2012 NFL Mock Draft (Willy): Round 1, Picks 1-16, 2/17

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Willy’s Mock Draft -: Round 1 (1-16), Round 1 (17-32), Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5

1. Indianapolis Colts– QB Andrew Luck, Stanford:        

-The Colts finally have their head coach, so now we know who will be popping the champagne for landing Andrew Luck come April. This pick will be one of the easiest in NFL Draft history.

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

-This pick will be a prime target to trade up to, but if the Rams keep it the pick has to be Matt Kalil. Sam Bradford didn’t have a chance to succeed last year, and adding an elite LT will go a a long way to changing that.

3. Minnesota Vikings-  OT Riley Reiff, Iowa:

-This might be a bit of a surprise pick, but LT is the Vikings biggest weakness and it will be tough passing up on fixing that need. Reiff is a top 10 talent easily and makes a strong argument for top 5. While WR and CB are needs, the draft is filled with both positions so they can address it later.

4. Cleveland Browns- QB Robert Griffin, Baylor:     

-They might have to trade up for him, but I think Robert Griffin will be a Cleveland Brown next April. Due to the Julio Jones trade the Browns have the ammo to move up, without bankrupting their team. Cleveland also has the need for a top level signal caller.

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

-The Buccaneers need to add some defensive back help, and landing Claiborne would be a huge boost to this team. He’s the top corner in the draft, and when you face Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton a total of six times a year, it is impossible to have too many corners.

6. Washington Redskins- OG David DeCastro, Stanford:

-I’m sure Redskins fans will hate the idea of taking a guard this high, but really they should be thrilled. DeCastro based solely on talent alone is a top 5 player. While guards don’t get the same consideration as other positions, they do have a pretty important role. DeCastro is probably the best guard prospect in the past 10 years and would be an excellent fit for the Skins.

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

-The Jags need to land a receiver early in this draft, and Blackmon is the top guy on the board. He’s a big play receiver, with excellent hands and should help stretch the field for Jacksonville.

8. Miami Dolphins- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama:

-The Dolphins could look at a pass rusher or running back here, but a top corner might be too much tto pass up. The Dolphins CB’s are mediocre at best, and that simply isn’t good enough when you play in Tom Brady‘s division.

9. Carolina Panthers– DT Michael Brockers, LSU:

-The Panthers are desperate for a defensive tackle, and Brockers inclusion in the draft is great chance for them to land that guy in top 10.

10. Buffalo Bills- DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina:        

-Even with the Bills likely to move to the 4-3 Coples is a smart pick here because he is capable of fitting in any defense. Coples could give Buffalo the elite pass rusher they lack. If Buffalo wants to succeed in the AFC East, they have to improve their defense and keep the score manageable.

11.  Kansas City Chiefs– WR Kendall Wright, Baylor:

-This pick is dependent on what happens in free agency, but if the Chiefs lose D. Bowe, they could look to add a weapon. Wright has blazing speed and looks capable of being a number 1 despite the lack of height.

12.  Seattle Seahawks– DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina:

-The Seahawks need a bookend pass rusher for Chris Clemons and Ingram would be a great fit. He’s on the bigger side so he can be a more complete option against the run as well.

13. Arizona Cardinals-OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford:

The Cards need to beg, borrow and steal to ensure they land an offensive lineman (particularly a tackle) with this pick. Their line is in woeful shape and if they ever want to figure out if Kevin Kolb is the answer they should probably keep him on his feet.

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

-The Cowboys might consider an outside linebacker here, or even a defensive lineman, but it is their secondary that is the biggest weakness. This is a slight reach, but it is probably worth it for Dallas.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- MLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College:

-The Eagles linebacking situation is by far their biggest weakness going into this season. Kuechly would be a steal at this spot and could really bring this defense together.

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

-The Jets need a star pass rusher to make this defense complete. Given how important defense is to their success, I don’t know if it makes sense to use this pick on a luxury. Upshaw would be a great fit here coming off the edge and getting penetration.