2012 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 1-16, 3/6

Round 1, Picks 17-32, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Draft Blog, NFL Draft Page,Senior Bowl Coverage, NFL Combine Coverage

1. Indianapolis Colts– QB Andrew Luck, Stanford:            

The Colts won’t debate this pick much, and even though they could auction this pick off to the highest bidder, I really can’t see them passing on Luck. Luck might not be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but he might be the most talented QB prospect in the last 10 years.

TRADE: Chiefs trade 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks in 2012, plus 1st and 3rd round picks next year

The #2 pick has become a valuable trade chip for the Rams, thanks to Robert Griffin's performance at the Combine.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (via St. Louis)– QB Robert Griffin, Baylor:         

The Chiefs are a team that is reportedly in love with RGIII, and with a new coach at the helm, look for a new QB to follow. It’s a pretty big price tag, but Kansas City has to be prepared to pay it, if they want that QB.

3. Minnesota Vikings-  OT Matt Kalil, USC:

The Vikings could go in other directions, but it would be pretty hard to pass up Matt Kalil. He’s a franchise LT, and can help make the lives easier of both Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson. He is the most talented tackle to come out since Jake Long, and should have a similar immediate impact.

4. Cleveland Browns- RB Trent Richardson, Alabama:     

The Browns are in a tough spot if they miss out on RGIII. They could go any number of positions, but with picks at 22 and 37 they need to take the player whom they can’t ‘replace’ with a later pick. That is where Richardson comes in. As much as it doesn’t make much sense to spend a top 5 pick on a RB, Richardson is too good to pass up here.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– CB Morris Claiborne, LSU:

The Bucs have to come out of this draft with at least one early round corner back, and if Claiborne is gone they might reach for Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick’s recent run in with the law might give them some pause, but they will have plenty of time to investigate to see if it cause for concern. If it checks out, they’d be wise to make him their top pick.

6. Washington Redskins- OT Riley Reiff, Iowa:

With the top two quarterbacks off the board, the Redskins will have to turn to their second rated need, offensive tackle. Reiff could be an instant starter at right tackle for the Redskins and give Washington a bookend (and insurance policy) with Trent Williams on the left side. If they don’t make the move up for RGIII though, the Skins best move might be trading back and trying to stockpile additional selections.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars– WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State:     

While this has been a rough season for Blaine Gabbert, the Jaguars only have themselves to blame as they put him in a bad situation with limited weapons. Drafting Blackmon will go a long way to fixing the lack of weapons and will hopefully salvage this team.

8. Miami Dolphins- OG David DeCastro, Stanford:

The Dolphins might be losing guard Vernon Carey this offseason, which would make them have among the league’s worst guards. Even if they were to retain Carey this could be a smart pick, especially if Miami makes a splash with Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn.

9. Carolina Panthers– DT Micheal Brockers, LSU:

The Panthers could look to go in a variety of directions here, but the most obvious one would be defensive tackle. Micheal Brockers was a bit of a surprise entry to the draft, but he is a very welcome addition. The Panthers will love having him manning the middle of their defense and significantly improving their run defense.

10. Buffalo Bills- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama:        

The Bills two biggest needs are CB and DE. While it is possible they could look at moving up for Claiborne or Kirkpatrick, I think they will look to stay where they are. With the top two CB’s off the market the Bills will have no trouble moving on to their other big need. Ingram would be an excellent pick here, and give them the pass rusher they are desperately lacking.

11.  St. Louis Rams- DT Dontari Poe, Memphis:

I think the Rams will look to take the top player on the board at one of their needs (WR, OT, DT, CB), and right now that is Poe. He should automatically strengthen that defense particularly against the run.

12.  Seattle Seahawks-QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M:  

Seahawks could get their QB of the future in Ryan Tannehill.

The Cardinals desperately need to address their offensive line in this draft, with finding a LT a top priority. With Glenn climbing up draft boards, he is probably the safest pick here for the Cards. Even if he doesn’t make it as a tackle he can kick inside to guard and still give Arizona value.

14. Dallas Cowboys- CB Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama:

The Cowboys locked up Anthony Spencer with the franchise tag, meaning they could take a long look at the secondary here. Jenkins has some off the field red flags, but on the field he definitely warrants this selection.

15. Philadelphia Eagles-MLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

The Eagles appear to be set at WR if they do end up franchising D. Jackson, so that makes LB the top priority for the first round. Kuechly is an absolute steal at this point as he’s a top 10 talent.

16. New York Jets- OLB Melvin Ingram, South Carolina:

It’s really amazing that the Jets have been able to generate much pressure at all considering the lack of a truly great pass rusher. Outside of getting a better option at QB, the Jets need to come away with a pass rusher this offseason. Ingram is probably a top 10 if not top 5 talent, but will fall due to other teams having more pressing needs. He’ll be a steal for the Jets and generate a ton of pressure for them.

Round 1, Picks 17-32, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Draft Blog, NFL Draft Page,Senior Bowl Coverage, NFL Combine Coverage