2012 NFL Mock Draft (Willy): Round 1, Picks 1-16, 3/16

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

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. Washington Redskins (via St. Louis)– QB Robert Griffin, Baylor:

-The Redskins made a big trade to land a franchise QB in Griffin. It’s a risk, but one that they felt they could take. Griffin does have elite upside, and his mobility should help him. This trade will come down to how quickly Griffin can become a top level NFL passer though, when it is all said and done.

3. Minnesota Vikings-  OT Matt Kalil, USC:

-This is a no brainer pick for the Vikings. LT is their biggest weakness and Matt Kalil is the top LT prospect in years. Kalil is a top 3 talent easily and a tremendous pick here. While WR and CB are needs, the draft is filled with both positions so they can address it later.

4. Cleveland Browns – WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State:     

-The Browns can go in a number of different ways here, and I could see them targeting Trent Richardson, but adding Justin Blackmon might be the best pick. Whomever their quarterback is, he’s going to need some weapons, and Blackmon is the best receiver in the draft.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– RB Trent Richardson, Alabama:

-The Buccaneers did add CB Eric Wright in free agency meaning, Claiborne might not be as big of a need. Given their investment in the offensive line with Carl Nicks, adding Trent Richardson could be the pick here. Richardson could give Tampa a true 3-down feature back, and a two-headed monster with Blount.

6. St. Louis Rams- OT Riley Reiff, Iowa:

-The Rams could really do anything with this pick, including trading back again, but I think Reiff makes the most sense. The Rams have invested so much into Sam Bradford that he needs to be protected. Reiff locks down the LT spot for them, and allows Roger Saffold to move to the right side.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars– DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina:     

-The Jags sign Laurent Robinson, and while WR remains a need, adding a top level talent like Ingram makes sense here. Ingram has a fantastic work ethic, and is one of the best talents in the draft. While many will overlook him due to his size, but he’s such a talent they will regret that decision.

8. Miami Dolphins- QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M:

-The Dolphins could go a number of ways, but if they miss out on Matt Flynn/Peyton Manning, Ryan Tannehill is a good fall back option for them. OC Mike Sherman was his head coach in college, and he’s pretty familiar with the Dolphins style of offense. He’s a bit of a project, and might need a year to develop, but that isn’t a bad thing since they have Matt Moore.

9. Carolina Panthers– CB Morris Claiborne, LSU:

-The Panthers are likely to choose between one of the top DT’s and CB’s. While both are needs, a potential stud CB like Claiborne makes this a no brainer. Claiborne could fall slightly in the draft, and if he were to make it this far the Panthers would stop his slide.

10. Buffalo Bills- : WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame       

-The Bills inked Stevie Johnson long term, but they need a legitimate secondary threat. Adding Floyd would give them a big target that could work the middle. He could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Bills offense, and really make them a threat.

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– DE Quinton Coples, UNC:

-The Seahawks need to prioritize adding a pass rusher this year, and Coples is a steal here.

13. Arizona Cardinals-OT Cordy Glenn, Georgia:

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. Even with the re-signing of Levi Brown this is a smart pick, because Glenn can find a starting role, even if it isn’t at LT (though probably should be) on this line.

14. Dallas Cowboys- G David DeCastro, Stanford:

-The Cowboys secondary has gotten a little better in free agency, meaning Dallas could look to grab DeCastro with this pick. Decastro would be a huge get for them, and would really strengthen that line.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama:

-This isn’t the Eagles biggest need, but it might be too much value for them to pass up. Kirkpatrick has immense potential, and putting him in this secondary would be huge.

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.