2012 NFL Mock Draft

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Last update: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 3:30 p.m. Changes in all 7 rounds.
Next updates: Final (barring major trade in next couple of hours).
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this mock draft is based on the real 2012 NFL Draft Order.

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2020 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 2/11): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5
Other 2020 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (2/10) /Senior Bowl Mock (1/27) /Overreaction Mock (12/30)
2019 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/25): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2 /Round 3 /Round 4 /Round 5 /Round 6 /Round 7
Other 2019 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (4/25)

Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Andrew Luck didn't throw at the Combine, but his athleticism was terrific. He essentially posted the same 40, broad jump and vertical leap as Cam Newton. Many like to compare Luck to Peyton Manning because of the Indianapolis connection, but Luck is more like Aaron Rodgers - and he'll be extra dangerous on the Lucas Oil turf.

The Colts announced that this pick will be Luck, so unless Jim Irsay suddenly has a vision that Robert Griffin can help him become a better tweeter, there won't be any drama to kick off Draft Day.

By the way, you can already see my grades for Luck and Griffin here in my 2012 NFL Draft Grades section.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None - Irsay says some insane things on Twitter, but I doubt he'll follow crazy Merril Hoge's advice and take Griffin.

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Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
The Redskins will be a playoff-caliber team over the next 10 years because of this trade. They did not give up too much. No way. Three first-round picks and a second-rounder is the correct price for a franchise quarterback - especially one whom you don't have to give $50 million guaranteed to right away.

This was also a great trade for the Rams. They'll be in great position to improve their roster over the next few years with all of their first-round selections. In fact, the only losers in this deal are the Browns and teams in the NFC East, who will now have to deal with a quarterback who looks like he could be the next Steve Young.

By the way, you can already see my grades for Luck and Griffin here in my 2012 NFL Draft Grades section.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. None - The Redskins didn't trade up to No. 2 to take anyone but Young Griff. The Golden Company (a.k.a. Washington) will finally have a franchise quarterback (thanks to e-mailer Melissa B. for that great nickname suggestion).
Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
This really is as much of a no-brainer as Andrew Luck to the Colts and Robert Griffin to the Redskins. Or at least it should be. While everyone agrees that picking Matt Kalil would be the obvious move - and it's undoubtedly the right one - Adam Schefter has repeatedly stated that Minnesota is not locked into the USC left tackle, and that general manager Rick Spielman is seriously considering Morris Claiborne in this spot.

If Spielman drafts Claiborne, he should just change his name to "Matt Millen 2.0." Kalil is the best non-quarterback in this class, and Minnesota has a major need at left tackle, where the pedestrian Charlie Johnson has sucked all year. The Vikings absolutely need to make sure Christian Ponder is well protected. Giving him a lesser prospect is just stupid. If Spielman takes Claiborne, he should be fired right on the spot. Why the hell would a Cover-2 team spend such an early pick on a corner? Does Spielman not understand how football works?

Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both have Claiborne here, but Mike Mayock and Peter King believe this pick will be Kalil. For what it's worth, Bovada has Kalil to be a -250 favorite as of this writing. Claiborne is +120, while Justin Blackmon is +500. I'll admit that I'm pretty torn. There's a chance that the Vikings could be really stupid, but all of this speculation could be to get the Buccaneers to move up to No. 3 in order to secure either Trent Richardson or Claiborne.

You can see my Viking grades for Kalil, Claiborne and Justin Blackmon here in my 2012 NFL Draft Grades section. Also, check out why the Vikings Must Draft Matt Kalil.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Morris Claiborne, CB - I may ultimately switch this pick to Claiborne if Schefter convinces me that Spielman takes after Detroit's former general manager. On the bright side, I can joke about how Spielman and Millen enjoy playing with kielbasas in seedy hotel rooms.
Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
There appear to be four options here: Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne, Trent Richardson and Ryan Tannehill. Let's discuss them:

Claiborne is the least likely to be chosen. The Browns really need to improve their offense. They already had a top-ranked pass defense last season, so how much more can it improve? Contracts also have to be factored in; should Cleveland select Claiborne, it'll have to pay top dollar to two cornerbacks in four years.

Blackmon is a stronger option, but Mike Holmgren doesn't believe in drafting receivers this early. He did it once with Koren Robinson a long time ago, and that was only because Robinson was the top prospect on the board. Richardson projects to be a better player.

Ryan Tannehill will be the pick if Cleveland thinks he can be a franchise quarterback. Thus, he's an even more probable option than Blackmon. It just depends on whether or not Holmgren believes Tannehill can be the face of his team. Based on recent reports, it doesn't seem like Holmgren will take the Texas A&M product.

The favorite right now is Richardson. Holmgren went to the Super Bowl with the Seahawks because a first-round running back from Alabama carried his offense. Richardson is the best player available, and his pass-catching ability makes him a great fit in Cleveland's West Coast offense. Colt McCoy needs play-makers, and Richardson certainly qualifies as one.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Discussed Above - I talked about all of Cleveland's options. Most likely to least likely is Richardson, Tannehill, Blackmon and Claiborne. The former appeared to tweet a picture of a Browns baseball cap two weeks ago, but even though that Twitter account was verified at the time, it was revealed to be a fake. Still, Richardson is the favorite.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
I mocked Trent Richardson here in a previous update, but he's off the board. If he's unavailable, this pick will be Morris Claiborne.

Aqib Talib could be going to jail, while Ronde Barber is done. Oh, and Eric Wright sucks. The corner position is a dire need for Tampa. With LSU secondary coach Ron Cooper hired to be Tampa's defensive backs coach, Claiborne makes too much sense in this scenario. It also helps that Barber told a radio station in Tampa that Claiborne will be the pick.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Trent Richardson, RB - LeGarrette Blount isn't the sharpest light bulb in the tool shed, as Emmitt might say. He can't catch the ball, and he doesn't understand pass protection schemes. There's a reason the coaching staff doesn't use him in passing situations. He's just completely lost, and it doesn't help that he fumbles the ball at every opportunity.

2. Matt Kalil, OT - The Buccaneers hosted Kalil, so they have some interest in him. If both Richardson and Claiborne are off the board, I believe Kalil will be the pick over Luke Kuechly for various reasons.
St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
Logic states that Trent Richardson, Morris Claiborne or Justin Blackmon will be available for the Rams at No. 6. The latter is still on the board.

St. Louis has a huge need for a receiver. It brought in Brandon Lloyd for a fourth-round pick - a trade that would end up poorly for both teams involved - but Lloyd signed with New England recently.

Blackmon measured in at 6-1 at the Combine, but he is a stud, and he plays much bigger than he is. There are contrarians in the media who want to downgrade Blackmon for some strange reason, but he's the top player available, aside from, perhaps...

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Fletcher Cox, DT - I've seen some mocks with Cox here. He's a great scheme fit for the Rams. I'm also hearing that he's moving up draft boards. It wouldn't surprise me if St. Louis selected him, but picking him would be a great way to ruin Bradford's career. Even if the two are even, the Rams must help their franchise quarterback. Blackmon makes the most sense.

By the way, I've heard arguments that the Rams should take Cox because there will be a plethora of receivers available in Round 2. The same can be said about defensive tackles. Jerel Worthy, Devon Still and Kendall Reyes could all be available at No. 33 (or at least two out of those three). The Rams actually seem to agree: "They feel there are eight to 10 [defensive tackles] available (who are) capable of starting right away," a source told Pro Football Weekly.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Surprise! Everyone and their evil step-sister is mocking Stephon Gilmore to the Jaguars, but I'm not buying it. I've been told that Gilmore is not a realistic option for Jacksonville. My information could be wrong, but I trust my sources.

Fletcher Cox, surprisingly, is definitely an option for Jacksonville, or so I'm told. Two reasons: First, he's the top player available. He's arguably the best pass-rusher in the 2012 NFL Draft despite being an interior lineman. Second, defensive tackle could be addressed. Terrance Knighton is in his walk year. D'Anthony Smith hasn't been able to play a single down due to a plethora of injuries. No one can confidently say that Gene Smith is comfortable with his current group of defensive tackles.

Having said that, the Jaguars are trying desperately to move down. I know I'm not breaking any news here because most teams would like to do that, but Jacksonville more so than anyone. Unless the Rams select Cox, none of the top-six prospects will be available at No. 7. If the Jaguars can't get Justin Blackmon, they'll want Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright, and both could be available even after trading out of this slot.

So, which teams could move up? The Eagles have been discussed because they love Cox (not that there's anything wrong with that). The Jets have also been mentioned. They want Melvin Ingram, so they'd be able to get him here, while Jacksonville could happily select Wright at No. 16.

Unfortunately for Jacksonville, there aren't any takers. Everyone knows that there are six elite players in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Jaguars pick seventh, so there isn't much of a demand to move up. They'll probably have to stay here and select either Cox or Ingram. Cox is the better talent, so I'm going with him.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Melvin Ingram, DE - The Jaguars need help at defensive end. Ingram doesn't fit their defense very well, but he has the motor that Gene Smith loves. I thought there was a good chance Ingram would go here until Adam Schefter proclaimed that he would not go in the top 10. Others have him dropping as well.

2. Justin Blackmon, WR - Blackmon is Jacksonville's preferred prospect. As mentioned, if he doesn't make it to No. 7, the Jaguars will attempt to trade down. If he's available, he will definitely be the pick.
Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The Dolphins whiffed on Peyton Manning. Matt Flynn signed with the Seahawks. Even Alex Smith laughed at their efforts to sign him, claiming that the sole purpose of his trip to Miami was just to see South Beach for the first time in his life. Miami's quarterback situation is a mess, and this is its one opportunity to fix it.

Ryan Tannehill has been pushed into the top 10 because of the need at the position, but if Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder can be top-12 picks, so can he. He's the favorite to be chosen here, as the NFL Network's Albert Breer reported that Miami already liked Tannehill even before it hired Mike Sherman to be the offensive coordinator.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Mark Barron, SS - The Dolphins cut Yeremiah Bell recently, so there's a big need at strong safety.

2. Michael Floyd, WR - Brandon Marshall was traded, so the Dolphins need a new No. 1 receiver.
Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE/DT, North Carolina
I've had Fletcher Cox here for the past couple of updates. He's no longer on the board, but I was told by a credible source to move on from mocking him at No. 9.

Something else I've been told is that Quinton Coples is the favorite to be the No. 9 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Coples has spent a ridiculous amount of time in Carolina recently - something the general manager did not want revealed to the press. Oops.

Coples would bolster Carolina's pass rush. He could also play defensive tackle on passing downs, which is a very weak area for the team.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Luke Kuechly, LB - Kuechly is the other main option at No. 9.

2. Stephon Gilmore, CB - The Panthers have a dire need for a cornerback, and interest in Gilmore is reportedly at an all-time high.

Pick change; previously Luke Kuechly, OLB
Buffalo Bills: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
I believe this pick will come down to Luke Kuechly and Mark Barron. The former is the better consensus prospect, so I think he'll be the pick. Buffalo has made a numer of upgrades to its front seven this offseason, but they still have a hole at one of the linebacker slots, currently manned by Kirk Morrison.

Kuechly is great in coverage. As I noted with Mark Barron in my previous update, Buffalo needs to find personnel to help slow down Rob Gronkowski.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Mark Barron, SS - Barron makes a ton of sense. Think about it - the Bills need to beat the Patriots to win the AFC East, right? Well, they have to stop Gronkowski. Having Barron on the team would give them the best chance of doing so.

2. Stephon Gilmore, CB - Gilmore is still in play. The Bills reportedly like him as well.

Pick change; previously Mark Barron, SS
Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
It's unusual to see a guard at No. 11 in an NFL Draft, but the Chiefs made a similar pick two years ago when they selected Eric Berry at No. 5. Safeties never go that high, but Berry was just that good of a prospect. The same can be said about David DeCastro.

DeCastro is no ordinary guard. He's the top player at his position in a very long time. Most consider him to be the next Steve Hutchinson. The Chiefs need to improve the interior of their offensive line, and DeCastro would be a great addition along with recently signed Eric Winston.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Luke Kuechly, ILB - This would be a pure best-player-available pick because the Chiefs have absolutely no need for an inside linebacker.

2. Dontari Poe, NT - Kelly Gregg, 35, is contemplating retirement this offseason. He's a free agent anyway. Poe is available, but I have a feeling the Chiefs will choose DeCastro over the Memphis nose tackle. Poe isn't proven as a prospect.
Seattle Seahawks: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
I don't know why I've never mocked Michael Floyd to the Seahawks. There's a good chance he'll be the pick; Seattle has selected Notre Dame prospects before, and Floyd would fill a big need across from the injury-prone Sidney Rice. Matt Flynn needs a No. 2 receiver.

Floyd could also be the top player on Seattle's board. Jason La Canfora stated today that Floyd will not drop past No. 11 or 12. I don't know why the Chiefs would take him, but Seattle certainly could.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Luke Kuechly, OLB - The Seahawks desperately need an inside linebacker because they lost David Hawthorne. Why not select the top inside linebacker in the 2012 NFL Draft?

2. Chandler Jones or Quinton Coples, DE - The Seahawks really need a pass-rusher, and Coples could be the top player on their board. He has character and work ethic issues, so he could fall.

Pick change; previously Luke Kuechly, LB
Arizona Cardinals: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
This was very close for me. I'm about 55-45 in terms of mocking Riley Reiff here as opposed to Michael Floyd. The Cardinals stay true to their draft board, so there's no way of knowing whom they have ranked higher. It's possible it could be either one.

It's worth noting that Mike Jurecki, who covers the Cardinals, tweeted the following when asked whom Arizona would select here: "Floyd but IF Riley Reiff is on the board, I believe they go Reiff."

Reiff could drop this far. In fact, some would say that this is his ceiling. His arms are pretty short for a tackle, which reportedly prompted some teams to list him as a guard on their draft boards. He's really athletic for a lineman, but Sam Baker comparisons have been drawn.

The Cardinals' offensive line is atrocious, so they need to upgrade their protection to make sure Kevin Kolb actually has time to throw next season.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Michael Floyd, WR - The Cardinals need to help Kevin Kolb. Many are projecting an offensive lineman in this spot, but that assistance can come in the form of a receiver. Arizona was at its best when Anquan Boldin was starting opposite if Larry Fitzgerald. With Floyd there, teams won't be able to use as much bracket coverage on Fitzgerald.

2. David DeCastro or Cordy Glenn, G - DeCastro would be a nice option if both Reiff and Floyd are somehow both off the board. The Cardinals reportedly like Glenn a lot.
Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
Adam Schefter said that Mark Barron is unlikely to be here. There have been other similar reports. However, someone has to fall, and if the Bills don't take him and no one trades up for him, I don't see any team in the 11-13 range that would pick him.

Signing Brodney Pool has not fixed Dallas' problem at strong safety. They've needed help at the position for years, and some could argue that Barron is the top player on the board. Mel Kiper said that Barron is a lock for the top 16, and this is as of a slot for him as any, given that Jerry Jones is reportedly in love with the Alabama product.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Michael Brockers, DE/DT - It seems like Brockers will be the pick if Barron is off the board.

2. Dre Kirkpatrick or Stephon Gilmore, CB - Mike Jenkins probably won't be around in 2013, so the Cowboys will need a new starter across from Brandon Carr.

Pick change; previously Michael Brockers, DE/DT
Philadelphia Eagles: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Ten years ago, the Eagles drafted a cornerback out of South Carolina who would become a great contributor for them, especially during their Super Bowl run in 2004. Sheldon Brown is now in Cleveland, but another South Carolina corner makes a ton of sense.

Stephon Gilmore is the top consensus prospect available. He also fills a big need; Asante Samuel was judt traded to Atlanta, while Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will be a free agent after this season.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Quinton Coples, DE - Defensive line doesn't really have to be addressed, but Andy Reid loves having a deep and talented rotation in the trenches.

2. Fletcher Cox, DT - As I wrote earlier, the Eagles LOVE the Cox, but there's little chance that he's dropping out of the top 10. They'll have to move up for him.
New York Jets: Melvin Ingram, DE.OLB, South Carolina
It's been widely reported that the Jets love Melvin Ingram and are even considering to move up for him. This shouldn't come as a surprise. New York's pass rush is really lacking, and Ingram is versatile and happens to be a great fit in Rex Ryan's defense. I had Michael Floyd here in a previous update, but I highly doubt that he'll be available at No. 16.

*** OTHER 2012 NFL DRAFT POSSIBILITIES: ***

1. Cordy Glenn, G/OT - The Jets desperately need help at right tackle.

2. Shea McClellin or Chandler Jones, DE/OLB - Other pass-rushing options.

Pick change; previously Michael Floyd, WR

Go to 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 17-32

Sorry for cutting this into two halves; I've received complaints about load times and putting the mock draft on two pages saves bandwidth.