2012 NFL Mock Draft (Willy): Round 1- Picks 1-16

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Steveo’s Mock Draft w/trades: Round 1, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4

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– MLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College:

-The Chiefs probably have more needs on the offensive side of the ball, but don’t be surprised if they take Kuechly. It’s a need, and an excellent steal as he is easily a top 10 player in this draft.

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

-This might be a slight reach, but the Seahawks are desperate for a quarterback and Tannehill is the top one on the board. He’s got great upside and if they give him a year to develop this could end up a mega-steal.

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- OLB Melvin Ingram, South Carolina:

-The Cowboys could go a number of different directions here, but I think they might put a premium on finding a pass rushing complement to Ware. Every other team in the NFC East has at least two major pass rush threats, and while Anthony Spencer is a decent player he isn’t that.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- WR Kendall Wright, Baylor:

-This isn’t the Eagles biggest need, but it might be too much value for them to pass up.

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.