The Indianapolis Colts have secured the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, virtually assuring that Andrew Luck will be a Colt next season. The only remaining question is whether or not Peyton Manning will also be on the team, a question that likely won't be answered for at least two months after both Bill and Chris Polian were fired. If the Colts opt to have both Manning and Luck on their roster in 2012, it is expected that the two players will command over $50 million of the team's salary cap, which would limit their ability to upgrade the rest of a roster that earned them the first pick in the draft and has notable veterans (Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis) scheduled to depart via free agency. All things aside, Andrew Luck is now a near-lock to be an Indianapolis Colt.
2
St. Louis
Justin Blackmon
Wide Receiver
Oklahoma State
Justin Blackmon's display in the Fiesta Bowl has opened the eyes of scouts around the league, as he proved just how valuable and dominant of a player he is. For a St. Louis Rams team that must upgrade the receiver position this offseason, adding an elite weapon in the passing game in the mold of Blackmon would be a major coup. Although Matt Kalil would be a fine alternative, Sam Bradford's development will only improve if the receiving corps is improved, and the only way to do that is to draft Blackmon. Trading down with a team looking to trade up for Robert Griffin III is also a possibility, however in this mock, Blackmon is the favorite to go to the Rams.
3
Minnesota
Matt Kalil
Offensive Tackle
USC
The Minnesota Vikings, as I've been told, have discussed the idea of trading down in the draft to secure more draft picks. However, in the event that they remain at the No. 3 pick, the chances of landing offensive tackle Matt Kalil appear to still be good, as St. Louis could also trade down or draft Justin Blackmon as I have them doing. The Vikings must upgrade their roster by taking the best player available. Christian Ponder was an injury prone player coming out of Florida State, and continued to show that in 2011 when he was playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. To keep Ponder healthy, securing a blindside protector for him should be the Vikings' No. 1 priority, making Matt Kalil the best possible pick for them in 2012.
4
Cleveland
Robert Griffin III
Quarterback
Baylor
If there was one team most likely to move up in the 2012 NFL Draft to secure Robert Griffin III, it appears to be the Cleveland Browns, who have three of the Top 40 picks, giving them more than enough ammunition to make a move. In this mock draft, Griffin falls to a Cleveland franchise that must move on from Colt McCoy at the quarterback position, as he has shown that his ceiling in the NFL will be nothing more than as an average starting signal caller. To take the next step as a team, adding an elite franchise-caliber player in the mold of Griffin would go a long way in the rebuilding process of the Browns.
5
Tampa Bay
Morris Claiborne
Cornerback
LSU
The Tampa Bay pass defense ranked 12th-worst in the NFL in 2011 and is on pace to get worse before it gets better. Veteran Ronde Barber took a step back this season, needs surgery on a broken forearm, and is also scheduled to be a free agent before his age 37 season in 2012. Behind him, Aqib Talib is entering a contract year in 2012 and is one off-field incident away from being suspended for a long period of time. With marginal depth behind their starters, an upgrade is needed. Morris Claiborne was one of the biggest risers from the 2011 season, which will likely result in the second-straight year in which an LSU cornerback is the first defensive back drafted. Claiborne's ball skills as well as his ability to matchup with and mirror the top receivers in the country is what has established him as a future shutdown cornerback at the next level. He would be a terrific addition to a Buccaneer defense that needs to get younger at cornerback.
6
Washington
Michael Floyd
Wide Receiver
Notre Dame
The Washington Redskins appear to be more likely to upgrade the quarterback position through free agency or trade rather than the draft. Where they do need an upgrade is at the receiver position, where they need to add a young, talented wideout to their passing game, as Santana Moss is in decline and both Jabar Gaffney and Anthony Armstrong are not ideal candidates to be starting. Michael Floyd is an elite talent at receiver with the athleticism and versatility to make plays all over the field. Adding his game-breaking and playmaking ability to the Redskin offense would be very beneficial for Washington.
7
Jacksonville
Alshon Jeffery
Wide Receiver
South Carolina
The Jacksonville Jaguars have committed to Blaine Gabbert as their quarterback for the future. Now, this offseason will be extremely important for his development, as the team must upgrade the skill position players around him in order to give him a chance to grow as a player. One way of doing that is to select one of the best receivers in the country in South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery. A massive receiving prospect who has some of the highest potential of any player in the country, Jeffery had an inconsistent 2011 season, however his best football could still be in his future. Bringing in a talented receiver who has the skillset to be a major contributor at the next level like Jeffery would be a terrific upgrade for the Jaguar offense.
8
Carolina
Dre Kirkpatrick
Cornerback
Alabama
Ranking in the bottom third in the league in pass defense, Carolina will likely enter 2012 looking to draft the best available player on the board when they pick. Behind Chris Gamble, the Panthers' cornerback position is rather pedestrian from a depth perspective with just Captain Munnerlyn and Darius Butler. Enter Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, a physical presence at the cornerback position who offers tremendous potential and upside at the next level. Kirkpatrick's willingness to be a major defender in the run game as well as his physical nature in covering receivers down the field are reasons why he projects well at the next level. Adding an immediate-impact player to their secondary would be a great decision for the Panthers.
9
Miami
Vinny Curry
Defensive End
Marshall
This will be premature pick until it is known who the new head coach of the Dolphins is, however when looking at the current status of Miami's roster, there is one place where I believe there is room for improvement. At the outside linebacker position in the team's 3-4 defense, Miami is losing the production of Jason Taylor to retirement and do not currently have an adequate replacement on their roster for him. Insert Marshall's Vinny Curry, the most dominant pass rusher in the country over the last two seasons. Curry's natural ability to make plays in the backfield as well his versatility to stand up and make plays suggests that he'd be a great fit in Miami's 3-4 defense.
10
Buffalo
Quinton Coples
Defensive End
North Carolina
With Dave Wannstedt being promoted to the team's defensive coordinator, speculation is suggesting that the team will move to a new 4-3 defense for the 2011 season. When you consider that the team finished tied for third-worst in the NFL with just 29 sacks this season, an upgrade is expected in the pass rushing department. With Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams in place at the tackle position, I would expect them to target defensive end in the upcoming draft. North Carolina's Quinton Coples has some of the highest upside of any player in this year's draft thanks to his terrific combination of size, strength, and athleticism for a defensive lineman. Coples would play outside at end in Buffalo, giving the Bills a top flight pass rusher that they badly need.
11
Kansas City
Jonathan Martin
Offensive Tackle
Stanford
The Kansas City Chiefs had a down year in 2012 as a result of the myriad of injuries they suffered on both offense and defense. However, the roster has the type of talent to lead them back to the playoffs in the near future. They have a great opportunity in 2012 to use their top draft choice to turn it into a starter capable of helping them soon. That player could be Stanford's Jonathan Martin,
who has excelled at protecting the blindside of Andrew Luck for the Cardinal. Although they have Branden Albert at left tackle, the Chiefs could really stand to find an upgrade at right tackle where Barry Richardson is schedule to be a free agent this offseason. Adding Martin to play left tackle and kicking Albert over to the right side would be an ideal scenario to develop the Kansas City offensive line for the future.
12
Seattle
Ryan Tannehill
Quarterback
Texas A&M
The Seattle Seahawks are just a few pieces away from returning to the playoffs under head coach Pete Carroll. One of those pieces is a quarterback of the future to build around on offense. While taking Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill this high may be thought of as a reach, consider that Florida State's Christian Ponder was drafted with this same pick a year ago, and I currently have a higher grade on Tannehill than I had on Ponder at this point a year ago. Also consider that the Seahawks have shown they aren't worried about reaching for a prospect (James Carpenter in 2011) when they believe he is worth the pick. Tannehill has the skillset you look for in a future starting quarterback in the NFL, and with the 2011 season being just his first year as a full-time starter in college, his best football could still be in the future once he lands in a pro-style offense in the NFL.
13
Arizona
Riley Reiff
Offensive Tackle
Iowa
The Cardinals finished second-worst in the NFL in sacks allowed this season with 54, indicating a major need for improvement this offseason. Starting left tackle Levi Brown has regressed, is a free agent at the end of the season, and is not expected to be brought back; on the right side, Brandon Keith is also a free agent at the end of the season. Needing to bring in at least one, if not two offensive tackles this offseason, the Cardinals are likely to concentrate on this position in the first round. Iowa's Riley Reiff, who is following in the footsteps of Bryan Bulaga, is another top prospect at the position that Iowa has produced. With a unique blend of athleticism, fluidity, and strength at the position, he would be a fine fit for the Cardinals who could certainly use Reiff's consistency and reliability on the blind side.
14
Dallas
Janoris Jenkins
Cornerback
North Alabama
The cornerback position for the Dallas Cowboys is one that has generated plenty of talk the past 12 months. Coming off a down 2010 season, Mike Jenkins improved in 2011, however not to the point that some had hoped; Terence Newman, at age 33 this season, is due over $20 million the next three years, and the team recently gave nickel back Orlando Scandrick a brand new deal as well. Many assume that Newman may not have a future with the team past this year, and unless Jenkins can return to his Pro Bowl form of 2009, the team will need to upgrade this unit. Janoris Jenkins is a very talented player who was a former top recruit to the University of Florida. Although he comes with some baggage, the Cowboys are a team that has not had any hesitation bringing in talented players capable of developing into stars even if they had off-field question marks. Jenkins' playmaking ability would be a great addition to the Dallas' secondary.
15
Philadelphia
Luke Kuechly
Linebacker
Boston College
This season was a disaster for the Philadelphia Eagles, as their free agent frenzy of new additions did not have time to come together with no offseason leading up to training camp. With a bevy of talented players on their roster, 2012 may be the year for the Eagles to shine. With that said, Philadelphia needs to upgrade the linebacker corps. Among their eight-leading tacklers on the team, just two of them are linebackers (Jamar Chaney and Brian Rolle), with Chaney in his second year and Rolle a rookie this season. Adding an elite talent in the form of Boston College's Luke Kuechly would be a tremendous boost in the middle for the Eagles. The nation's leading tackler in 2011, Kuechly is as instinctive of a linebacker as I've seen since Patrick Willis entered the league in 2007. Luke has all of the tools needed to develop into one of the best linebackers in football and would be a terrific addition to an Eagles' defense that could use him.
16
New York Jets
Courtney Upshaw
Linebacker
Alabama
Recording just 35 sacks this season, the New York Jets' pass rush has not met the standards that Rex Ryan requires of his defense. Linebacker Bryan Thomas is expected to depart via free agency with an expired contract this offseason, while the team lacks depth behind Calvin Pace and Aaron Maybin at outside rush linebacker. Courtney Upshaw is a hybrid defender whose versatility to make plays all over the field figures to be extremely valuable at the next level. Upshaw projects as a 3-4 outside rush linebacker in the NFL and would be a terrific addition to play opposite Pace in New York's defense.
17
Cincinnati (from Oakland)
Trent Richardson
Running Back
Alabama
This pick was acquired in the deal that sent Carson Palmer to Oakland. The Cincinnati Bengals have displayed that they are committed to running the ball often with their revamped offense in 2011. With Cedric Benson's contract expiring at the end of the season, as well as entering a season in 2012 in which he'll finish the season at age 30, it is expected that the Bengals will be looking to upgrade the running back position this offseason. In the event that Alabama's Trent Richardson falls into their laps, they won't hesitate to draft the best player at his position in this year's draft class. Richardson's physical, bruising style of running fits extremely well in Cincinnati, where he'd be running behind one of the biggest offensive lines in the NFL. Adding Richardson would be another fantastic building block to the Bengals' young, up-and-coming offense.
18
San Diego
Dont'a Hightower
Linebacker
Alabama
In 2011, the San Diego Chargers ranked in the bottom half in the league in run defense, allowing an average of 122.2-yards per game to opposing offenses. At the inside linebacker position, Takeo Spikes is entering his age 36 season and the team lacks depth behind both he and second-year starter Donald Butler; Spikes is only a short-term solution and the team could stand to find his eventual replacement in this year's draft. Dont'a Hightower is a big, hard-hitting inside linebacker who fits very well in the 3-4 defense, which he played in at Alabama. Adding Hightower to their defense would improve their run defense considerably next season and give them the type of enforcer in the middle that they have lacked since Junior Seau departed.
19
Chicago
Mohamed Sanu
Wide Receiver
Rutgers
Entering the 2011-2012 offseason, Roy Williams is scheduled to hit free agency, and both Devin Hester and Johnny Knox will be entering contract years. Although the status-quo has allowed for the Chicago Bears to stay competitive, I believe they could stand to add another playmaking receiver to their lineup in order to take their offense to the next level. A versatile receiver capable of beating a defense deep from anywhere on the field, Mohamed Sanu has the talent and skillset needed to make an immediate impact at the next level. With the rebuilding coming of Chicago's passing game following the resignation of Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, adding a key piece in Sanu would be a major upgrade for the Bears' wide receiver corps.
20
Tennessee
David DeCastro
Offensive Guard
Stanford
Tied for third-worst in the NFL in yards-per-carry in the run game, the Titans averaged just 3.8-yards per carry running the ball this season. With that said, Tennessee could stand to upgrade their offensive line, specifically on the interior where they have lacked a stalwart at the center position since Kevin Mawae left the team. Although both Leroy Harris and Eugene Amano are both under contract next season, guard Jake Scott is schedule to hit free agency this offseason and I believe it'd be in the best interest of the team to add an elite-level blocker to their offensive line to revamp their running game with Chris Johnson. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the best offensive guard prospects in the past decade, displaying dominance as a run blocker as well as the consistency and reliability you desire as a pass blocker. With a need on the interior of the line, DeCastro would be a fantastic fit to come in and act as a lead blocker for Johnson.
21
Denver
Devon Still
Defensive Tackle
Penn State
The Denver Broncos have been one of the great surprises of the 2011 season. Assuming that the same offense is retained for the 2012 season, I'd expect to see Denver turn their attention to the defensive line this offseason where defensive tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Marcus Thomas both have contracts expiring at the end of the year, making the tackle position a big need for 2012. Devon Still is a player who has had a terrific senior season for the Nittany Lions, consistently providing penetration and playmaking ability up front. He would be a great fit in Denver's 4-3 defense and would help to solidify a run defense that gave up the 11th-most rushing yards in the league.
22
Cincinnati
Stephon Gilmore
Cornerback
South Carolina
After losing Jonathan Joseph to free agency this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals added Nate Clements as a short-term solution at the cornerback. However, this season the team also lost their top corner Leon Hall for the season with a ruptured achilles tendon, an injury that has threatened the careers of some players in the past. With two first round picks, the team has been afforded the opportunity to draft the best available player in this year's draft. With a need for a long-term answer at cornerback opposite Hall, assuming he can return to full form, adding a talented playmaker in Stephon Gilmore makes sense for a Bengals team that could use depth and another future starter at the cornerback position. Gilmore is a talented defender who has proven to be an all-around playmaker for South Carolina. Adding him to the Bengal secondary would add the type of depth and young talent that they could certainly use at the cornerback position.
23
New York Giants
Vontaze Burfict
Linebacker
Arizona State
The New York Giants have had a rotating door in their linebacker corps this season, specifically at inside linebacker where they have had a number of different starters. Chase Blackburn was signed off the street in the middle of the season to take over at the Mike position, however an upgrade is needed at the position. Enter Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict, an elite talent with the athleticism to make plays sideline-to-sideline. Although Burfict's lack of discipline on the field is a concern, I believe he would be a good fit in New York, which has a defensive system that puts players in the best position to succeed and gives them a chance to grow and develop as players. Adding Burfict would give the team some much-needed stability in their linebacker corps.
24
Houston
Dontari Poe
Defensive Tackle
Memphis
The Houston Texans did a fantastic job of developing their 3-4 defense on the fly this past offseason. The one pivotal position where they lack a playmaker is at nose tackle, where Shaun Cody has been holding down the fort. Cody does not offer ideal size for a nose in the 3-4, which is why it would be smart for Houston to continue to build up front in 2012. Dontari Poe is a massive 6'5, 350 lb nose tackle prospect who possesses very nimble feet for a player of his size. I have Poe graded quite higher than others do, as he possesses elite potential and upside and would be a fantastic fit as a nose tackle in Houston's 3-4 defense.
25
Cleveland (from Atlanta)
Montee Ball
Running Back
Wisconsin
This pick was acquired in the deal that gave the Atlanta Falcons the chance to draft Julio Jones in the 2011 NFL Draft. In 2011, the Cleveland Browns ranked second-worst in the NFL in yards-per-carry, averaging just 3.7-yards per rush. Starting running back Peyton Hillis is an impending free agent and it would be surprising if he was re-signed by the team. Adding a top back to the mix is a large need if Cleveland wants to rebuild their offense from the ground up. Wisconsin's Montee Ball has had a fantastic season, rushing for over 1,900 yards and 33 touchdowns. With an aggressive running style as well as a nose for the endzone, adding Ball to the mix in Cleveland would be an ideal way to jump start their offense for the 2012 season.
26
Detroit
Zach Brown
Linebacker
North Carolina
Heading into the 2012 offseason, Lions' starting linebackers Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy are schedule to be free agents, with Justin Durant entering a contract year in 2012. Detroit's linebacker corps has been built for the short-term, and while they have played well, the long-term future is uncertain at the three positions. Adding a future 5-10 year starter in North Carolina's Zach Brown to play alongside another young player in Levy would be an ideal way to build for both the present and the future in Detroit.
27
Baltimore
Peter Konz
Center
Wisconsin
This offseason, starting center Matt Birk is scheduled to be a free agent and is entering his age 36 season in 2012. In addition to undergoing a youth movement on the offensive line, the Ravens also have a history of drafting offensive linemen in the first round (Ben Grubbs, Michael Oher). Wisconsin's Peter Konz is the consensus top center prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft. His dominance as a run blocker as well as the stability and consistency he provides in pass protection are two large reasons why he is considered a legitimate candidate to go in the first round of the upcoming draft. Adding Konz to an offensive line that is already one of the best in football would be a terrific way of drafting for the present and the future in Baltimore.
28
Pittsburgh
Mike Adams
Offensive Tackle
Ohio State
Ranking ninth-worst in the NFL in sacks allowed with 42 on the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have some work to do on the offensive line this offseason. The team does not have a long-term answer at the left tackle position, which has resulted in repeated injuries to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Adding a blindside protector for their most valuable player should be the team's highest priority this offseason. Mike Adams is one of the top senior prospects at the position, offering a terrific blend of size, strength, and athleticism for a left tackle. He has the tools as well as the experience needed to step in and contribute immediately, and would be a great fit in Pittsburgh, who drafted his former Buckeye teammate Cam Heyward a year ago.
29
New England (from New Orleans)
Mark Barron
Safety
Alabama
This pick was acquired in the deal that allowed the Saints to draft Mark Ingram in 2011. Ranking second-to-last in the NFL in pass defense after cutting safeties James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather this offseason, the New England Patriots have a true need at the safety position. Enter Alabama's Mark Barron, a downhill run defender capable of patrolling the middle. Barron had a great 2011 season and has likely solidified himself as a first round pick this spring. Adding Barron to patrol the middle of the field would be a terrific upgrade for the New England secondary.
30
San Francisco
Kendall Wright
Wide Receiver
Baylor
The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2011 season thus far. Looking towards next year, they could stand to upgrade their receiver position; Braylon Edwards was a failed attempt at upgrading the position, as he was cut during the year. Both Kyle Williams and Ted Ginn Jr. do not present high enough upside to warrant being the No. 2 or No. 3 option in the team's passing game. Add in that Josh Morgan's contract is up after breaking his leg this year and an upgrade at the position is needed. Bringing in a talented player in the mold of Baylor's Kendall Wright would another jolt to the 49er passing game and give them an added dimension through the air.
31
New England
Alfonzo Dennard
Cornerback
Nebraska
This offseason, I expect to see a major upgrade in the secondary for the New England Patriots, who need to add young talent to build around for the future. After adding Ras-I Dowling a year ago, the team looks at the cornerback position again here, adding Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard. A polished prospect who stepped out of Prince Amukamara's spotlight this season, Dennard offers the tools and skillset needed to contribute immediately at the next level. With Devin McCourty's potential move to safety, adding another cornerback should be a large priority for the Patriots in 2012. Dennard would be a great addition to continue to build their secondary for the future.
32
Green Bay
Melvin Ingram
Linebacker
South Carolina
After recording 47 sacks last season, the Green Bay Packers managed to record just 29 this season. Clay Matthews recorded six sacks this year, however opposite him the Packers could stand to upgrade the outside linebacker position. When you consider that starter Erik Walden tallied just three sacks this season and also was arrested on assault charges, it doesn't appear that he will be the long-term answer opposite Matthews. One player who could be is South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, a player who emerged out of nowhere in 2011 to record 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. At 6'2, 276 lbs, he can project to 4-3 end or 3-4 outside rush linebacker, and would be a fine fit as a starter opposite Matthews in the team's 3-4 defense. Adding another top pass rusher would give the Packers the type of bookend linebackers needed to return their unit to being among the best in the league.
