’m still not sold on Colt McCoy as the long term answer at QB, but I for one am not in love with Landry Jones or Matt Barkley as others might be. The Browns defense needs to improve and Teo is a big instinctive, at times over aggressive ILB who will play from day one.
9)Seattle-Landry Jones: Ya, I know, I just said I’m not in love with Landry Jones. Well, if I’m not in love with Landry Jones, then I’m hating the QB situation of the Seahawks. I realize that Pete Carroll coached Matt Barkley. I’m less of a fan of Barkley than I am of Jones and Carroll has been known to dis his former players come draft time (Taylor Mays). Jones has ideal size and decent arm strength to go with good legs. I can see him developing into a serviceable starter and God knows Seattle is in need of a QB who is just average.
10) Washington-Quinton Coples: Coples has the ideal frame, just not the ideal production to go with that frame. At this point however, the Redskins need talent and as much as I was tempted to slot them with Matt Barkley, I knew better. The Redskins need better and I can’t say that Barkley is much better than John Beck. They could also go in a number of different directions here but they need more good players at this point and I believe Coples, despite his lack of elite production, is a talented player.
11) Tennessee-Riley Rieff: Tennessee will eventually be transitioning QBs, and even while Matt Hassellbeck is the QB I’m sure he’d like to have better lineman. Locker will eventually get his shot and while he’s waiting, getting a cornerstone LT for the next 10 years is certainly not a bad idea.
12) Carolina-Alshon Jeffery: Gotta give Cam Newton a new long term target and Jeffery just may be that long term fit. Big and decent hands, he can be the go to target to go opposite side of Steve Smith. Having put in this selection, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I think Carolina’s defense needs improvement. But if they can put up 30 points a game, they’ll win many games next year.
13) Kansas City-Dre Kirkpatrick: Kansas City has a lot of pieces to make a good team already and since they’ve seemingly committed to Cassell at QB, they’ve got to add talent. Kirkpatrick is a talented CB who can hit hard and cover well. Every defense in the NFL can use more talented CBs and while Kansas City’s secondary didn’t start off well, they’ve improved throughout the season. Adding Kirkpatrick would only add to the talent pool, which next season will have star safety Eric Berry back.
14)Dallas-Matt Barkley: Time has to be coming to an end for Tony Romo. I keep hearing people make excuses for him but when is Jerry Jones going to say enough is enough. Barkley reminds me a lot of Troy Aikmen, and while I’m not the biggest fan in the world of his play, I admit he is a good long term solution for the cowboys and with the proper coaching can be a decent starting QB in the NFL.
15)Cleveland-Michael Floyd: Cleveland is in dire need of more playmaking WR. While I am a fan of Greg Little, he is just one guy and Massiquoi hasn’t really lived up to expectations. Floyd, while he has issues, can become a good possession WR to complement Little.
16)Tampa Bay-Morris Claiborne: Tampa could use some more offensive weapons and I could see them trading down here as there isn’t a player that jumps out offensively. So I thought giving them a good CB never hurts and will allow them to continue to build on that talented defense.
17)Cincinnati-Brandon Thompson: To follow up the great offensive draft that they had last year it’s time to infuse the defense. From the Oakland (Palmer) trade and create a title contender. Thompson has great power and speed and would fit in anywhere.
18)San Diego-David DeCastro: Should they draft a new QB? Well, things aren’t that crazy in sunny San Diego…are they? In any event helping out the offensive line could only improve both the running and passing game. I’ve seen DeCastro in a few games this year and the guy punishes DTs and will infuse a running attack the second he joins a team.
19)Chicago-Luke Kuechly: Chicago’s LBs are beginning to age and as much as I like them I think a smart move would be looking to getting a new young tackling machine to initially aid the current LBs and eventually make a smooth transition as THE starting OLB for the Bears.
20)Cincinnati-Janoris Jenkins: Cincinnati should continue to bolster their defense and if a talented CB like Jenkins should fall to them, they shouldn’t hesitate. If they draft like I’ve slotted them, both the offense and defense will start to look really strong, they are in a nice position. It’ll be hard to screw this draft up for them.
21)New York (Jets)-Courtney Upshaw: I feel as though the Jets could use some more offensive line help especially after seeing Mark Sanchez has .3 seconds to throw against Baltimore. But I’ve seen Upshaw play and I really like he’s outside rushing ability. Even the fat coach can see this guy’s talent.
22)Houston-Ronnell Lewis: Houston could use another speed LB to go along side Brian Cushing and Lewis could be that guy. Speed and power are his game and Houston is in desperate need of talent on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the pass rushing department.
23)New York (Giants):Alfonzo Dennard- If there is one team that is in need of more secondary help, it’s the ‘G’ men. I know they spent a first round pick on a CB last year, but still, that secondary has been downright brutal and needs more talent. Eli will have them scoring points, they must defend better to win games.
24)Detroit-Mycal Kendricks- Perhaps the least talked about of the LBs in the nation, Kendricks has size and speed to play any LB position at the next level. A very heady player, he routinely gets stops behind the line. Detroit, while improved at the LB position, could use a playmaker of Kendricks’ ability.
25)Baltimore-Jarvis Jones: Baltimore is almost there, almost at the point of winning a superbowl. They have a lot of good players in nearly every spot. I’m giving them a LB here for the future as Ray Lewis isn’t going to last forever.
26) New England-Devon Still: It’s clear the Pats defense needs improvement and with the top flight CBs of this draft already off the board, they should try to address getting more pressure against opposing QBs. Still is having a good year and can play in any defensive scheme.
27) Philadelphia-Peter Konz: Konz plays center and could play guard positions as well. Philadelphia seems fairly stacked in terms of defensive talent and with Vick and McCoy, they can always use more blocking big men to open up the lanes.
28)Buffalo-Mark Barron: Buffalo seems to be doing well in terms of offense, with the cementing of Fitzpatrick at QB and Fred Jackson appearing to be a low mileage RB for his advance (RB) age. Their defensive secondary could really use some help and Barron, while not necessarily known for his coverage skills, is a good safety.
29)San Francisco-Cordy Glenn: Ever since the niners passed on Desean Jackson and drafted Chilo Richal in the second round a few years ago, they’ve been mired with bad guard play. Glenn could provide instant help for a team tired of waiting for Richal to develop…which at this point probably isn’t going to happen.
30)New England-Mike Adams: When Tom Brady is under pressure, he isn’t nearly as effective. Ya, I know that statement is a bit obvious, but considering his lack of speed, it’s a more pressing issue especially at this point in his career. New England always has the best passing lineman and that’s because they routinely invest through the draft.
31)Pittsburgh-Nick Toon: Hines Ward certainly is beginning to show his age and it’s about time that Pittsburgh attempts to replace him with a high quality possession WR. Toon could provide that and alleviate the transition.
32)Green Bay-Kendall Reyes: Green Bay could use another big body to play DE and Reyes certainly has the size to complement their defense. With the ability of the LBs to put pressure on the QB, Reyes would provide an adequate to good defense against the run.