Willy’s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: 1st Round 12/16

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By Contributing Writer Willypops:

1. Indianapolis Colts- QB Andrew Luck, Stanford:

Unless some team wows them with an offer Luck will be Indy’s pick. Even if he has to sit a year or two behind Peyton Manning, it will be a smart choice as the Colts ensure their future.

2. St. Louis Rams- OT Matt Kalil, USC:

There have been some recent reports that Kalil might head back to USC, but until those are confirmed he has a top 5 spot locked up on the draft board. He’s probably the best tackle to come out since Jake Long, and is a great fit for St. Louis.

3. Minnesota Vikings- WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State:    

The Vikings need a lineman, but will surely take the consolation prize of an elite playmaker.

4. Washington Redskins- OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford:

Trent Williams’ recent suspension, is reason 10,472 why the Redskins need to invest in their offensive line. Williams is one more failed test away from a year long ban, and he’d be probably better suited for RT duty anyways, as Martin can take over.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars- WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina:

Some would consider this a reach, but the Jags have never let that stop them before. The fact is they need a big play WR, and Jeffery fits that bill. He didn’t have a great year at SC, but part of that is due to the poor QB play.

6. Miami Dolphins- QB Matt Barkley, USC:

Matt Moore has done an excellent job revamping the Dolphins, but he’s not the long term answer. Miami will get a very good QB prospect in Barkley, who in a years time should be ready to lead this team.

7. Carolina Panthers- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama:

The Panthers need to add some more talent on defense, and landing a big play physical corner like Kirkpatrick would be huge.

8. Kansas City Chiefs- QB Robert Griffin, Baylor:    

The Chiefs have dealt with a number of injuries this year, but that doesn’t completely account for the lack of development of Matt Cassel. The Chiefs have the chance here to land a potential star QB in Griffin and will probably look to take it.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

The Bucs have a serious need at CB, which will only get worse when Barber retires.

10. Cleveland Browns- RB Trent Richardson, Alabama:

The Browns desperately need a running back, and landing Richardson here would be a huge value, making this pick nearly a lock.

11. Seattle Seahawks- QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma:

The Seahawks must find a QB in this draft, and while this is a reach, they could go down this road if they don’t trade up.

12. Arizona Cardinals- OT Riley Reiff, Iowa:

The Cards offensive line has been a sieve this season and needs to be fixed ASAP.

13. San Diego Chargers- G David DeCastro, Stanford:

The Chargers might want to think of investing in their offensive line, as that unit’s play has been awful this season.

14. Philadelphia Eagles- DT Devon Still, Penn State

The Eagles run defense has been an issue this year, and Still can really help improve in that department.

15. Buffalo Bills- OLB Quinton Coples, UNC:

The Bills need a pass rusher, and with Coples falling somewhat they could convert him to a rush linebacker.

16. Tennessee Titans- WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame:

The Titans have little to throw to in their offense outside of Kenny Britt, and when they turn the reins over to Jake Locker it would be nice to give him some weapons.

17. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama:

Jenkins is moving up draft boards and looks to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL.

18. Dallas Cowboys- C Peter Konz, Wisconsin:

Dallas has good bookend tackles, but now needs to focus on what is inbetween them.

19. Cincinnati Bengals (from OAK)- G Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State:

The Bengals should look to build up their offensive line with this extra pick.

20. Chicago Bears- CB Alfonzo Dennard, Nebraska:

The Bears could go OL here, but when you face Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford it is impossible to have enough corners.

21. Cleveland Browns (from ATL)- OLB Zach Brown, UNC:

The Brown’s OLBs are the soft spot in their defense, and Brown is the best one in this draft.

22. New York Jets- OLB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama:

The Jets could use another pass rusher, and Upshaw is moving up draft boards.

23. Denver Broncos- OT Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin:

It’s never a bad idea to upgrade your offensive line, especially when you are running an offense that keeps the ball on the ground over 70% of the time.

24. New York Giants- LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State:

The Giants linebackers are the weakpoint of their defense right now. Burfict can play any position and should find a role quickly (likely MLB) for the G-Men.

25. Detroit Lions- LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College:

The Lions could go offensive line or CB here, but I could see them favoring a tackling machine like Kuechly.

26. Houston Texans- NT Dontari Poe, Memphis:

The Texans might consider a WR here, but should keep building up that defense with a NT like Poe.

27. New England Patriots- CB Chase Minnifield, UVA:

The Pats need to keep adding corners as that continues to be their weakness.

28. New Engalnd Patriots (from N.O.)- WR Kendall Wright, Baylor:

The Pats could use a big play receiver opposite Welker and Wright could be that guy. He’s got great deep speed and will stretch the field as the TE’s work the middle and Welker underneath.

29. Baltimore Ravens- LB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame:

Ray Lewis might have a year or two left, meaning his replacement should be priority 1 for the Ravens. Te’o can play next to Lewis now, and take over for him in the future.

30. San Francisco 49ers- OG Cordy Glenn, Georgia:

The 49ers need to add some talent to their interior line.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- NT Josh Chapman, Alabama:

The Steelers can grab Casey Hampton’s replacement here and have a smooth transition in the middle.

32. Green Bay Packers- OLB Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma:

The Packers need to find another pass rusher to go along with Matthews here, and Lewis is a great fit.

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